Profiles of Grapevine Artists

Judy Mackey Oil Painter

Grapevine Art Project Featured Artist   The Grapevine Art Project is pleased to shine the art spotlight on Judy Mackey as one of our first Featured Artists on the ilovegrapevinetexas.com website.   Judy is one our most personable as well as talented regional artist members and it is our pleasure to watch her reputation grow in the local art community.   Judy's interest in art was apparent as a child, but as Judy explains, "life happened," and she has only returned to art as a dedicated artist for the last six years.  Given her apparent competency, acceptance by the public, and rising star status, Judy is making up for lost time in developing her talent.   While Judy has worked in watercolor and pen and ink, the texture of the medium and the ability to 'paint loosely' makes oil painting her favorite.  Unlike artists who focus on a particular topic or style of painting, Judy is proud of the fact that while she chooses eclectic subjects, her talent and technique work equally well in painting the human figure, animals, flowers, or dynamic landscapes.   Judy is developing an excellent reputation by marketing her art through the internet, at her website, judymackey.com, and even on eBay.  Of course, Judy also participates in local and regional art shows and sales as well as displaying her work in area galleries. Judy was juried into an international online gallery: Perez Contemporary Art Gallery, and has been invited to join the Daily Painters Abstract Gallery,  the Daily Painters of Texas and the Artists of Texas.  The Artists of Texas had their first show – ending on November 30th at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas. Congratulations, Judy, on being one of the first Featured Artists of the Grapevine Art Project. Contact judymackey.com, or judy@judymackey.com.

Bruce Rosenstiel Photographer

When my wife declared she was done photographing our vacations, I decided to experiment with a manual SLR attached to my birding scope. Twenty years as a birder had already taught me to slow down and observe the details of my surroundings and had led to an interest in nature overall, so I naturally focused the camera on flowers, insects, butterflies, and all manner of flora and fauna. The limitations of using a birding scope as a lens quickly drove me to purchase a 35 mm SLR camera and multiple lenses. Before long, I converted to digital SLRs and began processing and printing my own images. With greater experience, I became more interested in the details of composition, lighting, and photographing different subjects. Though initially reluctant to photograph people because it seemed too intrusive, I now especially enjoy the challenge of capturing an expression, mood, or perspective in candid portraits. Bird watching, cultural travel, and photography have taken my wife and me to six continents and over fifty countries. Exploring the world has also helped me greater appreciate the diversity and unique beauty of our home in Grapevine, Texas.           Small World Photos Ongoing and Upcoming Exhibits and Shows: Images from Thailand and Laos at the Lancaster Gallery in Grapevine, now - November 30. Stems in Grapevine, November 14, 2:00 - 4:00 pm Grapevine Library Art Show, December 5 and 6 www.smallworldphotos.net www.brucerosenstiel.com 817-528-5993

Linda Mitchell Oil Painter

During the October, 2009, “Art On Main” art show in Grapevine, Linda was honored with a People’s Choice Award for “Despair,” an oil painting on canvas. Currently on exhibit in the Lancaster Theater of Grapevine, (through mid-December), this painting, along with other selections by Linda, may be viewed. Linda enjoys painting a wide-range of interests while featuring elephants, cattle, horses, country structures with landscapes and portraits. When asked, Linda states that she prefers to paint “interests that personally inspire” her. Frequently accepting requests from friends and clients, Linda enjoys providing a painting that “people appreciate and enjoy.” Beginning her 'painting birth' in Scottsdale, Arizona, Linda was motivated and mentored by her late mother-in-law, Sue Hopkins, who passed away in 2008, in the small town of Wimberley, Texas (Texas Hill Country), where she had retired. "Sue was a phenomenal artist, her talent well known by many."   Linda could also be found painting along the small spring creeks of famous Oak Creek Canyon, near Sedona, Arizona. She painted in the 'serene environments' where her husband enjoyed fly-fishing. Linda began painting as a simple hobby for self-fulfillment and branched her talent through art lessons with various, local Arizona artists. Currently, she studies under the tutelage of James A. (Jim) Humphrey in his Grapevine Main Street Art Studio. Having developed a passion for art over a lifetime, it was a simple progression for Linda to begin drawing, followed by painting with oils over 15 years ago. Simply put, Linda paints because it’s what she “loves to do.” Ongoing and Upcoming Shows and Exhibits: At the Lancaster Theatre, now until mid-December, "Despair" and other works. Contact Linda at lindamitchell@grandecom.net.

