Portfolio | Artistic Excellence 2021: Meet the Finalists

What inspired this artwork? The artwork was a commission for the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Committee to memorialize the Seminole oil boom of the 1920s. This is my 48th painting in the Oklahoma State Capitol Art Collection. To paint it, I began by studying historical photos and news stories. I also visited the area to take photos and paint quick studies. After many rough compositional sketches, I created a smaller oil study before tackling the final large canvas.Where did you study art? I attended the University of Oklahoma to study art and was soon allowed to apprentice with Don Ivan Punchatz in his SketchPad Studio in Arlington, TX, while completing my BFA.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I have been lucky enough to create work for some of America’s largest companies, including 300-plus book covers as well as packaging and advertising work. I have paintings as part of the permanent collections of major corporations as well as the Science Museum Oklahoma and the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. I have painted numerous portraits of college and university presidents, plus portraits of executives and donors for organizations across the country.Where do you live and work? I currently reside in Savannah, GA, with my wife, Jime, where we maintain our studios and also serve as professors at the Savannah College of Art and Design.Where can collectors find your work? I am represented by Portrait Associates in Raleigh, NC, for portrait commissions; my websites are www.mikewimmer.com, www.mikewimmerportraits.com, and www.wimmerswoods.com.

What inspired this artwork? As the garden blossomed this summer, I fell in love with these vibrant roses. In the tall silver vase, they reminded me of the exuberant burst of a fireworks display. As I painted, I started to think about the juxtaposition of the elegant vase and bowl with the earthy beauty of the roses. I emphasized this contrast with rustic garden pots and twine on the left side of the composition, and a satin ribbon curled inside the silver bowl on the right. The more I paint, the more I see the beauty of contrasts, both in art and in life.Where did you study art? I have been painting in oil since I was very young. After my first child was born, I decided to take up serious study with recognized masters of representational painting, including Anthony Ryder, Douglas Flynt, Andrew Ameral, Daniel Graves, and William Maughan at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I won first place in oil in the first regional juried art competition that I entered. I’ve also been a finalist in the Portrait Society of America’s Members Only Competition, and a semifinalist in the Art Renewal Center’s 15th Salon.Where do you live and work? After keeping a studio space downtown for years, I now have a large studio in my home in San Mateo, CA.Where can collectors find your work? Reinert Fine Art, Charleston, SC; www.lsandrews.com.

What inspired this artwork? Living in Montana for almost three years now, I have been drawn to painting the wildlife here. I wanted to add a contemporary flair to contrast with the realism of the elk’s face and antlers. I experimented with loose brush strokes and splattering against the dark background, which has led to an exhilarating new series. Originally this piece was for my husband, who is a hunter, but he thought it was so amazing that I should sell it and enter it into competitions.Where did you study art? I graduated from Clemson University with a BFA in 2013. They have a wonderful, intimate art program.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I was selected for Southwest Art’s 21 Under 31 feature in 2019; asked by Clemson University to paint for the cover of alumni notebooks in 2020; and accepted into my first Oil Painters of America regional show in 2021. This year I met my goal of becoming a full-time artist by age 30.Where do you live and work? I live in Bozeman, MT, and I love exploring this beautiful state with my husband and dogs, and painting in my pajamas in my home studio.Where can collectors find your work? The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, MT; www.ambersampsonart.com.

What inspired this artwork? SUMMER BERRIES was inspired by memories of picking blackberries in summers past. I enjoy using everyday objects as well as vintage pieces that have been worn by time.Where did you study art? I have studied with various artists over the years, taking lessons from those whose work I most admire. After spending years as a still-life photographer studying composition, it seemed to be a natural progression into painting the studio setups.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Meeting so many wonderful people—instructors, fellow artists, and clients—and learning about who they are, where they live, what they teach, and how they work. That has been a great experience. I am a lifelong learner and am always seeking to learn and know more.Where do you live and work? I live in Granite Bay, CA, near Sacramento. We have landed in a wonderful spot between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, not far from Napa. I work in Granite Bay, as well as from a smaller studio at a cabin on Donner Lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains.Where can collectors find your work? www.karenburnsfineart.com.

What inspired this artwork? Charmed by a pair of clever donkeys, I did a few paintings of them, and then even more because I discovered I was happy as I painted them. All my donkey paintings are of actual individuals. It’s my obsession to capture their personalities. The donkey in this painting is Gus, a rescue who is now living a wonderful life on a beautiful farm with two other rescues. He’s a real charmer.Where did you study art? I have studied at the Silvermine Arts Center, Rhode Island School of Design, and with private instructors. I am very fortunate to have found wonderful teachers and mentors to support me throughout my journey.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Recently I finished Hoof Beats, a series of large, equine-themed abstracts on canvas. At the first gallery I walked into to show these works, the gallery owner offered me a solo show on the spot. It was a thrill to have my artistic endeavors professionally acknowledged. Years in the making, these paintings use a unique artistic perspective to evoke vast open country conquered by the commanding energy of horses.Where do you live and work? I live on the coast in Westport, MA, which means I also paint salt marshes.Where can collectors find your work? www.nancywhitin.com.

