Abstract Sensibilities: The Art Portfolio of Alan Disparte
Roan, acrylic and spray paint on canvas
Alan Disparte combines abstract sensibilities in his artwork, merging flowing, dynamic paint splashes with calculated geometric forms. The resulting paintings are enticingly dynamic, imbued with a sense of life and movement.
Sapphire Brew, acrylic and spray paint on wood panel
I’m really drawn to the works in Alan’s Nature Culture series – we looked at some of these paintings in our previous…
An Observant Eye: The Art of Jasmine J. Calix
Jasmine J. Calix is a painter and photographer who produces works on a wide variety of subjects. Jasmine has been painting since childhood, developing a style that shows off an observant eye and a sense of exploration in her chosen media.
Forest in the Sky, acrylic on canvas
The artist’s paintings tend toward loose and gestural mark-making, with an impressive colour palette. I enjoy the way that Jasmine…
Artefacts of Los Angeles: The Art Portfolio of Michel Bourquard
the top of the world after sunset
Michel Bourquard is a Los Angeles-based artist and photographer. In his practice, Michel produces works that distort reality in wild and interesting ways. The artist’s range of photographic subjects includes portraits, landscapes, and specific artefacts of Los Angeles.
I like the way that Michel brings digital manipulation techniques into his practice -- he has a knack for…
Spirituality and Awe: The Art of David G. Taylor
David G. Taylor was an artist and art writer who spent most of his career working in Montreal and Toronto. In his painting practice, David produced dense, textural images evoking an esoteric sense of spirituality and awe.
I really enjoy the colour palettes that David used throughout his decades-long artistic career. These deep, decisive collections of hue, combined with the artist’s unique…
Environmental Change: The Art of Jude Hotchkiss
Wrong Way, acrylic and spray on canvas
Jude Hotchkiss works primarily in paint, building abstract works that focus on the texture and materiality of the medium, and on evoking emotional reactions in the viewer. Jude’s recent works address the current climate of rapid socio-political and environmental change.
The Edge, acrylic and spray on canvas
I love the way Jude’s fluid brush marks look like waves crashing against some alien…
Painting with Thread: The Art Portfolio of Anya Doll
Anya Doll is a textile artist whose studio practice involves “painting with thread”. The artist’s works often have a quilt-like aesthetic about them, with individual compositions frequently taking the form of small, square fabric panels.
I really enjoy the approach that Anya takes to her artwork -- she seems to expertly toe the line between textile art and traditional painting, merging an equal amount of…
The Art Portfolio of Plein Air Painter Julia Lesnichy
The spring in the mountains, oil on board
Julia Lesnichy is a plein-air painter based in Virginia. The artist works primarily in landscapes, though she also produces works of still life and animal portraiture. Working primarily in oil paint, the artist often works outdoors before putting the finishing touches on a painting back in her studio.
I really enjoy the slightly hazy texture and atmosphere that many of…
A Portfolio of Delicate Watercolour Paintings by Gary R. Huff
Artists Palette, watercolour on cotton rag paper
Gary R. Huff Is an artist based in Culpeper, Virginia. In his practice, Gary creates delicate watercolour paintings often focused around a central figure.
Bear Meets Ruby-Throated, watercolour on cotton rag paper
Gary has a background in commercial and professional illustration, and has worked with a variety of clients and publishers in his career. This illustrative sensibility really…
Pickledog Studio: The Art Portfolio of Sally Adams
Tiger cat, acrylic on canvas with texture, sealed with gloss varnish
Sally Adams is an artist who works in both Shelby Township, Michigan, and Saratoga Florida. In her Pickledog Studio practice, the artist produces small, pared-down paintings featuring dogs, flowers, landscapes, and other subject matter.
Poppy Dance, acrylic on canvas with texture
I really enjoy the clean yet warm compositions that Sally produces. The artist is…
The Art Portfolio of John McAlpine
John McAlpine is an artist based in Everett, Washington. In his artistic practice, John works in a variety of media including photography, digital art, and pastel and other traditional media.
I like the unique style that John maintains throughout his portfolio, whether he’s producing drawings of landscapes, still-life subject matter, or playful, cartoonish renderings of animals. The artist has…
The Illustration Portfolio of Denise Tonner
Denise Tonner is an artist and illustrator based in Vancouver, BC. In her practice, Denise creates whimsical illustrations for both children and the young-at-heart.
Wizard of Oz cover, graphite and digital art
Denise’s style is striking, and to me speaks to an enjoyment of the process of art-making itself. The visible lines and brush marks in the works, as well as the use of negative space, showcases not only…
Esoteric and Immediate: The Art Portfolio of Marie Surprenant
Artist Marie Surprenant creates abstract artworks in a variety of traditional media that meditate on subjects both esoteric and immediate. The works are often subdued at first glance, presented in dense series that facilitate a deeper understanding of the artist’s thought process.
I really enjoy Marie’s recent artworks, such as those in her gallery of Encres sur papier de vie. These quiet…
The Environment's Omnipresence: The Art Portfolio of Troy Nickle
Junk Man, discarded car frame and parts assembled into a figure
Troy Nickle is a sculptor and installation artist who often works with natural materials and features of the landscape to create his works. The artist’s practice is inspired by the natural environment, but also serves as a pertinent reminder to the viewer of the environment’s omnipresence.
Snow Ring, snow packed onto cottonwoods, archival inkjet print
I like the way…
The Art Portfolio of Adele Knowler
Artemis, oil and gold leaf on birchwood panel
Adele Knowler is an artist currently living and working in Edmonton, Alberta. In her practice, Adele is inspired by the environment around her, the human figure, and art history.
Icon series 2, oil, gold leaf, conte on birchwood panel
I’m enjoying browsing the artist’s recent works of portraiture. In her 2019 gallery, Adele uses an interesting combination of pattern and colour to build…
Hot Shu Foto: The Photography Portfolio of Doug Berry
Doug Berry is a photographer who works under the studio name Hot Shu Foto. In his practice, Doug produces vibrant images that often seek to capture a sense of movement, as in his photos of dancers.
Even in straightforward portraiture, one can sense Doug’s emphasis on smoothness planes of colour and natural lines. The expert composition lends a sense of overall flow to the images. Doug’s compositions are refined and sleek,…