Matthew Quick | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

After the pandemic years where there were no exhibitions and we experienced the world longest total lock-down, it was finally possible to exhibit again. Normally I have one exhibition per year, but because of the previous years, this year I did two; in each of my major markets, Sydney and Melbourne. 

And perhaps most significantly, my works were acquired for Australia's most important museum collection. 

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

Several works from my series, The Mirror Electric, were acquired for the permanent museum collection of Australian’s most significant collector and arts philanthropist, Judith Nielson, founder and patron of the White Rabbit Gallery.

The Mirror Electric is a satirical look at the body image dysmorphia/objectification phenomenon happening in social media. They are oil paintings on mirrored aluminium, so the viewer can see themselves in the artwork. The proportions echo an iPhone. With fluorescent backs and designed to sit parallel to and out from the wall, the ambient light interacts with the fluorescent backs to create around each a glowing digital-like halo.

Hanging in the collection alongside such artists as Ai Weiwei and Jørn Utzon, the instructions were that these paintings were; “never to be sold.”

What was the craziest thing that happened?

The most surprising thing about the pandemic years was the increase in commissioned works. I did 10 large commissions over the two years (which is about 10 more than I normally do, lol). This equated to about 11 months of work. Thus one of the two years was completely taken up with paid in-advance work.These were interspersed throughout the whole period, so it made doing two complete shows quite a challenge. I was working 6 days a a week for much of the time, and 7 days a week for about 5 months. 

Did your art sell?

The majority, yes. Apart from the pre-sold commissioned works, most of the very technically innovative works sold. The more traditional works on canvas were a harder move, but the sales of theses are starting to occur.

Were you included in any shows?

In addition to the two solo shows, I participated in the Interconnected Exhibition, curated by Beautiful Bizarre Magazine's Editor-in-Chief Danijela Krha Purssey. And did a long form interview on the podcast Interview with an Artist. 

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

Pushing the technical innovations I made over the past couple of years into a new, even more polished direction. 

Plus I have two art residencies in Thailand in February. 

And most of all, its making completely new work. 

Graziella Mura | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?  

2022 has been a very difficult year for me due to problems that have slowed down and almost blocked my work.  However, I tried to do everything possible with my mind by staying focused and painting at least a little, in fact this is vital for me.  

Did your art sell?

Despite the various pitfalls that have greatly reduced my work, I am happy to have still sold some pieces to collectors and individuals who love both the painting and the meaning.

Were you included in shows? 

This year four of my paintings have been included on the beautiful project “Lunar Codex” and two paintings on an online exhibition of 33 Contemporary gallery.  

How has social media influenced your daily practice?

I think social media is a very important medium for both comparison, learning and sharing.  Very interesting, even if they steal a lot of time, but a beautiful window on the world.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

From 2023 I expect to work more, finish work that has already begun, create others that occupy my mind, be accepted in calls and sell, so I can move forward and grow my world.

Maria Mijares | 2022 year in Review

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MARIA MIJARES is a contemporary realist painter working in New Jersey, known for conceptually ‘lived-out ‘ stories relayed in ‘psychedelic precision’ and public art.

She has exhibited internationally in museum, university, corporate, and alternative galleries. A retrospective exhibition at the MORRIS MUSEUM (2013) entitled “IMMORTAL STRUCTURES: Here and There After” was followed by a solo exhibit,“Two Ships Esperando” at Galeria Siboney in Santander, Spain.

Mijares studied at New England School of Art (Boston, MA) painting at Art Students League in Woodstock, NY, and earned a BA in Fine Art from Rutgers University. She was awarded fellowships from Puffin Foundation, Ludwig Vogelstein Foundation, Inc. and two from New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Mijares’ 4 large-scale porcelain enamel on steel murals, “Between Manhattan and Meadowlands” are installed at Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit System’s Bergenline Avenue Station in Union City, NJ. Currently she is creating public art installations for the City of Worcester, MA and NJ Transit Market Street Bus Station (Paterson).

She has lectured at museums, schools, hospitals, and caregiver support groups.

Was 2022 a good year for you?

At this stage in life continued good health equals a great year! 2022?—all good! 

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

After three years in the making, the installation of my public art project “DINERS: Then & Now” in Worcester, MA, was a major career highlight. Creating art that will be seen by so many—unintentional viewers—in permanent ‘exhibition’ totally satisfies my life goal. The process of developing a concept for a specific site is challenging on every level—and a great pleasure. Sharpened skills then apply to my own paintings.

What was the craziest thing that happened?

