Sunflowers 14" x 11" oil

Diane Allen

Medium: Oil

Born and raised in Brooklyn CT along with two other siblings. Attended St. James School and Putnam Catholic Academy. Married Richard D. Allen in 1968 and moved to Windsor Locks CT for several years, then returned to Danielson in 1970 where we raised three children. They in turn have given us five wonderful grandchildren. We moved back to Brooklyn in 1997 where we now reside. I worked for the State of CT in the Department of Mental Retardation for 25 years.

In 2003 I started to paint at the Senior Center in Brooklyn. Until that point in time I have never had an art lesson in my life. The group consisted of wonderful, helpful individuals who were very encouraging. In the past I have dabbled in arts & crafts, sewing projects but never had I picked up a paint brush! I'm painting because I enjoy it & it brings me inner peace. I have tried several types of subjects but seem to like nature & animal pictures. My purpose is to enjoy what I am doing & if I can bring a bit of enjoyment to others or even a smile on their face, then I am content.

Cynthia Braaten

Medium: Watercolor & Acrylic 

Hi, my name is Cynthia Braaten and while I have always been drawn to being creative, I haven't always had the time. Now that I'm older and retired from working, I have some time and I am happy to fill it with painting.

I have no formal training but being a part of the Northeastern CT Art Guild has given me the privilege of learning from some of the best local artists as well as showing my artwork in exhibits held around the area.

I usually work in watercolor, but the painting that I chose to show you is one of my first acrylic paintings. I especially love to paint people and things of the West, but then I love to paint flowers as well. I do have a lot of different subjects that just catch my eye that I "just have to paint".

You may have seen some of my paintings, but if not you may view and/or buy them at one of the local exhibits.

Jane Cassidy/Lanzendorfer

Medium: Acrylic

Jane is a self taught artist who has always enjoyed drawing,painting & crafts. It is not unusual to find her creating several forms of art at the same time. Gift baskets are always in waiting for just the right touch to be completed. Ceramics & sewing projects are done through out the year. Birdhouses & garden signs are a treat for herself. Bird watching & gardening are other loves. Poems are written on a whim to put feelings into words.

Paintings though, are a much more meaningful creation to her. To bring life to a painting is very stimulating & always challenging. "Living in The Quiet Corner" of Northeastern CT she is inspired by it's natural rural beauty of farms, wildflowers, stonewalls & wildlife, especially the birds. It's easy to see the elegance & tranquility of nature, but to capture this in a painting is a great accomplishment to Jane. Having always used acrylic paints, she finds it easy to guide & apply on all different materials in order to convey the images she feels in her heart.

A a member of the Northeastern CT Art Guild you can find her paintings on display all year round.

Anne CAUSEY

Medium: Colored Wax Pencil

I live with my family in Brooklyn, CT, and I belong to the Northeast Connecticut Art Guild. My artwork presently concentrates on landscapes and portraits in colored wax pencil. Previously, I've worked in oil and watercolor paint as well as ink and pencil drawing. My formal studies in art began locally at Quinebaug Valley Community College, and later, at Eastern Connecticut State University, from where I graduated Cum Laude as a Fine Arts major.

Being a native New Englander, I've always derived inspiration from the beautiful and seasonally changing countryside, as well as people who are close to me, which are frequently subjects of my work.

Nancy Dougherty

Pomfret, CT

Medium: Watercolor

I was born and raised on a farm in Pomfret, CT. I graduated from Putnam High School, then Hartford Hospital School of Nursing in 1961. I lived in VA and the UK, then moved back to live in my hometown. I enjoyed a nursing career for 34 years at The University of Virginia Hospital, then at Day Kimball Hospital ending up as Emergency Department Nurse Manger for 22 years.

As a child I loved to draw and have always been creative, but did not find the time to pursue art while raising a family and working. I have always done sewing and crafts and in retirement took up flower gardening and quilting, but did not consider painting until inspired by Jacquie Lucier’s paintings, which she hung in her office at Day Kimball. After I retired in 1996 she taught me some basics of watercolor painting. Later I took watercolor painting classes from Jilly Gordon and for the past 5 years have had instruction from Patricia Brown. I have no other formal art schooling. I have much to learn and enjoy reading art books and practicing. I currently have only done watercolor. I would enjoy trying some mixed media. Painting is the only activity that affords me true relaxation. I like to paint just about anything from nature. I also like to paint old buildings, rusty old farm implements and machinery and portraits of family members and friends. I am learning to see things as never before.

