Belinda Balaski

“Forever seeking peace & spiritual tranquility in my Art, drawn from a myriad of life experiences that have etched people, landscapes, seascapes inspired from these memories, into my very soul allowing your eyes to rest on an image that will open & inspire your imagination to relate, yet freely fly.”

Goin' Fishin' - Watercolor 9 x 12 in. $1,500

Belinda Balaski, a native of Southern California, is an accomplished artist known for her vibrant watercolor and pastel paintings that depict a wide array of subjects, from people and landscapes to seascapes, flowers, and animals. Her deep affinity for horses, a passion stemming from her childhood spent on the racetrack alongside her father, the renowned jockey Lester Balaski, greatly influences her work. Belinda's artistic focus revolves around capturing the essence and unique beauty of living creatures and the natural world. Her driving motivation is to convey a profound sense of spiritual serenity and tranquility through her art.

Belinda's creative journey began at a young age, branching out into acting, photography, and art. While not gracing the stage, she was immersed in the world of photography and ceaselessly sketching. At the tender age of fourteen, she earned a four-year scholarship to the Minnesota Corresponding Art School, where her passion for representational art flourished, and she honed numerous artistic techniques that continue to serve her well today.

Belinda's undeniable talent in acting led her down a different path, earning her multiple awards and a remarkable 50-year career in Hollywood. She went on to establish BB's Kids Acting School, a place where she imparted her knowledge, captured the magic of young talent through filming, and nurtured countless children while also writing and producing original plays. These experiences not only enriched her artistic perspective but also heightened her ability to frame, identify beauty, and expertly edit an abundance of creative choices.

Recently, Belinda decided to retire from the film industry and shutter her school, opting to return to her initial passion for visual art. She embarked on a journey of self-discovery by enrolling in courses at Emeritus College, where she unearthed a newfound love for watercolor and pastels. Drawing from a diverse wellspring of talents and life experiences, Belinda possesses a natural gift for evoking emotion with an innate talent for composition.

Belinda currently resides and creates her art in Southern California, but she dedicates several months each year to Kauai, her spiritual sanctuary. It is on this serene island that many of her inspirational paintings find their genesis.

Sweet Grass Valley - Watercolor 10 x 14 in. $1,500
Amarillo - Watercolor 10 x 14 in. $2,000
Sunset Surfin' - Watercolor 9 x 12 in. $2,000
Hale Wa'apa - Watercolor 12 x 16 in. $1,500

This review was published by Circle Foundation for the Arts © CFA Press ∙ Images are courtesy of the artist


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Haley Barclay

"I'm a painter who works primarily with watercolor. I typically focus on figurative art that displays human expressions. Sometimes I will include animals or other aspects of nature, and I also like surreal settings for my paintings."

Goldie - Watercolor 9 x 12 in.

Haley was born and raised near Chicago, Illinois, USA and has lived around the Midwest area her whole life. She began practicing art at a very young age by drawing with graphite pencils. In high school, Haley was heavily influenced by her art teachers who introduced her to watercolor paints, which have now been her specialty for about ten years.

Haley has always had a love for animals and enjoys incorporating them into her artwork by showcasing the deep connection between humans and wildlife. Haley's hope is that her art can impact someone's life by helping them cope with a loss, relate to a conveyed emotion, or to capture a moment in time.

Flow - Watercolor 10 x 14 in.
Feelin' Foxy - Watercolor 16 x 20 in.
Behind Our Blue Eyes - Watercolor 10 x 14 in.
The Puurfect Tea Party - Watercolor 10 x 14 in.

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Edith Jung

"My works are seen as a creative exploration of internal worlds where archaic and yet timeless ciphers of magic, sacred character arise. I developed the technique on my own, the glossy colors have an atmospheric quality that allows one´s gaze to relax, as if looking far into the distance."

Beyond Blue - Mixed media on wood 115 x 85 cm

German Artist, Edith Jung was born in Karlsruhe and studied at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe. After completing her studies she completed a 6-month-long artist residency at Villa Massimo, Rome which was a significant experience that would greatly inspire Edith career. Her artwork has been exhibited across Germany, in Switzerland, Italy and the United States and is collected internationally.

White Shadow - Mixed media on wood 115 x 85 cm
Legend - Mixed media on wood 120 x 110 cm
In Visible Silence - Mixed media on wood 115 x 85 cm
Eye In The Sky - Mixed media on wood 120 x 110 cm

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Yvonne Maximchuk

"Art-making is a compulsion that defines me, wild nature is my muse, celebrating it is my mission. I am at home on my island, in the forest or at sea in my boat. Wildlife, marine mammals, the flowers, birds and passing clouds all excite and inspire me, with tremendous diversity and fabulous beauty."

Roses in June - Watercolour 8 x 11 in.

“Since childhood, my first memories are of nature, (roses, acorns, diamond-flashing dewdrops on spiderwebs, clouds) and drawing/colouring tools (crayons, finger paint, pencils and pens of all sorts) intertwined with a powerful emotional mix of joy, satisfaction and curiosity.

