Portfolio | Artistic Excellence 2022: Meet the Finalists

What inspired this artwork? My granddaughter takes horse-riding lessons at a local riding stable. While she was there for a lesson, I kept myself occupied by wandering around the grounds. I spotted the saddles hanging on the stalls and thought that the various conditions and colors of the old worn saddles would make a great painting. The final result is a compilation of several reference photos I took that day.Where did you study art? I’ve enjoyed drawing and painting since I was a child, and I earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX. I work primarily in acrylic to express a variety of themes. My goal is to capture the reality in every detail; it’s the reality that is the beauty.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? As corny as it sounds, I find that I get the most enjoyment from watching people’s reactions to my paintings and seeing how happy they are when they take one home.Where do you live and work? I live and work in Arlington, TX. I retired from my career as a law enforcement officer in 2021, so I find that I’m now able to devote more time and energy to my painting.Where can collectors find your work? www.kerryadcockart.com.

What inspired this artwork? On the way to the trailhead for a backpacking trip with my kids and some friends, we stopped along the river to swim and jump off these rocks, long beloved by locals. The light was incredible that day, adding to the sense of magic.Where did you study art? I didn’t intend to become a professional artist, but while pursuing a degree in American Studies, I took every drawing course offered at the University of Minnesota, as well as some art history. Prior to that I exhausted my high school’s art program and did a year of independent study. My dad attended the Kansas City Art Institute, and I received a pretty solid education from him, which has been invaluable. After stumbling my way into watercolor a decade after college, I studied with Stan Miller for two years, which distinctly set me on a path toward a successful career.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Earning signature membership with the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society are highlights, as are my experiences as an eight-time artist-in-residence for the National Park Service. It’s not every day I get to wander the Alaskan wilderness or assist with a bison roundup, yet those are treasured memories that feed my studio work.Where do you live and work? I live and work in Coeur d’Alene, ID, surrounded by incredible forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains. My studio is in a downtown neighborhood, in a beautiful old-brick schoolhouse.Where can collectors find your work? Coeur d’Alene Galleries, Coeur d’Alene, ID; www.jessicabryant.com.

What inspired this artwork? This work is part of my child’s play series, which is inspired by toys and how children play with them. Each scene depicts how a child might play—and how that child is interrupted in play, leaving the toys behind. Many of the featured toys are reminders of my own childhood or family. My grandmother was a quilter, and the one included in the scene is a nod to her.Where did you study art? I’m primarily self-taught. My mother was an oil painter, and I painted with oils as a child. About a decade ago, I was inspired to paint in watercolor after my husband gifted me watercolor lessons for Christmas. Since then, I’ve taken several workshops with very talented artists throughout the country.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? My art career has taken twists and turns over the years. I’ve worked in many different types of media, and I’ve been successful at most of them. Achieving signature status with the National Watercolor Society has been a high point of my career. I’m now on the society’s board of directors, serving as the education director. I’m currently preparing to apply for signature status in the American Watercolor Society.Where do you live and work? I recently moved from northwest Missouri to Port Charlotte, FL.Where can collectors find your work? www.lanacease.com.

What inspired this artwork? My childhood summers were spent at my grandmother’s home in rural Nova Scotia, so I’m drawn to scenes with wild landscape. I usually include a live subject in every work, but FISHING is an exception. The title references the Belted Kingfisher out of view, watching for his dinner.Where did you study art? I’m self-taught. When I was 8 years old, I’d make paints from vegetables, berries, and other materials and mix them in my mother’s kitchen pots, which made her unhappy when it was time to cook. A few years later, schoolteachers bought me art supplies because they believed I showed artistic potential. My mom resisted because we’re Celtic and “cannae be beholden,” but she finally agreed to let me have the supplies if I promised never to use her pots again.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? When I was 14, my work was in an art show, and famed painter A.Y. Jackson was the guest. We became good friends over time. It was exciting when my work was juried into Ottawa’s Canadian Museum of Nature, and last year I had works tied for third and fourth place in the American Art Awards.Where do you live and work? I live in Brampton, Ontario, CA, and my public studio is at the Alton Mill Arts Centre.Where can collectors find your work? Alton Mill Arts Centre, Alton Village, Caledon, CA; Steve Wilson Studios & The Gallery, Niagara Falls, Ontario, CA; Gallery 35, Brampton, Ontario, CA; Xanadu Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ; www.lyndencowan.com.