As a new member of the Northeast Connecticut Art Guild, I am looking forward to participating with and learning from other members. My maternal great, great grandfather and grandmother were artists. At this late stage I hope I have inherited some of their creative genes!

Quebec City Doorway

Judy Chace Doyle

Medium: Pastel and Watercolor

I took oil painting lessons as a child in Massachusetts and still have my copy, done at age 10, of Grandma Moses’ ‘The Thunderstorm’. I took figure drawing in Rhode Island School of Design’s Saturday morning high school classes. Many years later I was privileged to learn pastel painting from the master Foster Caddell in his Voluntown ‘North Light’ studio. Most recently I studied watercolor with Nancy Shay in Pomfret. I now work primarily in that media and in pastel, sometimes combining the two.

Landscapes are my favorite subjects. Inspiration comes from my perennial and herb gardens and the scenes around the lakes and country roads of northeastern Connecticut.

Girasole di Roma   48" x 38" Oil on Linen canvas

Sean FARRELL

Medium: Oil

Sean Farrell is an internationally recognized and highly collected artist. He is known for his vivid and luminous oil paintings. With collectors of his works throughout the country and in parts of Europe, the artist is represented by six (6) galleries in the United States, in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Florida, and Arizona. He has sold over three hundred and fifty (350) paintings and has earned a living from the sales of his work for fourteen (14) years.

Internationally, the artist, upon invitation, exhibited in Florence, Italy at the prestigious Florence Biennale. NYARTS magazine covered the exhibition and, in their published review, gave the following praise to the works of Sean Farrell: "Works deserving special attention were Sean Farrell's exquisitely painted flower and fruit arrangements...eye-catching with his use of dramatically bold colors, mixed with delicate detail in a very modern old-master style."

Choosing to travel extensively throughout Italy and also to other regions of Europe, often attending art school, the artist has studied and learned from the great master works in the history of art. His paintings reveal his affection for the 17th century Italian and Dutch painters, while still remaining truly unique. Mr. Farrell's works are distinctive for their elegant and graceful compositions, his rich jewellike color, and an elevated sensitivity to the beautiful nuances of light. His works reveal a master's touch and a sense of quiet ease.

In recent local news, Sean was invited to participate in the March 2007 Patrons' Choice: Encounter New England exhibition at the Copley Society of Art in Boston. His painting, In Harbor, New England Still Life, was awarded a coveted Patrons' Choice Award.

The artist resides in Connecticut's Quiet Corner with his wife and two children.

Visit My Website: www.monaborg.de

Barbara Gleason

Medium: Watercolor

I am largely self-taught with workshop experiences in watercolor, oils, colored pencil, graphite, pen & ink, and some pastel.

I have a preference for watercolor and love the medium's challenge and unpredictability. For me, it is the most satisfying means of depicting my impressions of the world around me. My paintings are my personal adventure in the exploration of watercolor.

I have been a member of the Northeast CT Art Guild for the last 15 years and enjoy the connection with the local artists and the camaraderie of those with similar art related interests.

Lori Gooch

Lori Gooch grew up in a suburb of Boston and moved to Thompson CT in 1992. As a youth she was passionate about art, filling tablet after tablet with portraits and sketches, but never considered studying art seriously. Instead, Lori got a degree in psychology from U. Mass, and has worked in the field of human services for almost 25 years. Throughout the busy landscape of full time work, marriage, divorce, and raising two children, she has squeezed in time for occasional art classes at the Worcester Art Museum.

Over the years, she has explored fabric painting, watercolors, glass art, portraiture, and most recently, working with acrylics and oils. A member of the Northeast CT Art Guild since 2005, she produces work most recognized for a certain whimsical flare and bold use of color. Lori is interested in almost every genre of art, and looks forward to a day when she will have more time to indulge this passion that so deeply inspires her. She currently lives in peaceful Thompson CT with her two young children.

