Artists of the Month - September 2015

by Judie Apablaza

Peterfield Turpin, "Driftwood at Moonstone"

Peterfield Turpin’s watercolor, “Driftwood At Moonstone” was a club favorite in the “Premier” category. Peter has had a long and varied career as a commercial and fine artist. He has worked for advertising agencies doing production, layout and illustration in both New York and Los Angeles. He has also rounded out his skills by painting and drawing science fiction illustration for pulp fiction over the years. 

He attended the Rhode Island School of Design gaining a broad background in art. Two years in the U.S. Army gave Peter a wonderful opportunity to practice the German language while his travels in Europe allowed him to expand his appreciation of the arts. 

Peter’s favorite medium is watercolor, although he has painted in oil and has done woodcuts. His current painting, “Driftwood At Moonstone” is representative of the best that watercolor has to offer. Peter states that the quickness, transparency and portable nature of watercolor lends itself to catching the mood of an overcast day on the central coast in Cambria, California.

Rosina Maize, "The Apple Basket"

Rosina Maize is our first place, blue ribbon winner in the “Open” Category. “The Apple Basket,” an oil painting, was completed in a studio group setting which allowed various artists to have completely different views of this still life. She states that she has matured and grown in her skills over the last year while working with Margot Lenartz (since passed away). Margot had been a great mentor in advising students beyond just painting, to such important points as how to frame, price and title their work. 

 Rosina also credits Richard Scott with encouraging student to observe and see color more clearly. His recent classes have also given her confidence in mixing colors with greater accuracy and confidence. Whether working in oil, acrylic, watercolor or mixed media, the color theory is the same. Rosina is excited about showing her work in galleries as she branches out with new artistic opportunities. She also states that she is so appreciative of the positive feedback from the VHAA members.

Sara Griggs (vacationing), "Poppies on Fire"

Sara Griggs started her artistic career later in life in both oil and watercolor.  Over the last several years she has  focused on watercolor as Sara feels it is her true medium and she love its portability.  "Poppies On Fire" was one of several renditions on that subject, working wet into wet, and  varying backgrounds to create different effects.  She  liked the looseness of the poppies contrasting with the negative painting.