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.

NEW ART by Jim Wodark

While visiting Tuscany, Jim Wodark had the opportunity to paint landscapes of 400 year old farmhouses, vineyards and small villages. Below, are two results from his recent trip.

Tuscan Vines

Wodark's painting Tuscan Vines is a beautiful view of the hills of a historic vineyard, depicting it's authentic heritage with rich browns, deep greens and the warmth of centuries-old soul. In Tuscan Gold, he looks out over rolling hills nestling a small farmhouse in the distance. The hazy horizon implies that the hills just go on forever. Jim is still using the same plein-air style that he is known for, only this time he is painting the beautiful landscapes of Italy that we would travel so far just to experience.




In addition to his trip to Italy, Wodark has been keeping busy with competitions. He was invited to the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla for an exclusive event with only 21 other painters. They were given the challenge to paint Torrey Pines State Park and Jim won 2nd place. He also participated in the SOCALPAPA competition in the Newport Peninsula, winning Best of Show, an additional honorable mention and 2nd place in the "quick-draw" challenge. He stole the show!

Come in and see Jim Wodark's new Tuscan paintings
or you can visit our website:
CHEMERS GALLERY

Jim Wodark Achieves Greatness

Sunset Surf, oil on canvas by Jim Wodark

Local plein air oil painter, Jim Wodark, is a force to be reckoned with. Long established as a talented artist, the gigantic leaps his work has taken in the last several years have made him "one to watch." Painting everything from majestic stands of eucalyptus, California coastline and the rugged terrain of the High Sierras, Jim's creations stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Inner Courtyard, oil on canvas by Jim Wodark

Born and raised in Colorado, it's not difficult to see where Jim's love of the outdoors came from. In a former life, he worked as a cartoonist while he honed his artistic skills. After moving to California, Jim began experimenting in the plein air style using watercolor and acrylics, and finally oil paints.  Inspiration comes from the beauty of nature and capturing a single, fleeting moment of light, mood and atmosphere. Every new painting is approached as an opportunity to achieve greatness and create a masterpiece.

Chicken Farm, oil on canvas by Jim Wodark

Often compared to Edgar Payne and William Wendt, Jim's work reflects his love of putting paint to canvas. His commitment to an artistic life has taken the form of a daily painting practice, either in his studio or out in the landscape. He is an active member of Oil Painters of America, a Signature Member of the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, and an Artist Member of the California Art Club. Jim travels all over the United States to participate in "paint outs" and exhibitions, garnering awards and recognitions wherever he goes.

Look for a show at Chemers Gallery sometime in late 2014 or early 2015 featuring Jim's masterful canvases!

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Painting the Night Away

Last week we were joined by 7 talented artists and 1 creative jewelry designer for an evening of music, friendship and artwork at Chemers Gallery. As the Margaret Klemm Harp Trio played under the Enderle Center clocktower, Mary Aslin, Dana Cooper, Dori Dewberry, Julie Hill, Pete Roberts, Anthony Salvo and Jim Wodark set up their easels, oil paints, pastel trays and watercolor brushes outside our doors to paint the night away. Joanna Craft brought her eclectic array of jewelry to tempt us with her wearable treats and we indulged in edible sweets. Just check out some of the photos of the night, taken by photographer Guillermo LeFranc.

Jim Wodark hard at work

Mary Aslin talks to admirers

Dori Dewberry and Dana Cooper visit with friends

Anthony Salvo painting a delicious treat

Joanna Craft's jewels all decked out

Julie Hill explains her watercolor process

Jim Wodark with collectors Trisha & Larry Kligerman

Pete Roberts creates washes of color

Mary Aslin with her still life setup

Dori Dewberry painting the sunset in pastel

If you missed out on last week's fun, don't fret! We're doing it all again on July 21st with some returning artists and adding a few new faces to the mix.

July 21st, 5 - 8pm
Ellsworth A Capella vocals

Artist Demonstrations by
Mary Aslin * Dana Cooper * Dori Dewberry
Kay Flierl * Julie Hill * Susan Horton
Ian Paul * Anthony Salvo
Jim Wodark (Provided he comes back from painting in Colorado in time!)

Join in the fun!

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Viewpoints from Far and Wide

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Viewpoints Artist Reception on Saturday! We had a great time and hope you did, too! We had a packed house and lots of happy, smiling faces. Just take a look at some of the pictures of the night, courtesy of Sharyn Sakimoto (an a couple by Jennifer!):

Just look at all the people!