“I think that anyone who thinks of him or herself as an ‘artist’ understands how the urge to create can propel you through life. That compulsion colors the way you view the world, and the way you interpret the most mundane objects and scenes. I know I would lose a lot of peace if I failed to give release to that creative force. Being in touch with that essence is one of my greatest blessings in life. It gives me a sense of completion.”

Lone Boat: Five Islands, Me. 12" x 16" Oil on Canvas

Merrill Ann Gonzales

Medium: Oil, pen & ink (black & white), sumie, watercolor  

Merrill’s parents met in Grand Central Art School and Art Student’s League studying under Arshele Gorky. Her great grandmother taught art in Maine and Merrill was married to the fine artist, the late John L. Gonzales. Merrill studied briefly with Hugh Gumple at National Academy who suggested that the only way to paint was to paint. Taking his advice she left off consulting teachers and went where the art took her.

Merrill has worked in oil, pen & ink (black & white), sumie, watercolor And has contributed drawings for literary magazines for more years than she Cares to remember…although she fully enjoys the editors and fine friends she has met in that area of art. Working in poetry she has published Western poetry (free verse) and Japanese poetic forms in English including haiku, tanka, haiga and she is presently exploring tanga. On groundhog day the snowy winter of 2004/5 she created snowbird press.

She has made the usual show circuits including a one man show and Affiliations with art leagues of Nassau County; wrote “The Art Scene” (a critical Analysis of Long Island Art); served as a consultant under Roger Malfatti for Town of Hempstead; and was exposed to the New York scene through John’s Gallery affiliations (in Garden City, NY and Stamford CT) as well as his member- ship in Salmagundi Club, American Artists Professional League, and the National Art League.

In addition to her drawings, Merrill presently is working in oils and has shown in Northeastern Connecticut Art Guild shows as well as National Speleological Society shows.

Email Contact: snowbirdpress@sbcglobal.net

Betsy Schumacher Olsen Gunn

Mediums: Oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel

Visual art has always been a part of my life. Being a strongly visual person and having a God-given artistic gift led to being the artist I am. Moved by the beauty of our world and able to "see," not just to look at," what is before me, brings me joy. Sharing my vision with others is one mission of my life.

I was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut. In junior high and high school, I used my talents to design holiday stage settings, displays and signs, even though my schools did not encourage art classes because of my already heavy academic schedule. At Southern Connecticut State University, I received my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Art Education. For twenty-one years, I taught kindergarten through high school art classes in Hamden, Connecticut's public school system.

Recently, I was privileged to paint an entire children's nursery in the historic First Congregational Church of Pomfret. I chose a mural of Noah's ark.

I am associated with the Chase Gallery in Thompson, Connecticut, and I am a member of the Northeast Connecticut Art Guild and the Tolland County Art Association. I have exhibited in the Chase Gallery, local libraries, book and gift stores, restaurants, and churches.

Mary Hall

Medium: Oil

Mary studied the arts with various teachers in the Boston area during the seventies, concentrating in oils. Moving back to Northeastern CT in 1990 she joined the North East CT Art Guild where she has sold through their many exhibits.

A 1997 Woodstock Fair entry won her "The Best of Show". The local country scenes have been her main subjects. Her philosophy is "Nature has provided the masterpieces - they are our to capture."

Tami HAMEL

Medium: Acrylic

I have lived in the "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut most of my life, with Thompson being my hometown. My husband, David, and I were married in 2002. David had retired from the Navy in 1994 and returned to Thompson, which is also his hometown. We have two children between us and a wonderful little dog named Boone. Growing up in the "Quiet Corner" I've had the chance to learn butter churning, homemade ice cream, homemade bread, feeding farm animals and milking cows. There was always something happening on Alice Ramsdel's farm as well as at our homestead.

I started writing poetry in my early twenties and some crafting as a free time hobby, as I reached my early thirties I took up quilting. I had a part time job in a local bakery for extra money where my creativity started to surface when decorating wedding cakes and landscape scenes on full size sheet cakes. In August of 2006 I started a partnership business with a friend renting space at Scranton's Shops in Woodstock, CT. Selling wares like rustic birdbaths, birdhouses and folk/primitive decor and making and selling handmade crafts. I dabbled with acrylic paints and sold some artwork at Scranton's in the latter half of 2007.

