By Martina Sestakova

Members of Montgomery Art Association come from all walks of life and their artworks and creative processes reflect this wonderful variety. In this blog, we invite you to enjoy a selection of pieces that explore the theme of black/white/gray. Scroll down to enjoy a lovely array of ideas!

Elizabeth Amanda Elgin, Moonbathing (11x14" oil on cradled panel). I love painting horses and think they are the most majestic animals.

Shayna Heller, The Lozenge Menorah (Fused Glass, 4 x 10 x 5”). This one was a lot of fun to make. A harlequin/lozenge theme inspired pattern of white diamonds dance across this fused glass menorah. I’m not jesting, just trying to bring a smile and an extra bit of fun to our Chanukah nights with these festive lights.

Maria-Elena Lazarte, Vintage Silver Teapot (Oil painting on linen panel 8x8”). I love to paint still life and study the form and how the light travels throughout the objects.

Martina Sestakova, Diving Right In (4x6", acrylic ink on yupo). This painting ponders the courage to keep going: to dive into areas in our lives we don't always understand. I am reminded of the underwater world in the textures and shapes in this artwork.

Judith Levine, The Death of Andrea (I Hurt) (Conte Crayon on paper). This is a very sad piece for me. Andrea was a very dear friend and her death was completely unexpected.

Peijisan Art, A Winter's Day (Digital painting). This piece plays with how it feels on a cold winters walk when you look up at the falling snow among the tree limbs. I felt the monochromatic color choices helped to evoke that cold stillness that happens during our coldest season. 

Christopher Hoppe, Landscape (16 x 20" Charcoal on Paper). A moment when I was hiking as a teenager a very long time ago.

Dora Patin, The Lost Wish (12x12” oil on panel). I painted this piece as a part of my First Friends series, which is about young children’ strong attachment to an object that gives them comfort. This painting is about joy turning into sadness, when this stuffed animal won’t become the object of love due to pregnancy loss. 

Vicky Surles, Mrs. Richard Brinsley Sheridan (after Thomas Gainsborough) (Pencil 5 x 7”). Many years ago, I used to work at the National Gallery of Art as a guard - so I could get to know all the art! I did many small sketches of my favorites.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoying the artworks of our members! Be sure to check out our other blogs as we celebrate the unique artworks of DMV-based artists.

Congratulations to Best in Show winner Stacy Yochum and Paula Eiblum, Robert LeMar, Kathy Tynan, and Patricia Zannie, who all took first-place awards in the Rockville Art League Juried Members Winter Show.

The following 48 MAA members were juried into the show: David Allen, Nancy Arons, Ken Bachman, Marcia Bhorjee, Sushila Bloom, Holly Buehler, Jennifer Crouch, Sarah Clayton Davis, Janet DeWoskin, Paula Eiblum, Susan Sinclair Galego, Lawrence Greenfield, Joan Grosfeld, Stephanie Gustavson, Jennifer Howard, Lee Ann Howdershell, Bill Johnson, Lily Kak, Cecile Kirpatrick, Jim Klumpner, Leslie Kraff, Angela Lacy, Joanne Lamm, Karen Lantner, Cecelia Laurendeau, Maria Elena Lazarte, Robin Lazarus-Berlin, Robert Le Mar, Jennifer Lubell, John MacArthur, Gale Marcus, Isabella Martire, Karen Merkin, Simin Parvaz, Sharon Reinckens, Myra Ryan, LeAnne Sawyers, Patrick Sieg, Penny Smith, Pritha Srinivasan, Carol Starr, Elizabeth Steel, Antonia Tiu, Kathleen Tynan, Helen Wood, Stacy Yochum, Patricia Zannie, and Paula Zeller. 

The show runs through January 14 at Glenview Mansion in Rockville. 

Shown below are a selection of works that members submitted for our Member Happenings newsletter:

Drawn to Life by Jennifer Crouch

No. 63 by James Klumpner

Lives in: Adamstown, Maryland. (However, I grew up in Gaithersburg and Germantown.  Most of my client sessions are located in Montgomery County.)

Social Media: Instagram.com/RMBphotogallery  and Facebook.com/RMBphotogallery

Media and subjects: Photography, including lifestyle family, senior, newborns, and nature fine art.

