OCTOBER ARTIST OF THE MONTH

For the month of October, our Artist of the Month is Marilyn Chalk.  Marilyn came to our group as a new member this year.  One of the things that makes for a great group - members with different experiences.  Marilyn adds to our eclecticticity (I know it's not a word).  To find out more about Marilyn, read on!

Tell us a little about yourself:

My husband and I are New England natives and having left the cold winters of the great northeast, are now enjoying living in Palm Harbor, Florida. 

What made you want to become an artist?

While married, raising 2 sons and pursuing a career with United Airlines, somewhere along the way, I realized I had an insatiable appetite for art.  I began taking art classes as a social outlet, which later led me to a Bachelor of Art Degree from Simmons College in Boston, and years later to an association with the Museum of Fine Arts also in Boston.

 Favorite Books and Movies

            “Girl with the Pearl Earring”, both the movie and the book, give insight to what life may have been like for an artist living centuries ago, as well as a wonderful introduction to the beautiful works of Vermeer.

            I like books and movies that excite the imagination, challenge the brain and take you to another place and time, which pretty much encompasses quite a bit.

What groups do you belong to?

Westchase Artist Society

Dunedin Fine arts Center

Tarpon Springs Art Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN 10 YEARS I’D LIKE TO BE….

Happy, healthy and still painting!



Marilyn, thanks for the interview!  Another fantastic artist from the Westchase Artists Society.  For our next Artist of the Month, be sure to check back next month.

September Artist of the Month

For the month of September our Artist of the Month is the wonderful Sonia Lee.  Sonia has quickly become a very active member of our group.  So it's only fitting that Sonia is honored with the title this month.  So without further ado, the following is Sonia's interview.  Enjoy!

Sonia, tell us a little about yourself.

SL:  I'm a Florida native born right here in Tampa.  My husband of 42 years and I have one daughter and two beautiful granddaughters.

What made you want to become an artist:

SL:  I've always had a love of painting and drawing but I was always told that I had to get a "real job."  It was in my adult life (16 years ago) that I decided to attend Hillsborough Community College and take art lessons  Encouragement from my art teacher was the motivating factor to continue learning and painting.  I am now pursuing a career as a professional artist.

What are your favorite books, movies, groups, and websites?

SL:  Anything in the sci-fi genre.  I love a good scare or an air of mystery.  I also like gaming websites.



What groups are you associated with?

SL:  Westchase Artists Society.

 


In ten years, I'd like to be...

SL:  Enjoying painting as much as I do today.

Thank you so much Sonia!  What a cool surprise that you're a fellow sci-fi fan.  You learn something every day.  Please be sure to check back for our October Westchase Artist of the Month.

August Artist of the Month

It's been a few months since we've had a featured Artist of the Month, so there's no time like the present to get things rolling again.  Our artist getting us back on track is Pat Kruse.  A relatively new member to the Westchase Artists Society, it's great to get to know Pat a little bit better.  Please enjoy reading about Pat as well as her art work.



1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I recently moved to Westchase after having lived my entire life in Ohio.  In Ohio, I had my own business as an interior designer.  I have three married children and four beautiful grandsons.   And I love spending time with my family.

2.  What made you want to become an artist?
I had an Aunt that was very artistic, so I had lessons from a very early age.  We started by drawing, then went on to oils, then acrylics, pencil, and my current love - watercolors.  Nature and landscapes are my primary focus, but I will try just about any subject.

3.  Describe your creative process.
I work primarily from photographs, starting with a precise drawing.  Watercolors are more difficult to correct so accuracy from the start can be critical.  I love texture in paintings and strive to try different ways to create it in my pieces.

4.  What are your favorite movies, books, or groups?
Besides painting I love to read mysteries.  Likewise I enjoy movies that keep me on the edge of my seat and light comedies.

5.  What groups are you affiliated with?
Since moving to Westchase I have joined the YMCA and The Westchase Artists Society.

6.  In ten years where do you see yourself?
In ten years I hope to still be painting, but at an even higher level!  After all there is always something new to learn.

Thanks Pat for taking the time to answer our questions and share your fantastic watercolors! 

Carter's Gallery Presents The Westchase Artists Society!

May 4th was the Artist's Reception held at Carter's Gallery.  Reporting in and what a great reception and what a great show!  It's so much fun when our group gets together and we do put on a great party, if we say so ourselves.  Lots of appetizers accompanied by a wonderful lemon and cucumber infused water provided by Carter's Gallery.  Our hosts have been so gracious and we're so appreciative to Michelle and her crew for the hard work that they put into seting up the show. 