I am a new member of NECTAG and have found my hidden talent of Folk Art Painting. Scenes of old farm houses and barns are my favorite because time seemed to stand still back then and brings me a lot of serenity to place my heart and soul into my painting, especially when I take a commissioned project. I am a self taught folk artist and love the creation process. Every painting derives from either my imagination or my version of existing farmlands in the North East "Quiet Corner" of Connecticut. I believe there is much calming in yesteryears farming and simple home life like that of which is depicted at Old Sturbridge Village in nearby Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Stepping back in time to serene hot summer days and cool nights to rekindle my soul, and expressing this from my memories, to a paintbrush, and then to canvas in creating my works of art.

Vivian Kahuda

Medium: Watercolor and Pen & Ink

Since my Maine childhood, I appreciated art but never took time to try my hand. Through the years, I've enjoyed viewing & collecting art on my US, European and Asian travels. Then when my two sons neared the end of their education and their time at home, I found myself returning to not only appreciating art but desirous of trying to create my own. Under the tutelage and encouragement of Patricia Browne, an accomplished watercolorist, whose paintings first inspired me, and my husbands support, I became hooked on developing my artistic skills.

Artists peers later hinted that watercolor just might be the most difficult medium to work in, but the fluidity and transparency of the paints enable me to create muted and subtle shades as well as bold vibrant colors which entices me to stay the course. On occasion I also combine pen & ink sketches with watercolor. Although I really enjoy doing florals, I find painting landscapes and architectural scenes intriguing, as it demands studying perspective. On occasion I enjoy doing scenes in monotone (usually black & white) working the values & light into the pieces using just one paint color. Attempting different content & technique is always appealing.

For myself & others, the most difficult task is setting aside time. However, by committing to the Northeast CT Art Guild in 2006, I've received a tremendous boost in inspiration and support while I give time to develop art & community art programs for the group & myself.

Dawn Kemp

Medium: Oil

Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, I was a child that gravitated toward all things artistic. Reading, writing, and most importantly, drawing or creating. Hours would speed by with a pencil and a pad of paper. But then adulthood came, those childish things were put away.

I moved to CT with my husband in 1992., and began to raise my family and begin a career in business administration. By 2000, I needed something to give me distraction from the stressors of the daily grind. Therefore I signed up for an Oil Painting and Craft class. a switch was turned on that day in class that had been shut off for too long. I immersed myself in arts classes and began to take as many types of classes and learn from as many people as I could. Just to name a few; Ed Manzi, Robert Warren,; Ohio, Ella Delyanis; Worcester, and most recently Pierre Theriault of Lecister MA.

My work has a tendency to lean toward the beautiful landscapes of New England. Most recently have begun to work on abstractions that will convey my sentiments on various subjects of interest for me. With more inner reflection my paintings have become more powerful.

"When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things." -Corinthians 13:11

It took me too many years to learn that the creation of art, while enjoyed by all children, is not a childish thing and should never be put away.

Daryl Lanzendorfer

Medium:

Some people study art ...Some people practice art... Daryl has lived it.
Born in 1954 Daryl was raised in a small town near Altoona, PA, where he cultivated his artistic talents as a young student. He developed an early fascination for portraitures, and devoted his time to sketching his classmates.

In 1972 at a time when many of his contemporaries were heading off to art schools, Daryl instead enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Service to his country however did not preclude further developments of his talents. With the assistance and encouragement of his fellow marines, Daryl continued his artistic endeavors and developed new techniques, particularly with light & shading. The ethnic diversity of his colleagues proved both educational & inspirational, as Daryl was able to glean many artistic insights from his fellow serviceman & their families.

Following his discharge from the service, Daryl returned to school pursuing his degree first at New England Tech in Providence RI, then transferring to Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester MA. While in Worcester Daryl continued his artistic education at The Art School of the Worcester Art Museum where he experienced new techniques in a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolors & pastels. He incorporated these mediums in his areas of studies, which included portraitures, still life, technical illustration & photography. It was at this point too, that Daryl began to incorporate wildlife paintings as well.