What inspired this artwork? There are some old ranch buildings south of Monte Vista, CO, where four horses would congregate midday, two by two. It looked as though they were discussing their morning adventures.Where did you study art? Up until I took high school art, I was self-taught. At the University of Montana, where I earned my geology degree, I had three art courses, my favorite one a studio class given by Rudi Audio. During my teacher certification program at Regis University, I took an art history course with Sr. Lydia Pena. I learned the most working with Edward Aldrich. I took his wildlife art class and spent a year painting in a small group he organized. Since most of my paintings feature wildlife and western scenes, this was invaluable.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? When I lived in Great Falls, MT, I was a docent at the C.M. Russell Museum and was able to become immersed in Russell’s art environment. I’ve had many art “heroes” and was lucky enough to meet a few of them, including Stan Lynde, the “Rick O’Shay comic strip artist, who critiqued and wanted to buy one of my paintings.Where do you live and work? I live in Monte Vista and have an art studio in my home.Where can collectors find your work? Faemoon Wolf Designs, Monte Vista, CO; www.believingthebird.com/JoeHorvathArt.

What inspired this artwork? This painting is of a dead/downed Agave havardiana I came upon in the Davis Mountains of Fort Davis, TX. If you look at the leaves, you can almost see a woodgrain-like pattern. I suppose it’s somewhat like the wrinkles humans develop through the passage of time. Are the agave markings the marks of death—or of a life lived? I choose to believe it’s the latter. In a world where youth and beauty are venerated, I enjoy exploring the alternative view.Where did you study art? Though I exhibited artistic talent in high school and college, I pursued “practical” studies over the creative world. I was introduced to pastels about nine years ago, somewhat begrudgingly, and have partnered it with my love of botany. I’ve also honed my talents through workshops with nationally and internationally known pastel artists.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? From a heart perspective, my most memorable moments are those when a new collector finds my work—and I happen to be there. It’s truly humbling when those individuals return to add to their collection. From a recognition perspective, my work was acknowledged by the esteemed Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and was featured on the Wildflower Days poster in 2016. It was also a special moment when I achieved signature status with the Pastel Society of New Mexico.Where do you live and work? I live and work northwest of Austin, TX, near the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.Where can collectors find your work? Art Gallery Prudencia, San Antonio, TX; www.annalisaleal.com.

What inspired this artwork? I love an alliteration, and I wanted the title of this work to hint at the transitory nature of the brown pelican’s presence at the end of the pier. Similarly, spotting and photographing the magnificent bird was just a pause in a long day of birding. The challenge was to capture the patterned intricacy of the pelican’s feathers while also rendering an image that conveys the girth of the large bird. The soft, gradated background provides a contrast to the detailed structure and sturdiness of the pelican’s body and beak.Where did you study art? In my earlier days, I took workshops from artists whose work I admired, primarily training in colored-pencil work and pastels. I have no formal drawing training and no training whatsoever in the use of graphite. Rather, my training has been in literature, as well as business administration and accounting. I’m currently the chief financial officer for a credit union.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Highlights include achieving signature status with the Society of Animal Artists; Artists for Conservation; International Guild of Realism; The American Artists Professional League, Inc.; Texas & Neighbors Regional Art Exhibition; and Pastel Society of America. I’ve also achieved master pastelist status with the International Association of Pastel Societies. In addition, my work has been recognized in many exhibitions and competitions over the years.Where do you live and work? I’ve lived and worked in Huntsville, TX, since 2012.Where can collectors find your work? www.lindamoodart.com.

