In Fond Memory of Jennie Tomao: Elegance & Grace for All Time

Misty Landscape - collection of F. & E. Freed

It's with great sadness that we write this blog to tell you of the passing of artist Jennie Tomao earlier this month. Jennie's art career spanned over 50 years and numerous shows and awards. She was born in New York City and attended the prestigious New York School of Music and Art. Rita Chemers started collecting her work during the 1960's and Karen grew up surrounded by the painter's masterpieces. Jennie's work has been a staple in Chemers Gallery for the last 15 years. She will be sorely missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to meet her.

Misty Landscape - collection of P. Morgan

Jennie's work was slow and painstaking in detail. She painted still life, landscapes, life-like flowers arranged in intricate vases, and portraits. Jennie owned every rug, vase and artifact she placed in her artwork; even the flowers often came from her garden. She didn't limit herself to just one style of painting or just one medium. In the olden days, she also produced etchings and works in graphite. Jennie's classical style has earned a loyal following of fans and collectors. We've seen so many people stopped in their tracks by one of her birch forests or Tuscan vistas. Jennie brought her paintings to life with her jewel-like colors and created an inner light with her shadows and highlights.

Serenity - collection of C. Rowland

Jennie was exceedingly humble. She never bragged about her work, always appreciative for how much we and our clients reacted positively to her art. We don't think she knew just how talented she was, although we told her again and again.

Jennie Tomao at Femmes Artistes group show at Chemers Gallery, 2002

The art world has lost a truly talented artist in Jennie Tomao. Our deepest sympathies extend to her family and friends. Jennie, we love you and will miss you.

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday!

Jarabe Tapatio, pastel by Carlos Esquivel

United Society of Pastel Artists
Artist Reception & Demonstration
Saturday, May 7th, 5 - 8 pm
Show runs April 30 - May 14

Don't forget to come support the United Society of Pastel Artists during their reception and demonstration this weekend! USPA's Annual Membership Exhibit and Sale is this Saturday, May 7th, from 5 - 8pm. The show has been up since April 30th and will run through May 14th. Pastel artists Scott Jones and our own Mary Aslin will be demonstrating their talents and the beauty of their crafts. Come one and all to take in the allure of the pastel medium.

Santiago Creek Trail, pastel by Dori Dewberry

Many people think of pastel as a chalk, but don't be fooled! Pastel is actually pure pigment, the same pigments that are mixed with linseed oils to make oil paints. When making a pastel stick, the pigment is ground down to a paste, mixed with very small amount of gum binder and rolled into a stick. Because pastels are indeed pure pigment, they don't fade or change color over time, making them one of the most permanent art mediums. Pastels are applied to a roughened surface in strokes straight from the stick, which embeds the color into the "tooth" of the paper, sandboard or canvas. Artists can either blend the colors together or leave visible strokes, and many favor the pastel medium for it's spontaneity. In other words, you don't have to wait for anything to dry!

All artwork is available to view on our website, but the true depth of color and contrast are best seen in person. Be sure to check out the Tustin Art League's "Scenes of Tustin" exhibit, which is running concurrently. Both shows continue through May 14th.


What a great time we had at the "Scenes of Tustin" Artist Reception! Check out the photos of the opening and come see the winning artwork in both the professional & amateur categories!

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