2023 ARTISTS

MAT BARBER KENNEDY Chicago, IL

I’ve spent my painting career celebrating the quirky and the overlooked, the everyday and the banal. As an architect I watched buildings go up. And as a painter Im more interested in celebrating them as they crumble. In 2008, I was awarded the prestigious Turner Medal in London...and I still haven’t gotten over the thrill.

MILLIE GOSCH College Park, GA

Painting outdoors from life is a praise and a worship. To me it’s like breathing. I am drawn to simple spaces like open fields and the low country; sunshine and late afternoons.I love painting competitions because they keep me measured up and in tune with my fellow artists. Every little success, whether a good painting, an inspiring art group, or an award is always a blessing. However, my favorite accomplishment is achieving signature status in the American Impressionist Society and becoming a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast.

NATALIA ANDREEVA Tallahassee, FL

From my early childhood I was intrigued and fascinated by the enigma of art, this magical process that turns “nothing” into the harmonic tune of chaos.Learning art techniques did not diminish my interest and surprise, on the contrary, it has deepened my passion for art. Each work is a continuation of the quest and each new step develops my feelings and intensifies my exploration. I love color. I believe it is power, it burns, it cools, it speaks, and I think, it is part of the spell.

Pearl Horng

Midlothian, VA

A practicing emergency physician, I began my career in art 10 years ago during my medical training. I have known since I was a child that art was my true calling and that I would always return to it again. What I love most is the process of finding my painting – in the relationships between shapes and within the character of the light. The possibilities are infinite and exciting. Last year, I was awarded the first prize Gino Award at Paint It! Ellicott City.

Ralph James

Woodlawn, VA

North Carolina’s Outer Banks are home to white sandy beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and ocean breezes that sweep over the unspoiled coastal terrain. These and other Atlantic coastal areas are often the inspiration for my landscape and wildlife scenes. They are the places that have my passion, my heart, and my concern. I try to portray light and atmosphere accurately. These attributes turn an otherwise ordinary painting into a dramatic scene of great beauty.

Rhonda Ford

Easton, MD

I thoroughly enjoy painting en plein air. Having moved to Easton Md five years ago it is hard to avoid getting bit by the plein air bug. I set a goal for myself a few years ago to sign up for some local non juried events to test myself and I was happy to find out that I enjoyed the process and found some success as well. I was fortunate to be awarded First Place in 2021 and 2022 at the Paint Worcester County (MD) plein air event which is held every year in September.

ROKHAYA WARING Clyde, NC

Rokhaya compares her painting process to cooking or gardening- where colors, flavors and textures combine intuitively and where passion and the passage of time are fundamental. Her childhood memories of homeschooling- where activities included raising goats, baking bread, playing the piano and the violin, and camping across America- have informed her creative vision. Travel, close observation of nature and daily sketching from life are the foundation of her technique.

ROSE S. KENNEDY Hope Mills, NC

Plein air painting is a joy for me, and makes my soul sing! I feel a spiritual connection with the landscape when out in nature capturing a scene. The challenge of getting the essence of a painting down quickly with shifting light patterns, weather changes and intrusive “no see ums” is a fulfilling experience that drives my desire to create. Most recently my work has received honorable mention awards in the American Impressionist Society Online Members’ Exhibition and at the Suffolk Plein Air Festival.

RUSSELL JEWELL Easley, SC

A simple black square is a window to everything in the world… in the dark. Therefore, regardless of the subject or medium, all that matters is light. In other words, without light there is no form, only the dark square. Visually, only light allows for observation. Exponentially, only enlightenment pushes aside shadows within ourselves. Is it then not true the world we observe and the world we imagine both demand light for observation, thus creating enlightened worlds to be shared with others?

THOMAS BUCCI Camden, Maine

I’ve chosen watercolor its ability to quickly suggest form with loose washes and conjure the illusion of detail with crisp brushwork. This approach to watercolor requires me to work quickly. I’m willing to take the risks associated with that to realize its potential. Sometimes a landscape serves up a ready painting idea and I use it directly. More often ideas come from something less complete; a glimpse of atmospheric effects or sunlight landing on a surface. I paint at every opportunity, putting these ideas down on paper.

VLAD DUCHEV Baltimore, MD

My process of painting is very simple - I will only start painting if I can see a complete painting in my mind with all the steps from start to finish. Paint it in your mind first - then transfer it to the canvas.