Surviving Hurricane Ian was the craziest experience I’ve had in a long time! Living through the aftermath tweaked my spirit, showing me again how I can problem solve my way out of anything. An art-life prepares one to make art-form out of everything.

What were some of the pitfalls?

Though I was aiming at several deadlines, the hour came and I had to surrender. I have realized that I tend to underestimate how labor intensive my style is. Yet, I cannot work another way. In the end—when I get to the end—I see the value of so much layering. Building my reality the hard way is not just my painting style—I go about all of life this way. 

Did your art sell?

I  sold several giclée prints in 2022.  

Were you included in any shows?

I was included in Abend Gallery 31st Miniatures—ending in 2022. 

Two paintings, “Veneration” and “Looking Down on George Street,” were included in “Birds Eye / Worms Eye View”  Hamilton Street Gallery (Bound Brook, NJ). 

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

In 2023 I will continue working on two paintings, “A Day in the Life of a Bus” for NJ Transit Paterson Bus Station—a public art project I was selected for seven years ago.

I hope to complete more of those paintings with countless hours already invested, ready them for exhibition and hook them up with love connections. 

Ivan Pazlamatchev | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

In terms of completing paintings, participating in shows and securing upcoming opportunities, 2022 was a very good year for me. My works were included in 12 shows locally, nationally and internationally. And this time, most were physical gallery shows.

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

Being included again in the PTFN at WMOCA stands out. As well as showing in two exhibits at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. Taking  part in two online shows with 33 Contemporary. And producing artworks for the Broadway “Mister Saturday Night”.

What were some of the pitfalls?

Not different than other artists, I did not have the amount of time to spend in the studio, as I would have liked. In my case it is the scenic art work that keeps me away from the easel. After the pandemic Broadway reopened and the amount of work for new productions returned with a vengeance. I’m not complaining, but will have to find a better balance going forward.

Did your art sell?

All of my sales, and this was a good year, happened overseas.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

Continuing and completing the paintings, in two separate series, that are already in process. And expecting good results in two shows, starting in the beginning of 2023. The rest will surely fall into place.

Benji Alexander Palus | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

2022 was a great year. I finished my series, Mood Lights, a five year project of fifty works, and I feel that I had quite a growth spurt this year, both personally and in my skills as an artist.

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

The peak this year would probably be my acceptance into the Painting the Figure Now Exhibition at the Wauau Museum of Contemporary Art, a professional goal that I've had for years. Two of my paintings are going to the moon, part of the Lunar Codex Project, so that's amazing! I've also found new representation with two national galleries.

What were some of the pitfalls?

The biggest pitfall would have to be that none of my work was accepted in this year's ARC Salon, but I'm nearly finished with the piece I'll be submitting next year, and I do have high hopes. Another would be that although I'm proud of the quality of work I produced this year, I didn't produce enough of it to meet my personal goal.

Did your art sell?

It's been a slow year for sales, although I did sell some work directly to private collectors, enough to keep me afloat!

Were you included in any shows?

This has actually been my best year so far for being in shows. I premiered new work at my local gallery Sidewalk Side Studiohere in New Orleans and was a part of eleven national and international shows, both online and in person, including three shows at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, the Legends of the Moon Exhibition with Era Contemporary Gallery in Philadelphia, and Liberating the Flesh at 33 Contemporary in Chicago.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

Another personal best! I was a featured artist in the April 2022 issue of The Guide Artists Magazine. I also had work published in the book, The Great American Paint In, released by Gallery Cero, and I finally had one of my paintings included in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine as part of the Legends of the Moon!

How has social media affected your daily practice?

My social media efforts haven't changed very much from last year to this year, although I've chronicled and posted more work in progress to share with my followers, which I must add have grown since joining Poets/Artists, thanks to Didi's tireless efforts!

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I'm most looking forward to starting two new series. Le Sue Avventure in Italia will be a series of roughly forty works of my muse, Tasha, painted from references we shot on a ten-day adventure across Italy. Blu will be a smaller, simpler series of my muse, Shannon, from a shoot we did one night in our pousada in Rio de Janeiro.

Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you? What were some of the highlights of your art career?

