Type of media you prefer:

A mix of landscapes, photography, portraits et al.

What got you interested in art?

I started work at KTWU in Topeka in the mid-80.  A few years later I realized that I needed to get back into Art to keep from going crazy.  I picked up a small cheap set of watercolors and a small pad.  I tried to follow along with several of PBS’ watercolor shows, but, ended up with mud.  I did not have the patience required.  I fell back onto my abstract roots and began dribbling rubber cement and splashing paint onto the paper.  As time passed I learned the visual vocabulary of what the paint did.  My abstracts started to approach landscape imagery, so I then started to do landscapes.  A friend said that he wanted to see me do figures. I started with a nude in a photography magazine.  After a number of figures I noticed that the faces were looking like the models and I concentrated on portraits.  Soon, I was doing family, friends and retiring co-workers.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?

I have two degrees in Art from Emporia State University.  My Graduate show in 1979 consisted of Abstract Expressive collages on four foot by four foot Masonite.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?

I moved to Topeka for a job that at first had me going to bed at 9pm and later working very late.  I never had time to make local friends.  I thought that the Guild would help broaden my horizon and have an outlet for my paintings.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?

I have gifted Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Dr Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University and Eugene Williams, head of KTWU, with portraits as ‘bread upon the waters’, but, so far, no one has yet come to me wanting to commission a portrait.

Most of my landscapes have been based on photos of the forests in central New York, with emphasis on plays of shadow and light.  My more recent Kansas works are much more brightly lit and always have jet trails in the skies that I keep in the abstract vein.  I still rely heavily on the use of rubber cement and masking fluid for sharp edges and protecting the white of the page.  My abstract sensibilities are always in play, no matter how realistic the images are.

A quote that you love is:

I’m Peter Pan!

I’m perpetually young!!

OW!! What’s wrong with my back?

Type of media you prefer:

Watercolor-drawing-knitting

What got you interested in art?

I started with a group of friends taking folk art lessons.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?

Informal

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?

I took watercolor classes from Johanna Hanks and she told us about the art guild.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?

5 years

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?

I always question myself as to why I do watercolors as I like control of things and that is not easy with watercolors.

A quote(s) that you love is:

“The day is lost if no one has laughed.”

What got you interested in art?

I had dream Thanksgiving week, 1989. In the dream a man’s stern voice told me that I would “paint tomorrow”. So I did.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?

I would hope that anyone looking at one of my paintings will see the story it tells, for that’s how I see myself: A storyteller who writes in curves and color.

Please contact me if you are interested in a commission. For portraits or a rendering of your home, I work from photographs.

Type of media you prefer:

Working primarily in pastels, I have done commissions of buildings and people.  Other mediums I like are pencil, charcoal and watercolor. Though my work is based in realism, I have been called an Impressionist and Expressionist.
What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?

I am self-taught and love art that grabs the eyes and won’t let go! I believe daily efforts to produce art and beauty is as necessary to the artist as food, sleep and love.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?

I love shadows, which is very apparent in almost all my work. I especially like portraying people and buildings. My favorite artists are Vincent Van Gogh and Andrew Wyeth. I prefer realism and have done copies of Renoir and Van Gogh.

Type of media you prefer:

Pastels, Watercolors and Oils

I’ll try anything once

What got you interested in art?

My grandmothers;  One was a frustrated artist and one was an amazing artist who had her own one woman art show at 53 after learning to paint in her 40s.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?

I am completely self-taught.  I’ve taken the one day here and there art classes that the Topeka Art Guild offers plus similar courses when we lived in Dallas and Chicago.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?

I wanted to join in on the classes and to participate in Topeka’s Arts culture.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?

Since about 2004.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?

I paint for stress reduction and am always pleasantly surprised when someone likes my work enough to pay real money for it.

A quote that you love is:

“What is, is.”

Unknown

“There is only one you…Don’t you dare change just because you are outnumbered!”