Why you joined MAA: I joined MAA to learn from the community of artists in the area.

Something fun about you: I’m a Lensbaby Ambassador and love using creative lens to create blur in my images.

Artist's Biography: Regina Boston of RMB Photography is a photographer from Maryland. My family keeps me busy and I love every minute of them: seven kids, ages 10-21, one grandbaby and two adorable dogs. I was born & raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, and recently moved to Adamstown in the country and are enjoying a slower pace of life. I started taking pictures when I was in my early teens of my dolls. It wasn't until I was in my early twenties that I took a Photography 100 class at a local community college, using film and a dark room. That class re-sparked the joy of photography for me and I have been photographing consistently since then.  Other than that class, I am self-taught and have learned a ton through online photography courses. I feel the best way to grow is to keep learning and practicing. I have been traveling around northern Virginia, DC and Maryland capturing photo sessions ever since. 

Photography has opened up a whole new perspective for me. I love to capture subjects as they are, and help people notice small beautiful details in the world around us. I use a natural style of photography, preferring to highlight the moments that make the subject special and unique. I capture moments of playful children and family connections, instead of waiting for a ‘perfect’ expression.  I specialize in newborn, child, senior and family photography. 

By Martina Sestakova

Members of Montgomery Art Association come from all walks of life and their artworks and creative processes reflect this wonderful variety. In this blog, we invite you to enjoy a selection of pieces that explore the theme of Fall. Scroll down to enjoy a lovely array of ideas!

Jean Fin, "Purple Dream" (18x20” acrylic on canvas). This was one of my first attempts to paint more than one blossom.

Maria-Elena Lazarte, "Purple African Violets" (oil painting on linen panel 5x7”). I love to paint flowers and gardening. I have different colors of the African violets growing in my home and this one of them.

Marti Wells, "Enchanted Autumn" (4x8" watercolor). I put down some colors I liked. With a wet brush I shaped the trees.

Martina Sestakova, "What Is Best for You" (Acrylic on yupo 10x8"). This painting is a visual meditation on our best interest in terms of our mental and physical health. Being aware of keeps us going and brings us joy. Enjoy this vibrant piece!

Christopher Hoppe (oil on canvas 24x36"). My perspective of looking up at really tall trees laying on the forest ground during fall.

Judith Levine, "Cloud Walker" (9x12" watercolor on paper). I didn't really have a vision other than a figure when I started, just soaked my paper and began adding paints. And then, suddenly, it was there and it felt right.

Amelia De Silva, "Iris" (oil on canvas 8x11"). Irises are the flowers of my childhood. My mom`s garden was filled with the purple ones. Love them for their magnificent colors, tonality and intriguingly shaped petals..

Jennifer Crouch, “Grapes I” (7x9" oil on paper). Purple is my favorite color so I love that this simple, loose study allowed me to use so many variations of the color.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoying the artworks of our members! Be sure to check out our other blogs as we celebrate the unique artworks of DMV-based artists. 

Our exhibition team has been busy designing a varied and creative lineup of shows for 2022, including several venues that are new to us. Below is the schedule for the year ahead, so that you can start planning.

Tasting Room at Windridge Vineyard - ongoing

We're thrilled to continue our quarterly installments at vineyard in Darnestown, Maryland. Windridge's owner curates the display, selecting from your submissions. The next show is themed "seasonal inspirations." Submissions accepted December 2-12. Show manager: Kathy Tynan. More info

MAA at the Oasis Gallery: January 10-April 15

Registration opens November 17 for this in-person show at the Oasis Gallery inside Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland. MAA members will also offer workshops for Oasis' lifelong learners. Show manager: Helen Wood. More info

Two Kensington Park Library Shows: February & November

February's show will feature 25 wall works, plus some 3D pieces, all meeting the theme "Ode to Joy." November's show provides an opportunity to showcase small works meeting the theme "For the Love of Books." Show manager: Amelia DeSilva. More info

The Nature of Art, Brookside Gardens: March 15-April 4

MAA will be there as spring blossoms in one of the county's prettiest parks. We'll display nature-themed artwork on the walls of the spacious and light-filled visitor center. This is often one of our most popular shows! Show manager: Mita Lazarte