2022 has been a very good year for me artistically and I feel that I have achieved a different level in my practice.  I was awarded a fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. My work was featured in numerous exhibitions over this past year, including the New Jersey Arts Annual and the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences exhibition, titled “Unmasked: Contemporary Portraiture,” where I was awarded an honorable mention by Jessica T. Smith, assistant curator of American painting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Other exhibitions this year include the 14C ArtFair Showcase in Jersey City, where three of my still life paintings were featured. In terms of publications, my work was included in the August issue of Fine Art Connoisseur, as well as the Poets and Artists publication “Mujer” during women’s history month in March 2022.  I sold several paintings this year, mostly through Poets and Artists, which is such an excellent way to be connected to the Artsy platform.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

Next year is going to be exciting, but also a bit challenging, as I am developing a three-dimensional installation which will inform and support new two-dimensional works also in progress. The piece is decidedly in a more outwardly feminist theme, which is another conceptual goal that I am working towards.

Patricia Schappler | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

It was a good year if a bit of a roller-coaster. A big job, I focused on revamping my website, and beginning three new series: Two by Two, Madonna, and a short pastel grouping. 

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

The year has been full.  Of Dawn and Dusk was part of the WMOCA Painting the Figure Now curated by Samule Peralta - an exciting exhibit.  This work is also currently hanging in the Rockport Art Association and Museum Nationalcurated by Ken DeWaard and Linnea Leeming  I was a semi-finalist for ARC which I had no expectations for, have several works included in the Peregrine Collection heading to the moon, placed first in the Joan Dunfey Exhibit, chosen by Currier Museum Senior Curator Kurt Sundstrom and earned several pastel painting awards this year, including the PSNH 14th National Juried Exhibition, chosen by Gail Sibley and Alain Picard and the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society Marks of Distinction, chosen by Katie Hanon, Painting Curator for Museum of Fine Art, Boston. 

What were some of the pitfalls?

I’m sure many feel the same, but time can be stressful. Balancing family, work, and studio life is sometimes overwhelming; I need to recenter, limit the exhibits I undertake and play, as well as work. I'm introverted by nature, social media doesn't always feel comfortable.  2023 will include taking time to continually challenge and love the creative process through limited, intentional, series. 

Did your art sell?  

I sold several works through 33 Contemorary, and local galleries. 

Were you included in any shows?

Exhibiting in seventeen online and in house exhibits was demanding, including painting, pastel, and drawing nationals, including the Fitchburg Art Museum, the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, the Kimball Jenkins School of Art, and the Discovery Center. 

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

Manifest Gallery INPA volume 10 is due to be released in 2023, my work is also included in American Art Collector, Issue 206, Collector’s Figurative Focus, The Best of Drawing presented by Artist Magazine and American Artist, Strokes of Genius WMOCA Painting the Figure Now, PoetsArtists Blurb, Mujer, and Exertion, American Art Collector #205 

How has social media affected your daily practice?

I have begun videotaping more of my process which is enlightening. I think some activity on social media acts as a connective tissue… I live in a small rural town away from art centers. Posting and looking at artist works, reminds me to see out into the world, locate the heartbeat that links us. 

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I have just begun a short Madonna series that feels right and will continue exploring this idea of the sacredness of motherhood.  I also have a small group exhibit, ‘Seasons’ tentatively planned for 2024 that I will begin to plan towards. I enjoy symbolism, the subtlety of meaning through both words and gesture, it’ll be exciting to continue working on the series that have already begun and jump into this new grouping as well.

Ariane Kamps | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?  Yes. It was a year where I felt that I reached a good place in my practise.

What were some of the highlights in your art career? I started the year participating in JKR Gallery in Utah’s group show called A New Page. The piece found a collector which I thought was a great way to start off the year. I also had a piece accepted into the juried Surreal Salon in Baton Rouge. I had a piece in Modern Eden’s Portrait Show X in San Francisco which was a gallery that I really admire and felt quite humbled to be included in that juried group show. The largest piece I have painted yet was commissioned by my local gallery, Penticton Art Gallery to be auctioned off in an event. My work was featured on the cover of a children’s literature magazine, Crows Toes Quarterly. Local papers and tv media publicized my work being included in the Lunar Codex the time capsule that is traveling to the moon, which was quite the whirlwind of interviews, both radio and newspapers and I’m told I even made it on tv but I didn’t catch that myself. The year ended with being accepted into Abend’s mini show which was delightful.

What were some of the pitfalls? Mostly the pitfalls were to do with work getting lost in shipping, situations like that are hard to avoid. One of my biggest challenges was I had to move my studio into a tiny corner of my basement which isn’t the best location in a busy home with children and pets. It has been really hard to create the works I want to in limited space but I’m hoping the crunch and pressure of constraints somehow grows me as an artist and makes me more organized. 

Did your art sell? Yes, happily this has been one of my best years yet. I work sell through 33 Contemporary, work sold through galleries, commissions and I had quite a few that sold through a local venue I work with.

