A.R.T. Artist in Richeson 75 Figure/Portrait 2012 International Competition

"Sojourners" 

watercolor © Judy Thompson

Even though the studio tour part of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip is behind us this year, the artists of the Artisans Road Trip work through the year with A.R.T. as a group, doing exhibits and meeting to work on activities for the coming year.  Another part of being a participant in the organization is being showcased in our blog, letting everyone know what our artists are up to "throughout" the year. Here we learn about 2012 Artisans Road Trip artist Judy Thompson and her participation and acceptance in a recent competition.  

Watercolor artist, Judy Thompson, had the honor of taking part in the Richeson 75 Figure/Portrait 2012 International Competition.  Her figurative piece, Sojourners is one of 75 pieces of art which was selected from several hundred entries, including entries from four continents in a variety of mediums.

Jack Richeson& Co. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality art materials. As part of their mission to support the visual arts community, the Richeson School of Art & Gallery and the Richeson75 International Art Competitions were created. The Richeson75 Competitions are meant to offer a venue in which established and emerging artists may show their latest, best work to a wide and appreciative audience.

You can see Judy’s work and the complete exhibition online at Richeson 75 Portraits.

Be sure and check back again for more about the artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip - throughout the year!

Thank You!!!

Its been nearly 2 weeks now since the 2012 Artisans Road Trip weekend.  It was a beautiful, albeit crisp and breezy weekend, and 2012 Artisans Road Trip participants got to meet many new "gallery goers" as well as some familiar friends - it is so neat to meet everyone, whether or not for the first time, with a handshake and a greeting :)

 

Thank you everyone who stopped at the studios, galleries and workspaces.  We hope you had a chance to enjoy some fun "road tripping".  And thank you to everyone who came, fell in love with some works on our walls, and gave them a good home, this is more gratifying than we can adequately express...thank you so much.

 

We hope to see or hear from you again through the season, as we dig out of the framing work, jobs in progress and new commissions ahead.  Have a grand autumn and watch for more ahead - for the 2013 Artisans Road Trip!

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip is Finally Here!!!

Artwork shown (left to right)

© Karess Knudtson, Anita (Katie) Baedke-Plucker and Judy Hemphill

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip is finally here this weekend!!!  This is the 9th year of this NW Iowa "Studio Tour", and as far as the autumn color is concerned here - one of the prettiest in memory!

 Artwork shown (left to right)

© Perry Polson, Joleen Dentlinger and Timothy J. Arand-McIlrath

It sounds like fall weather is actually going to be here on Saturday and Sunday, so wear your sweater and enjoy the crisp air! Take in all the studios you can and enjoy this weekend!

Artwork shown (left to right)

© Danielle Clouse, Bruce Morrison and Beth Cathcart

The Artisans Road Trip hours this Saturday October 6th and Sunday October 7th are - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  There are four main routes, so the choices are great!  Find maps online for the Road Trip, and see all the artists participating, and directions to their studios - on line at http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/

Hope to see you this weekend!!!

Event Exhibit at Arts on Grand!

 Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Mel Myers, Holly Kellogg and Glenda Drennen

The 2012 Artisans Road Trip event is nearing!  And to get ready for this year's A.R.T. is a "sneak preview" if-you-will; a traditional Artisans Road Trip exhibit at Arts on Grand in Spencer, Iowa!

Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Bill Lieb, Judy Thompson, and Wendell King

This exhibit will give you a preview of what is in store for you as you venture out to take in that crisp fall air and warm sunshine on the studio tour that has become a region tradition!  See what your favorite artists have been up to this year, and even check out some new venues!  

 Artwork shown (left to right) 

© Barb McGee, Martha Thien, and Hank Hall

The Artisans Road Trip exhibit at Arts on Grand opens Tuesday night, September 25th, with an artists reception.  This reception, from 5 - 7 p.m.,  is held in conjunction with Business After Hours. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.  The exhibit runs from September 25 through October 27.

Artisans Road Trip will be held October 6 & 7, 2012. Maps are available at Arts on Grand. Also, find maps and more at www.artisansroadtrip.com 

 
 This exhibit is sponsored by: State Bank

2012 A.R.T. Dykema - Works of Giverny

"The Bridge"

22X30" - oil on paper 

© Dennis Dykema

2012 Artisans Road Trip artist Dennis Dykema has recently been working on a body of work since returning from a trip this past spring in France.  Seen here are a few examples of paintings inspired by Monet's gardens at Giverny.

