Celebrating the Heritage and Practices of Traditional Fine Arts Worldwide
August 20 - October 26, 2024 Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University 167 N. Atchison St. Orange, California 92866
This expansive showcase of over 180 paintings and sculptures is selected from hundreds of entries submitted by current qualified California Art Club members for review by a panel of art experts and leading artists. The final collection spotlights today’s most exemplary works by both renowned and up-and-coming artists.
Ode to Barbara Morrison; Jazz Night at Los Angeles Athletic Club
Oil on panel, 24" x 30", $20,000
Honorable Mention for Best Lifestyle
The painting is a tribute to jazz singer Barbara Morrison (1947–2022) and the ensemble that performs together every Thursday night at Invention Restaurant located inside the Los Angeles Athletic Club in Downtown Los Angeles. I was honored to experience Miss Morrison’s inspiring performances on a number of occasions. This painting depicts one of her last concerts before her passing in March of 2022. It was a great challenge to paint under strong blue lights which I felt bathed the performers in a harmonic mystery. I had a lot of fun working on the translucency and abstract qualities of the drink glasses in the foreground. To complete the scene, I echoed an image of this painting on the back wall.
This painting emerged as an effort to capture my daughter’s vivid imagination and love for reading. My hope was for the painting to appear welcoming and vibrant with just a touch of the dark and the dangerous. (After all, well-written stories are never “happy” all the way through - there is always some conflict or problem that must be overcome.) The circular composition and variety of colors and textures were all intentional aspects of the design. I included a dragon and a cicada, as 2024 is the year of both these creatures, and dragons are currently my daughter’s favorite thing.
In my painting Red Glove I was inspired by lantern light illuminating a clam digger’s red glove. As dusk falls across the horizon, one may observe a warm glow fading to cooler darker tones. Clam diggers will use either a shovel or a hollow metal tube with a handle known as a “Clam Gun” to extract the clams out of the wet sand.
I sought to capture the ethereal beauty and grace of a great white egret in flight. This painting depicts the egret’s wings bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun, casting a blend of pink and orange tones emphasizing its elegant form against the turquoise water. Soaring across the water on a journey towards new horizons, the egret mirrors our own journeys of self-discovery and transformation. It is a reflection of the fleeting moments of awe and wonder that surround us in our natural world.
In this intimate, quiet moment, a young woman has fallen asleep among a batch of roses scattered across a table. Perhaps she had been arranging them in the bowl, only to find herself weary and in need of a quick rest. Overall, Rest with Roses aims to capture the timeless beauty of femininity paired with the ephemeral, radiant quality of roses.
– Taylor Correa
Taylor Correa
Self Portrait at 30
Oil on linen, 12" x 9", $1,300
At the age of twenty I purchased my first set of oil paints. In many ways, Self Portrait at 30 is an accumulation of what I have learned in the ten years since then. For this portrait, I chose to paint myself from life using a mirror, as many artists have done over the course of history. To accentuate that it was painted from life, I chose to keep the edges loose and sketch-like. Over the span of four afternoons I sat and painted myself, noticing the subtle changes that would occur. Each day my hair would fall slightly differently over my shoulders, and the cool natural light would turn golden with the setting sun.
Among the inland coastal landscape of Morro Bay, California, wild turkeys forage in the undergrowth. Even though these birds often go unnoticed, I see them as rare and beautiful wildlife, begging to be preserved on canvas.
– Martha Cowan
Nancy Seamons Crookston
Her Rhapsody in Blue
Oil on board, 30" x 24", $15,000
American Art Collector Award of Excellence
In Memoriam (1949–2023) Signature Artist Nancy Seamons Crookston loved painting people of all walks of life. From restaurant servers to grocery clerks to street vendors, everyone was beautiful in her eyes and needed to be painted. Her Rhapsody in Blue, was one of her last works of art.