In 1987, Daryl began a new career path - one that would allow him to devote his full concentrations to the artistic industry. He started a screen printing business in the small garage of a CT convenience store, handling all phases of artwork & production. In the 15 years since, the once small operation has grown to serve businesses & community organizations along the entire East Coast.

Recently encouraged by his friends & family, Daryl has returned to his artistic origins, devoting more & more of his time to his painting. By joining the Northeast CT Art Guild Daryl hopes to gain recognition for his talents and display his work in various exhibitions & contests, both locally and Nationally.

Artist's Statement:
Art represents communication; it is both a personal expression & a translation of the world around me. Through art, I am able to touch other lives, not only literally but spiritually. Through art, I discover the essential beauty of my subject. Each of my works is a representation of a unique scene, idea or individual, as filtered through the temperament of the artists.

Poppies (Heaven on Earth) 30" x 22" Mixed Media and Collage

Jacqueline A. Lucier (Lacroix)

Medium: Mixed

There isn't much visual art that I don't like. I consider myself to be a sort of "Art Vagabond." That is, I always like what I happen to be looking at when I'm looking at it, and I look a lot. My bookshelves are filled with books on everything to do with art, from "how to" books on every medium and technique, periodicals, and books on the masters and art history. I love it all. Now, my day starts with reading about art and usually ends the same way. The hours spent in between include sketching and painting, trying new techniques, new mediums, and trying out the "what if" factor..."what if I do this", or "what if I do that, I wonder what it would look like." Occasionally, I manage to clean the house, cook, and do the everyday things necessary to the maintenance of living (albeit grudgingly).

Growing up in a large family of eight children and much adversity, I never had the opportunity to receive a formal art education. I've had to study on my own, taking the occasional drawing class or painting class when I could, while caring for my family and working as a care giver and administrative assistant in the health care field, a career that would span thirty-six years. Now, I am retired from that world, and can spend almost as much time as I desire to do what I like to do. It's a wonderful feeling. Retirement set me free to explore more in the aforementioned love affair with art.

Of course, I have my favorites. My favorite artist is my sister, d.j. Safford, who inspires me with her creativity, humor, and technical abilities. Her work is original, entertaining, humorous, and expertly executed. As far as having a favorite medium, it happens to be whatever one I am using at the time. I've tried almost all of them: oil, ink, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel, etc. Hence the "art vagabond" description is appropriate. My current explorations have taken me into the world of collage. I consider it to be very "liberating", as there are no restrictions on what you can use, or how you use it. There are no "laws" to adhere to, only that your elements "adhere" to your support. I like that. It's very creative, a good way to let imagination and experimentation take over. I do representational art mostly, even in my collages, and will never stop doing it. I feel that one needs to be proficient in the basics like drawing with a pencil, before engaging in other techniques and mediums. If you can draw, you can do almost anything. That is why I am currently incorporating painted elements into my collages. I need to see the ability I was given materialize. It's the best of both worlds, abstract and real, and a few things in between. At my age, time is of the essence, and a day without any kind of art is a wasted day. So have a good day and paint.

Visit my blog at jlucierart.blogspot.com

Gloria McCulloch

Medium: Oil

I had an interest in taking a course in art for some time, but due to steady employment, I didn't pursue it. When I retired a friend informed me of a class at Brooklyn Senior Center with teacher Julia Duffaney. I joined the class in October - 1992, and have enjoyed oil painting ever since.

I found the more I paint, I view the colors of nature like skies & flowers in a much different way. My subjects today tend to be flowers & children. I have entered my artwork in many Art Guild shows. Also I usually enter my work at The Woodstock Fair and have received blue & red ribbons.

I don't consider myself a professional artist, but I enjoy painting and have personal satisfaction doing it. Hobbies other than art that I enjoy are golf & fitness classes. I also volunteer at The Day Kimball Hospital.