Gazing at Jim Wodark's 1st Place painting, Eucalyptus Evening

Artists Kim VanDerHoek and Greg LaRock listening to the awards presentation

Marsha Lindsey, TAL president, presenting the awards

The attentive crowd included artists Janis Hunter, Beverly Weber-Fow, Dori Dewberry, Dana Cooper, Sandra Morrison and Janel Pahl

Marsha and Rick Delanty, who won Honorable Mention Professional for his painting Dream at Crystal Cove

Marsha, Karen and Jim Wodark, winner of 1st Place Professional

Painter Ian Montelongo with his mom, jewelry artist Soraya Montelongo

Artists Jonde Northcutt, Beverly Weber-Fow and Nick Capaci

There are more pictures on our Facebook page - head on over and "like" us if you haven't already!

If you missed the opening on Saturday, don't sweat it! You can still view the show through May 11th. Don't forget to come this Saturday, May 4th at 2pm for a special "Judges Walk Through" with our juror, Mary Aslin. Mary will explain why she chose the prize-winning pieces and let us in on a few of her judges secrets.

Award-Winners

Professional

First Place - Jim Wodark, oil painting

Second Place - April Raber, oil painting

Third Place - Greg LaRock, oil painting

Honorable Mention - Rick Delanty, acrylic painting

Honorable Mention - Kay Flierl, oil painting

Honorable Mention - Jennifer Geisert, photography

Honorable Mention - Julie Hill, watercolor

Honorable Mention - Rita Pacheco, oil painting

Amateur

First Place - Max Ollendorff, oil painting

Second Place - Shelby Montelongo, photography

Third Place - Robert Ball, photography

Honorable Mention - Michelle Howard, watercolor

Announcing Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2014

Updated 4/22/14

 Chemers Gallery and Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA)* present

Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2014

Juror: Jim Wodark

Crystal Cove Morning Stroll, pastel by Dori Dewberry

Artist Reception April 26th 5:30 - 8:00p

Show continues through May 10th

 

Please join us for special artist demos:

Sat. May 3 - 2p - 5p

Ian Montelongo, Soraya Montelongo, Sandra Morrison, Lisa Mozzini-McDill

Erich Neubert, Paige Oden, Kathleen Strukoff, Michael Ward, Jim Wodark

and enjoy the music of the Laguna Swing Society at

Enderle Center's Spring Swing

Sat. May 10 - 2p - 5p

Dana Cooper, Dori Dewberry, Julie Hill, Irene Horiuchi

Steve Kell, Sherry Marger, Max Ollendorff, Pete Roberts, Janine Salzman

Kelley Sanford, Kim VanDerHoek

Chemers Gallery and Tustin Area Council for Fine Art (TACFA) have joined forces to bring you Viewpoints: Orange County All Media 2014,  the 7th annual juried show of professional and amateur artists from around southern California. With the help of 49 artists and one tough juror we present 70 unique viewpoints of Orange County from north to south!

The growth of this exhibition over 7 years has been astounding - we've gotten more entries this year than ever before! Jim Wodark, juror and artist extraordinaire, accepted the challenge to select this year's participating entries from almost 140. (You may remember Jim's 1st Place painting from last year's show...) Everything from architecture to seascapes, abstract to traditional was considered. Featured artworks include oils, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, photography, glass, mixed media and even beadwork! We think you'll agree, this is an exhibit not to be missed.

Come on in to discover a new favorite vista or two and meet the artists at the opening reception Saturday, April 26th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.  If you can't make it that evening, you can still catch the show through May 10th. 

All works are available for sale and can be previewed on our website
or in person after April 23rd.

Windbreak, oil by Linda Rogers

Participating Artists

Professional:

Robert Ball | Roger Bennett | Steve Bjorkman | Gary Blackwell | Dorothy Cavanagh

Jean Choi | Dana Cooper | William Crawley | Barbara Davidson | Rick Delanty 

Dori Dewberry | Kay Flierl | Candace Foster | Deborah Harold | Julie Hill

 Thomas Hill | Irene Horiuchi | Mark Hosmer | Esther Jacks | Steve Kell | Greg LaRock
Susan Marosz | Emet Martinez | Ian Montelongo | Soraya Montelongo

 Lisa Mozzini-McDill | Erich Neubert | Paige Oden | Rita Pacheco

Pamela Panattoni | April Raber | Richard Rice | Pete Roberts

Linda Rogers | Sharyn Sakimoto | Janine Salzman | Kelley Sanford | John Sawyer 

Albert Stanchfield | Kathleen Strukoff | Kim VanDerHoek | Michael Ward

Amateur:

Lore Hold | Sherry Marger | Shelby Montelongo

Sandra Morrison | Max Ollendorff | Ursula Olsson

Stay tuned for updated information as we get closer to the artist's reception!

A special thank you to Enderle Center and TACFA for helping to sponsor this exhibit!