– Nancy Seamons Crookston
Kathleen Dunphy
Swordplay
Oil on canvas, 48" x 30", $16,500
I love watching the interactions of animals, seeing how they behave towards each other in their complex worlds that parallel ours. I observed these usually placid pelicans sparring for the top perch on a rock in the waters near Whaler’s Cove in Point Lobos State Park. These lumbering birds can be graceful and aggressive when need be, using their beaks as swords to spar with rivals to secure their spot in the pecking order.
– Kathleen Dunphy
Kayley Jane Garcia Dykman
Wena ‘Ula
Oil on linen, 24" x 16", $1,800
Wena ‘Ula in Hawaiian translates to “red glow, as of sunrise or fire.” This inspired my piece, where the vibrant light envelops the model despite the absence of the sun within the frame. My aim was to magnify this luminous quality, striving to depict the most saturated, glowing figure set against the vast sky. In my figurative art practice, I enjoy abstracting fabrics and patterns to create compelling contrasts against the form of the figure and emphasize traditional craftwork and designs. For this piece, I chose to overlay a quilt pattern known as Pua Loke Keiki— symbolizing the young rose, the flower emblematic of the island of Maui. Through her distinctly Hawaiian style from the quilt patterned mu’umu’u (dress), to the lauhala pāpale (hat) and heirloom jewelry, I invite viewers to embrace a sense of warmth and vitality reminiscent of Hawaiian landscapes and cultural motifs.
– Kayley Jane Garcia Dykman
Lani Emanuel
In Conversation with Christopher Murphy
Oil on canvas, 48" x 30", $6,500
In the time-honored tradition of artists painting artists, Lani Emanuel has created a relaxed and informal portrait of fellow Art Center College of Design graduate, Christopher Murphy. Warmly engaging, with a natural gesture that suggests a lively exchange of ideas, this portrait captures a real moment—a small moment—of contemporary life. Created with a subtle touch, and a limited palette, this portrait is a timeless witness to the camaraderie that sustains artists and moves art forward: just as it has in centuries past.
This painting captures the essence of a trailblazing rabbi—a woman who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in the rabbinate. Her presence is a beacon of hope and inspiration, a reminder of the power of faith and determination to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact on the world. The iridescent, crowned Hebrew letters woven throughout the painting symbolize her deep connection to her faith and her ability to interpret and share the inspirations and teachings of Judaism. She has a soulful and calming expression, a testament to the courage and determination it took for her to achieve her dream.
Just as the sun is setting, there is a beautiful interplay of warm and cool light. The subject’s face is primarily illuminated by the warm orange sun with the soft blue sky reflecting on the rest of the figure. These calm, serene and beautiful moments have always held a very special place for me. My hope is that when viewing this painting, it will transport the viewer to that time and place where they will see themselves and/or someone close to them.
Jodie Kain, a contemporary realist, paints emotionally charged figures utilizing skills from her classical and expressionistic training. Jodie works exclusively in the tactile medium of pastels. The accumulated experiences of her environment are the major influences on her work. The sights, smells, textures and, most importantly, personalities of the cities Jodie has lived in are captured in her paintings. Jodie’s work is grounded firmly in figurative depictions, built with light and mass.
There’s a saying that there’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man (or girl). My intention in this piece was to evoke that feeling through the image of a girl and her horse sharing that unique relationship and enjoying a peaceful stroll through a golden meadow together. In this painting I hope to give the viewer a hint of that indescribable feeling.
– Laurie Kersey
Mike Lee
Above It All
Oil on panel, 32" x 16", $2,500
This painting depicts a girl sitting atop the Empire State Building, absorbed in the music that pours out of her headphones. She watches the birds fly by and cannot help the desire to fly away herself. She begins taking off her shoes, readying her small but capable wings, eager to begin her next adventure above the noise of the world below.
– Mike Lee
YiChing Lee
The Curious Seven
Oil on canvas, 24" x 30", $3,500
Honorable Mention for Best Multi-Figure
We had the opportunity to visit a Maasai village in Kenya last year. The children there were so excited when they saw us. The foreign language we spoke piqued their curiosity, and more boys and girls gathered in the playground to meet us. Their genuine and carefree laughter accompanied the rays of the sun of Africa.