Randy Saffle Oil Painter

Texas native, Randy Saffle, has worked as an Illustrator/Designer for over twenty years designing logos and signage for many of the nations top companies. His diverse artistic background also includes designing toys and illustrating children’s books and comics. “As an illustrator, I've always created art to fit others needs. Oil painting offers me the opportunity to create with more emotion and lasting appeal. I enjoy painting outdoors and working quickly in the ever-changing light. I try to keep my paintings fresh and spontaneous. My favorite subject matter is rural Texas.“ As a member of the Outdoor Painters Society and the Grapevine Art Project, Randy can be found painting outdoors, en plein air (in the open air) all over Texas.   I work in small sizes on location, usually in the 9” x 12” range. Working small allows me the time for selecting and honing an idea, even in fleeting light, and allows me to explore several different subjects in a day. Most small field sketches I create are finished works in their own right, saying everything I have to say about a subject. The rest serve as reference material for larger, more carefully orchestrated studio paintings. Awards & Acknowledgments: Waxahachie Paint Out Merit Award 2009 Waxahachie Paint Out Merit Award 2008 Waxahachie "Quick Draw" 2008 & 09 participant Second place at the Bedford Art Association 2007 Second place Watercolor award Irving Art Association         Contact Randy Saffle's email at rmsaffle@msn.com or visit his Website at www.randysaffle.com or follow his Blog at www.randysaffle.blogspot.com

Shelly Burden Portrait Artist

"Turning Images into Heirlooms" Although I am able to render numerous subjects, I'm best known for achieving attention to detail graphite people and pet portraits as well as watercolor pet portraits. With all commissions, you have the pleasure of participating in the process while watching your portrait come to life through a series of works - in - progress sent to you as I complete your portrait. (www.shellyburden.com) My Sassy Smudges allow you to relax while I paint your 5x7" pet miniature. (www.sassysmudges.com) Although painted on a smaller scale, these pet paintings show the same nuances and quality of workmanship my larger commissions are noted for. Portraits evoke such emotions, that's what makes them a challenge to accomplish. I am thrilled to take a photo that may not be worthy of displaying in your home, and turn it into a hand painted original piece of art that you will enjoy for years. You are welcome to contact me at burdenzoo@verizon.net for more information. Right: 'Kerbey', Custom Ink/Watercolor "5x7"   Winner: The 'Magic of Mardi Gras' painting was one of the 3 award winners chosen by the judges in the Lancaster Theatre's Art Show & Sale in October, 2009.         Ongoing and Upcoming Shows and Exhibits: At Grapevine Convention and Visitor Center on  Saturday, November 28th (10am-5pm) and Sunday, November 29th (10am-4pm). Thanksgiving weekend, during Canton In The City event.   Contact Shelly Burden's email at burdenzoo@verizon.net or websites at www.shellyburden.com and www.sassysmudges.com.

Sharen Chatterton Acrylic, Watercolor, Mixed Media, Collage Artist

Sharen Chatterton is a talented artist, self-taught in acrylic, watercolor, mixed media and collage. Born in 1957 in Hartsville, South Carolina. Sharen has pursued her love of art through her paintings and mixed media work. Her work has been exhibited in many shows throughout the North and East Texas areas including through the Trinity Art Guild, the Grapevine Art Project, and the Irving Art Connection. Sharen currently lives with her husband Carter, and their three dogs, Sigh, Bernie and Gracie. "As an artist, I endeavor to express my love of nature. I try to capture the beauty created by an undeniably talented God.  Each piece has to have that smile factor. When I look at it, it has to make me smile, glad to be alive to enjoy all the beauty around me. I love the brilliant beauty of the flowers and butterflies that abound in North Texas gardens and I attempt to capture them on canvas. When painting in watercolor, I enjoy portraying bold, bright, shiny things as my subjects. With each work, the intricate and beautiful world around me is captured, to be viewed again and again." Ongoing and Upcoming Shows and Exhibits: Contact Sharen at Luna Azul Studios, or sharenchatterton@lunaazulstudio.com.