What inspired this artwork? The painting was born from my love of family, floral, fabric, and reflective surfaces. The background is a pattern from one of my husband’s shirts; I love the tribal patterns and complexity. I paired it with my mother and best friend’s favorite flowers. I designed images to include a chrome-reflective surface juxtaposed with a solid central vase.Where did you study art? In my 49-year career in radiology and ultrasound, I routinely view images in abstract, geometrical forms. The practice of dissecting images into minute fragments to form a bigger picture has had a major influence on my signature artistic style. As a self-taught artist, it’s a natural transition for me to create artwork that focuses on geometric shapes and details with bold contrasts. Throughout my career as a professional artist, I’ve been fortunate to learn from nationally and internationally renowned artists.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Over the 25+ years there have been highlights big and small, including earning signature status with the Pastel Society of America; seeing my artwork on a highway billboard; returning to my hometown and winning best in show as a Black female artist; appearing on television to talk about my art and encourage other artists to pursue their passion; and opening my storefront studio gallery in a Texas mall.Where do you live and work? I live and work in Frisco, TX.Where can collectors find your work? www.dragonflystudiocreations.com.

What inspired this artwork? I left the house before dawn on a cold morning in late November to reach a favorite place to watch the sun rise over Seattle. I knew that from this vantage, Mt. Rainier appears in the distance, and the Space Needle is prominent against the skyline—when the weather cooperates. As luck would have it, the sunrise was amazing. I waited for just the right moment and took several reference photos, and the painting took shape in my studio. The colors are muted, and there’s not a lot of detail visible in the distant buildings—all the better to focus attention on the Space Needle, the city’s iconic symbol.Where did you study art? As a painter, I’m self-taught. I credit the many wonderful books by artist authors such as Kathleen Lochen Staiger, Gregg Kreutz, Juliette Aristides, and Virgil Elliott for getting me started and helping me along the way, as well as the great art publications I’ve always relied on.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? The highlight is when I watch someone viewing a painting of mine for the first time, and I know that somehow it makes a connection with them. The feeling that I’ve created a visual piece that affects another person’s thoughts, memories, and emotions makes it all worthwhile.Where do you live and work? I live and work in Snohomish, WA, which is located about 30 minutes northeast of Seattle.Where can collectors find your work? www.danielmcgintyart.com.

What inspired this artwork? This piece is of a family of crows that lives nearby. I’ve listened to these birds and have observed their interactions for years. They play, talk, mate for life, and raise their young together. They’re beautiful and intelligent. Occasionally, they all seem to take flight at once—maybe, it seems, just to enjoy the moment, the freedom of soaring through the clouds.Where did you study art? I have a strong background in fine arts and have been in pursuit of constant improvement and refinement since I was very young. I attended Alfred University for fine art and Mercy College and Pace University for graphic design and illustration. I’m an instructor 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 further and helping me to maintain a fresh outlook on this creative life.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I consider myself extremely fortunate because every day I get to do what I love. I’ve won awards and have been published many times, but it’s the act of creating art that keeps me so excited about my career choice. I hope that when people see my work, they feel the passion I have for the subject matter.Where do you live and work? I currently reside on Cape Cod, MA, where the ocean and light are a daily inspiration.Where can collectors find your work? Woodruff’s Art Center/Rice Gallery, Mashpee Commons, MA; Warehouse Art Gallery, Luray, VA; www.odellfergusonstudios.com.