In realms unseen, a girl takes flight, Her dress of pink, a vision bright. With lifted leg and outstretched hand, She dances with a feathered band. The Roseate Spoonbill, elegant and grand, Its feathers fluffed, a sight so grand. In waters still, they find their trance, An interlude of graceful dance. Through enchanted forest, leaves descend, Two more Spoonbills, their flight to attend. They soar with freedom, wings unfurled, Symbolizing dreams, in an enchanted world. With eyes below, the girl reflects, The wonder found in nature’s depths. In her wings, a symbol true, Of boundless dreams she can pursue. This painting whispers tales untold, Of unity, where hearts enfold. In strokes of oil, a message profound, In nature’s embrace, true beauty is found.
In a realm of hues and dreams unseen, A girl adorned, a vision serene. Shells upon her head, a crown of grace, Unveiling nature's secrets, in this sacred space. Pearls spill forth, like teardrops divine, Mapping her face, a symphony in line. Each precious gem, wisdom's gleaming light, Inviting contemplation, a poetic flight. Her gaze, a window to worlds unknown, Inviting souls to wander and be sown. A fusion of beauty and introspection, A tender reminder of nature's connection. Floating pearls, a dance of harmony, Interwoven tales, an eternal symphony. Ecological threads, fragile and rare, A plea for preservation, a heartfelt prayer. Tears of pearls cascade, a solemn plea, For the wounds inflicted, for earth's plea. A call to cherish, to heal, and to mend, o protect and honor, our world to tend.
– Alexandra Manukyan
Yigang Mao
The Beauty of Tibet
Oil on canvas, 34" x 28", $19,800
Entering Tibet is like stepping into another world. In that moment, surrounded by the majesty of Meli Snow Mountain (also known as Kawagarbo) and the purity of the young girl’s spirit, you are overcome with a profound sense of connection to something greater than yourself. It is a moment of revelation, a glimpse into the soul of Tibet.
The focus of my art has always been on people, particularly the way simple gestures communicate familiar feelings and experiences and thereby connect us. Beachgoers are a favorite subject and the beach an unending source of inspiration. I’m not only drawn to the interactions of people at the beach, but to the light, colors and sounds I find there. Two Girls on a Raft is a painting about the simple joy of a day at the beach. Here, the languid mood of lounging on a float in the clear blue water is interrupted by playful anticipation of an oncoming swell. I was particularly attracted to the way the sunlight shone on the girl’s skin and reflected off the water, and the movement and light on the water’s surface.
Self-portraits are always a very personal experience. This work started very close to as seen here in the finished painting. I did add a few items to the table top, and my wife Terry was sitting in the chair, a chair I grew up with as part of my parents dining set. I always work all over the surface as I develop the painting. As it progressed, and Terry’s image developed, she began to feel cramped in the overall design. I asked her opinion and also how she felt about me removing her. She felt the same as I did, but it was a difficult choice. I moved forward with this new idea. The amaryllis is a very meaningful and important flower for me, as my best man at our wedding in 1988 gave me one. I did a painting of it and have painted at least one every year since. At the time I was working on this, the red amaryllis was blooming in my studio. Once I painted it into the work, the painting started to breathe. I feel Terry’s presence.
My mother once told me, “The best art rests on the line between joy and sorrow.” In this painting, I wanted to illustrate that duality of emotion through the intensity and softness of color, light, and human expression.
This is our French Bulldog Quorra enjoying the sunlight on her face.
– R. Mike Nichols
Michael Obermeyer
Changing
Oil on canvas, 11" x 7", $1,500
Painting the figure allows me to have more direction and control than painting the landscape yet also challenges my skills in drawing and composing the model.
Rodeo Rose was a young lady competing in a Cutter Event in Junior Rodeo. I was impressed immensely how focused and calm this young lady was before the competition. She was a picture of grace and fierce competiveness.