Plus, come in Saturday, May 3rd and 10th to watch these talented artists 
demonstrate their abilities from 2-5pm! 

*Founded in 1992, the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts (TACFA) funds and administers programs which expand the arts in the greater Tustin, California area, and enrich the entire community. The Council raises funds through individual and corporate contributions and fundraising events. These funds subsidize elementary students' participation in The Art Masters program, support students' creativity and interest in the arts, and allow TACFA to produce an annual affordable and live production of a classic Broadway musical at a local outdoor venue.

Three Paintings by Three Locals

Three local favorites, Mary Aslin, John Sawyer and Jim Wodark, have recently brought Chemers Gallery a few new tidbits of their latest work. Keep it coming, we can't wait to see more!

Morning on Main Street and El Camino Real
Mary Aslin

After a breif hiatus from her hectic summer Art-A-Fair and Sawdust Festival schedual, Mary Aslin has given us a beautiful pastel depicting the clock tower from Old Town Tustin. Morning on Main Street and El Camino Real contains her characteristic warmth and light. Mary has created an image that is so inviting it makes you want to stroll down the street to take in the sights. By the way, this painting recently won 2nd Place at the First Annual Old Town Tustin Art Walk. In fact, just before publishing this blog, Libby Panky strolled into Chemers Gallery and snapped it up. You snooze, you lose!

Open Fields
John Sawyer

We're always delighted to see John Sawyer, especially when he's got something new to show us. Open Fields is a small scale, intimate view of the Saddleback Ridge, purple in the distance. For Orange County residents, the views of Saddleback with the clouds just peeking through are a familliar, tranquil sight. John's paintings of Orange County are modern yet reminiscent of Gustav Baumann, and easily resonate with locals and those further afield.

Sunset on "Morning Light"
Jim Wodark

Jim Wodark has turned his attentions to the nautical, with his stunning oil of small boats moored for the day in Moro Bay. His reflections in the water are so realistic, you can almost hear the water lapping gently against the hull of the boat. Jim is probably best known for his California Plein Air landscape paintings, but every once in awhile he'll throw something new in the mix. Can't wait to see what's next!

Are you interested in receiving emails about these artists and other local artists? Just click the link below to join our email list! We promise not to bombard you with emails, just a couple a month. You can change your preferences at any time just by signing in again, or you can call us and we'll do it for you!

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The Tremendous Talents of Two Locals

We, at Chemers Gallery, love our artists and we love it when they visit us with new work! Check out the latest from two first-rate painters.

Bonnie Holmes

Bonnie Holmes is one busy, multi-talented lady! Not only does she split her time between her native southern California and Montana, she also paints as much as she can AND she maintains her line of spa-quality skin care!

Santa Anas by Bonnie Holmes, oil on canvas board

Bonnie recently brought in 4 new seascapes for your enjoyment. These paintings are very special, full of her signature soft colors and atmospheric lighting. You can just about hear the waves crashing and smell the salt breezes. A self-professed "city girl," Bonnie was really introduced to the beauty of the great outdoors by her husband and his love of fly-fishing. Over the years she has taken classes and workshops to further her artistic development.

Bonnie Holmes Skincare

You may not know this about our Bonnie, but she's also a skilled esthetician. Her line of facial cremes, cleansers, masques and scrubs are gentle and made with natural ingredients. Perfect for pampering yourself or your loved ones, Bonnie Holmes Skincare leaves your skin feeling soft, refreshed and healthy. CLICK HERE for a full list of products and pricing.

Sycamore Trail by Jim Wodark, oil on canvas board

Jim Wodark

Another busy guy, Jim Wodark, dropped in recently, too - twice in one day! He just keeps getting better and better. Have you noticed that his colors are growing more vibrant? Jim's local landscapes and seascapes retain his signature look and style.

He frequently paints the California coastline at Laguna Beach in addition to the state's more rural terrain found in Irvine Regional Park and in our local mountains and canyons.

Jim's skill at capturing his subject is unequivocal. Up next, Jim will be turning his keen eye upon our city of Tustin to be exhibited in our upcoming Scenes of Tustin 2012 exhibit with the Tustin Art League!

Don't forget - the Scenes of Tustin 2012 exhibit with TAL and local professional and amateur artists is fast approaching! Join us for the Artist Reception on Saturday, April 28th 5:30 - 8:00pm. Stay tuned for participating artists and more!

NEW! Jim Wodark's been Painting up a Storm!

Well, it's more like a sunset, a moon rise, and canyon shadows!
Come into the gallery and see many new plein air paintings of beautiful South Orange County area by Jim Wodark. You're sure to find a favorite of your own!