"A Visit to Giverny No.3"

22X30" - oil on paper 

© Dennis Dykema

Dykema's artist statement - "I’ve been fascinated with the landscape for a long time and have come to recognize it as the most prevailing aspect of my environment. In recent years I have begun to explore the landscape subject as it is affected by changing conditions of light and shadow. At the time of day when these are most evident the subtle interplay of texture and surface, intersect with compositional structure of the subject to make, in my mind at least, a complete experience.

"A Visit to Giverny No.1"

22X30" - oil on paper 

© Dennis Dykema

Since my move to Spirit Lake I have discovered that the vast prairie and wetland area comprising the watershed for the Iowa Great Lakes is a rich subject resource for my recent work. While inspiration for my paintings comes from the landscape I continually explore the interpretation of the subject along a continuum from representation to abstraction. I have found that the most inconsequential scene can be a springboard to several generations of paintings, and it is my objective that the works will ultimately stand independent of the subject origin." 

You can see Dennis Dykema's work during the artisans 2012 Road Trip coming soon!  October 6 and 7, 2012!  Visit the web site for more information - http://www.artisansroadtrip.com/

Thank you for visiting - check back again for more of the artists of the 2012 A.R.T.

A.R.T. Artsit Judy Hemphill and the Clay County Fair!

 photography ©Judy Hemphill

Artisans Road Trip artists continue to exhibit their work in a variety of venues.  The 2012 Clay County Fair Museum will feature a sampling of photographs made by 2012 A.R.T. member Judy Hemphill of Spencer.  She has been documenting "The World's Greatest" since a self-assignment in 1995.  A collage of images from that edition of the fair launched Hemphill's free-lance photography career. Two of her submissions to the International Association of Fairs and Expositions have earned Best Agricultural Photograph awards. Last year her images placed in three categories of the IAFE competition.

photograph ©Judy Hemphill

 

Hemphill says, "I love the fair. I hope my images reflect the pride all involved take in doing their best to ensure the Clay County Fair is 'The World's Greatest.' "  In keeping with this year's theme "Discover the Greatest," the public is invited to discover some of Hemphill's favorite fair photographs in the Fair Museum located under the Grandstand.  The Museum and exhibit will be open Saturday, September 8, through Sunday, Sept. 16, during regular fair exhibit hours.

 

Yes the Clay County Fair is fast approaching, but then so is the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!  Thank you for visiting the 2012 A.R.T. Blog and be sure and stop back for more!!!

 

2012 A.R.T. Artist Danielle Clouse!

"Landlines" oil on canvas - 30X40" 

© Danielle Clouse

Originally from Ruthven, Iowa, Danielle Clouse received her Associate of Arts Degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in May of 2004 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northwest Missouri State University with an emphasis in painting and ceramics in 2007. Clouse has exhibited her work in local and state venues, including the Lt. Governor's Office in the Iowa State Capitol in 2009; collectors of her work are from throughout the United States, in addition to Japan & Canada.  She is the Director of Visual Arts at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji and maintains a studio in her home in Spirit Lake.

"Driving By" oil on canvas - 36X36" 

© Danielle Clouse

Clouse states about her work: “An abstract approach to the rural landscape creates a different way of seeing the area around me. Our landscape is unavoidable in this area - driving from place to place, seeing it in its change of seasons, viewing it during different times of the day. Because of these factors, the landscape provides an endless color palette and endless material to work from. Some paintings are created directly from a specific area while others are based on a combination of areas and experiences. Due to this focus, venturing from small town to small town usually lends itself more to research than travel.

"Spring Afternoon" oil on canvas - 28X24" 

© Danielle Clouse

“All works are based on landscapes viewed along highways and gravel roads in Emmet, Palo Alto, Dickinson and Clay counties.  Though I have a reference for each location a painting was inspired by, I enjoy it very much when the viewer can recognize that space as well, despite how I manipulated the original reference. But, it is just as enjoyable when someone from outside this area can connect with a piece. Their response to a landscape may take them to another roadside place, one from their own life or travels.”

Clouse’s work is regularly available for sale at Art on 16^th Gallery in Spirit Lake, Iowa as well as The Wine Bar in Arnolds Park. And, sometimes there’s a piece or two in her office at the Pearson Lakes Art Center.

Thank you for stopping by to see more of the artists of the 2012 Artisans Road Trip!