Here a child holds a stuffed animal, but desperately longs for the companionship of a real dog. In this painting I explore a sentiment that I witnessed during the pandemic, where isolation led many to seek solace in the company of pets, revealing the innate human need for connection even in the face of unexpected challenges.
– GayLynn Ribeira
Bradford J. Salamon
F. Scott Hess
Oil on canvas, 16" x 13", $5,000
I’ve been in the habit of painting people in my life for the last 40 years or so. On a recent visit to Scott’s home and studio in Los Angeles, I decided to paint his portrait. In a way, the subject of this portrait is the light. As I often do, the portraits I paint of artists reference in some way the work that they do. In this case, it’s the temperature of the light that he uses in his work that I referenced.
That shapes of paint can not only create an illusion of form but also convey an emotion to the viewer makes representational art one of the most transcendent and magical of human activities! I feel privileged to pursue this calling.
They say that “The eye is a mirror of the soul,” and I was captivated by this Chestnut’s beautiful eye!
– Naomi Shachar
Kevin A. Short
The Light Boys
Oil on canvas, 20" x 36", $5,200
Some local boys heading out to The Boneyard. There is a magnetism in looking at glare; a near magical calm. I will sit and watch for hours the ocean’s dance of light. Our trouble seems smaller, our thinking becomes clearer. I enjoy recording those feelings, absorbing those moments..
Family is important to me. It fulfills my longing to belong and provides deep emotional connections. I vividly recall the warm, sunny day of our first grandchild’s first birthday, a milestone that filled me with wonder. It marked a new chapter as my son embraced parenthood, surrounded by friends and family celebrating this new life phase. Our backyard, a treasure trove of memories from holidays and family events, served as the perfect setting. Even our beloved dog, who had passed on, was symbolically included in the painting, reminding us of her lasting presence in our hearts. Having celebrated countless milestones for my own sons, it’s now their turn to create joyful moments. As grandparents, we delight in observing and cherishing these new celebrations, relishing the continuity of family traditions and the promise of future memories.
A young woman, nestled in a bed of plush cushions, succumbs to the allure of midday rest. With eyes closed and a gentle smile gracing her lips, she surrenders to the tranquility of slumber. Every brushstroke captures the delicate interplay of light and shadow, evoking a sense of serenity that envelops the viewer. Afternoon Slumber is an ode to the beauty found in moments of quiet repose.
– Alex Tabet
Jove Wang
Gold Miner
Oil on board, 16" x 12", $6,950
Honorable Mention for Best Portrait
This is a painting of a rugged California gold miner as I envision him today — fit, strong, and determined.
As a painter, I am drawn to still life as a form of narrative and am fascinated by objects and their power to tell stories. I have always been interested in the human stories we have deduced from the objects and artifacts of history and different cultures. I look for objects that I can use in my compositions that reflect our common stories, the memories, dreams and wishes that we all share.
Kirsten Whalen holds degrees in Design from the University of California, Davis, and Fine Art Drawing and Painting from Laguna College of Art and Design. Her background in the graphic arts and publications is evident in her fine art work, in which she combines a keen eye for composition with deft touches of humor.
I paint ordinary people in their own world. A homeless guy bathes in the sun on a park bench, and smiles at the passersby. A young boy experiences the Chinese New Year parade, captivated by the vibrant crowd. A butcher focuses on cutting a piece of meat with precision. These individuals, deeply engrossed in their personal experiences, possess an authenticity and dignity that is intrinsic to their uniqueness. They exist in a realm that is simultaneously separate from and open to the world around them. Their brief and casual interactions bridge the gap between the observer and the observed, inviting us to connect with their stories on a profound level. I delve deep into the subtleties of composition, color, and brushwork to convey the mood, atmosphere, and emotions inherent in each scene. It is my goal to find the sparkles hidden within the mundane, to capture the fleeting moments of beauty and mystery, and to communicate with the viewer on an emotional level.
