Lisa Houck

Two Swallowtails

2015

Artist Comments
A cougar gazes upward, its intense eyes locked on a radiant shower of gold. Rich, earthy tones blend seamlessly in the background, highlighting the features o...

Artist Comments
Inspired by the German Shepherd for their loyalty and dedication, artist Jeff Fleming paints a portrait of the canine. He displays the stars and stripes background to emphasize freedom — and fun. Jeff starts with a pencil sketch and applies oil paint using his fingers then adds details with brushes and string for decorative patterns. "I whisk paint in random strokes, a technique which adds a boost of energy," says Jeff.

About the Artist
Artist Jeff Fleming uses fingerpainting to create exuberant portraits of dogs. Growing up in Southern California, Jeff was first introduced to fingerpainting in kindergarten. He painted through high school and college and won several art awards, including Best of Show in a city wide student competition. After graduating with a degree in journalism and advertising, he went to work as an art director. For the next 40 years, he created print, radio and television ads for a number of top agencies. "After retiring in 2019, the clouds of stress and pressure cleared and allowed me to set my creative energy free," says Jeff. He began developing new techniques focused on the excitement and energy of painting. Today, he uses a variety of methods and tools, including fingerpainting wearing nitrile gloves, traditional paint brushes, bamboo shish kebab sticks, kite string, spraypaint and splattering. While working, Jeff always listens to music, including Broadway musicals, dance music and rhythmic Hawaiian tunes.

Words that describe this painting: Contemporary art, modern art, German Shepherd, dog playing, expressionism, impressionism, kinetic impressionism, oil painting, dog painting, lively art, fun art, happy dog, Iris Scott...

Artist Comments
Artist Jeff Fleming shows a contemporary portrait of a charming dog bouncing a blue ball with its button nose. "Dalmatians have a storied history of their contributions to helping firefighters," says Jeff. He pays tribute to their bravery and adds the stars and stripes background to emphasize their important role in American history. Jeff creates details with brushes and string for decorative patterns, whisking paint in random strokes for a dynamic boost of energy.

About the Artist
Artist Jeff Fleming uses fingerpainting to create exuberant portraits of dogs. Growing up in Southern California, Jeff was first introduced to fingerpainting in kindergarten. He painted through high school and college and won several art awards, including Best of Show in a city wide student competition. After graduating with a degree in journalism and advertising, he went to work as an art director. For the next 40 years, he created print, radio and television ads for a number of top agencies. "After retiring in 2019, the clouds of stress and pressure cleared and allowed me to set my creative energy free," says Jeff. He began developing new techniques focused on the excitement and energy of painting. Today, he uses a variety of methods and tools, including fingerpainting wearing nitrile gloves...

Artist Comments
Nestled among layers of pink and contrasting leaves, a bright red-breasted bird prepares for flight. A twig seemingly dangles from its beak. Its vibrant pluma...

Artist Comments
Artist Mary Pratt paints two blue birds delicately perched on opposite branches. As they engage in their dance, their tail feathers serendipitously meet, crea...

Artist Comments
"This painting was inspired by the idea that we are shaped by outside forces, but remain unchanged, we persist in the face of adversity," says Shao. "It is what makes us human." Shao's energetic paintings of stallions explore and illustrate movement through nature. This work represents an immigrant's journey, filled with strength and perseverance. Shao incorporates both contemporary watercolor and traditional ink calligraphy styles into this series of oil paintings.

About the Artist
Art has been with Shao Yuan Zhang for the majority of his extraordinary, and at times difficult, life journey. Raised in communist China...

Artist Comments
"This painting was inspired by the idea that we are shaped by outside forces, but remain unchanged, we persist in the face of adversity," says Shao. "It is what makes us human." Shao's energetic paintings of stallions explore and illustrate movement through nature. This work represents an immigrant's journey, filled with strength and perseverance. Shao incorporates both contemporary watercolor and traditional ink calligraphy styles into this series of oil paintings.

About the Artist
Art has been with Shao Yuan Zhang for the majority of his extraordinary, and at times difficult, life journey. Raised in communist China...