Chantal Bourque

Bloom

(acrylic)

 

 

Chantal Bourque - Bloom

(acrylic)

30'' x 40''

chantalbourque.com

Statement:

I believe that each tree has its own identity, its own story. Through my paintings, I convey a moment in their lives when they caught my eye, a unique moment that pays tribute to them. In each of my works, which I affectionately call my tree portraits, I integrate small pieces of real bark. They are a tangible reminder of the precious and fragile co-presence between man and nature. My artistic work is a combination of passion and patience. In this creative process, I always try to give the best of myself in order to communicate my vision as faithfully as possible. The beauty that emanates from a tree and its environment is at the heart of my art. I invite the viewer to see trees from a different angle, to see the story behind each one. I create links between people and trees, I give birth to stories between them and the forest. I like to think that I'm able to convey to the viewer the emotional balance I feel when creating my paintings. Ultimately, I hope to raise awareness of the great beauty of the trees and forests around us, which can bring us both physical and psychological benefits.

 

 

 

 

Timothy Martin

Pear Tree Piano

(gouache)

Timothy Martin - Pear Tree Piano

(gouache)

36'' x 40''

timothymartin.com

Statement:

Timothy Martin is a classically trained painter who first gained recognition when he was selected by Tiffany & Company to display artwork in its Manhattan flagship on Fifth Avenue. Since that time Martin’s renown has spread internationally with the publication of dozens of reproductions of his charming work, as well as exhibitions from New York to Paris. He has been commissioned by private collectors as well as Hermés (Paris) and Steinway & Sons (New York). "My interpretation of objects out of flowers, plants and animals is perfectly natural, no pun intended! After all, nature is often the inspiration for design: a cabriole leg has the bend of the branch, wicker is mindful of ferns. Consider the camelback couch and the claw-footed table. A grand piano is wonderfully evocative: the keyboard puts me in mind of a waterfall splashing onto the piano bench and the open lid may be the spread of a peacock’s plumage. I’d like people who see my work to recognize that ‘the world is our living room.’ I don't wish to lecture, but sometimes I'll use a touch of humor or whimsicality, or an interesting juxtaposition of flora and fauna to have the viewer come away with the idea that our environment is wondrous and worthy of respect. I’m gratified people react well to my work. Many of those who are familiar with it have chosen a favorite. Because painting is such a solitary pursuit, I like to think I’m working on someone’s favorite right now."

 

 

 

 

Nathalie Beck

Playing with Light

(colored pencil)

Nathalie Beck - Playing with Light

(colored pencil)

15'' x 11''

nathaliebeck.com

Statement:

Nathalie Beck was born in Norway and at the age of three, her artistic talent was discovered by her grandmother. She started drawing then, and it was no looking back. Nathalie dedicated her childhood and teenage years to her art training and early start at her career. As a child and teenage artist, her favorite medium was clay and she did sculpture first and foremost. However, colored pencil drawing, oil paint, and pastel were also huge favorites. Nathalie started selling her work in her teens and did portrait commissions (colored pencil). At 17, she had a show in Norway with her sculpture teacher. Around that time is when she had to give up sculpture due to juvenile arthritis (painting and drawing became number one focus). At 18, she had the opportunity to travel, and lived for short periods in Italy, Spain, France and England, before within that year, moved to the US. She studied with prominent artists on the East Coast. Due medical reasons, she had to move to California. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Laguna College of Art and Design in Laguna Beach, CA. Nathalie’s artistic focus over the years has been oil painting and colored pencil drawings, subject matter portraits, animals, nature, still lifespans florals. Florals were also part of her favorite subjects to draw and paint growing up too. She has participated in various juried shows and won many awards. Her work has also been published in books and magazines. Artist’s Statement: I chose to enter the two pieces Playing with Light and Standing Together as they represent my enjoyment of working in my special colored pencil technique. In both pieces I chose the colors and harmony that I find so soothing in nature.