Charles Swindoll

[wpsc_products category_id='3' number_per_page='6']

Type of media you prefer: 

I love oil paint, the way it works, the way it mixes, the way it feels on the brush and the canvass or board, the smell. All of it. But I’ll paint with anything.

 What got you interested in art?   

I was Born interested in art. I was drawing before I could talk.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?   

Basic art, design and interior design in school. Eight years study with the wonderful, nationally known artists of the Denver Art Students League. I worked with Kim English, Emanuel Martinez, Doug Dawson, Don Sauli, Teresa Vito, Mark Thompson, and many others. It was a great experience; I took a little from each, but find that I am still working on my style. Like my hair, I like to try something different each time.

Whenever I came to Topeka to visit my Daughter we would go to the Art Galleries, I was intrigued by the Topeka Art Guild Gallery as none of the very old and very impressive Artist Guilds that I belonged to had their own Gallery. We had to scramble to find space to hang. The Colorado Artist Guild (started out as the Denver) used to have a national show each year at the Colorado History Museum Gallery; they have it booked for that time forever I think. I always had a painting or two accepted in that show and won many good awards. I loved it, but it wasn’t like having their own gallery. So when I decided to sell out in Denver and move here I knew before I got here that one of the first things I must do was join the Art Guild. What I did not know was that three major surgeries were on the top of my list of things to do. So it was awhile before I could become active and then I jumped in with both feet

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?   

I joined in the fall of 2001 when I moved here.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?   

When I am painting I do paint for myself, to please myself but I always paint with a viewer in mind. I try to tell a story, project a mood, or suggest a feeling. I want my art to be seen and appreciated for its own value; which is always in the eye of the viewer. Please look at our beautiful art. We do this. I think this when I am staffing. Knowing that we can share our labor brings me joy. It is one of the reasons I paint. Teaching and sharing what I know with other artists is another.

A quote(s) that you love is:

“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world–this makes it hard to plan the day.”

E. B. White

Type of media you prefer

I paint in several medias and the one I paint at the time is the one I prefer.

What got you interested in art?

I am not one that started at age 3.It was late in life that I started to paint once I got started there was no going back. I must have a creative nature as I recall as a child I was impressed when my teacher caught my attention while she was drawing a bird on a limb of a tree. I was intrigued with the beauty of it and went home and started drawing.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?

I did go back to school and received a Fine Art Studio Design degree at Southern Colorado State College.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?

I was a member long before I was a painter. Membership was five dollars at the time. I was traveling back and forth while my girls were at KU. I visited a friend here in Topeka (she was not a artist) I would stop and visit the gallery on Gage. I always support the arts as well as find an interest in viewing all kinds of art. I was interested in leading my support.

If there is one thing we should know about you or your art,what would that be?

I paint everything and anything that calls me at the time be it landscape,people ,children and etc. I remember one of my instructors saying “do not let any one put you in a box.”

A quote(s) that you love

“Do not follow where the path may lead..Go where there is no path and have a trail”

www.northwindimage.com

Type of media you prefer:                                  

Landscape photography

What got you interested in art?   

I have always admired other’s creativity and talent; attending the Art Walks is one way I feel I can continue to grow and see creativity through other’s viewpoint.   Being a member of the Topeka Art Guild and speaking to other members about their specific media and inspirations enhances my interest.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?   

I have attended seminars and workshops on photography through professional organizations.  My partner, Grant, has also provided me with a lot of direction, knowledge, and inspiration.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?   

When Grant and I formed our business, NorthWindImage, we decided we wanted to join professional organizations not only to promote our business but also to get involved, meet, and get to know other professionals in the area.   We believe the gallery at the Topeka Art Guild is a great asset for our business and one way of showcasing our work.   Since joining and becoming involved on the board, we have met a lot of inspiring people and enjoyed many opportunities that we otherwise would not have been aware of.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?   

NorthWindImage became a member just over a year ago; it has been a wonderful organization to be involved with. 

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?   