Were you included in any shows? Yes! Quite a few both local and abroad. I had about twelve exhibitions both online and in physical shows in the USA and Canada.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals? I was featured in quite a few newspapers, radio and made it onto the news marquee on Global News.

How has  social media affected your daily practice?

Social media has always been a huge part of my practise as I live in a rural area in Canada. Reaching out to the arts community on Instagram, Facebook and newly on TikTok has led viewers to  my website and made it easy for new collectors to collect. I’ve also found many sales happen through direct messages.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I’m looking forward to sharing more work from my Mini solo show on Artsy through 33  Contemporary. Apocalyptica will feature some larger works for me which has been a stretch process-wise, but I’m really proud of them and I can’t wait to share them.

I also have a solo show near the end of the year in a local gallery which will be a first. I’m looking forward to a lot of fresh new experiences, watching my family grow alongside my art career and hopefully showing my children you can achieve whatever you desire with hard work.

Sarah Warda | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

Overall, it was a great year. There were many challenges both personally and artistically. Ultimately, these challenges strengthened me, informed my art, and solidified my commitment.

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

I had several of my paintings included in The Peregrine Collection and Lunar Codex part of the first woman artists headed to the moon, three online publications, The Final Frontier, Mujer, and Desperately Seeking Madonna. I exhibited in Painting the Figure Now at The Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art.

I was awarded Best in Show at The Art League of New Britain, CT.

I illustrated a children’s book with eight illustrations, and the cover of a historical novel.

What were some of the pitfalls? Many rejections and a small painters block. All part of the process.

Did your art sell?

I sold a total of nine illustrations and a few portrait commissions.

Were you included in any shows?

Painting the Figure Now, WMOCA curated by Dr Samuel Perlota

Final Frontier curated by Jan Anders Nelson

Mujer curated by Didi Menendez

Best of America small works exhibition NOAPS

Reinterpreting Masterwork curated by Judith Peck

Desperately Seeking Madonna PoetsArtists

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

So many goals. I envision being in a major art magazine such as American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur.

I will continue exhibiting in major museums, galleries, and publications. 

I would love to be accepted as a finalist in the ARC Salon 

I anticipate having more sales and interest in my art as I continue to push myself artistically.

So many paintings inside of me waiting to be expressed.

I cannot wait to see what happens!

Sheryl Boivin | 2022 Year in Review

Sheryl Boivin is a contemporary realist artist who works in a variety of mediums and subject matters whose focus is mainly on figurative and portraiture art.

Was 2022 a good year for you?

2022 Was a very good year in terms of my art and my sales both locally and internationally.

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

One of the most exciting things that happened to me in 2022 was to have two of my pieces included in the Lunar Codex which is going to the moon. This is absolutely mind blowing to me.

What were some of the pitfalls?

In terms of pitfalls I think it is trying to take on too much in terms of commissions and not being able to afford to access some of the courses and workshops that would be helpful to me.

Did your art sell?

I sold a few pieces in the first half of 2022 but starting in about August I would say I'm averaging sales of 3 to 4 paintings a month if not more.

Were you included in any shows?

I was included in the Mujer show, the Summer Pop-Up show and Exertion online. I was also included in 7 shows locally, 4 art shows and 3 Artist and Artisan shows.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

I have had my work published is Fine Art Connoisseur, and both the Summer Pop-Up and the Mujer catalogues.

How has social media affected your daily practice?

Personally I find with social media it has become almost as much work to promote and show my work as it is to actually produce my work. However it's certainly has helped me in a lot of ways. It has taught me how to promote myself and how to get my name out there. I have had to learn to think outside the box. I have sold three paintings since September because of social media. I do find it sometimes a bit challenging and exhausting to continually to try to come up with new ideas and at times it can almost be a bit anxiety ridden trying to see if people are liking or sharing or even interested in what you're putting out there but by the same token it is a bit of a ego boost when you receive positive comments even if there's only a few. 

What are you looking forward to in 2023? 

For 2023 I'm really looking forward to sitting down and actually taking some of the courses and workshops that I've been wanting to. I have joined a couple more Patron sites and hope to take advantage of the lessons that are offered and I also signed up with the New York Academy of Art and I'm anticipating taking some of their workshops as well online. I also would like to attend at least two Academy of Realist Art (ARA) workshops in Toronto this year. So basically my plan is to hone my skills and learn more about color theory and composition. I also want to learn how to write a newsletter, a proper bio, and how to write an artist statement. I want to enter more competitions and I also want to start planning for a solo show. But first I need to work on developing my art and my skill set.

