Chris’ current photography exhibit at the North Tahoe Event Center is an ensemble of Lake Tahoe and international scenes on canvas. This new exhibit will include an international trilogy of scenes from Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand as well as Tahoe panoramas, trilogies and single pieces. Chris uses both a Mamiya 7II rangefinder camera and a solid Nikon F5. Fuji Velvia 50 is the film of choice.

“I don’t like changing what was put in front of me by God. That is not my job,” says artist Chris Talbot.

Chris has lived in North Lake Tahoe for the past 34 years. As a Tahoe based travel-resort-landscape-wedding photographer Chris Talbot has been aiming his lenses at beautiful subject matter for twenty-five years. He has travelled to over 29 countries and spends three months of the year based out of Saigon, Vietnam. Chris says, “My job is easy. Capture beautiful images and show the world. I’m a lucky man.”

More information on his Photography is available at his website www.talbotimages.com.  Also, look for the Lake Tahoe Tube (lithographs) at numerous Lake Tahoe Retail outlets.

The public is invited to visit the North Tahoe Event Center during normal business hours to view the art on display at no charge. The North Tahoe Event Center has partnered with North Tahoe Arts and the Art in Public Places program to provide rotating art exhibits available to the public. The Center hopes to provide a more inviting atmosphere through the showing of artwork with a connection to the North Tahoe Community, either through the artist or content of the work.

Continuing to display his indisputable talents in high school, he became the first recipient of the Stephen David Epstein Memorial Scholarship which made him eligible to study anywhere in the world for one year.

He chose to study in Paris. With Picasso.  Meet David Russo of South Lake Tahoe.

David’s illustrious career as a fine artist started at five years old when his mother gave me him watercolors, brushes and a really cheap pad of paper.

During the time David spent with Picasso, he stayed at the master’s home and studio in France. He traveled with Picasso, observed the master at work, and received instruction from him in various art forms and styles.

Upon returning home, he was asked about his tenure as the “National Boy of the Year.” David replied, “I met a lot of great people; governors, senators, movie stars, and even the President of the United States, but to be the student of Picasso, now that’s the greatest of all.”

David went on to receive a Master’s of Art degree from San Francisco State, a Masters in physical education from University of Southern California, and a Ph.D. in Art from Stanford University. He then worked in the California college system as an art instructor and coach until I retired in 1985 and has lived in South Lake Tahoe since.  David is a member of the Tahoe Art League, and has been the impetus behind the TAL Plein Air Painting summer series held at idyllic spots in Lake Tahoe.

David is also teaching a Watercolor Workshop in July 201o in South Lake Tahoe.

July 6, 8, 13, and 15
6:00pm to 8:30 pm
$25 per day or $90 for 4 classes

TAL Workshop Classroom
Ski Run Center behind Red Hut in South Lake Tahoe
Ski Run Boulevard and Hwy 50

For more information and to register, please contact: Dee Miller-Meyer at (775) 588-5416, or e-mail: workshops@talart.org

Meet Ali Warren, painter from South Lake Tahoe.

“I paint people because it allows me to explore the human condition in all its complexities, both beautiful and dark.”

Ali’s work – the Ghent Series and Desert Series – is stirring.

Here’s her view of the “Desert Series”:

Desert is a mixed media series combining photography with oil painting. These works start as a photograph that is giclee on canvas which serves only as a backdrop to the carefully painted portraits.

I’m attracted to the old boom towns of the Nevada desert because they are seedy. These places are seedy and lonely. The people that occupy these places fascinate me. My faces are meant to be very human, almost innocent in their ugliness.

My hope is that the combination of photography and non realistic painting creates a tension that is interesting…

The Ghent Series panoramic was inspired by Jan Van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece (1432) because she loves its obsession to detail.

To read her full statement about The Ghent, click here.

Meet Bonita Paulis, landscape artist from South Lake Tahoe. 

Bonita has been living in the Lake Tahoe region for 25 years, and sees no end to the inspiration this area has to offer to her paintings. Bonita is a member of the Tahoe Art League, Pastel Society of the West Coast (regional representative) and a signature member of the Sierra Pastel Society.  She has paintings of many areas, from the High Sierras to the California Coast and the Desert Southwest.