I’m pretty reserved person and would consider myself an introvert . . . . at least until I get acquainted with someone.   I would consider myself an amateur with a companion, Grant, who is an expert in the area.  I’m a proud mother of two, Sarah who is a Freshman at Wabaunsee High School, and Stephan who is a sixth grader at Mill Creek Valley Middle School.   

A quote(s) that you love is:

“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.”

           Martha Washington

“One day a peacock. The next day a feather duster.” 

     Patrick Quinn,

Lieutenant Governor, Illinois

Type of media you prefer:  Digital/Computer generated art

What got you interested in art?    I have been a painter all my life. I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t draw. I have been asked how long I have been drawing. My answer is always the same. I don’t know. I just know that I always have.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?   I studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Kansas State University. It was at K-state that I touched on web design/development and animation and digital imaging. I continued that on my own. I was on a gallery selection committee at K-state also. I taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade art at Franklin Elementary. I was on the Manhattan Arts Council hanging committee. I was also teaching staff for the Manhattan Clay Coalition. I have worked very closely with several artists both past and present with artistic direction and promotion. I have worked for galleries both in Kansas and Texas.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild? I was born and raised here in Topeka but I had just recently moved back from El Paso, Texas. I wanted to be involved in the art that happens here also. I enjoy making art and selling is always nice. But what drives me is the learning and teaching that comes with art. There is always another artist to learn from and one who wants to learn from you.  It is the relationships that you build with like minded people. That is what I was looking for.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?  11 months

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?   I haven’t always been a computer geek. I began as a painter. I chose my college major for the illustration side but the graphic design end forced a computer into my hands. I realized that I enjoyed it just as much as painting or drawing. In fact it provided a much needed balance.  It was from that balance that Digital Fine Art became my chosen medium.  Although it is just beginning to be recognized as a fine art medium, I think it is important to understand that the artistic process is exactly the same as with traditional mediums. The digital images that I make begin in a sketchbook. And also it doesn’t matter if I am developing or painting. In my mind it is the same. Either side still amounts to arranging elements to create an aesthetic whole.

A quote(s) that you love is:

“Give me one firm spot on which to stand and I will move the earth” Archimedes

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am ‘I’? And if not now, when?”

Hillel

A mix of landscapes, photography, portraits et al.

What got you interested in art?

I started work at KTWU in Topeka in the mid-80.  A few years later I realized that I needed to get back into Art to keep from going crazy.  I picked up a small cheap set of watercolors and a small pad.  I tried to follow along with several of PBS’ watercolor shows, but, ended up with mud.  I did not have the patience required.  I fell back onto my abstract roots and began dribbling rubber cement and splashing paint onto the paper.  As time passed I learned the visual vocabulary of what the paint did.  My abstracts started to approach landscape imagery, so I then started to do landscapes.  A friend said that he wanted to see me do figures. I started with a nude in a photography magazine.  After a number of figures I noticed that the faces were looking like the models and I concentrated on portraits.  Soon, I was doing family, friends and retiring co-workers.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art? 

I have two degrees in Art from Emporia State University.  My Graduate show in 1979 consisted of Abstract Expressive collages on four foot by four foot Masonite.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?                                       

I moved to Topeka for a job that at first had me going to bed at 9pm and later working very late.  I never had time to make local friends.  I thought that the Guild would help broaden my horizon and have an outlet for my paintings.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?  

I have gifted Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Dr Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University and Eugene Williams, head of KTWU, with portraits as ‘bread upon the waters’, but, so far, no one has yet come to me wanting to commission a portrait.

 Most of my landscapes have been based on photos of the forests in central New York, with emphasis on plays of shadow and light.  My more recent Kansas works are much more brightly lit and always have jet trails in the skies that I keep in the abstract vein.  I still rely heavily on the use of rubber cement and masking fluid for sharp edges and protecting the white of the page.  My abstract sensibilities are always in play, no matter how realistic the images are.

A quote that you love is:

I’m Peter Pan! 