Aixa Oliveras | 2022 Year in Review

Aixa Oliveras is a contemporary symbolist painter who creates narratives based on her own cultural experiences. Working within the realm of classical realism, Aixa’s work pairs the figure with pattern and symbolic use of color. Through her oil paintings, Aixa creates metaphorical narratives of rebirth and identity. She is inspired by the Symbolist and Art Nouveau movements, as well as the warmth and color of Puerto Rico, her birthplace. These influences intermingle in her work, creating her own pictorial language. Aixa is currently developing her studio practice in Miami, FL.

Was 2022 a good year for you?

For me, 2022 was a trial by fire. I started the year with a creative block. I was also transitioning to life post-pandemic, which was quite a challenge. It was rough, but I learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of. It forced me to face subconscious patterns of self-sabotage. Through that process I learned the skills I needed to help overcome them. In that sense, even though it was hard, I’m grateful for everything that happened this year. It’s given me the inspiration and drive to keep creating. 

What were some of the highlights in your art career? 

Even with the creative block, I had some special highlights this year. My work was included in the Mujer Exhibition with 33 Contemporary. Also, two of my artworks are included in the Peregrine Collection, which will have its permanent home on the moon. My work being on the moon still feels surreal and like a “pinch me” moment, haha.

Did you art sell?

Yes. My work sold through 33 Contemporary and directly from my studio. I also completed commissions this year. 
 
How has social media affected your daily practice?

Social media for me is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s an amazing way to discover new artists and be part of a thriving community. But on the other, there’s this pressure to constantly produce new work. I’ve even gotten comments on some of my posts attempting to shame me for not posting new work. It’s this insidious pattern that if you’re not careful, can completely derail you from your own creative process and from following your artistic voice. 

I’ve learned that the creative process itself is not “on” all the time. It goes through seasons. Sometimes you need to take a break and express your creativity in other ways. I compare it to filling up a gas tank. Once the gas tank is full, you’re ready to create again. But the pressure from social media to constantly produce can sabotage that process. I feel that as artists, we need to recognize when that’s happening and set boundaries for ourselves, so that we don’t fall into this trap. Even though there will be detractors, there will also be people who genuinely love your work and are understanding of the process. So in that sense, social media can be an amazing thing to be a part of. It’s all about balance. 

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I’m looking forward to creating new work! I feel invigorated and hopeful for the future. My creative gas tank is now full again. I also look forward to exploring new opportunities, both in Miami and online. Lastly, I’m looking forward to connecting with collectors and creating relationships that enrich both our lives, all through the prism of art. 

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Diana Carolina Lopez | 2022 Year in Review

Through a detailed oil painting and drawing technique, contemporary artist Diana Carolina finds in her painting the aim to give visual form to the processes of introspection, interpretation, creation and relationship with reality and with herself. The artist is best known for her unique portraits made with a careful and meticulous realist technique. Diana`s work has been exhibited on several galleries and museums in cities such as Puebla, Mexico City, Querétaro, London, Miami, New York, Madrid, Los Angeles, and most recently in Barcelona, forming part of the renowned art contest ModPortrait 2021 at the MEAM.

Was 2022 a good year for you? 

One of the best! 

What were some of the highlights in your art career? 

There have been plenty, but I would like to mention that one of my portraits called ‘Putzu’ was selected as a finalist of Mod Portrait contest and displayed  at MEAM in Barcelona.

Were you included in any shows? 

• Entre Mujeres at Aguafuerte Gallery in CDMX. March

• El Arte de la Canción. Milenio Arte Project Collection/ Museum of Modern Art, Toluca. 

• Summer Pop Up Show at 33 Contemporary Gallery. August.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals? 

Yes, at the Heraldo de Aragón in Spain where they wrote a note about ModPortrait and my painting is being displayed among others from the exhibition. 

How has social media affected your daily practice? 

It inspires me greatly being able to witness what artists from around the world are creating, as well as connecting with the people who feel identified with my work. Although, it can be truly demanding trying to keep a balance between posting content and painting.

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Ellen Starr Lyon | 2022 Year in Review

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Was 2022 a good year for you?

2022 was another busy year with a full exhibition schedule!

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

I had several firsts this year: my first museum acquisition, multiple works included in the Peregrine Collection headed to the moon, and I was a finalist in the 6th Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award. I also had a large solo exhibition in my hometown and was accepted into this year’s Painting the Figure Now exhibition at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, which is always a great experience.

What were some of the pitfalls?

