Gwendolyn McShepard – Color & Whimsy, Slices of Life
“Art is the way we see our lives. It is the imagery we have upon waking at sunrise. It is the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the air we breathe. When we’re exuberant, it is the light in our eyes, when saddened, the crease in our brows. It is the raison d’être – and colors all we do. Art is Life and life’s many nuanced experiences. My work is dedicated to the art of living.” – Gwendolyn McShepard
Gwendolyn has been nationally published for the past 9 years through Kappa Publishing of Philadelphia, PA in a host of magazines. She has been consistently active as an artist in the arts for more than 30 years and was most recently cited as one of the top up-and-coming artist in California’s Bay Area. She won her first national art contest at 7 years old, and her first art scholarship at 12, and has been wowing art audiences ever since. Having no patience for the narrow constrictions of most art instruction, she will proudly tell you that she is unschooled and untrained. Her work is simply what it is.
Born in Mississippi, raised and educated in Wisconsin, she now makes California her home. The integration of imagery from her life experiences have influenced her style, giving her work a sultry and soulful edge that is uniquely her own. Her bold use of color and the diversity of her range has endeared her to many collectors and art lovers over the years.
She is also widely known for her fabulously colorful and meticulously detailed street scenes, one of which recently made the cover of the California’s Contra Costa Times “weekend” section. Far from pristine, her street scene paintings are gritty and creatively colorful, having a lived-in feel, which makes them intriguing and ever mesmerizing for onlookers.
Most recently 4 of her abstract paintings were purchased and featured in San Francisco Chronicle’s “Style” section in a lavish design layout for San Francisco Bay Area homes. Other recent art design installations include Napa Valley vineyards, Amour Amour Wine Bar in San Mateo and a host of other hotels and business concerns.
A bold use of color and an uninhibited and sometimes folksy style is becoming her recognizable trademark. Fast becoming a master for her use of color and a keen eye for detail, her works seem to capture the moment with enchanting and enduring style. From her fanciful street scenes and abstracts to her more realistic and contemporary works, she is arguably one of the most diverse artists of her time.
She has exhibited all over California and sold thousands of original works of art in addition to private commissions shipped throughout the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and the U.K. Still searching for her perfect niche, she is content to build a collection of printable treasures in a vast array of mediums, styles and subject matter. Experimentation and a willingness to stretch her creative talents to the limits is what makes her artwork always colorful, unique, and inspiring for all.
Cherish Flieder is the maker of modern watercolor art, scarves, gifts, cards, books, and a plethora of delightful licensed goods designed to wrap people in love and bless them into their higher purpose. With every whimsical stroke of her brush, Cherish’s unique approach to painting and color sings for joy. Her images emerge from deep, soulful pains and passions. Flowers, combined with the wonders of all Creation in the face of chronic suffering, are prime inspirations for Cherish as she translates her message of love to each artistic handiwork she designs. Something to Cherish® embodies idyllically painted illustrations and uplifting messages on treasured gift items for our loved ones or ourselves. She wants those who see her art to know this: “You are beautiful. You are worthy. You are completely loved. You have a gift in your hand that is meant to be a blessing for yourself and others. Life is a gift to cherish.”
Dawn Gerety, a lifelong Alaskan, creates whimsical interpretations on canvas of the natural world that surrounds her – mountains, wildlife, rivers, wildflowers and outdoor activities. Her paintings are known for their bold style, colors and and view of the land through her use of unconventional interpretations and layered organic elements. The diversity of Dawn’s commissions and collections resounds with a diverse audience and is timeless in its messaging.
Canadian artist Shelley Davies creates paintings, collages and photographs that are bold, colour-infused and 3 dimensional. With a background in animation, feature films, television and theatre, Shelley’s many creative pursuits have led her to collage, painting and illustration. Working as an editorial illustrator, her art has been published in numerous magazines and newspapers across Canada.
Benjamin Hummel is a professional and award winning illustrator who depicts the charms and beauty of life in his detailed paintings. Being a storyteller at heart, his many creations have their own unique narratives hidden within the paintings. He is the illustrator of a number of children’s books, and he is currently writing his own YA novel.
ggy Myrick Knight was a natural artist who began sketching at the age of five and painted a self-portrait in watercolor at the age of nine. She was Advertising and Display Manager for a large department store for twelve years. This creative job naturally led to painting flowers, landscapes, portraits and numerous other commissions. She was a master of all mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastels.
Hilary studied art at Loughborough University in the UK and contributed work to many local projects, some of which can still be seen in Leicester, her hometown. Her artwork was quickly noticed and led to the many commissions that cemented her reputation. Moving to Cornwall, Hilary established her gallery in the beautiful coastal town of St Ives, based at Harbour Galleries on the wharf.
You can find Wanda painting in the field in Montana and other locations throughout the United States. Wanda’s passion and dedication to share her art knowledge with others takes her to many locales to teach.