I’m perpetually young!!    

OW!! What’s wrong with my back?

Type of media you prefer:    

Watercolor; pencil; pen and ink

What got you interested in art?                               

Grade school; family members; friends

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?                                            

Jr. High School and High School art classes and watercolor lessons for

3 years, taught by Diane Lawrence in Berryton, Kansas

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?                                       

I had begun painting watercolors and wanted to participate in Topeka’s Arts culture.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?   

Since about 1999 or 2000.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?  

I paint and draw mostly for my own relaxation and enjoyment rather than for                   commercial purposes.              

A quote that you love is:

 ”Behold the turtle: He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out!”

 James Michener

Type of media you prefer:  

Oil, acrylic and pastel

What got you interested in art?  

I don’t remember a time when art was not a part of my life.   My dad, a commercial artist, always saw to it that paper and art supplies were available for me.  We would spend almost every Saturday morning drawing and my dad taught me so much about composition, color and design.   In sixth grade I took my first formal oil painting classes and have been painting ever since.

What training do you have in art?  

College courses, some required for my education degree and others as electives.  After my undergraduate degree I have enjoyed learning techniques acquired by private instruction and workshops.

 Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild? 

Kaye Abbott is a dear friend and she so enjoyed TAG and had so many positive comments about the opportunities that I decided to become a member.

How long have you been a member of the Guild? 

Since 2004

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be? 

 I want to devote more time to painting and have a 2009 Resolution of finishing 100 paintings

A quote that you love is:   The following yellowed newspaper clipping is taped to my studio easel: 

An Artist’s Prayer

Watercolor-drawing-knitting                  

What got you interested in art?

I started with a group of friends taking folk art lessons.   

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art? 

Informal  

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild? 

I took watercolor classes from Johanna Hanks and she told us about the art guild.  

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild? 

5 years  

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be? 

I always question myself as to why I do watercolors as I like control of things and that is not easy with watercolors.  

A quote(s) that you love is:

“The day is lost if no one has laughed.”

Type of media you prefer:  

I started my art in watercolor and now have added acrylic and metal leaf.

What got you interested in art?   

For many years I have wanted to take painting classes.  In my field of hairdressing, I was very interested in the mixing of hair color to get the desired results.  It is the same theory with watercolor or acrylic paint.

What training (formal or informal ) do you have in art? 

I have taken many classes offered by TAG and a drawing class at Allen Community.  In the fall of 2009, I will be enrolled in a Design class.  

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?  

I joined TAG at the suggestion of Johanna Hanks, my first watercolor teacher.  It has been interesting to meet many artists and learn about their choice of media.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?   

I joined TAG about 8 years ago.  Since then I have served on the Gallery Committee and currently serving on the Board of Directors.  I hope every member of TAG will serve on one or the other of these important groups.  It really lets you meet all of the members and learn about the true working of our Gallery.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?   

Art is the one thing that can allow me to totally lose track of time.  I’m often surprised to find that I have been painting two or three hours since looking at the clock.

A quote(s) that you love is: 

Leave it better than you found it.   “Surround yourself with people who respect and treat you well”,  Claudia Black.

thebrownrabbit.com

Type of media you prefer:

Watercolor/oil

What got you interested in art?

My first grade teacher, Ruth Rose, who told me I was an artist, and I believed her.

What training do you have in art?

One year of basic design, drawing, and painting from The University of Southern Mississippi and twenty- five years of workshops in various media.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?

For the camaraderie of fellow artists and to connect with local art opportunities.

How long have you been a member of the Guild?

Since Jan 2009.

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?

Over the years I’ve noticed that as long as I’m painting, or planning a painting, I easily see beautiful and fascinating things all around me wherever I go.  If I take a painting sabbatical, I begin to notice the debris alongside the road.  The lesson: Keep painting!  Also, I try to remind myself frequently that any small success I may enjoy is by the grace of God.

A quote that you love is:

“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.”