A prolific artist, Bonita had two Lake Tahoe paintings juried into the Santa Cruz Art League’s 79th annual Statewide Exhibition entitled “Irreplaceable Places by Contemporary California Landscape Painters” that ran June 6-28, 2009.

The two paintings included “High Sierra Gem, Caples Lake” and “Glacial Reflections, Round Top Lake and 3 Sisters” shown here.

And, in September 2009 Bonita won an Honorable Mention for “Sierra Canyon” at the North Tahoe Plein Air juried art show.  Bonita was selected to join more than thirty-five artists over three days to capture the many moods of the Sierra’s fall light as it dances along the landscape.  The 4th annual North Tahoe Plein Air Event to take place at the Village at Northstar September 8-12, 2010.

Bonita’s landscape collections can be found in the Lake Tahoe region, and in many international locations.

You can see more of her work in person at Lone Tree Gallery, 1598 Esmeralda in Minden, Nevada; Hanifin’s Art & Antiques 210 N. Carson Street Carson City, Nevada; and at the Showcase Gallery in the Ski Run Center in South Lake Tahoe.

Or you can view her paintings anytime at www.bonitapaulis.com Please contact Bonita at bpaulis@yahoo.com to make an appointment or for pricing.

Featured paintings:

The End of Day in the upper Truckee Marsh on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe

Glacial Reflections, Round Top Lake and 3 Sisters

Evening Shades at Lake Tahoe

Cultural mythology and healing customs from around the world play a big part in Kristen’s captivating art work which she calls Faery Medicine.

Her hope is that her illustrations will spark an interest in the vast indigenous wisdom that exists before it disappears completely.

Cave Rock is a sacred Washoe Indian site located along the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe.  The geological formation is the remnant of an ancient volcano, and is named for the caves located high on its side that were carved by waves over thousands of years when Lake Tahoe was formed roughly 3 million years ago.

Many legends exist about Cave Rock, and people often see images in the rock. For Kristen, Cave Rock Woman represents the power that many feel there including the Washoe. The outline of the woman and the eagle in the illustration is the actual shape of Cave Rock. The other parts of the image, such as the coyote, were inspired from geological shapes that exist in the rock and Kristen’s personal connection to the site. The Washoe see the profile of “The Lady of the Lake” looking out toward the lake from just below the old Hwy 50 foundation laid in 1865 that went around the outside of the rock.

“My main inspiration as an illustrator comes from indigenous peoples and healing customs from around the world. I also feel a strong connection with the earth itself.

While I gain inspiration from studying cultural traditions and an earthly connection that allows my characters a place to spring from, my daily dose of creative energy comes from the magical place where I live; Lake Tahoe.”  Kristen Schwartz

Kristen has also created other Tahoe icons such as Lake Mermaid and Lake Mother – Lake of the Sky pictured here, which depicts a Washoe woman gazing affectionately upon Lake Tahoe.  Kristen finished Lake Mother the day the Angora Fire was contained in 2007.

Kristen began as a botanical illustrator drawing native medicinal plants for books such as local acupuncturist Kimball Chatfield’s Medicine From the Mountains – Medicinal Plants of the Sierra Nevada.

As she began to draw her fantastical illustrations for Faery Medicine, she also started producing prints and cards of the images. They are all hand produced and created on demand right here at Lake Tahoe, ensuring quality and reducing waste. She combines pen and ink, airbrush, and colored pencil to create her images.

Kristen has also developed a method of printing her images on raw silk – an amazing alternative to paper – that won her a coveted position in an international art show in New York City in Fall 2008.  Currently, Kristen is pursuing her dream as a children’s book illustrator and is working with award-winning illustrator Yuyi Morales in the 2009 Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Mentor Program.

To learn more about Kristen, you can see her Faery Medicine cards and prints at www.FaeryMed.com or view her botanical and fantastical portfolio at www.KristenSchwartz.com.

Like this classic of Chief Black Cloud.

Meet Randall Stauss of Carnelian Bay.

Randall Stauss’s watercolor plein air paintings have captured the essence of Lake Tahoe and the west coast for over thirty years. Making his home at Carnelian Bay with his wife Edith in 1980, he is an unassuming personality to the local residents and tourists alike, and is often seen painting along the lake’s edge.

