Segil Fine Art
Gallery:
110 West Lime Ave
Old Town Monrovia
CA 91016
Phone:
626-358-5563
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday
1-6 pm
Online:
SegilFineArt.com
Segil Fine Art Gallery
In this Issue
Brenda says, “Art has been a part of my life since I can remember. My formal training did not come until my late twenties when my children were in school and I had time for my own studies. I have always had a desire to be creative and painting just seems to fit my personality.”
“I paint in watercolor because I enjoy the straightforward approach of this medium. I do not use any of the gimmicks you often see others use with this medium. I rely on my knowledge of design, color and technique. The look of watercolor has always held a fascination to me. When light travels through the many glazes of color and mixes before my eyes, there is a unique ‘magic’ that happens.”
“I predominately use colors that are warm and that reflect ‘the joy of life.’ My goal is that my paintings can inspire a feeling of joy and peacefulness. I try to instill my content and easy-going nature in of my work.”
In ‘Petals to the Metal,’ (shown) the truck was found in Lancaster near the poppy preserve in the middle of the summer when all the flowers were gone. Brenda likes to play with her painting titles and the thought of “petals to the metal” gave her the inspiration for this painting.
Brenda’s fascination with old trucks started eight years ago with the purchase of a 1952 Chevy pick-up. Since then, she and her husband Mike has acquired three other trucks and enjoys restoring and showing them at car shows. “The funny thing, however, is that I don’t paint restored vehicles. Somehow all the layers of paint and rust excite my imagination as to where the vehicle has been and what kind of life it has lived.
‘Petals to the Metal’ is very different than the images of ‘Pinney House’ in Sierra Madre or ‘Look-out Cottage’ on Catalina Island which were both painted on location. This approach is called Plein-air and is a spontaneous way of painting primarily due to the limited amount of time an artist has before the sun crosses the sky and changes the entire scene. Brenda greatly enjoys working this way and makes a point of painting Plein-air as often as she can.
Brenda has had people say to her, “It must be nice to be so gifted”. And to this, she always has a little laugh, “Yes, talent is nice, but it won’t get you very far unless you develop your skills.” “I discovered early on in life, that I didn’t really see something, until I drew it. The more I sketched and painted, the more I became aware of the world around me. I found that even the simple things in life took on a new importance and beauty.”
So what exactly is the ‘gift?’ “I believe that it is my ability to see and appreciate the beauty that exists.” Additional information about Brenda’s work can be found on her website at www.swensonsart.net. Also, keep an eye out for her new book Keeping a Watercolor Sketchbook by Water Foster Publications.
"Please join us for Brenda Swenson’s opening reception Saturday, July 9, 5-8pm." - Laura
Taking the Intimidation Out of Buying Art: Part III
Make It Your Own - Fine Art Commissions
One of the most advantageous aspects of dealing with contemporary artists (artists who are prolific today) is that most will take on commissions. The old notion of a "commissioned piece of art" centered around portraiture, is not entirely the case anymore. Currently, artists are working with their clients to produce paintings of a specific and requested subject matter, such as familiar landscapes or landmarks. By commissioning a piece of art, the buyer truly makes it their own.
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Commissioning a piece of art is a great way to get to know the artist personally.
- The artist can create a painting of a subject matter and size you are sure to be pleased since it is per your request.
- Commissioned works of art are fabulous conversation pieces as - will know more about the piece than you?
If you are interested in having a work of art commissioned, we will be happy to put you in contact with the artist and work with you personally here in the gallery. www.SegilFineArt.com
Introducing the Segil Fine Art Silent and On-Line Auction - Bringing the bid to you! www.segilfineart.com/auction.htm
Segil Fine Art is taking another step towards making art more accessible and affordable. We will offer a different painting by a different artist each month. This is a wonderful opportunity to get a beautiful piece of art at a price you choose - below the gallery price - and the artist will sign the piece to you personally.
The auction is also active in the gallery, where the painting is on display, so bid now! Our first auction is Jeff Ward's "Del Oro Cove" (at right). The gallery price is $450 but bidding opens at only $300. Bidding is in increments of $10.
To place your bid: call the gallery (626) 358-5563 or email info@SegilFineArt.com.
Upcoming Artist Events
July
Brenda Swenson - Watercolors, "One Woman’s Vision from Sketch to Paintings," with an artist’s reception Saturday, July 9th, 5-8 pm. Have some wine, meet the artists and view her new collection!
Coming in August
Segil Fine Art presents, "Summer Showcase," featuring the award winning group of artists, Carole Cooke, Frank Serrano and W. Jason Situ.