Lots of hard work went into the planning of the reception, and Susan Whitaker, stepped up and did a fantastic job.  Toni Crosby helped to coordinate the food and not a soul went hungry on Toni's watch.  Teresa Trubilla, our fearless leader and President, did a spectacular job in getting the word out to the press and online venues.  I think everyone can agree that we had a wonderful flow of people coming through and loving our work. 

Carter's Gallery is a wonderful new gallery that has a spectacular selection of unique, high quality art, home decor and gift items.  I got the feeling that I was walking through an art festival, but without the heat and humidity.  They've spent a lot of time searching for just the right pieces to make their gallery special.  It's great not to have to drive over to St. Pete to find that special something.  And, with the addition of the Westchase Artists Society's selections, what better place to shop for Mother's Day, Father's Day and any other holiday coming up. 

March 2013 Artist of the Month

This month's Westchase Artists Society Artist of the Month is the wonderfully talented Nancy Cross.  Nancy is a relatively new member to the group and a fabulous addition to the club.  Without delay, here's Nancy's interview:

1.  Tell us a little about yourself.
I like to paint ocean scenes and am now interested in painting birds. I paint in acrylics. I also like to garden. I am active in my church, Lutheran Church of Our Savior.

2. What made you want to become an artist?
Vacations on the California coast inspired me. And, I love color, especially the cool colors.

3. Describe your creative process.
I am inspired by photos I have taken at the beach or pictures of lighthouses. I usually paint on a 16x20 canvas. That seems about the right size for me.

4. What are your favorite movies, books or groups?
The movies I like to see are romantic comedies. Books would be mysteries. Past groups have been art leagues in California and Louisiana. in Tampa, it would be the garden club, the Gadabouts and church groups.

5. What groups are you affiliated with?
Right now, I am affiliated with the Westchase Artists Society.

6. In 10 years, where do you see yourself?
In 10 years, I hope to still be painting and improving my work.

November 2012 Artist of the Month

 

 

For the month of November's Westchase Artist of the Month it's our pleasure to present to you Linita Calvacca.  Linita is a relatively new member to the Westchase Artists Society, so it's great to get to know her a little bit better through this feature.  Enjoy!

 

Question:Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I have lived in the Tampa Bay area all of my life. I am married to a wonderful man Michael Calvacca we have a wonderful son Richie he married a beautiful woman Amy ....and now the reward is two grandsons Zachary and Dylan. All of my spare time is spent enjoying life as a Nana and as a daughter to my 83 year old mother. In a few years I plan on retiring from my now 27 year career as an accountant, at that time I want to devote time to my love of art. I have a beautiful little dog "Chloe Bella" that I enjoy.

 

Question: What first made you want to become an artist?

At an early age I was exposed to art. My father, although he never became able monetarily to live off of or support his family from his art work, always enjoyed drawing, painting and wood carving. After retiring my father was able to enjoy his continued love of painting and did sell many of his works. Also my brother was an artist that did show and sell many of his paintings in Manhattan where he lived most of his life. I have always admired and felt envious of anyone that could put on paper or canvas something beautiful...I wanted that ability.

Question: Describe your creative process.

I began studying under Vanessa Montenegro about a year ago after looking online to find someone to teach me to draw from photos. She did just that! In the past six months I have been commissioned to do several drawings of pets, children and family portraits from photos and at this point have sold many of my paintings. I am now working with acrylics and painting original landscapes. One of my landscapes  "Lettuce Lake Boardwalk" was one of 39 paintings selected to be exhibited at The Tampa Bay Lightning Forum for the Lightning season. I currently have a website Http://Artbylinita.com/

                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                      Question: Favorite books, movies, groups, websites?

I love reading my favorite author is John Steinbeck "Grapes of Wrath" "The Red Pony" "Of Mice and Men" another favorite book is "Geisha"

Movies my favorite is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest or anything with Tom Hanks "Big" "Forrest Gump" "Cast Away""Sleepless in Seattle" any an all.

Any groups affiliated with Moffitt Hospital and All Childrens Hospital ....

Websites..Animal Planet... National geographics.....Blink....Cafe Press......Etsy

 

Question: In ten years I'd like to be...

Wow can't really say ....I know I still want to be a wife, mother, daughter, Nana and maybe in 15 or 20 years what would you call me a Great Nana ....wait I already am....lol

Also hopefully I will have many other proud moments in the art world.

 

Thank you so much Linita.  Great interview.  Stay tuned for upcoming Artists of the Month.

October 2012 Artist of the Month

 

For the month of October we have another wonderfully talented artist to present.  This artist is a relatively new member to our group and we're looking forward to getting to know her better.  Presenting to you Roberta Fallon.

