3 New Works by Jim Wodark - He's Getting Bigger

"Classic California Oak" by Jim Wodark, 48 x 36

No, we don't mean in personal girth,
but size of work and importance as an artist.

This recent plein air landscape by Jim Wodark may look familiar because it captures a large oak tree in Irvine Regional Park. The tree, featured on one of Jim's grandest paintings, has roots that extend further down into the hills, creating an opening for horseback riders and mountain bikers to ride through. The oak is also home to a colony of bees, which Jim wouldn't recommend getting too close to! Because of the massive size of the oak, he used a large canvas to create a grand statement. Plein air painters don't normally use very large canvases, but Jim's work is being requested on a larger scale. This plein air artist is venturing outside his comfort zone and is loving it.

"Apple Pie", 20 x 16

It is rare to see a still-life by Jim Wodark. Occasionally, he will see a unique composition for a still-life, but does not have his paints and brushes accessible at the time. He believes that most still-life paintings that are staged don't evoke emotions. Jim's latest still life "Apple Pie" is a unique anecdote in his personal life. The apples in the painting were hand picked by Jim and his wife to be made into a pie. Before his wife made the pie, Jim saw an unprecedented opportunity to paint a beautiful piece, which includes a bushel of apples, some salt, and sugar; the ingredients to create a masterpiece.

"Eucalyptus Glow", 16 x 22

Jim Wodark captures scenes in your own backyard and brings new light and depth to the setting with his fun and substantial compositions and skillful, fluid brushwork. His work is becoming increasingly more recognizable, as he is winning competitions such as the Redlands Plein Air Painting Competition and SOCALPAPA Newport Peninsula Plein Air 2007.

"My intention is to paint my masterpiece every time I paint a picture.
This gives me never ending room to grow and experiment with my art."

Expect to see BIG things from Jim Wodark in 2008!


Experience these works for yourself at Chemers Gallery.

6 New Pieces by Kelly Viss-Get them before they're gone!!

"Crabapple Blossoms" by Kelly Viss 48" x 48"...oops! It's SOLD

Close up view of "Crabapple Blossoms"

"These pieces attempt to capture the stillness and beauty of the pastoral scene. In my work, this is accomplished through the layering of paint; thinned and varnished, scumbled and dripped. It is an involved process. The balance between the activity of the application and the coherence of the surface is delicate but I think contributes to the depth and mystery of the pieces. The images are concrete, but should disintegrate as the viewer approaches, revealing the abstract soul within."
~Kelly Viss

"Serenity." Oil on canvas, 24 X 72
Native California artist, Kelly Viss is one of our most sought after artists. She studied at Cal State Stanislaus and is inspired by impressionist painters such as Corot. Her work is seemingly simple, yet extremely detailed and intricate. She creates pieces that are as visually appealing as they are emotionally stimulating. She composes her works using a series of paint dots; creating a stark contrast between the bright and muted hues, shadows and instances of light. Kelly emulates the beauty of nature in her unique landscapes and still lifes.
Kelly's craft has been displayed coast to coast, from Beverly Hills to Washington DC. Her work is extremely popular and sells out very quickly. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience Kelly Viss's phenomenal artwork!

Compare Kelly's work with Corot


19th century artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot inspired many over the forthcoming 100 years, including Picasso and Degas. Claude Monet once said of Corot: "There is only one master here—Corot. We are nothing compared to him, nothing." Corot is considered one of the top masters of landscape painting. He executed many landscape scenes with natural light and mysterious tones in plein-air style. His innovation in landscapes is evident today in Kelly Viss's work. Her application of paint in a controlled, yet capricious manner illustrates the evolving history of art.

Don't just visit our website! Check out her work at the gallery before someone else goes home with your piece!

Hint, Hint...I found something I LOVE at Chemers Gallery!

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFTS
MY WISH LIST:

1. Collectible, signed, and limited edition children's books.

Gifts the whole family can enjoy.
Featuring:
Frank McCourt's first children's book "Angela," a collector's item
Vice president's wife, Lynn Chenney's "Our 50 States"
"The Ugly Duckling" only available HERE before 2008!
Unsigned books are now 30% off.