What inspired this artwork? I spend two weeks in Maine every summer and enjoy being near the wharfs, which are real working wharfs. I love creating figures being active in everyday scenes. I was drawn to the movement of the man in red and the way the other man was holding his cap. There was a nice camaraderie between them and a purpose to what they were doing. I sometimes want to thank a person for wearing red just because I like how the sun captures it. Working with light and shadow always inspires me.Where did you study art? I studied art as an undergraduate at Cornell University’s Department of Art, Architecture, and Planning. A few years later, I returned to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to study illustration.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I have been fortunate to have a few highlights, including when I was awarded master pastelist status in the Pastel Society of America and then recently when I was awarded eminent pastelist status in the International Association of Pastel Societies. I was extremely honored to achieve signature status in the American Impressionist Society and pretty blown away when I achieved signature status in the Oil Painters of America, which took me about 15 years!Where do you live and work? I live and work in Vermont, but I teach workshops throughout the country and in Europe.Where can collectors find your work? Camden Falls Gallery, Camden, ME; Blue Heron Gallery, Wellfleet, MA; Mackinac’s Little Gallery, Mackinac Island, MI; www.alineordman.com. I blog at www.alineordmanartwork.blogspot.com.

What inspired this artwork? MORNING LIGHT was inspired by the mare’s protective stance as she wrapped her body around her foal while I was taking photos of them early one morning. She was keeping a close eye on me as her baby watched cautiously, pressed against her. They were standing in front of dark foliage as the soft morning light washed over them. It was picture-perfect, and I just had to draw the scene. I chose the square, closely cropped format to emphasize the drama of the lighting and the intimacy of the subjects.Where did you study art? I studied illustration at Utah State University many years ago, but I received much of my education by taking workshops from several acclaimed artists. My drawing technique is self-taught, developed over the years from studying masters and their methods.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Some of the highlights have been being accepted into national shows that I’ve long admired and being chosen as a winner or finalist in them. Another highlight is being juried to study with two very well-known artists. The lessons I learned from them have greatly helped me improve my work.Where do you live and work? I live and work from a home studio in a little town called Paradise, in Cache Valley, UT.Where can collectors find your work? www.annetterandall.com.

What inspired this artwork? This vine charcoal on drawing paper was inspired by the passing of legendary American realist painter Richard Schmid. He was one of the most influential and respected masters in the realism art world. Although I never met him, I have learned from his art books since I was a student in my teens. They’ve urged me to put greater effort into capturing fleeting human expressions and to aim for more precise composition in figurative portraits. This drawing is a humble tribute for all the inspiration he has provided me throughout my artistic journey.Where did you study art? I studied art in the illustration department at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? Vine charcoal portrait drawings of author Virginia Woolf and mathematician Emmy Noether were commissioned and featured on a March 2020 cover of TIME magazine as part of its “100 Women of the Year” recognition. The vine charcoal portrait of my dad won two awards—first place in the drawing category and the People’s Choice Award—in the Portrait Society of America’s International Portrait Competition in May 2021, chosen from a field of 2,660 entries. My first educational step-by-step DVD, “Portrait Drawing Simplified,” was released in April 2022. And I recently earned signature status from the Portrait Society of America for consistent achievements of artistic excellence in the field of fine art portraiture.Where do you live and work? I’ve been based in San Francisco since 1990 and have been teaching at the Academy of Art University since 2001.Where can collectors find your work? Instagram: @oliversin.

What inspired this artwork? I like to observe and extract the beauty I see in common subjects, and I’m inspired by the people and places I encounter in day-to-day life. My goal is to try to re-create everyday moments through my art.Where did you study art? I showed an interest in the arts at a young age, so my parents sent me to study drawing, watercolor, and Chinese brush painting when we lived in Taiwan. After moving to California as a young adult, I put my art on hold to pursue a career in the corporate world. I eventually returned to painting and the pursuit of becoming a fine artist. I attended local art classes and enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. I also studied under master artists Huihan Liu, Jove Wang, and Jim McVicker.What have been some of the highlights of your art career? I’ve earned signature status in both the American Impressionist Society and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association. Recent recognitions include the Best Composition Award in the National Oil & Acrylic Painters’ Society 2021 Best of America exhibition; an honorable mention award in the Oil Painters of America’s Spring 2021 online exhibition; and the Best Small Work Award in the Academy of Art University annual spring show.Where do you live and work? I live and work in Cupertino, CA.Where can collectors find your work? www.ranwuart.com.

This story appeared in the December 2022/January 2023 issue of Southwest Art magazine.

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