This year's Plein Air artists part three

John Guernsey

Hometown: Marietta, GA

Medium: Oil

 

Originally from Southern California, John Brian Guernsey moved to Georgia in 1993 and transitioned to an art career in 2006. The work of Mr. Guernsey would best be described as contemporary impressionism/realism, in a 'plein air' style, and covers subject matter from landscapes and cityscapes to still life. Having developed his drawing skills through college and workshops, he now concentrates primarily on landscapes in oil. 

 Mr. Guernsey is a frequent participant in nationally ranked plein air festivals and maintains a busy schedule of classes and workshops around the southeast. He is represented exclusively by DK Gallery, in Marietta, GA. Mr. Guernsey's work reveals a keen observance of atmosphere and light, and is inspired not only by his love of nature, but by his interest in city life and architecture as well.

Artist’s Statement: "My work is primarily landscapes in oil paint, with an emphasis on the 'plein air' method and technique. I strive for a tonal, atmospheric look - and try to communicate to the viewer the feeling of 'being there'."

  

Amy Peterson

Hometown: Trussville, AL

Medium: Oil and Acrylic

After earning her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 2005, she was commissioned to paint a Universal Madonna figure for the retiring President of the University of Notre Dame, on behalf of the Multicultural Alumni network.  This experience inspired an on-going series of Madonna (mother-child) images. In addition, Amy paints extensively from life in oil and acrylics: still lifes and plein air landscapes.

Amy fell in love with the Southwest In 2005 while working at Canyonlands National Park in Utah. Southwestern art motifs  continue to inspire her work.

An advocate for Art Therapy, Amy is involved with art therapy programs at First Light Women’s Shelter of Birmingham and Very Special Arts of Alabama.

Artist Statement:

“COLOR and FORM excite me! In these I find LIFE and ENERGY fully expressed in the most SIMPLE, direct way.”

“On canvas and on foot, I enjoy exploring the infinite colors, forms, and textures of the natural world. While painting landscapes en plein air, immersed in the whims of a particular season or time of day, I aim to capture the essence of that place in time. “

Sharon Gates

Hometown: Birmingham, AL

Medium: Oil

Painting primarily in oils, Sharon likes to consider herself an expressionist colorist when it comes to style.  After putting her artistic talents on hold for her teaching career then her family, she began painting in the 1980s at the encouragement of a friend.  Her first paintings sold in a show that same year.  Over the years she has studied with nationally acclaimed artists Kim English, Ken Backhaus, Nancy Chadbourn and locally with Barbara Evans.  Sharon has been an art instruction at the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Eastern Shore Art Association in Fairhope, AL.  She teaches workshops and paints with the Evans Wednesday Painters as well as with the Alabama Plein Air Artists and is currently President of the Birmingham Art Association.  Proficient in watercolor and acrylics as well, Sharon gained signature status in the Watercolor Society of Alabama .

Artist’s Statement:  My work is the expression of personal feelings and responses to light, color, paint properties, and the subject before me.  Because I work in oils, acrylics, and watercolors, I am considered a multi-media artist.  I allow the subject and the effect I want to dictate which medium to use.  I love it ALL!  Creativity is always my guide through the piece. 

As an art teacher, my goal is to inspire and challenge students of all levels to creative and artistic expression.  My philosophy?  “Paint from your heart, paint the best you know how, forgive yourself, and never stop learning.   Above  all else, remember that there are no mistakes, only creative opportunities.