Galleries and Featured Artists |
Dan Grossmann
My fascination for art began at a very early age. One of the first paintings that I was drawn to was an old faded Albert Bierstadt print that hung in my grandparents old farm house. I didn't know it then, but this print was of one of Bierstadt's hauntingly magnificent Yosemite masterpieces. I remember wondering how was it possible that someone could paint a picture so beautiful. At home, in our family room hung a gaudy framed furniture store print of a landscape by Robert Woods. It seems that every brush stroke of that painting had been laid down with perfect intent and I loved to look at it. The creation of these beautiful works of art was such a wonder to me and one day, I thought, I would like to give painting a try.
I was first introduced to oil painting in a high school art class. I really liked my art teacher but her knowledge about painting in oils was not much more than mine. And I didn't know anything! I think that I was the only student interested in trying to paint with oils. I was given access to all the oil supplies that were available in that classroom. With zero knowledge and not much guidance about materials and technique, I struggled through my first oil painting and knew that this was the medium that I would like to achieve some level of skill with someday.
After high school; two years of college, four years U.S. Navy, married my beautiful wife, started a family, worked a variety of jobs, moved a few times and all the while painted when I could. Some years went by when I painted very little to none. My wife and I retired several years ago. We moved from central Illinois to Lake Summerset where we spent our first two years here remodeling a very neglected house. We built a nice studio space in our home where I have enjoyed my pursuit of painting until this day.
I appreciate many styles and subjects of art. I am, however, inspired most by the landscape. You don't have to look to far to see that the Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. With the landscape, every day brings a new possibility of something beautiful that is unique from any other day that has been before.
I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that exists came into being through Him. It is through the lens of this worldview that I see everything in this life, including the landscape. It seems that every painting that I do is still a struggle for me. I used to think that one day I would achieve a skill level that would somehow enable me to paint in total bliss without struggle. I am old now, and that day has not arrived and I suppose it never will. The joy and satisfaction of painting, however, far outweighs the struggle and I am grateful for each day I am given to create in my studio! It is my hope that people will be blessed by viewing my paintings and be reminded to be thankful for the wonder and beauty of this world.
- Lowden Gallery, July 1– August 31
My fascination for art began at a very early age. One of the first paintings that I was drawn to was an old faded Albert Bierstadt print that hung in my grandparents old farm house. I didn't know it then, but this print was of one of Bierstadt's hauntingly magnificent Yosemite masterpieces. I remember wondering how was it possible that someone could paint a picture so beautiful. At home, in our family room hung a gaudy framed furniture store print of a landscape by Robert Woods. It seems that every brush stroke of that painting had been laid down with perfect intent and I loved to look at it. The creation of these beautiful works of art was such a wonder to me and one day, I thought, I would like to give painting a try.
I was first introduced to oil painting in a high school art class. I really liked my art teacher but her knowledge about painting in oils was not much more than mine. And I didn't know anything! I think that I was the only student interested in trying to paint with oils. I was given access to all the oil supplies that were available in that classroom. With zero knowledge and not much guidance about materials and technique, I struggled through my first oil painting and knew that this was the medium that I would like to achieve some level of skill with someday.
After high school; two years of college, four years U.S. Navy, married my beautiful wife, started a family, worked a variety of jobs, moved a few times and all the while painted when I could. Some years went by when I painted very little to none. My wife and I retired several years ago. We moved from central Illinois to Lake Summerset where we spent our first two years here remodeling a very neglected house. We built a nice studio space in our home where I have enjoyed my pursuit of painting until this day.
I appreciate many styles and subjects of art. I am, however, inspired most by the landscape. You don't have to look to far to see that the Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. With the landscape, every day brings a new possibility of something beautiful that is unique from any other day that has been before.
I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all that exists came into being through Him. It is through the lens of this worldview that I see everything in this life, including the landscape. It seems that every painting that I do is still a struggle for me. I used to think that one day I would achieve a skill level that would somehow enable me to paint in total bliss without struggle. I am old now, and that day has not arrived and I suppose it never will. The joy and satisfaction of painting, however, far outweighs the struggle and I am grateful for each day I am given to create in my studio! It is my hope that people will be blessed by viewing my paintings and be reminded to be thankful for the wonder and beauty of this world.
|
Tom Heflin (1934 – 2023)
Feature Walls, August 1 – 31 A private collection of Tom Heflin art will be on display during the month of August on the Feature Walls at the Coliseum Museum. The art will be available for sale. Based in Rockford, Tom was an award-winning artist whose paintings have been featured at exhibitions throughout the United States, and around the world. Two collections of his paintings and writings have been published: Quiet Places and Roots and Wings. Both books are part of the Coliseum Museum Reference Library. |
|
Les Allen
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30
Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him. In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.
Taft Gallery, August 1 – September 30
Les Allen, an award-winning photographer based in Dixon, IL, specializes in Fine Art Traditional Black and White Photography. Using a large format camera, Les captures the surreal and abstract elements of the world around him. In the world of analog photography, Les is a master printer, creating luminous and mesmerizing images that challenge perception and invite viewers into a dreamlike realm. His photographs, a manifestation of his deep connection with nature, convey his instinctual understanding of light, shadow, and composition. Evoking emotions, provoking thought, and inspiring viewers to explore their own intuitive connections with the world.
|
Rock River Valley Painters Guild
Plein Air Art Show Lowden Gallery, September 2 – October 31 Entry Deadline: Saturday, August 22 Awards Reception: October 9 Submissions: Open to all plein air artists. Paintings can be any medium, not entered into this show in previous years, and be at least 90% painted outdoors en plein air, no more than 10% painted in studio. All frames must be wired for hanging. Awards: The exhibit will be judged by Jean Apgar with awards presented at the reception on October 9. Jean earned her B.F.A. and M.A. degrees in painting from Northern Illinois University. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in private and corporate collections in the US, and across Europe. She is listed in Who’s Who in American Art and Who’s Who in America, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jean is also a member of numerous artists’ organizations including WAOW, TWSA, NWS, SPIN, and the Art Guild of Rockford. Fee: The entry fee is $35 for up to three pieces per artist. Please rank them according to preference. We may need to drop the 3rd piece due to space limitations. Sales: Exhibited works will be considered for sale at the price indicated to include the CMAAA commission of 25% for any artwork sold. Artists accepted will receive information pertinent to drop off, pick up, opening dates, etc. Call 815-595-5810 or email us at [email protected] for more information. |