 

Question:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Roberta:  I was born in the Bronx in NY and we moved Upstate to Dutchess County after we married to raise our children. I have a son, Randy , who lives up in NY, is married and has a little girl named Caitlin. I also have a daughter, Danielle, who lives in Waterchase with her husband and two children, Alexis 11 and Jack, almost 8. I have been a resident of Florida for 6 years now,

Question: What first made you want to paint?

Roberta:  In 2002 I was spending alot of time in Ocean City, NJ. I had recently found out that an Aunt of mine was a painter. Also, my Father used to talk about painting but never gave it a shot. I decided to take lessons. I went to an Art Society in the area and got a list of artists who gave lessons. One of my favorite artists on the Island was on the list. I called her and that was the start. I worked with a small group of local artists some new to painting and others who were pros. I took lessons whenever I was in NJ and had to stop when we moved here.

Question:  What's your creative process?

Roberta:   I will usually see a photo that attracts me and gets my creative juices flowing. I LOVE to paint my Grandchildren. Of course, most of the paintings take place on the beach. I have one of my Grandson that I call "Funky Jack". It's just so HIM. I use oils and I also love pastels.

Question:  What are your favorite books, movies etc.

Roberta:   Being that I am a romantic at heart I love movies like West Side Story, Grease or anything with a happy ending. My favorite authors are Stephen King, Robin Cook and Dean Koontz. Anything that makes me think " Hmm, could that really happen?".

Question:  What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

Roberta:   Hopefully still painting. I am starting School at Dunedin Fine Arts Center in the Fall so looking forward to improving my work. 

 

Thanks Roberta for taking the time out for our interview.  It's always fun to find out more about our artists.  Stay tuned for November's Artist of the Month. 

September 2012 Artist of the Month

We are so lucky at the Westchase Artists Society.  Our membership has been growing and we're gaining some very diverse artist members.  One of our relatively new members is Stacy Kinslow.  Stacy brings to us the art of lampwork beadmaking.  And after watching Stacy at work with her torch, I have a new respect for the medium.  So, without further delay, here's Stacy's interview.

Question:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Stacy:  I've lived in Tampa all my life.  I have been married for 17 years and am a stay at home mom of a 5 year old.  My mother was always very crafty.  She sewed clothes and costumes, decorated cakes, made candles, even reupholstered furniture.  I have cross-stitched, worked with a scroll saw, and love nature photography.  I started making jewelry, then the glass beads.

Question:  What first made you want to become an artist:
Stacy:  I always had an interest in stained glass and was fascinated by glass blowers, but once I saw a lampworker manipulate melted glass and create a miniature work of art, I was hooked.

Question:  Describe your creative process.
Stacy:   I usually sit down and wonder how this color would look with that color.  There's chemical reactions in the glass, sometimes they work in your favor, sometimes, not.  You can build layers of transparent glass and build something different.  Every bead is unique.  There are so many techniques to learn and practice.  The options are limitless.

Question:  Favorite books, movies, website, groups....
Stacy:   I really enjoyed The Hunger Games, and enjoyed making beads inspired by the book.  I am also enjoying the Enchanted Inc series.

Question:  In ten years, I'd like to be...
Stacy:   Surviving my daughter's teenage years.

Stacy, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our interview questions.  Great interview and fabulous beads!  Please stay tuned and check back with us at the beginning of October for our next Artist of the Month spotlight.

August 2012 Artist of the Month

For the month of August our Artist of the Month is Victoria Tully.  Victoria is a wonderful artist that creates her magic through paper making wonderful handcrafted cards.  Each one is a special piece that takes the art of working with paper to a new level.  It's always great to be able to get to know our artists a little bit better, so without further delay, here's Victoria's interview.

Question:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Toledo, OH but spent most of my life in Phoenix, AZ. I have lived in the Tampa area for 20 years, almost 17 of those in Westchase. I love being active and involved in the community.

I’m the owner and operator of Victoria Tully Designs. I have always loved art, making things and being creative. Many years ago I began making scrapbooks for myself and family members. One year for Christmas, I tore apart my daughter and son’s baby books, added photos from their childhood through young adulthood and made a big scrapbook for each of them. To this day they say it was the best gift I ever gave them. The following Christmas, I decided to do one for my stepdaughter and stepson and included not only their childhood photos but pictures of their father in his childhood and young adulthood. They loved them! My husband always encouraged me with my scrapbooking hobby and often said he thought I had a natural talent and I should go into business. I would laugh at him!