A third generation Oregonian, Stauss began drawing and painting at an early age.  Encouraged by his parents, he began taking art lessons at the Portland Art Museum. He studied at the Portland Art Institute, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. In 1985 he was accepted as a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, the same year as he began teaching his popular watercolor workshops.

Through teaching, Stauss is able to share his vision with other artists:

“Painting is largely a matter of inspiration and seeing things clearly. Two of my favorite painters are Winslow Homer and Childe Hassam. Hassam’s work looks like it was sheer joy to paint, and Homer was always looking for the truth of the matter. I try for both.” – Stauss

Randall will hold a Plein Air Oil Workshop in Lake Tahoe August 16-20, 2010.  In the meantime, you can meet Randall at his studio in Carnelian Bay during the Tahoe ARTour July 9-11, 2010, located at 5071 5071 Nevada Street.

Directions: From Hwy 28, North Lake Blvd, turn North (away from the lake) onto Center Street, across from Garwoods Restaurant, go one block, turn right onto Nevada Street; they are the fourth house on the left. If you get lost, just call 530-546-4030.

To see more of his work, please visit www.rstauss.com.

With nature as her muse, the Lake Tahoe environment is portrayed in her jewelry, paintings, giclee prints and note cards.

Meet Pamela Hunt Lee from Kings Beach.

Pamela is a multi media artist-designer who has created fine art ranging from paintings to sculpture.

Pristine water and powerful rock formations, dramatically vivid sunsets and clear dark nights seen both at Lake Tahoe and in the the Southern California desert inspire and shape Pamela’s current work.

Full sheets of watercolor paper may depict a small view of lake water and lake bottom with light patterns playing across the surface.

Pieces of canvas twelve feet long carry a tumble of colorful fall leaves or a stretch of lake water, massive boulders and pristine sky. A palate of jewel tones offsets a composition of organically shaped granite stones.  Delicate wildflowers are presented in exacting detail. This artistic expression is a result of a combination of prior influences that has culminated in an expressionistic presentation of the natural beauty surrounding us in these two very special locations.

Pamela’s design work has included interior commercial and residential space, corporate logos and brochures, fabrics, clothing, accessories, and developing a Designer Series of graphics for Ski Centurion Boats.

Her artwork has been represented in solo, group, juried and invitational competitions in museums and art galleries across the United States. Her designs have received awards and recognition and are included in both corporate and private collections. To learn more about her work, visit www.pamelahuntlee.com

Cathy McClelland has lived and created on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe for many years. Her love for Tahoe is shared with her love for painting Tahoe’s environment, as well as many other magical themes in life.

At Lake Tahoe Cathy has freelanced as an illustrator, art director, graphic designer, muralist and painter. Her art interests have gone in many different directions from handmade paper creations, watercolor/dye illustrations, paintings, hand painted tapestries and murals. While painting murals she developed her own technique combining acrylic paint, using both airbrush and hand to enhance and detail her work, giving her creations a feeling of depth and the soft magical beauty of nature. She also incorporates glazing into her acrylic painting, which compliments the technique further. As time has evolved, painting became the priority and focus in her creative life.  Her imagination is where she creates her art.

Lake Tahoe’s magical summers were a whole new experience and fall was especially delightful. When winter came, a new love developed – skiing, which is still is a strong passion for her. Lake Tahoe’s beautiful environment is always a constant inspiration for Cathy, bringing her close to the heart of nature. The mountains, water, forest, moon, animals and stars feed her creative spirit. One of her fondest themes inspired by living at Tahoe are the animals, especially the bears. Her intention is to create the magical and innocent qualities of the bear, before his environment was interrupted by development.

The spirit and plight of the wild mustangs is another subject that speaks to her heart. Other themes and inspirations come from her journeys to sacred and mystical places which result in paintings about stone circles, fairy glenns, dream temples, meditations, animals and nature spirits, angels and messengers. Whatever speaks to her heart and soul comes through her on to the canvas or board that she is painting.

“Nature and the mystery of the universe play a big part with my inspiration. I like to weave the two together in my creations, hoping to inspire others to enjoy the beauty of nature and the wonderful creatures around us. Our world is full of miracles and magic. We just need to recognize the beauty and truth of this, and bring it into our lives and into our hearts. I hope that my artwork can be a contribution to others in that direction.” – Cathy McClelland

McClelland grew up in the northern California town of Fairfield, which at that time was surrounded by fruit ranches and farms. Her love for animals, nature and the seasons grew from this place. Throughout her childhood, she drew and painted her daily experiences with a magical flare. She studied illustration at the Academy of Art College, in San Francisco for 3- 1/2 years. In 1979 she moved to the north shore of Lake Tahoe for the summer and never left.