I received much support and self- identified as an artist the instant I heard the word for my compulsion.

A two-year post-secondary program in Graphic Arts and Illustration began my education and my professional life as an artist. First job was drawing frames for animated films and cartoons at Canawest Film Productions in Vancouver BC, however, love, then marriage and children diverted me from formal work or studies. My learning thereafter was self-directed.

As a ‘working artist’, and single mother of two, I managed to make a living with and develop my skills in watercolour painting along with the beautiful and functional art of pottery-making.

I was invited to teach adult education night classes which added to my skillset, and taught classes in White Rock BC for seven years, earning Instructor of the Year Award in 1985.

I re-married in 1986 and moved to Echo Bay, on an island off the coast of British Columbia, where my husband and I built a home, studio and art retreat. I offer personalized art inspiration to those who seek me out.

Two highlights of my education in art, and life, were painting workshops in France, the most significant a six-week session in 1985, in Avignon, France at the Centre d’Etudes Français de l’Institute Americain. These trips gave me insight into how the environment affects the painterly eye and ensuing artwork.

I became a published author in 1993 and am currently working on a novel set in my world.

I continue to take joy in my art practice, focusing on the ever-fascinating inspiration available in my wilderness home."

An Upwelling Sea - Acrylic 24 x 30 in.
Orca Buddies - Watercolour 10 x 14 in.
Home of the Harlequin Ducks - Acrylic 24 x 30 in.
The Grizzly Bears Picnic - Watercolour 14 x 20 in.

This review was published by Circle Foundation for the Arts © CFA Press ∙ Images are courtesy of the artist


 

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Jerry L. Gadd

Jerry's current interests include not only the Mid-Atlantic Region but places and things from all over the United States, including landscapes, seascapes, portraits, florals, and still life. He works both in oils and watercolors. Jerry has recently renewed his interest in classical oil painting.

Portrait of Kathy - Oil 16 x 20 in.

Classically trained and a professional illustrator, with over forty years’ experience, Jerry Gadd is internationally recognized for his artwork.

After studying in Baltimore at the Le Millet School and the Maryland Institute, Gadd worked with nationally known watercolorists Claude Croney and John Pellew. While Croney and Pellew were known for representational approaches to watercolors, Gadd’s work in oils reflects those approaches and represents both genres of art.

Gadd’s work focuses on the Mid Atlantic, and The United States, as his inspiration comes from historic sites in Carroll County and Pennsylvania. His paintings include seascapes, florals, portraits and still lifes, inspired by his travels throughout the U.S.

Gadd has participated in Maryland State and Federal duck stamp competitions, winning awards for decoy carving and photography events. An article and painting of Gadd’s was published in International Artist Magazine, and he was a finalist in their monthly competition. He recently had work published in the September and October issues of Southwest Artist magazine. In September, 2016 under the Emerging Artist section, and in October 2016 under the Artist to Collect Section.

Summer Flowers - Oil 20 x 16 in.
The Rose - Watercolor 18 x 14 in.
Floral Fanfare - Watercolor 18 x 14 in.
Liberty Island Pigeons - Watercolor 18 x 14 in.

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Misure Nien

Born in: 1965, Taiwan

Lives in: Changhua City, Taiwan

Media: Painting, Watercolor, Mixed media, Drawing

Describe your work in 3 words: True goodness, love, peace

See More Work:  https://www.artblr.com/misurenien/en

Morning of Santorini - Watercolor 20.5 x 22.5 in.

Misure Nien has been painting in watercolor for over 30 years, and after working as an art teacher he decided to focus on his love for watercolor and teaching at his studio since 2000.

What themes does your work involve?

I like to paint landscapes and beautiful things. I took two weeks' holiday in Santorini, Greece. I lived at the villa of north Fira that has a good view field. I enjoy quiet trance alone and feel white mix blue value in the soft light of morning. The sunlight from warming tone to brightness across the building gradually transform the angle and blue hue value also changed. This is an amazing and comfortable feeling of nature.

Describe your creative process.

I like watercolor to create, watercolor's translucence is uniquely suited to paint water. Just as with water, watercolor captures the light. With careful observation, watercolor can also capture the shimmer or calm reflection of water as well as, if not better than, any other medium. Especially with a focus on capturing the light and shadow for dramatic effects very easily.

What influences your work? What inspires you?

I started to like graffiti when I was young. Graffiti can satisfy my imagination because reality is often far away. Gradually, I discovered that drawing is a joyful thing, rather than a way of describing it in words, and you can share your own thoughts or emotions through each person's visual feelings. Therefore, art has become a kind of spiritual support and balance most loved in my life.

What is good art? What makes a piece of art great?

If the viewers can feel the beauty of the paintings, they will be affected to take action. It's like deciding to give yourself a holiday to the place in the picture to relax which I think is good art.

What is the role of the artist today?

I think an artist should act as a messenger who conveys beauty and loves peace.


This page was published by Circle Foundation for the Arts © CFA Press ∙ Images are courtesy of the artist