Michelle Penington Interview Part Two

Michelle Penington found her voice through oil painting, and she has a fascinating story to tell.  Each painting is filled with color, light, and emotion.  Michelle finds inspiration in emotion.  Losing track of time, Michelle paints night and day, and is especially creative when her muses are active in her life.

Michelle has a degree in Psychology and Business Administration.  She discovered painting, using her creative side just after she finished college.  She has been painting professionally for over 15 years.  Michelle’s grandmother was a costume designer for major motion pictures Hollywood.  Michelle wears her grandmother’s pendant for luck and inspiration.  Splitting her time between Southern California and Central Arizona, has greatly influenced her palette, using bright colors over muted tones, the stories told in her paintings come to life.  She lives in places that make her soul happy.  

Michelle hosts private studio shows twice a year and is pleased to announce her new affiliation with Dreams Gallery, located in Old Town Scottsdale. 7077 W. Main Street, Suite 13.  Her gallery reception is scheduled for March 22, 2014 from 5-8 pm.

Michelle has some new collaborative pieces in the works.  Her recent collaborations are with two dear friends, Ashley Norton, a singer/songwriter, and Asa Plum, an architect and photographer.

Michelle has two children, a boy and a girl, both are active in the arts.  Her lifelong goal is to leave a legacy for her children and secure a place in Art History.  Someday, Michelle would like to pack up her children and her friends and tour the United States on a tour bus.  She hopes to expand her national gallery representation and has aspirations to show her work in Europe. Once a year, Michelle donates a large painting to charity.  

For more information about Michelle’s work or to commission a painting please visit her website at www.michellepenington.com.

Written by Judy Wood Artist/Poet/Writer (For more information see http://aztreasures.blogspot.com)

Art Supplies!

As a mixed media artist, I am very interested in the best art supplies.  I recommend two shops:

First, Frenzy Stamper in Scottsdale, AZ!   I enjoy walking around the downtown Scottsdale 5^th Avenue area on weekdays, always stopping in to say hello to the friendly, helpful owner of Frenzy Stamper.  You’ll find fine art papers and envelopes, Copic markers, craft items, stamps and inks, glitter; in every form imaginable, paints, pearly paints, everything you could possibly hope for is at this lovely shop!  Frenzy Stamper is next to the bronze horse fountain on the north side of 5^th Avenue!  The store also carries some unusual 3D embellishments, the best selection in town!  If you need a dose of inspiration, this is the store for you!  You can visit the website for hours and class schedules at www.frenzystamper.com

Second, I really enjoy shopping with the helpful, knowledgeable staff at Blick’s in Tempe, AZ!  They have a great selection of art supplies including fine art papers, paints (watercolor, acrylic, and oil), canvases in every size, chalk pastels, pencils, pens, printmaking supplies, markers, clay and sculpting tools, architectural supplies, a great selection of art portfolios of all sizes, and the list goes on and on.  The manager has worked at Blick’s (formerly Utrecht) for several years.  You can Blick’s on the corner of Scottsdale Road and University or visit the website at http://www.dickblick.com/stores/arizona Be creative!  Happy shopping!

Renee Meredith ~ Local Artist

Renee Meredith has a full time job, however, next weekend she is making her first professional appearance as an artist at Jack O’Con in Albuquerque, NM.

Renee has always had a love for painting and decided in June it was time to refine her art skills.  She has a great sense of style in her art.  Her attention to detail and sensitivity to line and color gives her an edge.

In addition to having a booth at the con, she will also be showing some of her work at a local museum.  If you’re in Albuquerque next weekend, stop by and see her work at The Metropolis Art Gallery / Metropolis Comic Art Gallery  1102 Mountain Road NW, Suite 202, Albuquerque, NM.  The opening event runs from 7pm to 10pm October 30^th.

You can find more of Renee's artwork on her website: www.drinkndrawart.com

Renee Meredith quote: "I want to bring joy to people through art. It just warms my heart and brings me a great thrill when someone appreciates my artwork." 

Good luck at your first con Renee!

Courtney Cotter ~ Local Musician

It is my great pleasure to introduce another local treasure, Courtney Cotter.  Courtney has a rich, pure, sweet voice.  Courtney was born in Mesa, AZ, and comes from a large family.  She writes and composes her own songs and lyrics.  There is so much wisdom and sensitivity in her lyrics.  She met some of her musical accompanists in a Jazz class at Mesa High School.  She has two albums available.  Her first CD, Home I Roam, was recorded in NY.  Her latest CD, Rooftops, was self produced here in Mesa, Arizona.  Rooftops opens with an upbeat song titled Stand in the Rain and closes with an instrumental, the title track, Rooftops. The instrumental track, Rooftops, reminds me of that feeling you get on a chilly Christmas morning, so much joy and anticipation.  There is so much variety in this gem of an album.  Be sure to pick up your copy of Home I Roam and soon to be released Rooftops.  You can follow her journey at courtneycottermusic.com. 

Reminder

This (AZ Treasures) is my local interest blog.  If you'd like to see my artwork you can find it at http://creativearts-jwood.blogspot.com/  Thank you.  Judy

Forest - Mixed Media Drawing by Judy and David Wood

 

Charles Kurre Gallery in Scottsdale

Today I discovered a small gallery in downtown Scottsdale.  Charles Kurre, Selected Works, features some wonderful paintings and several medium sized sculptures.  The gallery is located at 7051 East Fifth Avenue Suite E, on the corner of Marshall Way and Fifth Avenue.  The gallery is new, and has a cool vibe, and is a must see while in the downtown area.  Charles Kurre’s work has been featured for years in The Perimeter Gallery in Chicago.  This is the first time Charles has shown his work in the Valley of the Sun.  Gallery hours are Thursday 11 am – 9 pm, Friday-Saturday 11 am – 6 pm, and Sunday Noon – 5 pm.  This is one of those rare times when you are actually greeted in the gallery by the artist himself.  Charles Kurre studied painting and sculpture at Purdue University.  When asked about his art influences, Charles had this to say:

“While certainly there are threads of influence from artists like Kandinsky and Miro, artists who's work I admire and who have had the most influence,  not necessarily in a pictorial sense, but in my approach to my work are painters Clyfford Still and Richard Diebenkorn, the sculpture of Rebecca Horn, and the photographer Minor White. As for living painters Thomas Nozkowski, tops the list.”

For more information you can visit his website at www.charleskurre.com or his blog at  ithappenseverytuesday.wordpress.com

This "pop up gallery" is now closed.  Thank you.  Feb. 14, 2013

Monsterland!

Monsterland ~ People are just dyin’ to get in!  For a “scary good time” visit Monsterland at 18 West Main Street in historic downtown Mesa, AZ. I had the great opportunity to meet and dine with a local celebrity Super Laundry Bag Lady!  Lunch was great!  I even had a nice chat with the chef.  There’s live music, a large dance floor, Skaraoke, trivia games, and themed costume events. A few weeks later I went back to take some photos for an on line magazine!  If you haven’t been to Monsterland, what are you waiting for, grab the kids, the spouse, get in your hearse and get over there! For more information see their website at www.monsterland.com.  Always free parking!

Thank you models: Beth Wood and Jenny Brundage!  You two (and your minions) were awesome!