2. Assorted picture frames in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Prices start at $20
3. Seasonal scented candles-perfect as a stocking stuffer. $14-27
4. Unique and fun Soap Rocks-come in over 15 different varieties of imitation rocks and gemstones.
They really do look like rocks and totally rock! $10-13
5. Robert Held glass hearts are a VERY popular gift this season.
Each heart is uniquely special and signed. $40-55

7. Handmade ceramic and glass pieces

What do they truly desire?
Handmade ceramic pieces by artists such as
Maria Counts and Lillia Venier
Great gifts for collectors or those
who love to accent their homes.
CHECK OUT MORE PIECES ON OUR WEBSITE

8. Collectible and designer watches
These watches are even one of Oprah's favorite things.
"The big numbers make these watches easy to read;
the fabulous colors make them fun to wear."
~ Oprah
Tokyo Bay watches come in an assortment of colors and styles,
one for everyday of the week. $60-82
Sonya Paz limited edition watches are the
perfect gift for collectors or fashionistas. $80

9. Bonnie Holmes Skin Collection

A skincare line that restores the natural beauty of our skin. Featured in exclusive boutiques throughout the country, the Bonnie Holmes Skincare line is simple and pure.
Give the gift that rejuvenates. $25-75

10. Sharelli Silver Jewelry

Everyone loves something that sparkles and shines.
Give her a gift she won't have to pretend to like.
Earrings and necklaces: $50-90

11. Still can't decide?
Give a Chemers Gallery Gift Certificate
Give the gift of art

E-mail this article to a friend or stop by and shop today. 'Tis the Season'!!

NEW ART by Max Rodriguez

We've just received beautiful new paintings by Max Rodriguez. Color is the most essential element in Rodriguez's artwork. Whether painting abstracts, landscapes or figurative pieces, the color combinations and contrasts tell much of the story.

10x10 mixed media, ready to hang, no framing required.

Artist's Statement:

"I am inspired by the elements of nature and earth at their fundamental and organic levels. Time has had and will continue to have many impacts on our environment. Some of these affects are positive forces and others are destructive, but they all change and alter the appearance of our earth. I'm interested in the way nature deconstructs itself. I find incredible beauty, but also a warning, in the aging process."

Max Rodriguez was born in Havan, Cuba in 1959. He studied at the University of New Orleans and continued at the Academy of Art College, San Francisco. His work is represented throughout the US and Germany and has been used in television and movies such as "Alias" and "Mission Impossible III" among others.


Artist's Statement Figurative Works:

As a Cuban living in exile in the United States since the age of seven, I’ve held on tightly to my childhood memories. Whether it was personal moments, history or folklore and superstitions, my memories have always been strong and clear, even though as a child I questioned what I witnessed. Why is the man playing guitar for money on the bus? Why do we have to wait in line so long for food? Why did family members leave and never return?

Many of the answers to my questions came as I grew older living in New Orleans and began to better understand the revolution in Cuba. As an artist, I am able to express myself through figurative paintings, and thereby, to bring forward the true impact of these early events. Not only did I need to lift the veil of my childhood innocence, I needed to physically lift this veil between what I saw happening in Cuba and the world and what I now knew were the true living conditions. Through my painting process I have been able to expose and express the religious, cultural and political activist within me.

The raised elements in each painting express how my memories are attempting to come out of a buried and suppressed place. The memories come to me in complete pictures, and I sketch as many of them as I can over a week-long period. Then I choose my favorite ones and transfer the images to canvas and Masonite board. It’s then that I apply heavy and raised textures and colors, which are all distinctly vivid in my mind. Eventually I come to a point where the painting is complete with all of its form and color -- a two-dimensional memory.

It is at this stage when the activist within me takes over, and I am compelled to lift the veil to show the viewer that there is more taking place than meets the eye. Underneath this seemingly tranquil scene is conflict and deterioration. I build upon the painting’s surfaces by applying techniques of aging crackles, weathered patinas and moisture stains to represent the decay of life in Cuba. I add rust spots and drips and cracks because my memories of these events have been damaged by the loss of human rights for my countrymen, and not only for Cubans, but for all who struggle for faith, food and freedom.

I want the viewer to be pulled into the painting by its composition; then, upon closer inspection, to want to touch the raised textures and discover the many elements and colors of each painting. These are the ways I tell my story as an artist.

Read More:
Natural Impressions and Progressions of Time
New Works by Max Rodriguez

2007 Children's Book Illustration Show & Signing had a great turnout.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in our 16th Annual Children's Book Illustration Show and Signing... the artists, our customers and helpful volunteers.

The event benefited Saint Joseph Ballet, Santa Ana.

If you were not able to come to our opening day,
we still have some signed books and original art for sale in the gallery.

Volunteers help customers make their book selections

A young reader converses with
Stacia Deutsch, author of the "Blast to the Past" series and
Linda Zielinski, author of "Children's Picturebook Price Guide".

guess who's who?

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PHOTO ALBUM

We still have some signed books and original art for sale in the gallery.