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Meet the artists and see the work
Artist Reception August 29, 2013
This summer our four featured artists took multiple excursions together throughout the Willamette Valley to produce paintings for ART Elements Gallery. "Painting outdoors is the best way to learn and grow as an artists," says oil painter, Michael Orwick. "The constant change of light, wind and color challenges you to grasp a moment in a ever-changing environment. Our time out and about will make my future work stronger."
"The gang gets together about once a month in the spring and summer time to plein air paint all over the Willamette Valley. It's always an adventure full of laughs, stories, and shenanigans. Oh! And paintings too!" says Romona as she giggles and winks at her cohorts.
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| Willamette Valley Plein Air @ ART Elements, Gallery Artist Interviews |
ROMONA YOUNGQUIST
Self taught and painting since the age of four, Romona Youngquist grew up amongst vast landscapes and the thunderous big sky of Oklahoma. The severe contrast between shadow and light carry you right into her paintings of weathered architecture, flowers, fields and country roads. "We are honored to be one of the few galleries carrying Romona," says ART Elements Gallery owner and art consultant Loni Parrish. Though Romona is a painter that rivals the masters, I'm sure few of them were notorious for raising squirrels, puppies and all critters of the Pacific Northwest. All living things are attracted to Romona's quick loving and easy going personality. "We love having her live five miles from the gallery. She's a quick call away for clients that want to meet the artist behind the breathtaking paintings. When they meet her, they are always astounded that such large masterpieces came out of this petite woman."
Michael Orwick started his career as an animator in the Will Vinton claymation studios and quickly moved to illustration. His storytelling, his signature style "Inspired Expressionism," is evident on every canvas he paints. Every viewer is left feeling reminiscent of something familiar and wanting. Michael uses the entire Pacific Northwest as his painting playground spanning from the Oregon coast, Mt. Hood and the vineyards of the Willamette Valley. Michael is a natural teacher and often holds workshops and classes in various mediums. He prefers to teach people out in the plein air, in the elements.
 DON BISHOP
Don Bishop, a northern California native, is the quieter soul of this rambunctious bunch of artists. His grandiose quiet landscapes reflect his demeanor. "There is something so peaceful about Don's work. They are very reflective, meditative pieces. There are times in the gallery where his trees blow in the summer breeze, the clouds trail across the canvas and somehow the days troubles melt away," says gallery manager, Lauren Wylie. Don's work and tonal style reflects those of the early California plein air impressionist artists.
 BRENDA BOYLAN
Oregon native Brenda Boylan, the newest artist to ART Elements Gallery, is a sprite bubbly artist that paints lush and rich oil pastel paintings. She has earned the distinction of Signature Membership with the Pastel Society of America, the Northwest Pastel Society and has been published in several fine art magazines. For such serious and honorable accolades, she seems to be the trouble-maker/instigator of the group. "She is always laughing and seeing the bright side of every occasion, we see that in her paintings. Her pieces bring you joy, peace and highlight details that one wouldn't normally see. Her layers of color with hints of random highlights of orange and deep blue keep your eyes drawn to the detail and care of each of her pieces," says Lauren.
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