Karen Rester Acrylic, Collage, Mixed Media, Oil Artist

Karen Rester is a self-taught artist. Born in 1957 in Hartsville, South Carolina, Karen has been pursuing the development of her creative spirit through-out her life. After raising their children in Grapevine, Texas, then taking a couple of years to cruise aboard their sailboat in the Bahamas, Karen with her husband Jim, a photographer and writer, moved back to land in deep South Texas, where Luna Azul Studios was started. After several years of artistic work in the hill country, Karen and Jim have moved back to the North Texas area. She lives with her husband Jim, and two dogs, Bo and Monty. "My art comes from the world around me. Each new situation or setting I am in inspires a new variation in my creative expression. I love working in collage and acrylic."       Ongoing and Upcoming Shows and Exhibits: Contact Karen at Luna Azul Studios, or karenrester@lunaazulstudios.com.

Rick Eakins Oil Painter

During a recent 4th Friday Gallery Night in downtown Grapevine, oil painter Rick Eakins was honored as a featured local artist. Presenting his original landscape collection from the Plein-Aire Painters of America workshops, Eakins encouraged others to paint on location, working outdoors to capture the essence of natural light. "Landscapes are my favorite subject matter, especially if I can find an old barn or house to include in my painting," says Eakins. "And many years as a graphic artist have really helped, especially when I try to capture the fine architectural details of those structures."  Eakins is known for his serene, pastoral oil paintings of the Grapevine area, the Texas Hill country and the northern mountain ranges of New Mexico. Since his retirement from a professional career in commercial art and illustration, Eakins has devoted studio time to perfecting his oil painting. In addition,  he is a member of the Associated Creative Artist of Dallas, Outdoor Painters Society and the Trinity Arts Guild. A long-time resident, Eakins grew up on his family's property in rural Grapevine and developed a passion for oil painting as a teenager. "I have been very fortunate," shares Eakins, "to study and paint with Tony Eubanks, Jerral Derryberry, Bruce Peil, Judy Gelfert, Jim Rozek, and recently John Budicin. So, don't be surprised to find me on any given day out in the park, by Grapevine Lake or even on Main Street with a brush and canvas. I'm enjoying every minute painting!"

Jennifer (Jenny) Tucker Oil Painter

Jenny Tucker is a Grapevine resident and has been a working artist here for the past six years.  For many years she dabbled in trompe l’oeil on furniture, floors and walls, but never took her work seriously, in spite of outside encouragement to do so. Then in 2003, she walked into the House of Colors and was inspired.  She began studying oil painting with Francois Arenas, owner of the studio and renown Belgian artist.    After three years of study, she was offered a space to display at Main Street Fine Arts Gallery. After two years there, she left her dear friends at that gallery for the opportunity to design and broker the art gallery space at Buon Giorno Coffee House.  She has showcased her work in the past at the Lancaster Theater during the Vintage Art and Wine Trail, Summer Nights Program in Grapevine and as one of Buon Giorno’s feature artists on their gallery wall.  Buon Giorno showcases her pieces on an ongoing basis.  She is currently working out of her home studio, which is its own “work in progress.”  She has also sold work through auctions on ebay, but has sold many of her pieces through the recommendations of clients as commissions.     Jenny’s work has been described as having overtones of Matisse and Georgia O’Keefe, but she likes to describe it as expressionistic.  Capturing life and movement in her brushstrokes, she shows the admirer the joy and feeling of the moment whether it be of a landscape, still life or portraiture.  Jenny serves on the steering committee of the Grapevine Art Project and is a member of the Dallas Museum of Art.  In the future, she hopes to serve Grapevine by helping to build a center for the arts which encompasses many artistic endeavors such as theater and music. Her artwork was displayed on the front page of the Grapevine Courier in July, 2009.  She has a web presence on Facebook at Jennifer Tucker Designs - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennifer-Tucker-Designs/123795630616?ref=ts.  Become a fan to see her portfolio and receive updates on her most recent work.  Jenny can be reached at 214 529-0645.  Give her a call – she’d love to have coffee with you and talk art! “Sunflowers” – Still life, oil on canvas   “Buenos Aires” – oil on canvas, palette knife technique, commissioned painting Jenny's work will be on display at the Lancaster Theater in April during this year’s Vintage Wine Trail and Art Show on April 17th, 2010.

