Category Archives: painting

Blizz

It started snowing at 9:00 AM and now, at 5:00 PM we have already had what I think is eighteen inches of snow.  It has been relentless, but, no biggie, because we all knew it was coming.

So happy that my art studio is in my house because I’ve been working all day.  I added to the crown paintings – they are almost done.

Before I did that, I heated up the beeswax-filled crockpot then placed three coats of wax on 6″ x 8″ Ampersand hardboards and then traced the tree stencils onto them.

There are twenty-four boards and each will have a different tree design.  They are fresh and modern, and fun!  I’m excited.  I am an avid hiker.  I finally realized that trees should be an important part of my encaustic iconography.  Today was the day!

In fact, I had a realization about my artwork that I will share with you soon.  My series of crowns, horses, fans, bungalows, hearts, targets and now trees are all connected and I hope that they can all be shared together in one (or more) large gallery in the near future.

The overlap is a bit out of control focus-wise because, let’s face it, we are all attracted to the new thing, the latest thing.  I don’t want to rush the conclusion of these crowns.  I may have rushed adding collage materials today – I will allow the experience to digest and look at the work again with a fresh perspective later tonight or tomorrow.

I am loving my productivity though. I think I am an Existentialist and this is my purpose.  A vocation rather than a business.  I trust that the business and financial element will follow because I have already secured so many shows for 2026.

In that realm, next up is the Art Haus group show with a drop off in late February and the reception scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  I will be at the East Syracuse Free Library during May and June 2026, the Fayetteville Free Library in July 2026, the Hazard Branch Library in August 2026 and the drop off for another group exhibition in mid August at the Edgewood Gallery.  That show will be up through October 3, 2026.

In the Haus

Penny Santy, Michelle Keib, John Paul Gardner, Robin Cortese and Karmin Schafer are the artists exhibiting in the new show at Art Haus (120 Walton Street, Syracuse, New York 13202).  Marianna Raineri-Schwarzer has put together a lovely show for us to ponder – the exhibit is called Ponderance.

Penny Santy has been represented by Art Haus for the past year.  If you want to buy something of hers, you must act fast.  She sold two paintings at the reception yesterday and possibly more – I left before it was over.  Penny is also a graphic artist.

Michelle Keib comes from a family of artists.  Although she is self taught, she is quite proficient in her renderings and her line quality is exceptional.

John Paul Gardner is a trained artist/scupltor and art teacher from Utica, New York.  His artwork here – paper collages that he plans to use as paper maquettes for future sculptures.

This is Robin Cortese’s first foray into sharing her paintings.  She brought a slew of collectors (from her charitable fund raising volunteering) to the reception (and cookies!).  I think she sold everything in her collection.

Texture is a big component in Karmin Shafer’s artwork.  I did not see her at the reception so no photo.  Hers were the curled birchwood pieces and some abstract text paintings.

The show and sale runs through February 21, 2026.

 

Art Talk: Lessons In Geometry

Today I visited The Everson Museum of Art (401 Harrison Street, Syracuse, New York 13202) for the Steffi Chappell-led art talk.  It was a Lesson in Geometry.

As Director of Curatorial Affairs, Chappell curated this exhibition from the Everson archives.  Currently, the museum’s finest collection of non-representational paintings and sculptures are housed in two of the upstairs galleries.  Works from Sol Lewitt, Susan Roth, and many other American artists are on view through March 29, 2026.  Some of the pieces are recent acquisitions.

When discussing geometric forms, we are talking about measured shapes.  Drawing a circle free-hand is not geometry.  These pieces utilized rulers, protractors, right triangles and compasses.  Many were conceptualized to appear machine made with very smooth brushstrokes and precise edges (I mean – you can totally tell those artists used masking tape in order to eradicate  the humanity – so that was a bit of an unsuccessful desire).

Steffi Chappell spoke of the historical significance of the abstract art movement in the United States specifically, and how it sort of separated into factions with Abstract Expressionism dominating after World War II.  Geometric Abstraction sprouted from a need to break free of emotional trappings.

Even though many of these pieces were created when I was a child (kind of a long time ago), it was refreshing in that Star Trekkian way to do away with all the emotion and volatility of social justice art, mental illness art, low frequency vibes and the like, at least for the afternoon.  This work, in essence, is art for art’s sake.  It is about using the elements of art to establish the principles of art in a structured instead of intuitive way.

The result:  the viewer responds to color, rhythm, line quality, etc. and appreciates its boldness in size or serenity in shape.  Many artists experimented with canvas shape, new materials, and/or optical illusion.

It’s the kind of abstract art that kids will hesitate to say – I could do that – because the underlying geometric structures and measuring techniques were clearly time consuming, lol.