Then in the spring of 2011, I found myself not knowing what to do. I had recently lost my best friend, husband and my number one encourager of nearly 25 years. I needed something to fill my time and emptiness and give me some degree of happiness. It was my son (who had since become my number one encourager) who sent me an email with a link to a scrapbooking and card making business and said, “Mom, you can do this!” After kicking around the idea for a time, I thought what better business to start than to do something I really love. I had been working on a scrapbook for my neighbor’s 80th birthday celebration and realized the fulfillment and joy I was receiving from creating this keepsake for her. That was the beginning of Victoria Tully Designs…handmade invitations, scrapbooks and greeting cards. On April 27, 2011, Victoria Tully Designs, LLC was filed with the State of Florida.

Question:  What first made you want to become an artist?

This question tickles me. I am still getting accustomed to being referred to as an “artist.” I can’t pinpoint an exact thing that made me want to become an artist. I believe art has always been part of me. More importantly, it has always been God’s plan for me.

Question:  Describe your creative process.

I am inspired by an individual, a happy couple and/or an event. I play around with paper textures, colors, layers and embellishments. God has given me a talent to listen to an individual's vision, along with their likes and dislikes, and then be able to make it come alive in a card, invitation or scrapbook page.

 Question:  movies, website, groups…

My favorite books are anything involving spiritual growth, encouragement and understanding. I read from the Bible daily. I also love books about art, cooking (my second love) and decorating. My favorite website is YouTube. You can find out how to do almost anything on it!

My taste in music is very eclectic. I like pop 40 to jazz and classical. One of my favorite things is the “Shuffle Songs” option on my iPod. I listen to music all day long.

Question:  In ten years, I’d like to be…

Receiving as much joy from my art and clients as I do today! The Lord willing.

July 2012 Artist of the Month

Our Artist of the Month for July is one of the few that have been with our group from the early days.  It's always fun to have Sonya around because she brings a wonderful artistic style to all of our group projects.  So here's a peak into what makes Sonya tick. 

Q.  What made you want to become an artist?

Sonya:  Art is fun and limitless. Creating art has always brought me a tremendous amount of happiness. It’s always been there for me when I need a different perspective in the whirlwind.

 

Q. Describe your creative process.
My work begins with an idea usually inspired by something simple and normally overlooked. It’s quirky with a sense of humor -though often with an underlying message.

I like to keep it stress free and just have fun…trying not to over-think it, but simply enjoy the journey. I prefer bright colors and imperfection.

I’m primarily a painter, but have made all sorts of art from all sorts of things. It’s important to me to explore and grow because that’s all part of the process and delight.

I take many deep breaths and I look up often, reminding myself that every day is a gift from God and beauty is all around us.

So, taking Sonya's lead, I'm taking a deep breath and hoping that you all enjoyed this installment of the Westchase Artists Society's Artist of the Month.  Stay tuned for next month's installment and have an art-filled day!

June 2012 Artist of the Month

For the steamy month of June, the Westchase Artists Society's Artist of the Month is a wonderful artist named Rena Charles.  Rena has added a spark of enthusiasm to our group and she's so much fun to be around.  We're lucky to have her in our ranks.  So, without further delay, here's Rena's interview.

Question:  Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Rena:  I received my B.A. in Art History and minored in Environmental Studies and Visual Arts from Emory University.  Since then I've worked 9 years in the art industry here in Tampa.  I am fortunate to be the Directory of Gallery Relations for a nationally known pop artist based right here.  I love to travel, snowboard, watch football and golf, and dance and laugh with my friends.  For every city that I've traveled, there's an accompanying museum or gallery district that I've also visited.  Isn't it fascinating how people create so differently?  That's why I fell in love with Art History, it never felt like studying.

Question:  What first made you want to become an artist?
Rena:  I simply enjoy painting.  I see a vision in my head, or I am inspired by nature.  Transposing that vision onto canvas or mat board or wood is refreshing, almost therapeutic.  It's even more thrilling when someone wants to own what I've created.

Question:  Describe your creative process.
Rena:  My doggy, Bernie, curled next to me.  A glass of wine doesn't hurt.  I've usually sketched out what I want to paint and the color scheme is in my head.  A lot of happy accidents happen along the way.  I stop when the canvas makes me smile.  I've sort of nestled myself into a tree theme.  Trees have their own personalities and moods, all affected by the time of day, the time of year and the individual tree's characteristics.  I like to refer to my paintings as expressionistic tree portraits.

Question:  Favorite books, movies, website, groups...
Rena:  I love to read sci-fi novels and watch sci-fi/action films.  I regularly watch Anime and probably spend a bit too much time on Reddit.

Question:  In ten years, I'd like to be...
Rena:   In ten years, I'd like to have shared my work with a wider audience, snowboard down a double black diamond, get that 2nd tattoo I've been putting off, and still be chasing the next adventure!

Wonderful interview!!  Thanks Rena for taking the time to answer our questions.  Stay tuned for next month's Artist of the Month.