Santiago Sundown

Laguna Sunset

Jim Wodark is an award winning plein air artist who was born and raised in Colorado. Throughout childhood, his parents, both artistic in their own right, were incredibly encouraging of his creativity, but drew the line (so to speak) when he filled his 2nd grade teacher's shoes with paint. He went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Marketing from University of Northern Colorado and attempted to fulfill his passion for art by taking an art class each semester. After several years of working real jobs, and trying to fit art around his schedule, it occurred to him that he either was or was not an artist. Luckily for his many fans and patrons, he chose the former.

He started out putting his keen observation skills and humor to use as a cartoonist. Fourteen years later, attracted to the attitude and economy, He moved to Southern California. He found true love in Julie, now his wife of 11 years, and in fine art, as he began to explore the plein air technique, originally using watercolors and acrylics. "When you grow up in Colorado, it's hard not to love the outdoors. For me, being outside and capturing the light, mood and atmosphere on a canvas for other people to enjoy, is just an incredible feeling."

His next breakthrough came with the birth of his first child, and his discovery of oil paints as his medium of choice. As his family grew (twin girls!!!) so did his commitment to being a great father, husband and prolific painter, painting out in the field or in the studio every single day. "I paint to express myself. I feel compelled to share the inspiration that I feel when I see a beautiful scene, to be inspired and inspire in return. I want to translate the beauty around me -- a fleeting moment -- into something permanent and timeless that brings those same feelings to life for each viewer.

Having dedicated himself to art for the last 22 years and counting, Jim continues to challenge himself creatively by approaching each painting as an opportunity to try something new. "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."

And whenever he hits the inevitable rough patch, he just thinks back to that moment when he decided to commit himself to art. The power of that decision, and the path it created, never fail to get that paint brush moving again. "I am doing what I love and hopefully that joy is reflected in my work. I strive very hard to make each and every piece reflect the person that I am and the artist I am becoming."

Jim is a member of several painting groups: Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Southern California Plein Air Painters Association and just recently he was juried into being an "Artist Member" of the prestigious California Art Club.

Shows and awards:

Honorable Mention Heritage Art Show Irvine Land Trust 2007

Honorable Mention LPAPA "Best of Plein Air" 2007

Two paintings Juried into the California Art Club's Gold Medal Show 2007

Second Place in the Raymar National painting competition out of 1,700 entries.

9th Place in the Raymar National painting competition.

15th Place Honorable mention in the Raymar National painting competition.

28 painitngs of the final 144 in the Raymar National yearlong painting competition.

Second Place in the LPAPA Members Show 2006

First Place LPAPA "Best of Plein Air Show" 2006

California Art Club "Artist Member" (Juried into membership 2005)

Art-a-fair Poster Artist 2006

Honorable Mention Crystal Cove Show 2005

Second Place San Clemente Plein Air Painting Competition 2005

First Place at the San Clemente "Quick Draw" Competition 2005

Honorable Mention LPAPA Members Show 2005

First Place at the SOCALPAPA Best of the Back Bay 2004

First Place at the San Clemente Plein Air Painting Competition 2004

First Place at the San Clemente "Quick Draw" Competition 2004

Artist Choice Award SOCALPAPA Best of the Back Bay 2003

LPAPA members show 2002, 2003, 2004,2005

A Merry Auld Time Was Had by All!

Our toes are still tapping from the first Enderle Center summer concert featuring Sligo Rags, and we just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who joined us! The music was delightful and our wonderful artists and friends made the evening extra special. Take a look at some of our pictures of the night...

Painting buddies Dori Dewberry and Dana Cooper

Suzanne Currie explains her mixed media process

Jewelry artist Soraya Montelongo has Rita and Jeff enthralled

It's the lovely Jim Wodark!

Dori Dewberry, Kim Vanderhoek, Dana Cooper, Julie Hill and her daughter Amanda

Sligo Rags kept our toes tapping

Carolyn talks with Ian Montelongo

Soraya Montelongo, hard at work

Suzanne Currie prepares her patterned papers

Karen and Rita helping to feed our artists

Kim Vanderhoek entertains friends

Dana Cooper and Julie Hill paint with an audience

Jim Wodark's brushes - where the magic happens!

There are more pictures on our Facebook page, so check 'em out!

If you missed June's concert, don't worry, because you'll have another chance to meet our artists and hear live music by Hound Dog Dave & the Mel Tones on July 18th! But, be sure to mark your calendars now!

Slate of Artists Demonstrating July 18th:

Suzanne Currie - mixed media | Dori Dewberry - pastel | Kay Flierl - oil

Deborah Harold - oil | Susan Horton - weaving | Barbara Lanci - fine silver jewelry 

Ian Montelongo - acrylic | Pete Roberts - watercolor

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