Artists have obsessed over the relationship between mathematics and art for millennia. As artists turned toward abstraction in the early twentieth century, Europeans like Piet Mondrian used geometry to create a set of rules and parameters that guided their creative process. Meanwhile, American artists began developing their own styles and movements—particularly Abstract Expressionism, which was typified by bold, quickly executed brushwork, drips, and splashes. In the mid-twentieth century in the United States, artists laid the groundwork for Geometric Abstraction as a more cerebral alternative to the often macho flamboyance of Abstract Expressionism. Over the ensuing decades, artists used geometry to produce abstract works that ranged from the dazzling Op Art of Victor Vasarely to the restrained Minimalism of Sol LeWitt.

Lessons in Geometry traces the evolution of hard-edged abstraction in the United States as artists sought to use pure geometric forms to create works with balance, harmony, and order. For these artists, shape, line, and color took precedence over representational compositions. The Everson’s collection reflects the wildly varied ways that artists have used geometry to serve their personal expression, from the analytical formulations of Robert Swain to the shaped canvases of Harmony Hammond and the spatial illusions of Tony King.

 

Animals Everywhere

The holiday exhibit at Edgewood Gallery (216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse, NY 12334) is refreshingly uplifting.  The opening reception was last night.  No talk of religion or politics, or negativity of any kind!  It was just animals.  Animal art in many different, albeit colorful, incarnations.

Ellen and Dia Haffar, the mother-daughter duo of Smokepail Studios brought their bunny rabbit and little piggy iconography A-game with images hand drawn and glazed onto mugs, cups and vases.  The whimsical elegance of this work reflects the artists’ fun and friendly personalities.

Although C.J. Hodge is highly allergic to cats, he still loves them and it shows in these large scale pieces.  His acrylic on wood panel cat paintings are filled with visual texture and pattern.  He sold three paintings before I arrived .  This show is a cash and carry situation, which works for those of you interested in gifting art this Christmas.

Dana Stenson is the real deal.  She crafts jewelry using sterling silver and precious gem stones.  She has been juggling several art events, having spent last weekend at that Plowshares thing plus selling her work at Cazenovia Artisans where she is a member of their collective.

She was influenced by birds, butterflies and dragonflies for this showcase.

Amy Cunningham creates her animal portraits and floral designs using a combination of watercolor, goache and inks.  She adheres the watercolor paper to a hardboard canvas via matte medium then paints the image with precision and finally seals the work with wax.  I find the layers in this work so incredibly satisfying because  the flatness of the imagery is just an illusion.

The exhibit continues through January 9, 2026.  The gallery is open Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Me & My Membership

I am a member of the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (137 East Avenue, Rochester, New York 14604.  My encaustic & collage painting, “Girl”, is there (above).  It is from my Fan-Girl series.

The Rochester Contemporary Art Center’s thirty-fourth Member Exhibition is in full swing through February 14, 2026.  There are over five hundred pieces of art in this show and it is AMAZING!

All artwork is for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the gallery.  This exhibition is a must see!  I think what happens is you will be drawn to a few things at eye level then you’ll step back and see that there is so much more.  Sculpture, ceramics, paintings, photographs, abstracts, realism – it is the most eclectic mix of talent.

To the volunteers who erected this art show- I commend you!  It must have been a giant puzzle to solve to place everything in such a way that each piece gets the respect it deserves.  It is a glorious achievement.

The gallery hours –

Wed. – Sun. 12-5pm
Fri. 12-9pm

  • It is $2 per visit and free for members.

From their web-site:

RoCo was founded as the Pyramid Gallery

In 1977, a small group of artists led by Tony Petracca, John Kavanaugh and Albert Robbins joined together to exhibit their artwork, present an alternative to museums and commercial galleries, and expand the cultural offerings in the region.

Early on, the crew faced considerable obstacles. Only days after the grand opening there was a significant fire that left the small Monroe Ave. storefront and many artworks damaged. Fundraisers were held and walls were rebuilt. Thanks to the perseverance of the founders and their fellow artists, the Rochester art community has been the beneficiary ever since. After formalizing the organization began to receive New York State and foundation funding and soon began to play a significant role in the artist-run space movement of the era. Still there was uncertainty and challenges. The Culture Wars and shifting foundation priorities altered the funding landscape. Through the decades and several different locations, RoCo’s individual members have provided a stable base for the organization. This significant community support has enabled RoCo to survive and thrive when other small art centers have struggled and even closed their doors. In recent years RoCo’s membership and stature has grown significantly. Now as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we’ve achieved outright ownership of our facility and are approaching 1,000 members for the first time in the organization’s history.