Benjamin Gaither Center Exhibition: April-June

New! The center offers day and evening classes and special events, resulting in consistent visitors throughout its art-lined halls. We'll show around 40 works for a three-month span. Show managers: Holly Buehler and Therese Capal

MAA at Busboys & Poets: May-July

New! Busboys & Poets is a restaurant and bookstore “where racial and cultural connections are consciously uplifted." That mission is the theme of a three-month show at the Takoma (DC) location. Show managers: Lily Kak and Deb Walmer

All Abstracts at the Daily Dish: May-June

New! The brightly hued walls at this Silver Spring restaurant lend themselves well to abstract paintings. We'll host a small show of all abstracts to start summer. Show manager: Jamie Downs

Creative Expressions: June

We always look forward to this marquee event on our annual calendar, with a judge awarding prizes in multiple categories. Show managers: Sandra Cane and Amelia DeSilva

Paint the Town Labor Day Show: September 3-5

Our biggest event of the year! The annual Paint the Town Labor Day Show and plein air competition is September 3-5 in Kensington, Maryland. Show managers: Anastasia Walsh and Paula Zeller

Our Stories: Loving our Planet: November-December

Our third annual online show provides an opportunity for artists to write a short vignette to tell the story behind their piece of art. The theme of the 2022 show is "loving our planet." Show manager: Martina Sestakova

MAA at the Goldman Art Gallery: TBD

Our 2021 show "GIFTED: 10x10 Works" was such a success that the Goldman Art Gallery team has asked us to return next year. Details to come.

• More Info: Full details about these exhibitions will be added to our website as soon as they become available. Additional shows may be added, too, and all shows and dates are subject to change. We'll always send you info via email and post it on social media; check our 2022 calendar for updates, too.
  
  
• Volunteer with Us: Interested in being a show manager or helping to produce a show? Email us.

Lives in: Silver Spring, Maryland

Website: www.rosaarroyo.com

Social Media: Instagram @larosaarroyo

Media and subjects: Photography and Painting

Why you joined MAA: To become a part of a local artist's community to help facilitate my encouragement and growth and those of my fellow members. 

Something fun about you: I am inspired by the two to three sketchbooks my 12-year-old daughter fills in a week. I live my life vicariously through her art and hope that one day I can be as dedicated as she is.

Artist Biography LaRosa is an art teacher with 29 years of experience. She is originally from Columbia, South Carolina. She holds a BFA in Studio Art from Winthrop University and an MAT from the University of South Carolina. In addition, she is a National Board-Certified Teacher. and a member of the ART21 cohort program. During her summers, she enjoys attending workshops and her favorite is SCAD in Savannah, GA. She is married with 2 children and a cockapoo.

Please enjoy viewing several of LaRosa's beautiful artworks. 

    

By Martina Sestakova

Members of Montgomery Art Association come from all walks of life and their artworks and creative processes reflect this wonderful variety. In this blog, we invite you to enjoy a selection of pieces that explore the theme of Fall. Scroll down to enjoy a lovely array of ideas!

Rosemary Behizadeh Yue, "Russet Grasses" (12x12” acrylic on canvas). Tressa Hummel, reference photo credit. Although the tree is still green, we can tell from the grasses that Fall is already here.

Maria-Elena Lazarte, "Autumn" (16x20” acrylics on canvas). This painting is one of my early paintings on acrylics. I did the setup for this painting dried hydrangeas and purple coneflowers, one of my favorite purple bottles and the tiny Pumpkin to represent Fall.

Anastasia Walsh, “Falling in Love” (paper collage on ceramic tile 6x6”). I was inspired by Zora Neale Hurston’s quote, “I didn’t just fall in love. I made a parachute jump.”

Christopher Hoppe, "Autumn's Crimson Passion" (oil on canvas 18x24"). Fall is my favorite time and was painting trees because I love painting trees.

Vicky Surles, “December Deer” (watercolor 18x22”). A visiting deer hoping for a food handout at Massanutten Mountain resort.