Karen L McFarlin

I grew up in Woodstock , CT on a large dairy farm.  Being the next to the oldest of six children, there was never a dull moment to sit back and relax.  Taking care of the farm chores, the chickens, riding our horses, and household chores occupied most of my day. In my free time I was active in school sports, 4-H Clubs, and babysitting.  I graduated from UCONN with a degree in Early Childhood Education and began my 30 year teaching career at the Griswold Elementary School .  After only 3 years teaching Kindergarten in Griswold I accepted a teaching job in my hometown of Woodstock .  I continued to be active in sports and coached soccer and softball along with raising our two daughters, Jennifer and Megan Horne.  In my “free time” I baked, knitted and sewed….

In 1989 I remarried  and  continued my teaching career in Woodstock at the Middle School.  Peter and I also owned and operated NorthWood Childcare in Woodstock .  One evening Dave Lussier and his wife Pam Simpson were over visiting  and they mentioned  painting and their love of art.  I took some lessons from them and then “caught  the bug”…..after never ever thinking of painting I now find myself  “thinking art” everywhere I go.  Peter and I have recently traveled the lower 48 states in our RV.  Now I find myself seeing color and art form in nature and landscapes along the way.

Retirement…..”the state of  being tired again”.  When we are not traveling I can be found out working in my gardens, playing with the grandchildren, visiting family and friends, or staring at a palate full of paint with a canvas on the easel.  Life is Good.

karenmcfarlin.blogspot.com

Thomas Menard

Medium: Oil & Acrylic

A self - taught artist painting since 1968. Born in Utica NY 1950. He traveled throughout Europe in the Navy & then explored the eastern United States. In 1982 he settled in a small town in CT, where he shares his life with his two young daughters.

Tom paints in oil & acrylic. The quaint little towns of New England have provided his greatest inspiration. In painting defined with such intricate detail that a viewer might spend hours gazing at each image, he captures the simplicity and beauty of small-town life. "I create art that encourages happy feelings about life in a small town and hope that the feeling of peace I have discovered living in New England shall be passed on to those who view my art.

Increasingly recognized regionally, Tom's art is also replicated in full color print editions by Aaron Ashley Publishing of New York, NY. He has been in many Guild shows & exhibitions.

Rebecca Montgomery

Medium:

I started drawing in Junior High School and immediately fell in love with it. I worked on learning skills. I was soon recruited to do all advertisements & backdrops for upcoming school plays & musicals. As a senior (1983-1984) I was allowed to paint large school windows with holiday themes & school spirit colors. I entered local art contests as a junior and ended up having two works of art going to the National Scholastic Art Competition in Washington DC. Both selections won gold keys; the highest award given to high school students at the time. I majored in art at Culver-Stockton College. As a freshman (19840 I won $500.00 from the Steelworkers Union art contest to celebrate it's anniversary.

Between 1997 & 2002 I was art coordinator for Old Kimball Group Home working with mentally & physically challenged adults. I have been teaching private art for the last 14 years with students ranging from 5 - 60. I have done many murals in the last 20 years; Killingly Preschool, nursery at Christian Fellowship Church (Scotland, CT) & many private homes. I have done the backdrops for Easter and Christmas cantatas. I have painted portraits and custom paintings for people. I just did my first art show as an adult in December 2007. I was asked to do a private art show in March 2008 at the Thompson Public Library.

I finished my two year degree in arts and sciences at Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson, CT in 2002.

J. Timothy OLIVER

Medium: Mixed

I have been an artist all my life. But because of ups and downs, I've never been on track long enough to maintain the focus my work requires. Finally, and happily, at age forty-nine, the ups and downs evened out, and all the bits and pieces jelled. My work now flows from my brain to my hands faster than I can keep up. At long last, and for the first time in my life, no more darkness, no more fear!

Best of all, I am incorporating old work, new concepts, and different techniques, and I am coming up with intense and exciting work. People who see it are attracted and drawn in, whether they like it or understand it or not. I use excised contour and gesture drawings, woven into genuine spider webs, with mosaic, cardboard, glass, paint, intricate paper work, whatever works! The images are intense and eye-catching.