The Lotus Series (Part 2)

Karen Tashkovski, Liberty, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Freesia, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Perennial, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Legend, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Patience, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Iris, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Depth, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Anemone, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Bluemarine, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Violet, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Persistence, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Poppy, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Ritual, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Emblem, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Milkweed, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Reward, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Bergamot, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Thistle, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Energy, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Femininity, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Autobiography, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Visitor, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Lily Pad, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Royalty, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Keynote, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Honeysuckle, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Snapdragon, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Nature, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Tiger Lily, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Gem, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Transformation, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Elegance, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Chance, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Dreamy, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, Visionary, 2025, encaustic & collage
Karen Tashkovski, The Light, 2025, encaustic & collage

Edgewood in Color

Jim Ridlon, Tom Slocum and Rebecca Carr of Belle Pietre Designs are the artists featured in the latest exhibition at Edgewood Gallery, 216 Tecumseh Road, Syracuse, New York 13224.  The show is titled Colorful Celebrations.

The art reception was Friday evening and by 8:00 PM many of the items had little red stickers on their tags indicating they’d been sold.  The artwork is very reasonably priced with some of Ridlon and Slocum’s pieces going for $200 or less.  The jewelry is cash and carry, as the small jewelry case can be replenished.

Jim Ridlon’s paintings dominate the space.  It is amazing how prolific he is.

Tom Slocum’s resin infused wood sculptures are particularly interesting, whimsical and let’s face it – touchable.  That resin looks like water and it is such a cool technique!

I wish there was more space for the jewelry.  I’ll have to go back and revisit the pieces on a day when there are less people in the gallery.

Colorful Creations continues through November 14, 2025.  The gallery and frame shop is open Tuesday – Friday 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

Zoe in the Flesh

Twenty-four-year-old Zoe Sauvé is more than just flesh and bone. She is a highly accomplished technician.  Her line quality is Mary Cassatt proficient.  Her color choices exemplify an acute understanding of the formal principles of art, color theory and synergy.  I am blown away by the detailed power, as well as its emotional dynamic expressed in these paintings.

Am I biased because she was one of my art students once upon a time?  I’d love to take credit for the small part I played in presenting this emerging figurative artist to the world.

Not biased, no.  I both envy and admire Zoe Sauvé’s ability to bare her soul, to be such a brave and authentic artist.  In these life-sized self portraits, Zoe insists we look at her raw yet vibrant image.  She sketches herself in front of a mirror then proceeds to find any available work surface to paint on – repurposed plywood or random size canvas.

I forgot to ask her how she’d transported them to the gallery.  Maybe a truck?

Art in the Atrium is located in City Hall Atrium, 201 E. Washington Street in downtown Syracuse, New York (13202) next to The Fish Friar.

The opening reception was today.  There is one more day to view the work, as this venue has been doing micro pop-up events.  You can still see the show by visiting tomorrow, Sunday, October 5, 2025.  They will be open noon – 6:00 PM.

Bravo, Zoe!  I am so proud of you! <3

 

Sylvia Steen

I have scheduled an art exhibition at Hazard Branch Library (1620 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204) for August 2026.  Today I dropped by to view the space.

Sylvia Steen is the current artist of the month.  The library is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM.  Closed on Sunday.

Members Only 2025

Joyce Hertzson, Pittsford, NY, The Fall Cometh, 2025, eco-print and watercolor
Jackie Dickinson, Aurora, NY, Shear Shape, 2025, found object in wood and metal
Steven Assmann, Auburn, NY, Niagara’s Plumes, 2025, oil on canvas
June Szabo, Trumansburg, NY, Common Ground, 2024, Sculpture

I had the opportunity to preview the Schweinfurth Art Center’s Member Show 2025, on display now through October 11, 2025.

I am a member of the museum but I did not participate this year.  They hang everything submitted.  It is really astonishing how cohesive the show is – a lot of artists using blue, for example.

Address: 205 Genesee St. Auburn, NY 13021, United States.

 Phone: 315.255.1553

 Email: mail@schweinfurthartcenter.org

Adele Anderson, Rochester, NY, Big Apple, 2025, water-miscible oil on canvas

Click here for the list of exhibiting artists.

Robert Whiteside, Pittsford, NY, Uovo d’oro, 2025, oil
Faithanne Flesher, Syracuse, NY, Dark Spring, 2025, mixed media, ink, paper, watercolor

Sherry Allen, Syracuse, NY, Breaking the Circle, 2024, mixed media
Steven Strauss, Cornwall on Hudson, NY, 3 Pileated Woodpeckers, 2024, oil and spray paint on MDF
Helen Bishop-Santelli, Rochester, NY, Twister, 2025, oil on canvas
Symmes Gardner, Ithaca, NY, Plnetarium, St. John’s College, 2023, oil on canvas
Michael Delaney, Auburn, NY, Metal Works, 2023, metal

Diana Godfrey, Syracuse, NY, From Above, 2024, acrylic/mixed media
Christina Bang, Pittsford, NY, Quietly into the Woods, 2024, Sculpture

Regina Sweet, Millport, NY, Night Sky Stars, 2023, beaded embroidery