My pitfall is a perennial one: time. I imagine most artists have many other time obligations. These do not prevent us from being professional artists but require planning and commitment. Mine is a full-time job and family. The risks, or pitfalls, are to allow myself to become overwhelmed and stop creating, put pressure on myself for every project to be exhibition worthy, and/or rush through projects in order to fulfill a quota in my mind or apply to every exhibition that interests me. My goal for 2023 is to put my limited time and energy into fewer, larger projects while allowing more time for experimentation and growth.

Did your art sell?

I sold several works online through 33 Contemporary Gallery, through my local gallery, and completed several commissions.

Were you included in any shows?

I exhibited in thirteen shows in 2022 including a solo exhibition of almost fifty paintings, and my first show in Ireland at Sol Art Gallery in Dublin. I won an award from the 98th Annual Hoosier Salon at the Indiana State Museum; an award from the 90th Annual Juried Exhibition of Indiana Artists at the Indianapolis Museum of Art; an award from the 29th Annual Juried Art Exhibition at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center; and just last week, two purchase awards from the 61st Mid-States Exhibition at the Evansville Museum of Art.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

I was published in four issues of American Art Collector (March, July, August, and December) in 2022 as well as in the inaugural issue of New Visionary Magazine. 

What We Can Imagine, American Art Collector Magazine, December 2022

John O’Hern, Evocative Expressions, American Art Collector, August 2022

Alyssa M. Tidwell, In Perpetuity, American Art Collector, July 2022

John O’Hern, Women Artists: Dynamic Strengths, American Art Collector, March 2022

How has social media affected your daily practice?

Living in the Midwest, far from most art centers, social media helps me feel connected to a larger community of artists and art lovers. I can share what I am working on and stay abreast of others’ hard work- it helps keep my head in the game. Social media can easily be negative, but it helps me to assess where I’ve been and plan where I’m going, as long as I stay true to what feels right to me.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I am currently preparing two large works for a solo online exhibition in April. I will be working with a new model and incorporating plants and other still-life objects with the figure. My two paintings included in the Presence and Absence show through 33 Contemporary are a precursor for these new compositions. I cannot wait to get started!

Ellen Starr Lyon, b. 1974 in Columbus, Indiana. Ellen is a figurative painter focusing on modern portraiture that revolves around feminism, motherhood, and coming of age. She is a current member of PoetsArtists, Portrait Society of America, AWA, NOAPS, Indiana Artists (IN/A), Hoosier Salon, and Juniper Gallery. Lyon has shown at Abend Gallery in Denver, CO, Manifest Gallery in Cincinnati, OH, Woman Made Gallery and 33 Contemporary both in Chicago, IL, WMOCA in Wausau, WI, and several online exclusives on Artsy through the 33 Contemporary Gallery. She has been published in Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine highlighting artist self-portraits. Ellen has a BFA in Painting and a BA in Art History from Indiana University. IU has acquired several of her paintings.

Gabriella Di XX Miglia | 2022 Year in Review

Born in Genoa, Italy, Gabriella Di XX Miglia received her art education at the Ligustica Academy of Fine Arts in Genoa doing studies with Rocco Borella and Mimmo Rotella, then for three years continued her training under Guido Chiti and Palma Viardo. Later she received her Masters Degree in Art Restoration and Conservation. In 1983 Gabriella opened her painting studio in Los Angeles. Esther Robles, a pioneer in California modern art , organized and hosted Gabriella Di XX Miglia first personal exhibit in USA .Gabriella's works have been shown annually in both national and international shows. She was featured in 1984 in The Los Angeles Times, Sunday Home Magazine.

Her paintings are in the collections of private, corporate, and public sectors. In 1985 she was nominated for Guggenheim Fellowship, New York.

Was 2022 a good year for you?

Yes it was

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

I finished writing a book “La Rose de la Mariee” and had it published in Italy, and I had few art shows. I was  a finalist in the International Achievement Award Competition at Camelback Gallery, AZ.

What were some of the pitfalls?

I did not make it as final in many other art competitions.

Did your art sell?

Yes, few pieces from studio and through Abend Gallery annual miniature show.

Were you included in any shows?

Yes, I was included in a show “Pandemic" in Dublin, Irland. In Los Angeles with DabArt and in Denver at Abend Gallery. I was included in  online exhibition with PoetsArtists, had more work listed on Artsy online Gallery.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

I had an eight pages spread of my art with interview on Observica Art Magazine, issue #18, Winter 2022 and I was in the catalog of the art shows I was in.

How has social media affected your daily practice?