My desire is to push and break the boundaries of traditional drawing, sketching to new, intriguing, and exciting places. I include works-in-progress because people are usually fascinated with the behind-the-scenes, nuts and bolts of art. I believe this encourages more involvement on the viewer's part, making it more enjoyable and, perhaps, even inspiring. I believe everyone can create. Mostly, I find that people need to "get permission" to break out of their self- or socially-imposed boundaries. I love to encourage and nudge people in this way. If my work can be an aid in this, it's gratifying, exciting, inspirational, ego-fulfiling, and scary, all at the same time. This, of course, leads me to expanding and pushing my own limits. The back-and-forth of such interaction is both stimulating and encouraging for me as an artist. It may also encourage other people's deeper involvement in their own work or in art itself.

The opportunity to be seen and recognized is absolutely exciting and almost overwhelming. Part of me scorns and denies that I need any form of external approval. And yet, part of me wants and needs it (craves it, even!), all at the same time. Most importantly, the excitement and interactions spur me on to continue working. Ideally, exposure = recognition = sales = "found time" to create new work, and "found time" = uninterrupted creativity = limitless possibilities!

A late start to a great finish?

Currently, I operate the Gallery-By-The-Falls in the Montgomery Ward building in downtown Putnam, Connecticut.

Roseate Spoonbill In Flight Photograph

Frank Russell

Medium: Photography

Frank is a former high school science teacher and coach from Plainfield High School. He resides in Goodwin Forest in Hampton, CT with his wife Claudette.

Although photography was always a hobby of his, a busy career and family did not allow him the chance to pursue it full time. Retirement has given him that opportunity, and he recently graduated from the New York Institute of Photography.

Frank’s photography focuses on the beauty of nature.  Capturing that beauty in different light is challenging, but the end result showcases ordinary objects from a unique perspective.

Frank’s work has been exhibited at the Vanilla Bean, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Willimantic Country Club, and several local businesses.

His photographs have been published in Simply Haiku and Haigaonline as part of photo-haiku (haiga) with the haiku written by his wife.

Spent Wishes 11 X 15, Colored Pencil

Daune Sheri

Medium: Graphite Pencil, Colored Pencil, Pastel and Pen & Ink

Daune Sheri offers an acute awareness to the discipline of portraiture. She describes her work as emotive realism, characterized as a style of art evoking an emotional response by subtly stimulating a memory or mood.

The artist's technique is based on a receptive thought process of familiarizing herself with every level of detail related to her portrait study before she applies medium to paper. Through this absolute observation, she dramatically portrays sensitivity to the true structure and identity of her subject.

Her studies are executed to their true potential, with the use of the traditional medium graphite pencil, colored pencil, pastel and pen and ink. Due to its intricate texture, each lend a heightened realistic approach, thus creating a visually strong rendition with the end result being an aesthetic fine detailed interpretation of the subject.

Intensely personal, the portrait images that define Daune Sheri's body of work directly depict the importance of "being". Through self-expression, she exposes the profound sensibilities of life and impresses on the mind portraits that are both evocative and contemplative. The artist's authentic representations identify a fundamental truth that all things are parallel. Her portraits are meant to engage the viewer's attention and haunt one's thoughts so as to allow them a glimpse beyond the surface of her subject.

Daune Sheri is a realist of portrait art alluding to an emotional perspective both in her compositional simplicity and her strength of purpose.

Visit My Website: www.daunesheri.com.

Gadabout Guineas 9' x 13' Woodcut (Mokuhanga)

Lynita Kagarise Shimizu

Medium: Woodblock Printmaking

Lynita has been creating woodcuts using the Japanese techniques of moku hanga for twenty five years. Originally from Huntingdon PA, she graduated with a Fine Arts major from Westminster College in 1974. Followed by a year at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Lynita moved to Japan to concentrate on woodblock printmaking. During her four-year stay, she studied in Kyoto with an elderly master of traditional woodblock printmaking, Tomikichiro Tokuriki, and in Tokyo with contemporary printmaker, Yoshisuke Funasaka.

In 1977, she and her husband, Katsumi, their three sons and the family's ld English Sheepdog moved from New jersey to rural Northeastern CT. Surrounded by the forests of Pomfret, Lynita enjoys her favorite activities: gardening, hiking & cross-country skiing.