What inspired this artwork? I was inspired to paint the Grand Tetons because it is one of the most exciting places to be at any time of the year. My wife and I have enjoyed camping there for many years.Where did you study art? I am a graduate of Art Center College of Design and began my career as an architectural illustrator. After marrying my wife, Betty, we spent a year traveling in Europe in a VW camper, and that changed the direction of my career; I began painting the Alps and the Italian and Spanish fishing villages. Another shift happened when we began traveling to rodeos and Indian reservations in the American West.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Creating two 10-by-8-foot oil paintings depicting the history of San Bernardino, CA, which hang in the rotunda of the San Bernardino County building. Being the featured artist for the San Bernardino County Museum, the Gilman Ranch Museum, and the California Mid-State Fair, and one of four featured artists for the Los Angeles County Fair.Where do you live and work? My larger studio is in Lake Arrowhead, CA, where I can paint elephant-size watercolors; my smaller studio is in Burbank, CA. My favorite outdoor studio—our 24-foot RV—allows us to camp and paint on location.Where can collectors find your work? Laguna Plein Air Artists Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA; California Art Club Gallery at the Old Mill, San Marino, CA; www.cliffbarnesart.com.

What inspired this artwork? My mom and my son Jordan and I arrived at this amazing spot in the golden slanting light at the end of a perfect day in Yellowstone. We had this corner of the park all to ourselves. The colorful rocks were visible through the light dancing on the crystal-clear water. I wanted to preserve that feeling of timelessness and solitude.Where did you study art? I went to college to study glassblowing and later had painting workshops with great artists like Steven Walker, Peter Fiore, Stephen Fox, and Dave Santillanes.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Having my work purchased by the Coors family at The Russell sale and auction, having work in the National Wildlife Art Museum, being invited to have work in the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction, and my upcoming show at the Hockaday Museum in Kalispell, MT.Where do you live and work? My studio is the dining room of my 1890 Victorian home in west-central Ohio.Where can collectors find your work? Howard/Mandville Gallery, Woodinville, WA; Mary Williams Fine Arts, Boulder, CO; Going to the Sun Gallery, Whitefish, MT; Art at the Mill, Millwood, VA; Lee Dellinger Fine Art, Statesville, NC; www.danknepperart.com.

What inspired this artwork? SINGER is part of a body of work called Nostalgia, in which I combine antique objects with background patterns and color schemes that translate the mood of a certain time period. In my search for objects to paint for this series, I came across the 1915s sewing machine at my parents’ home. Besides its beautiful aesthetics, it also has a deeper personal meaning—it was owned by my beloved great-grandmother, and it also relates to my history as a fashion and costume designer before I became an artist.Where did you study art? I recently received my MFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. However, my first oil-painting experiences were in 2017 in New York City, where I took short summer classes at the School of Visual Arts and the Art Students League of New York. After that I continued my studies at Atelier Chiaroscuro, in Rio de Janeiro, for a short period before I moved to California.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Over the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to participate in group shows at galleries in California, and I am now represented by two galleries. My work has also been featured in Juxtapoz, Vanity Fair UK, and Artists Magazine.Where do you live and work? I currently live and work in San Francisco.Where can collectors find your work? Chloe Gallery, San Francisco, CA; Ella Walton Richardson Fine Art, Charleston, SC; www.luizamaiaart.com.

What inspired this artwork? In this painting I was inspired by feelings of sadness, melancholy, and isolation. I was also inspired by my model and friend Elise.Where did you study art? I have studied art at the Cleveland Institute of Art in Ohio, at the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, with the SmArt School online art mentorship program, and in a variety of workshops.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I was included in an edition of the juried New American Paintings publication, and I have published a painted graphic novel. I have had solo shows in Birmingham, AL, and Memphis, TN. I have participated in the recurring Red Clay Survey juried exhibition at the Huntsville Museum of Art in Huntsville, AL; the annual Delta Exhibition at the Arkansas Art Center in Little Rock, AR; and a group show at Plus One Gallery in London, England.Where do you live and work? I live and work in Springdale, a city located in the northwestern corner of Arkansas, deep in the Ozark Mountains.Where can collectors find your work? www.abshaw.com and www.adamshawart.com.