Posting my art and exchanging ideas with other artists puts me into a conversation with my audience, is like having an open studio but it takes away painting time and my followers have not grown on Instagram. I started a page also on TikTok.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I want to produce a new series of paintings, build a large portfolio of work, do more shows and keep applying to competitions. I am also practicing daily ink and color drawings on my sketch books and this is a great exercise for me. I am a great believer on keeping practicing and experimenting with new materials and tools.

Lorena Lepori | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

In terms of productivity I am very satisfied. I am a compulsive painter. I managed to create 12 medium sized pieces plus one on its way that will hopefully be ready before the end of this month. So that would make it 13. My new lucky number!

My work has also been  published in two main art magazines, selected for two online exhibitions with 33 contemporary gallery, and I also had my first experience as a painting teacher which was great since the interaction with students gives me the opportunity to grow more.

Last but not least, this year I had the privilege to be included with  several of my works in the  Lunar Codex Project headed by Dr Samuel Peralta.

Were you included in any shows?

Two of my postcard size works were part of the Online Exhibition ‘Mujer’ curated by Didi Menendez. My painting ‘Periodt’ is part of the online show ‘Exertion’ curated by Daniel Maidman and ‘Unheard’ has been included in the online show ‘Seeking Madonna’ curated by April Carter.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

This year one of my gigantic pieces from my 2021 collection about Drag Queens impersonating feminine clichés, ‘The Barbie Doll’, was featured in the November/December Issue of Fine Art Connoisseur as part of the Today’s Masters section ‘Dressed to impress’.

One of my most recent  piece “Periodt” was published in American Art Collector as part of the Show Preview curated by Daniel Maidman ‘ Extertion’

How has  social media affected your daily practice?

Social media are always fun, mostly because you can have an immediate feedback. The idea of assigning a soundtrack on a specific painting to emphasize the mood of the work is also a little game that I enjoy playing. All of this despite the infamous algorithm which I hardly comprehend, so especially in the last months, it was very hard to get all the views and the engagement I expected to achieve with my posts. It’s entertaining though, so I will keep playing with it!

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

My wish list could be quite long, but to sum it up: being accepted as a finalist at international ARC Salon would be a great achievement- Also, the growing interest in my work will at some point convert in to more sales. I think 2023 is perfect for that!

Lorena Lepori

Periodt, 2022

Oil on canvas

31 1/2 × 23 3/5 in | 80 × 60 cm

Carlos Fentanes | Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

I had a very specific goal for 2022 and it was being included as a Finalist in the 16th ARC Salon, and I achieved it. So in this sense was a very good year, I didn’t have a goal for selling art or having a show.
I like when this happens: you set a very detailed goal and you achieved it.

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

My work was included in 4 Art Catalogs that will be part of The Lunar Codex that next year will be deposited on the moon. My work “Sunbath” was in the show Painting The Figure Now 2022 curated by Dr. Samuel Peralta at the Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art.

I am finalist in the prestigious 16th ARC Salon with my piece: Self Isolation or the Unsung Story of How Dreams Unconsciously Interfered with my Daily Life in two categories, Drawing and Figurative

My first collective show in Ireland in the Art Show Pandemic curated by Conor Walton with my piece “Self Isolation in the Manner of an Ex Voto with music of Bob Dylan” I was in two Online exhibitions at PoetsArtists: Mujer and Desperately Seeking Madonna. 

What were some of the pitfalls?

No sales, only a print from Saatchi Online. I was rejected 14 times from shows, publications, public art, grants but I don’t know if is entirely bad, in some ways it means that I was very active sending submissions.

I also felt disappointed when my work was not included in the show “Is this a photograph?” My follower growing in TickTock has been null for six months, I think I have been shadow banned there.

Did your art sell?

No, but that was not one of my goals.

Were you included in any shows?

Mujer, PoetsArtists

Painting the Figure Now, WMOCA

Pandemic, Sol Art Gallery, Dublin Ireland

Desperately Seeking Madonna, PoetsArtists

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

I was published in the catalogs of the art shows

How has  social media affected your daily practice?

I have been shadow banned from TikTok and my posts are constantly censored because of nude content. My followers have grown organically on Instagram but on TikTok my followers haven’t grown in the last 6 months.

It was not a good year for me on my social media channels. 

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I want to participate on the Salt Springs Art Prize for Canadian Artists and I’m also interested in the show Painting the Figure Now 2023 curated by David Wilson and Kiki Kim. And if I am lucky enough, and my work started to gain traction, I could be included in an Art Fair.