Recent exhibitions: National Gallery of Uganda, Kampala Uganda Beit Gavriel, Jordan Valley, Israel The Baren Exchange Print Exhibition, Stokie IL The Slater Museum, Norwich CT Homer Babbidge Library, University of CT, Storrs, CT International Miniature Print Competition 2001, Graphic Arts Center, Norwalk, CT Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson, CT. Printmaking Today" Exhibition, Honorable Mention, Abruzzo, Italy '08 Takanabe Museum, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan '08 Japan Print Society Exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, Tokyo, Japan ‘07 Kyoto International Woodprint Exhibition, JAWK Prize I, Kyoto, Japan ’07

Artist's Statement:
To love what you do...how fortunate I am to be making woodblock prints! The labor-intensive process of "moku hanga" offers infinite challenges that when met, yield tremendous satisfaction. My mission is to share the joy of woodblock printing by promoting an understanding of the medium.

David Stumpo

Medium: Watercolor

David is a graduate of the Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia PA, where he majored in illustration & advertising design. His work has been exhibited in numerous juried shows such as, The CT Artists Annual Exhibit, Slater Museum, and The Mystic Art Center. He is also represented in the permanent collection at Southern CT State University. As well as private collections in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island.

He enjoys representation at the Gallery-By-The-Falls, Putnam, CT& at his own gallery & studio GREEN LEAF GALLERY in Sterling CT. He and his wife, fellow artisan Judy reside in Sterling, CT with their two Chocolate Labrador Retriever's Jessie & James.

He is a member of the Northeast CT Art Guild, Artists Open Studios, Mystic Art Center & CT Audubon Society.

Davis's passion is watercolor & wildlife, especially birds. Therefore, he works exclusively in that medium & focuses on nature, birds & wildlife.

Cecelia Vaida

Medium: Acrylics and Watercolor

For 45 years raising a family and working as a nurse, the artist within me was asleep. Two years ago, I awoke and could feel my toes wiggling with ideas for paintings that needed to be created, and that’s what I have been doing ever since!

My medium is acrylics and watercolor. My inspirations are fruit, flowers, gardening and the beauty of everyday objects. I have become a happy artist. I have always loved expressing myself with fiber arts: weaving, knitting, rug hooking and now I have switched to paints. About six months ago, I became a member of the Guild and am enjoying meeting, learning and sharing the pleasure of creating with other members.

My husband’s family has lived in Eastford for nearly 100 years and we relocated here four years ago. We are fortunate to have two of our children and our grandchildren living nearby in Pomfret and Woodstock. My work can be currently seen at Martha’s Herbary and the Vanilla Bean in Pomfret.

Stonehenge

Cheryl A. Verchot

Medium: Fine Art Photography

Cheryl is the founder of Simply Unique Decor which offers Interior Decorating, Staging and Consulting services as well as Fine Art Photography for home interiors.

Simply Unique Decor’s signature style is creative, fun and unique. Cheryl is sought after for her fresh eye in creating beautiful, harmonious environments that are sophisticated, yet comfortable. Her approach is down-to-earth and friendly as she partners with clients to create their ideal home environment. Cheryl’s design sense and specialized knowledge serve to create interiors that are not only a unique fit to each client but also make a statement about them to others.

Cheryl graduated with a Certificate in Interior Design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) as well as an Associate Degree in Fine Arts from the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI). Cheryl is a member of the Interior Design Society (IDS - www.interiordesignsociety.org), the Photographic Society of Rhode Island (www.psri.us) and the Foster Foundation for the Arts (www.fosteringarts.org). Her previous experience includes working as a professional photographer and also as an office manager for a fine arts foundry.

When she is not assisting clients or working in her studio, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her husband Kevin and their animals at their home in Foster, RI. As a result of her passion for art and design she has become an avid traveler. Cheryl’s extensive travels throughout Europe & North America are reflected in her colorful photography and diverse decorating style. She is also passionate about helping others and has enjoyed giving back to the community through donating her decorating services to help the patients and families at Boston Children’s Hospital and volunteering to photograph animals in need of adoption at the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Email Contact: cheryl@simplyuniquedecor.com
Visit My Website: www.simplyuniquedecor.com .