What inspired this artwork? This line of eucalyptus trees above La Jolla Shores near San Diego had the most beautiful glowing, soft colors in the gray morning light, a subject perfectly suited for watercolors. The coastal wind had sculpted them into graceful, unique individuals. When I painted them, I was also thinking of the watercolors of early California painter Marion Wachtel, who painted some of the most beautiful tree paintings I have ever seen.Where did you study art? I have a BFA from the University of Connecticut in graphic design with a minor in art history. After a design career, I began to paint seriously in watercolor after studying with the noted watercolor artist William Ternes.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Discovering a love of plein-air painting during New England summers, and then being able to paint outside year round in California. Earning signature status in the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, California Watercolor Association, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and American Impressionist Society. And, because I lived next to Mount Diablo in Northern California, I was able to document the ecosystem’s recovery after the fire of 2015 with a series of 12 paintings. The function of landscape artist as witness and recorder of the changing climate is a great responsibility that motivates me to get out there and paint.Where do you live and work? Northern coastal San Diego County.Where can collectors find your work? Fairmont Gallery, Sonoma, CA; American Legacy Fine Arts, Pasadena, CA; www.robinpurcellpaints.blogspot.com.

What inspired this artwork? My husband was born on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and every year we return to visit and take in the beauty and diversity of the coast. One of my favorite things to watch and study is the bald eagle. I watched this particular eagle take its salmon to a high perch in hopes of eating it in solitude. It spent its time warding off crows who were eager to share the meal. I love the protective look I was able to capture here. I can almost hear the eagle shouting, “It’s mine!”Where did you study art? I am a self-taught artist.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? In 2013 Robert Bateman invited me to be a part of his Masters Seminar, which was a thrill because he was a huge inspiration to me when I first began to paint. In 2016 I was a National Portfolio Artist for Ducks Unlimited; I have shown in New York at the Amsterdam Whitney Gallery; and I am a signature artist with Artists For Conservation, which has allowed me to show with some of the world’s finest wildlife artists in venues around the world.Where do you live and work? I live and have my studio on a farm in central Alberta, Canada, about an hour northwest of Edmonton.Where can collectors find your work? Gossamer Gallery, Wabamun, AB, Canada; www.tammytaylor.ca.

What inspired this artwork? This piece was inspired by my love of and interest in crows and ravens. They have intrigued me since childhood. It is because of their obvious intelligence and curiosity that I keep returning to them, painting and drawing them again and again in an attempt to capture their behavior.Where did you study art? I attended Alfred University for fine arts, then Mercy College and Pace University for graphic design and illustration. I am an instructor myself now, leading workshops and teaching privately. Most of the time, I feel that the students who come into my life are actually teaching me, pushing me even further, and helping me to maintain a fresh outlook on this creative life.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? My work is shown locally, nationally, and internationally. I have received many recognitions and awards, which is a wonderful thing. But the most important part of my career is that my art has allowed me to connect with people on a level that cannot be explained with words.Where do you live and work? I currently reside on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where the ocean and light is a daily inspiration. I also love spending time with my family in Luray, VA, in the mountains and fresh air.Where can collectors find your work? Woodruff’s Art Center, Mashpee, MA; Black Crow Gallery, East Sandwich, MA; Warehouse Art Gallery, Luray, VA; www.odellfergusonstudios.com.

What inspired this artwork? My intention is to merge my love of the western lifestyle and my love of still-life paintings. I have a fondness for what my grandmother would have called weeds—I often use bull thistle, cactus, and dandelions as models. My weathered plank shelf is from our corral. It was probably part of a fence long before I was born.Where did you study art? My degrees are in architecture from Louisiana Tech University, which included many hours of art. The art teachers in the architecture department were amazing.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I have won awards or been a finalist in many competitions, such as those held by Artists Magazine, International Artist Magazine, Richeson 75, Paint America, and the Colored Pencil Society of America, as well as in the Bosque Art Classic annual exhibition. I’m a signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, Colored Pencil Society of America Explore This!, American Plains Artists, and American Women Artists.Where do you live and work? I live on our family’s working cattle ranch in northeastern Wyoming, on the edge of the Black Hills. It was my first home as a newborn, and I drew my first pictures here as a small child.Where can collectors find your work? www.eileennistler.com.

What inspired this artwork? My favorite subjects all have something to do with coastal environments. My current series is shorebirds, and I love to paint seagulls in particular. They are very entertaining, and if you look at them long enough you can see each bird reveal a distinct personality. My paintings of seagulls bring the relaxed and happy attitude of the beach into the home.Where did you study art? I first began to study art as a child, and I continue to take classes and workshops at every opportunity to increase my knowledge. I also teach, both in my studio and at workshops around the country and abroad. In addition to watercolor, I also teach and work in oils, acrylics, and other media.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Being juried into the U.S. Coast Guard Art Program more than 20 years ago. I am occasionally invited to accompany USCG units on specific missions so that I can shoot reference photos and gather the information I need to create paintings for this important national collection. I’m also proud of having earned signature status in 22 artists’ societies.Where do you live and work? I currently live in southeastern Pennsylvania, just minutes away from the homes and studios of the Wyeths. My husband works for the National Park Service, and we move around quite a bit, but we always live in or near a national park.Where can collectors find your work? www.anniestrackart.com.