Cathy has been involved in many art exhibits including six successful one women shows. She has exhibited in Nevada and California and is collected nationally and internationally. Her murals grace walls coast to coast. Most all of her work is available as greeting cards and some pieces available as limited edition gilcee prints. Whether it be a mural or painting, her artwork reflects her love of nature and mythical subjects. You can visit her website at CathyMcClelland.com

Cathy is participating in the 2009 Tahoe ARTour and invites everyone to stop by her studio July 10, 11 and 12 and July 17, 18 and 19, 2009.

Cathy McClelland Art Studio
8491 Brook St. (upstairs)
Kings Beach, CA 96143
530/546-2210

Featured Acrylic Paintings by Cathy:

Coyote Reflection
Size: 12” x 18”

Spirit of the Mustang
Size: 8.5” x 12.5”

Star Medicine Pouch
Size: 8” x 10”

Lauren Sannazzaro started drawing at age fifteen as a form of escapism creating colorfully detailed abstract designs. With an insatiable desire to learn more about art, she attended her first art class at Lake Tahoe Community College at age sixteen.

Lauren fell in love with the college atmosphere and the opportunity it gave her to explore her creativity without boundaries.  According to Lauren, art and the creative process is a means by which she can express her ideas unlike any other way.

Lauren’s artwork contains a variety of different media including clay, oil, acrylic, metal (steel, copper and aluminum), found objects, colored pencils and graphite. The medium chosen for each piece is dependent on her conceptual design and vice versa, which allows Lauren to cleverly express her vivid personal interpretations of her subjects.

“My process for creating art has a very technical beginning. Each piece has a well thought out design and concept. Naturally, adjustments are made along the way, but due to elaborate planning, much of my artwork retains its initial vision. A stylistic trait that resides within every piece is a highly detailed, very textured and meticulous surface. Time is of little importance as I’m absorbed within the artwork and endless hours pass.”   Lauren Sannazzaro

Besides creating art for school assignments, Lauren is busy preparing future works of art as she explores the depths of her creative expression.  She plans to create a series of figurative sculptures that she hopes will cultivate a new understanding and heightened awareness of the social inequalities and challenges that exist throughout the world. In the meantime, she looks forward to continuing to expand her knowledge of other media and techniques on her journey to obtain a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Already an accomplished artist, Lauren’s resume of exhibits and awards is impressive. She has won the Tahoe Art League Outstanding Achievement in Art Award in 2009 and 2010, LTCC Emerging Artist Award, and the Winners Show at the LTCC 2007 and 2008 Student Art Shows.

In fact, the mixed media piece “The part equals the whole Recycled Wave, Partial 1″ shown here won The Peoples Choice award, 1st place in Sculpture, and Best Sculpture in any Media during the 2010 LTCC Student Art Show.

Lauren graduated from Lake Tahoe Community College in June 2010 earning an Associates of Art degree, and she’ll be attending California State University, Humboldt in the Fall to continue her illustrious art career.

Congratulations Lauren!

To reach Lauren, please send her an email at LaurenSannazzaro@hotmail.com.

Roosters by Nancy Abicht, South Shore watercolorist.

It’s an international parade of the most beautiful roosters – Made in Tahoe of all places!

It’s almost like Nancy has studied her subjects a very long time in order to capture the colorful feathers and head dresses in her watercolor and oil paintings. And to get into their souls.

There’s Prince.

Barnyard Prince. El Gallo. Gilbert.

El Blanco.

Frank & Betty. And Chex.

Not only do their names illustrate their pecking order, Nancy also depicts the barnyard mood in several of her paintings like Denial, Sunday Strut and Serendipity.

Nancy’s unique gift for capturing the human characteristics of man in her roosters (Yes, roosters are male chickens. Hens are female), has won her many fans amidst art collectors throughout the U.S.

Nancy’s beautiful roosters are available in paintings as well as in tiles, hand towels, cobblestone trivets, Italian tumbled marble trivets and coasters.

To see all of Nancy’s Roosters, click here to visit her website.