Mary Sweeney Howe Oil and Acrylic Painter

Custom Themes, Paintings, Murals I am a local artist living and working in Grapevine. I have been painting since the age of 4, when my first artwork landed on my parents wall. I was standing on the back of their white leather couch and I drew a horse with a huge black crayon...this was my destiny as a mural artist!    I work in both mediums, arcylic and oil. By day I am painting the murals and individual art pieces; in the evenings, I teach art at Lifesong Studio in Grapevine. The murals I design and paint (for businesses and residential), are custom themed murals, the most popular scenes are of Europe, especially the Italian countryside, villas and mountains. I also work on children's themed murals, including Castle designs and popular children's stories. My commission art paintings are abstract in nature, mostly very vivid colors of nature with spiritual themes. Much of my inspiration comes from my experience working on theatre sets and the last ten years from my European travels to Ireland, England, Germany, Austria and a recent back packing/train trip throughout Italy.             Contact me: Divine Inspirations maryhowe40@hotmail.com; 817 488-1777 or 817 797-2126

Archie St. Claire International Bronze Sculptor

Look up and down the streets of Grapevine and you will see them--the cautious family of deer and the unassuming bear that reside at the end of Main Street, B.R. Wall poised on the corner, and the trio of children skating down the sidewalk. These and other bronze sculptures that grace this historic town are the work of Grapevine's international bronze sculptor, Archie St. Clair. St. Clair was born in the Australian Outback and spent much of his young life working as a stockman and a butcher. At the age of 22, St. Clair earned his pilot's license and began working as a commercial helicopter pilot. He accrued years of flight experience, but even they could not prevent the terrible helicopter accident St. Clair suffered in 1994 that left him wheelchair-bound. St. Clair spent the next three-and-a-half years not only overcoming his disability, but also discovering his talent for making clay sculptures and immersing himself in the sculpting process. Once he was able, St. Clair moved from his remote hometown in Australia to Arizona to work in the foundries. It was there that he learned the process of turning his clay masterpieces into bronze. The bronze process is not an easy one to complete. St. Clair spends countless hours in his studio across from the Vintage Train Depot in downtown Grapevine transforming the clay that he makes himself into intricate (and sometimes larger than life) works of art. St. Clair says that this first step is the one that truly requires his artistic touch: he can teach anyone to make molds and pour bronze, but only an artist can capture the fine details that make an inanimate figure come alive. Once a clay sculpture is complete, St. Clair and his team use rubber, plaster, wax, and ceramic to make molds of all the sculpture's different sections. These molds end up in the adjoining foundry, where they are filled with molten bronze. When the bronze has cooled and hardened, the ceramic is methodically chipped away and what's left behind is a jigsaw puzzle of pieces that St. Clair welds together into one metallic monument. St. Clair applies a patina to his bronze sculptures to highlight different areas and make them even more lifelike. The lights stay on in St. Clair's studio well into the night, but St. Clair would not have it any other way. He's committed to producing the highest quality work possible, and his dogged pursuit of perfection is evident all the way down to the stitching in his sculptures' pants. Even though St. Clair's art requires so much of his attention, he is happy to take a break to meet with visitors who stop by. He even encourages them to help him with the artistic process by carving away at the clay pieces that he's working on. Luck might have brought the uncompromising bronze sculptor to Grapevine, but that is not what is keeping St. Clair there. It is the historic downtown, the wonderful amenities, the friendly community, and the small-town feel that make Grapevine home for St. Clair. He intends to continue producing bronze sculptures in his downtown studio for Grapevine, surrounding areas, and the world for years to come.

Becky Deed Oil and Acrylic Artist

Becky Deed who says painting "feeds my soul" is an honors graduate with a degree in art from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.  She won her first art contest when in she was in the first grade and still had the metal ruler she was awarded.  Becky’s roots in art were formed at an early age.  Her mother, Merle Still, was also an artist who taught china painting   “My mother always wanted me to follow in her footsteps, but I didn’t enjoy the tedium and precision of china painting.  I prefer a bolder approach to my art. “ Becky works primarily in oil and acrylic.  She loves the texture created by using a palette knife, as well as the bold use of color in capturing the beauty of nature in her landscapes.  Her work is found in several private collections in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, and her work was recently shown in the Gordon Phillips Gallery.               Contact: Beckydeed@gmail.com