William James

www.wordsdelight.com 

Type of media you prefer:   

Digital Photography                

What got you interested in art?    

Others showing an interest in my photographs

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?   

None

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?   

To explore possibilities of learning about art, and to consider exhibiting.

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?   

Four Years

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?   

I like to demonstrate to others the things they often walk by.  Several people have said that I have ‘an eye’ for discovering what is special within an ordinary scene.

A quote(s) that you love is: 

“It takes 60 seconds to make an hour, but one smile can make a day.” 

R. O. Nelson

early 1970′s

www.lexowstudios.com

Type of media you prefer:

I mostly do gourd art, but I also paint (acrylics) and use pastels.  I used to do some 2-D glass, but haven’t in years. I am hoping to get back into it in the next 1-2 years as my youngest son goes into school.  I currently have my work in Taos Blue, in Taos, NM. 

What got you interested in art? 

I have always been interested in art.  As a kid, I always had “artist” on my list of “things to be when I grow up”.   My mother is very creative and was an art major too.  Some of her relatives were artists, so I guess it’s in my genes!  I got into gourd art about 5 years ago when I was pregnant with my youngest son, and needing back surgery at the same time.  (Which I DID have at 4 months pregnant) I couldn’t stand at an easel or sit or be in any one position for too long, so gourd art kept me creative. There are lots of steps to it, so I can easily stop and start projects.  Each gourd is different, so it’s always new.  I had always wanted to try gourd art, and I ended up loving it.  It is a little like doing ceramics, woodwork and basketry all in one.  I love the natural form, and usually keep my gourds kind of earthy.  I try to work with the shape of the gourd, the imperfections of the surface, etc. That is what makes each one so fun and unique.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art? 

I graduated from Baker University with a degree in Art History and a minor in Studio art.  I originally thought I would go on to get my masters in Art History and do some sort of museum or professional gallery work. After I graduated, I worked in the Bryon C Cohen gallery in KC for a year.   I have taken a few classes here and there since.

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild? 

I recently moved back to Topeka (I am from Topeka originally- THS grad), and before moving, we lived in Lansing, KS.  I was a member of the Leavenworth County Artists Association, and I kept busy as secretary, treasurer and I was on the show committee. I was ready to get into the art community here and get involved in some way. 

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?

About 2 months! (December 2008)

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?  

You never know what will interest me next. I love all forms of art, but right now I am most influenced by the Southwest, other cultures and maybe surprisingly, handmade jewelry.  Maybe most importantly, I want people to know that gourd art does not only have to be “crafty”, it can be fine art as well.  I think people still have a mindset that “gourd art” means Santa’s and snowmen, and that is definitely not the case anymore. There are some truly amazing things being done with gourds.   If you aren’t familiar with any gourd artists, start with Robert Rivera. I also have a link on my website to other gourd artists.

A quote that you love is: 

 ”Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History” 

“I decided that the only thing I could that was nobody else’s business was to paint. I could do I as I chose because no one would care.”

Georgia O’Keeffe

Design, Painting, Drawing, Fiber

What got you interested in art?   

Having Art in Grade School, Jr. High School, and High School, and growing up in Winfield, KS where they have one of the best Arts Councils in the state, it became almost a habit with me.

What training (formal or informal) do you have in art?   

As mentioned above and, BA from Southwestern College, Graduate Studies at Kansas State University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Marymount College, and Bethany in Lindsborg, KS,  Specialist Work  in Art Education/ Design / and Painting from Savannah, GA., Chicago Art Inst., Minneapolis School of Design,  Purdue University, and Northern Col. State University. (Fortunately nothing from Kansas University)

Why did you decide to join the Topeka Art Guild?   

Wanted to Support the Artist in Topeka

How long have you been a member of the Topeka Art Guild?   

6 years

If there’s one thing we should know about you or your art, what would it be?   

Always experimenting, never staying the same.

A quote(s) that you love is:

“Art is everywhere, and will always be.”

 Picasso