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Debra Lott | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

2022 was a good year for my art career as many of my personal art goals were realized.  An important event for me was having my painting, Passage selected as a finalist in the figurative category of the 16th International Art Renewal Salon Competition. 

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

I’m among a select group of artists to have their artwork going to the moon (digital and analog technology in time capsules) and the first of women artists to have her painting on the lunar surface. The Lunar Codex is the first project to put the work of women artists on the Moon and also represents the first figurative realist art on the lunar surface. My painting, Blue Heron Dreams was selected by Samuel Peralta the payload coordinator and curator for the Lunar Codex.

Were you included in any shows?

My work was selected for an exhibition at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, KY and The Cressman Center, University of Louisville. In the month of October, I had a solo exhibit at PYRO Gallery in Louisville KY.  I exhibited 15 of my paintings including five new paintings in a new series titled, Tangled Threads.  

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

I was delighted to open the new, beautiful Visionary Art Collective (Spring Issue 2) and see  a two-page spread featuring my bio, artist statement and two paintings.

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Emma Kalff | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you? What were some of the highlights in your art career?

This year I was published in Southwest Art's "21 Under 31: Young Artists to Collect Now", Aesthetica magazine, as well as in American Art Collector. I am so thrilled about being published in these magazines - it's certainly an elevation of my career. It gave me the push I needed to go into painting full-time.

How has social media affected your daily practice?

Social media is a lot to keep up with! Often I find that I just want to paint when I'm in the studio, but I end up having to film and photograph a lot of the process for social media content. I'm happy to be able to share my process at the same time though. It's a bit of a double-edged sword.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

I'm very excited to continue working on my current series of paintings, Holding Your Horses. I have spent the last few months building up a large portfolio of work, and I look forward to building relationships with gallery owners in the Southwest and beyond.

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Jeff Mathison | 2022 Year in Review

Was 2022 a good year for you?

Yes, very good!

What were some of the highlights in your art career?

My best news of 2022 was acceptance of “The Influencer”  into the American Watercolor Society 155th Annual Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club in New York City. 

“The Return” received a minor prize at the Philadelphia Watercolor Society Works on Paper show. 

“The Veteran’s Journey” received the The Stafford Family Award for Outstanding Portrait at the 41st annual Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors, NY. 

What were some of the pitfalls?

The major pitfall of the year was realizing at the closing reception of the American Watercolor Society that only 2 out of 100 watercolors, created by some of the best painters in that medium, were sold! 

Did your art sell?

A non-figurative painting “Tangle” was accepted into the Houston Watercolor Society 45th annual show. I succeeded in selling that after the show to a local buyer for my best sale of the year, $1000.

Were you included in any shows?

“Oak Tattoo” was accepted into the Lore Degenstein Gallery 13th Annual Figurative Drawing and Painting Exhibition. There were 500 entries in this national level show. It’s one of the rare shows that doesn’t shy from nude figures so I was especially pleased to to be accepted from hundreds of other applicants. 

“Smile Awhile”, a plein air painting of a tow truck being used to advertise an ice cream stand, was accepted into the San Diego 2022 Plein Air Exhibition.

“The Three Artists” was accepted into the Pittsburgh Watercolor Society Exhibition. The Society awarded me signature membership for having been accepted into three of their shows.

Were you published in any art magazines or periodicals?

Another fine honor was that ”Facing the Storm", was featured in April 2022 Fine Art Connoisseur magazine, in “The Timeless Appeal of Horses” portfolio. 

How has  social media affected your daily practice?

I’m not great at marketing but my posts on Instagram do bring some attention from many people I would not reach otherwise.

What are you looking forward to in 2023?

In 2023, I will continue aiming for the major watercolor society shows. I aspire to signature membership at NWS or AWS. 

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ARTIST STATEMENT:

I have always been an artist. Raised in the Philadelphia suburbs, I graduated from Penn State in 1972 with a BFA degree. I so enjoyed the combination of town culture and woodsy countryside, that I never left Centre County, Pa. 

I’ve worked with many media and subjects. In recent years I settled on watercolor as my primary tool. I enjoy the way it has a mind of its own and I have to collaborate with it to earn a good painting. I paint landscapes, both plein air and from photo. I also work a lot with the figure, from life or photo. 

I continue to work as a freelance illustrator, specializing in illustrated maps for books and other publications. I recently provided over 30 illustrations for a popular book on genetic manipulation, "A Crack in Creation", by Jennifer Doudna and Sam Sternberg. In 2007, I created new maps for a reissue of the Princess Bride, by William Goldman.