Martina Sestakova, "The River Keeps Flowing" (Acrylic ink on yupo, 4x6"). This painting is a result of my recent camping adventures, often by delightful creeks. What better adventure in the Fall! Water is so healing. An ever-changing stream that just keeps going: a sign of hope to me. I hope you find this piece calming, yet exciting. A vivid exploration of indigo, which is so lovely.

Leslie Kraff, "Hues of October" (11x14" oil).

Thank you for stopping by and enjoying the artworks of our members! Be sure to check out our other blogs as we celebrate the unique artworks of DMV-based artists. 

by Jennifer Crouch
MAA Volunteer

Forty hours. That's how long it took Alden Schofield to complete Passage of Time, the recipient of the Bertha Clum Award, the top award at MAA's Paint the Town art show this September.

Working from an original photo, Schofield switched gears after he started the piece, deciding to incorporate an older engine to show the changes in time, rather than the Marc train that is in the inspiration photo.

"My goal was to give people the view of changes throughout time, to reminisce about the past and how it would have appeared. In addition, painting from a different approach than normally expected," Alden said.

Though Schofield's style is typically realistic, he more often paints landscapes. Attempting a painting that was both "mechanical and ghostly" stretched his creativity, obviously, to successful results.

With many pieces in the Kensington category in this year's Paint the Town art show, competition was high for the top award. A distinction Schofield appreciated, "I am very honored to receive such a prestigious award." 

Schofield's words of wisdom for other artists? "I feel that challenging oneself to do new things is quite rewarding in many ways. It continues your growth as an artist and hopefully the recognition."

The Bertha Clum Award is named for a lifelong Kensington resident passionate about art and gardening. She passed away in 1986. She was an original founder of the Paint the Town art show.

Montgomery Municipal Cable published this video about the local icon earlier this year in honor of Women's History Month: Remembering Kensington Icon Bertha Clum.

Lives in: North Bethesda, Maryland

Media: Oil, Watercolor, Tempera, Pastel, Chinese Brush Painting, Calligraphy, Photography 

Subjects: Landscapes, people, animals, flowers

Website: www.sushilaarts.com

Social media: instagram/com/sushila.arts

Why you joined MAA: My husband who is an art enthusiast encouraged me to share my arts with local community and to engage with them. 

Something fun about you: I love to disguise myself and go trick-or-treating at my siblings’ homes. 

Artist’s biography: "Born and grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sushila has been drawing and painting since she was a small child. A graduate of Corcoran School of the Art & Design, Washington, DC, Sushila works as a graphic designer while enjoying fine arts and photography. Sushila’s paintings and photographs have been displayed at numerous galleries and cultural events both here and abroad including the World Bank and the Young Professionals Association of the United Nations, National Gallery of Sri Lanka and through the Maryland Institute College of Art’s (MICA) study abroad art program in Greece."

Congratulations and a round of applause to Sushila on winning an honorable mention in our 2021 Paint the Town Plein Air Competition. Please enjoy viewing a sample of Sushila's wonderful work.

By Martina Sestakova

Members of Montgomery Art Association come from all walks of life and their artworks and creative processes reflect this wonderful variety. In this blog, we invite you to enjoy a selection of pieces that explore the theme of travel. Scroll down to enjoy a lovely array of ideas!

Maria-Elena Lazarte, Laguna de Paron (acrylic on canvas 20x16”). This painting is from a picture that I took when I was visiting my hometown Caraz-Peru in 2019. This is lake is so beautiful with the turquoise water surrounding by the highest snow mountains.

Freddi Batt Weiner, Purple Mountains Majesty. Inspired by my recent travel to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.

Jean Fin, Glacier Lake (acrylic on board 12x12"). I was fascinated by the colorful stones under the clear water.

Rosemary Behizadeh Yue, Fall Fields (acrylic on canvas 12x12”). This is part of my highway series inspired by an autumn drive down route 81.

Judith Levine, Superstition Saguaros (crayon on paper 9X12"). I did this while in Arizona. I love saguaro cactuses and these two made me smile as the looked like they were dancing together. 

Pritha Srinivasan, Tuscan Heat (watercolor 16x12”). This is based on my trip to the ancient beautiful Tuscan town of Volterra during a heatwave! Every alley provided a gelato break.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoying the artworks of our members! Be sure to check out our other blogs as we celebrate the unique artworks of DMV-based artists.