Painting

Mike Welton

Minneapolis, MN

www.mikeweltonart.com

2017 booth # 87

I started painting over 14 years ago. At that time I was photographing City scapes and was attracted to photographing buildings so it was a natural subject to paint. I paint 3 different series of oil paintings; Twin City Icons, Signage and Urban Extracts. The major Icon's Of the Twin Cities have been a pleasure to re-creating with Oil Paint. I try to capture the most intriguing angles along with heightening the light and color the subject already has. The immediate connection the viewer can make from my work is what makes the subjects of our beautiful neighborhoods so rewarding to paint. I'm continually honored by the memories and pride my work inspires from those who view it.

I have sold at art fairs nation wide for several years. I've sold my work in several galleries within the Midwest and east coast. Locally I'm with the Douglas Flanders Gallery Minneapolis. If I have sold the original Oil painting of my Iconic Twin Cities pieces; they are then sold as limited edition Giclee prints made from the digital scans of the original oil paintings.

I work in Oil paint on canvas. A few of my pieces have sharpie marker used in them too. First I under paint my work using acrylic ocher, that way light colors such as whites have to be painted a bit heavier and the painting over a dried ocher seems to brighten my colors. I Varnish my paintings with a high gloss to bring out the door even more in them.when they have dried long enough.

My process starts with my taking pictures of my subjects. I try to shoot photos that are close to the final layout of my picture as possible. I photocopy the image large enough to trace just the outlines of my composition. As I paint I carefully study the color of both screen and printed versions of my picture to paint. This helps me create pools of color I record for each area I paint. This way i create hues and shades of color uniquely my own off of observation of the real colors.

With the Urban Extracts series I visually translate my urban environment by extracting structural areas and recreating them though color, shadow and cropping. Density of buildings and their relationship to each other in connection with the atmospheric light are essential elements I use to translate reality into my paintings. I hope that by observing my work a new recognition for our urban landscape evolves and sparks a respect for new and old building structures.

© Mike Welton

© Mike Welton

Weltonpainting.jpg

Carman Stoner

Minneapolis, MN

carman-stonerart.com

2018 booth #139 

I consider myself a modern impressionistic painter. Depending on the feeling I want to get across in my paintings I use acrylics, watercolor, or alcohol inks. Alcohol inks provide the most vibrant of colors and are fun to use because of their unpredictability and quick drying time. Acrylics and watercolor provide more thought provoking paintings.

Capturing the beauty of everyday places and nature is what I enjoy doing most. What I want to convey through my work is a feeling or emotion of the places that I am painting. A place created by using vibrant color where one can look and think "I've been there and felt the same feeling". A place where you would want to revisit again and again.

 

© Carman Stoner

© Carman Stoner

Allison Johanson

St Paul, MN

allisonjohanson.com

2017 booth # 51

Allison’s abstract paintings are inspired by nostalgia for her youth, growing up near the north shore of Lake Superior.  Her work makes subtle references to the rural landscapes and experiences of living surrounded by woods, fields, river banks, and the vastness of “The Big Lake.”

Allison’s process involves lots of layering and expressive brushwork.  Her pieces contain few forms, encouraging the viewer to experience the proportions, colors, and visual texture with a sense of discovery and personal meaning.

 

© Allison Johanson

© Allison Johanson

Katharine Gotham

St Paul, MN

2019 Booth # 8

A few words about me-

After having been a ceramic artist for twenty years, I began studying painting five years ago. I've put in many, many hours in to develop my painting style and quality and am once again ready to exhibit work. My original oil paintings consist of still lifes, portraits and landscapes all done on rigid canvas panels. One of the most important aspects of my work is my devotion to working strictly from life. I get energy and inspiration from painting directly from my subject--whether it be a sugary cake warmed by my lighting, a dramatic sky over a bare field in spring, or a sleepy-eyed model. I also take care in framing my paintings to create a finished work of art that clients can immediately hang and enjoy in their homes.

A few words about my work-

The guiding principle in all my paintings and drawings is to work directly from life. Whether it's a bunch of radishes in the studio, or a rushing creek in the woods--having an unfiltered connection to my subject is my first priority.  I love the challenge of standing in front of any subject and expressing it with the simple and timeless materials of brushes and oil paints.

 

© Katharine Gotham

© Katharine Gotham

© Katharine Gotham

© Katharine Gotham

Todd Clercx

Stacy, MN

toddclercx.com

2017 booth # 59

I paint people and landscapes that capture a moment and record a story in time. I paint oil & litho ink on canvas in my barn studio and also "en plein air". I am interested in how light and shadows play off of objects, social realism, everyday life. A lot of my work focuses on privilege and its effect on social conditions. I often paint impassto with loose brushstrokes and chunks of color. I try not to overpaint.

 

© Todd Clercx

© Todd Clercx

Evan Abrahamson

Waconia, MN

paintingsbyevan.com

2023 Booth #11

I begin every painting in a naturalistic manner, painstakingly depicting as much detail as the hand and eye permit. After considerable care and control is given to grasp a clear image, I then introduce the element of chance into the work by mechanically and unsentimentally passing over the painting with a massive brush, what could be likened to the technique of sfumato. The consequence is that of revealing the fragility of things while erasing everything but what is important.



 

 

© Evan Abrahamson