Artists of the Month - October 2015

by Judie Apablaza

Judie Apablaza, "A Splash of Color"

​Judie Apablaza is our first place winner, with a still life titled “A Splash of Color.” Judie works in watercolor and prefers to work with the natural world in the form of still life, florals and landscapes. April Drew Foster’s recent class presented a unique opportunity for painting a still life set up with Hydrangeas. Judie completes a fairly detailed drawing before she adds any watercolor. Jay Ewing, Fealing Lin and Richard Scott stand out as instructors who have also added tips and encouragement over the last three years.  

​Judie is a recently retired college professor in the field of Psychology. She has also worked with victims of domestic violence and adults with disabilities, besides other mental health issues requiring testing and counseling. Now, she states, is the time to return to her childhood passion: drawing and watercolor.


Judie always sketched as a child and received a summer scholarship to Otis Art Institute while in middle school. Her pastel art was featured on the walls at Swain’s Art Supply while she was in high school. Many mentors have stated that the field of art, like any other discipline, requires dedication and practice. Judie is so appreciative of the encouragement and community spirit that the VHAA provides to its members. 

Diane Bernstein, "Self Portrait"

Diane Bernstein is our second place winner.  Diane was interested in replacing her self portrait on her Facebook page. The original watercolor that she had painted in the past featured her in costume and seemed "too stiff.”  She felt that it did not adequately reflect her personality. The new self portrait in watercolor reflects her “true self” as she is at the present time.  Diane had been taking Sheri Garwood’s classes at McGroarty Art Center. With Sheri’s encouragement she produced her current self portrait. She states that “portraits are easy” for her and the process just seems to flow naturally. 

Diane attended the Art Center College of Design and worked in the commercial art field before she was a stay-at-home mom. Diane identities herself first and foremost as an advocate for the special needs community. She calls herself an “art coach” and works with children with disabilities and their families. She states that she was changed by her own child and has worked tirelessly to attain funding to support programs for children and parents dealing with the challenges of autism and other special need issues. We are so pleased to have such a dedicated person as a member of our art club.