Christopher Staples is a journalist. She's also a photographer, storyteller and dream catcher. In short, Christopher is an award-winning, highly educated and experienced mixed media artist. She captures the images and objects in her life that inspire her and creates works of art that inspire others.
For her beautiful work, her skills and mixed media magic, we are proud to name Christopher Staples the May Citra Solv Artist of the Month.
I am an abstract mixed media artist who creates work that comments on memory and perception. I am inspired by a line, a color, a shape or a texture. My CitraSolv papers have all of those elements. I use CitraSolv to create unique paper for my grid-inspired abstract collages. The process is one of randomness and control that is both satisfying and challenging. I work in a variety of media, but collage is the most exciting for me, as it allows for a juxtaposition of elements that the viewer can respond to viscerally.
Christopher Staples is an award-winning mixed media artist who has a BFA, magna cum laude, from the University of Hartford, Hartford Art School. She creates and teaches workshops in a converted barn studio on her property. Most recently, she opened LOOK | ART GALLERY in Mahopac, NY, a contemporary artists cooperative. Additionally she is teaching a workshop in art journaling in Tuscany in the summer of 2012. More information is available on christopherstaples.com.
Whether she's painting inspirational pastel landscapes, birds in flight or everyday icons surrounded by stunning colors, artist Mira White has an unwavering sense of rhythm and beauty in her art. A firm believer in "fearless exploration," Mira asks her students and viewers to push the limits and embrace creativity. For her steadfast commitment to her art and unbridled and enthusiasm, we are proud to name Mira White as the Citra Solv March Artist of the Month.
Check out Mira's Blog here.
Mira M. White is an award winning painter with an exhibition record both domestic and international, and has been an art instructor for over 30 years. Her professional responsibilities include a full teaching schedule of classes and workshops in multiple media . Currently teaching at Civic Arts Education in Walnut Creek, Studio One Art Center in Oakland, Lafayette Studio and the Mendocino Art Center, she also organizes and conducts numerous workshops in Pastels, Watercolor and Mixed Media, including several painting workshops in other states and in France.
The Pastel Journal featured her mixed media work in its Jan/Feb 2011 issue. Her work is included in the 2010 anthology Best In American Water Media , and she is also featured on a recent DVD and e book A Walk Into Abstracts. She received the Grand Prize at the popular Rocky Mountain National Aqua-media Exhibition in 2001, was presented in Watercolor Magic, winter 2002 and was a 3rd place winner in the national Pastel Journal competition of 2006 .
Exhibitions this year have included the Triton Watercolor Annual, The CWA
National, Encaustic Masters ( Oregon) and this exhibit at Mythos. Upcoming in 2012J ,Telling Stories through Art, ( Diablo Valley College), Conversations – a 3 person exhivit ( San Pablo Gallery) and a solo exhibition at the Mendocino Art Center.
BFA with High Distinction, MFA with Distinction California College of Arts & Crafts. A member of CWA, IEA ( International Encaustic Artists) and ISEA (International Society of Experimental Artists.) For more information on her recent work and teaching schedule, please view her web gallery: www.miraMwhite.com
Paula Guhin is a mixed media artist with a prolific body of impressive work, a house and heart filled with love and appreciation, and a great sense of humor. We are proud to be included in her book, Creating Decorative Paper. For her talent, incredible visual perception and enthusiasm, we are pleased to name Paula as the February Citra Solv Artist of the Month.
Check out Paula's Book "Creating Decorative Paper" here.
Paula Guhin takes pleasure in exploring the potential of both traditional art media and novel, unorthodox materials. She is a visual arts educator and enjoys conducting workshops on mixed-media techniques.
Guhin is a lifelong learner who loves photography, traveling, animals, and especially her husband, David. Her books include Creating Decorative Papers (Stackpole) and Image Art Workshop (CPi), among others. Guhin's informative articles have appeared in numerous magazines such as Cloth Paper Scissors and Arts & Activities.
Paula blogs at http://www.mixedmediamanic.blogspot.com/
Surrounded by the magnificent vistas of Nova Scotia, artist Andrea Pottyondy seemingly captures the luscious landscapes and sweeping scenery on her canvasses. Andrea believes that "art makes us human, art is a healer, and art is beauty." For her inspiring words and prolific works, we are pleased to name Andrea Pottyondy as the Citra Solv January Artist of the Month.
Art is everywhere in my life. I am an elected member of the Society of Canadian Artists, the initiator of Artspa (art group) and its blog author artspagallery.blogspot.com, docent at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and an artist who sees the potential in common bits and pieces of everyday life.
Born and raised in Quebec, I also lived in Yukon Territory from 1984-88 and presently reside with my family in beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada. Mostly self-taught, I studied art with the University of Southern California, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, and with professional artists in Canada and abroad.
My love of the environment, history and travel are exhibited in the abstract layered landscapes and colourful, textured florals and narratives that I create. I use water based mediums, acrylics, oils, crayons, ink, handmade papers (using citrasolv), printmaking, recycled/found objects and incorporate them in my art pieces or use them in application techniques.
My artwork has been purchased by the Nova Scotia Art Bank 2009,is featured in Nova Scotia's Contemporary Artists Volume II 2010, International Women Celebrate; 100 Women Artists Reflect 2011, and hangs in private and corporate collections.
I have always wanted to share my passion for art, whether doing a workshop with children, being creative and sharing art tips with my peers, or hoping my art brings a smile to a viewer's lips, or even better, stirs some emotion deep within.
To see my artwork please visit my website at www.artarage.com
All images are copyright by the artsit. Please do not use without permission.