What inspired this artwork? This work was inspired by my love of children and horses. The little cowboy actually did fall asleep on his horse while waiting for his turn in the ring—it really tugged at the heartstrings!Where did you study art? I am a self-taught artist who started with whatever drawing tool was available at around the age of 3. After years of trial and error I have found my comfort zone in style, technique, and medium.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? A few that stand out are winning the first Mary Pratt Award from the Society of Canadian Artists and a gold medal at the Mondial Art Academia’s International Competition, having two pieces as finalists in the Art Renewal Center competition, and winning awards from the National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society and the International Guild of Realism. The icing on the cake was seeing my painting on the cover of The Best of Acrylic presented by Artists Magazine.Where do you live and work? I live on 100 acres on the Canadian side of the Rainy River, which divides Minnesota and northwestern Ontario. My studio sits on top of a hill looking down at the land and water. Seeing eagles, herons, bears, wolves, foxes, racoons, and other beautiful creatures meandering through is a daily experience. The setting evokes much motivation for my artistic endeavors.Where can collectors find your work? www.artbycher.ca.

What inspired this artwork? This is a painting of my dear, departed dog Atticus. He was a rebellious young scamp who would steal your chair the moment you got up from it. He passed away unexpectedly right when the pandemic hit. I painted this from a photo for myself, but once I posted it online, it picked up so much attention. It was juried into national exhibitions, and fellow dog lovers reached out for painting lessons or commissions. In a way he is still part of my life.Where did you study art? Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio, where I majored in illustration, but most of my painting skills have come through workshops and constant practice.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Reaching signature status with Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, and National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society made me feel like I hit the trifecta. But my favorite highlight was winning the Quinquagenary Grand Prize in painting at the Swope Art Museum’s 73rd Annual Wabash Valley Exhibition, and having the painting purchased by the museum. It was like knowing I have left a mark.Where do you live and work? La Grange Park, IL, a western suburb of Chicago. I also have a cottage in Michigan I enjoy visiting.Where can collectors find your work? Wilde Meyer Gallery, Scottsdale and Tucson, AZ; Dutch Art Gallery, Dallas, TX; Mackinac’s Little Gallery, Mackinac Island, MI; Dana Gallery, Missoula, MT; ÀrtEmy Art Gallery, Alassio, Italy; www.jamesswansonfineart.com.

What inspired this artwork? This artwork was inspired by the sheer beauty and mystery of this young woman. She was working at a local eatery that my husband and I visited. I was so grateful that she agreed to come model for me. She brought along two beautiful saris, one red and one blue, and her sister, who is a professional sari wrapper.Where did you study art? I have taken workshops with some of the greatest figurative artists working today at Scottsdale Artists School, Studio Incamminati, The Ryder Studio, and the Coppini Academy. Hours and hours of practice have made the most impact.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Studying with incredible artists—Oliver Sin, Max Ginsburg, Robert Liberace, Anthony Ryder, Josh LaRock, and Casey Baugh—is always a highlight for me. Being able to paint the dancers of the Houston Ballet was a definite highlight. Two Awards of Excellence at the Oil Painters of America national and regional exhibitions were huge honors for me, as was being juried into the Art Renewal Center International Salon for the past three years. I’m a signature member of Oil Painters of America, National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society, and American Women Artists.Where do you live and work? I live in Sugar Land, TX, and work in the greater Houston area.Where can collectors find your work? Lost Creek Gallery, Calvert, TX; www.robinwilliamsonfineart.com.

What inspired this artwork? My first inspiration for THE THIEVES was the compositional idea of having the action in the top third of the painting. Also, I’m a fan of narrative art, and I wanted to consider thieves as a timeless subset of humanity. I also considered theft being carried out by every demographic of society, including the common characters depicted as well as governments, politicians, and the wealthy. I found that there was a lot to think about.Where did you study art? I studied art in high school, for a year and a half in college, and in three classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York City under Marvin Mattelson in my middle age.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I’m living my greatest highlight right now by finding my artistic voice later in life, having spent my earlier life struggling emotionally with it. Since then, I’ve worked harder every year. I’ve also won awards that I take pride in. And I’ve had large solo exhibits in the southwestern United States.Where do you live and work? I live in Tucson, AZ. My studio is in an outbuilding in the back of our property.Where can collectors find your work? www.georgestrasburger.com.

This story appeared in the December 2021/January 2022 issue of Southwest Art magazine.

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