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Oil Painters of America

Virtuosos of the OPA Exhibition at New York's Salmagundi Club

Oil Painters of America · Nov 9, 2015 · 1 Comment

David A Leffel OPAM Bio
David A Leffel OPAM was awarded the Gold Medal, a $3,800 cash award funded by Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine, for “The Great Guardian.”
David Leffel
David Leffel

David A Leffel is a modern master recognized by his peers as a painters’ painter. His subjects range from figure and portrait to landscape and still life but his real subject matter is light flowing and drifting over surfaces.

He grew up in New York City and studied art and painting at Parsons School of Design, Fordham University and then at the Art Students League of New York. He later returned to the ASL as an instructor until he moved to Taos, NM in 1992.
Leffel has received many honors in his career including Gold and Silver medals at NAWA now called the Prix de West; Allied Artists, NY; and National Academy of Design, NY. He has also participated in many group and one-person shows.

"The Great Guardian" by David A. Leffel OPA
“The Great Guardian” by David A. Leffel OPA

In 2003 a collection of his teachings, An Artist Teaches, Reflections on the Art of Painting was published by Bright Light Publishing to world-wide acclaim for its ability to integrate his philosophical views and humor with an understanding of technique that can be appreciated by artists and collectors alike. In 2009 Bright Light also published his second book, Self-Portraits: A Visual Journey of Insight.

His work can be found in permanent Museum collections throughout this country as well as numerous private collections here and abroad.

 
 
 

MICHELE USIBELLI OPA BIO
MICHELE USIBELLI OPA was awarded the Silver Medal, a $2,000 cash award funded by Jerry’s Palette Shop-Fine Art Supplies, NYC, NY, for “Current Events.”
Michele Usibelli
Michele Usibelli

Like all artists, I feel like I was born to create and was drawn to art from as early as I can remember. After earning my degree in architecture from the University of Washington, I combined my professional life with my love of travel, working in locations throughout the world. My extensive travels and life experiences provide the solid platform from which my artwork is created.

My work is created primarily in oils, but I also enjoy working in acrylics and pastels in my representational style. My early training established a strong foundation in the Russian Impressionist tradition of seeing and painting shapes of light and color using relatively loose brushstrokes. I have studied extensively and been influenced by numerous historic artists, most notably Nicholai Fechin, John Singer Sargent and William Merritt Chase. All of these influences have allowed me to establish my own unique artistic style and define me as a truly versatile artist. While I am drawn to many painting genres; still life, landscape, cityscapes and figurative, my individual style and paint application is a constant theme throughout my work, creating a consistent body of art that is uniquely my own. Collectors continuously say they “can spot my work from across the room”. Establishing my own, unique, artistic voice is my primary goal and collectors appreciate the fact that I will never paint the same image twice, every piece that I create is truly an original, completed to my highest standards.

"Current Events" by Michele Usibelli OPA
“Current Events” by Michele Usibelli OPA

I am thankful to have the opportunity to pursue this passion I call art! Through my art I have had the opportunity to establish many long term friendships with collectors, galleries and other artists. When a collector purchases a piece I do not view it as a one time event, I view it as a new friend for life. I am extremely grateful for those who have supported me and hope you will continue to appreciate and support all artists who are making the world a more beautiful place.

Michele’s award-winning artwork has shown in both group and solo gallery exhibitions, in regional, national and international juried exhibitions, and has won numerous awards. Recently, Michele has followed her passion to teach, conducting ongoing workshops and art demonstrations. She has proven to be a popular juror. Her artwork can be found in public and private collections throughout the world.

 
 
 

Albin Veselka OPA Bio
Albin Veselka OPA was awarded the Bronze Medal, a $500 cash award funded by OPA, for “Liver Shot.”
Albin Veselka
Albin Veselka

Born in 1979 Albin’s interest in art came at an early age. He is very grateful to his parents who were instrumental in promoting his emerging talent.

In 2006 Albin received his BFA from Brigham Young University Idaho. He credits the knowledgeable and student oriented faculty of the BYUI art department for giving him “the tools all representational artist must have to open the door to communicating in the visual arts”. Direction was also given to Albin which helped him break into the gallery scene while he was a college student. Since then Albin has continued in developing his career receiving honors from several prestigious organizations and shows.
Albin’s career has been a continual learning experience. His growth comes natural as he seeks for excellence through education and hard work. He is constantly finding new things to appreciate in the masters both living and deceased. Some of the influences he credits for his inspiration and development are Nicolai Fechin, John Singer Sargent, Abram Arkhipov, Joaquin Serolla, Ilha Repin, Richard Schmid, Dan Gerhartz, Mike Malm, Carolyn Anderson, Gerald Griffin and Leon Parson.

LiverShot by Albin Veselka OPA
“Liver Shot” by Albin Veselka OPA

Albin Currently lives in Rexburg Idaho with his wife Jenee and their three children. He also teaches painting part time at BYU Idaho where his art education commenced. “Teaching is another way I can share the beauty of what I have learned and I find opportunities to improve my art through the constant re-evaluation that comes through teaching.” 

“If I can enrich the lives of those who view my work in any way, I have accomplished my goal. There is something of the divine that comes through the work of one who has mastered his mode of expression and who has something good to say. Be it simple or profound, intellectual or spiritual, when that message comes through and awakens something within the receiver that improves
his or her life; that, I believe, is the higher purpose of art. That’s what I strive for.”

2015 Spring Online Showcase Winners Spotlight

Oil Painters of America · Jul 20, 2015 · Leave a Comment

We’re proud to highlight the winners of the OPA Spring 2015 Online Showcase. Enjoy some brief biographies below, detailing their painting history and journey to becoming award winning artists.

Deborah Tilby

First Place Award for the painting titled “Twelve Small Boats”

DeborahI am Canadian but lived for many years in England where I painted watercolours of English and European street scenes, attracted by the weathered buildings, the textures and colours of old brick, stone and peeling paint and plaster, and the narrow streets offering interesting perspectives. I have often returned to the streets of Europe for my inspiration, sometimes in watercolour but now more often in oil.
I also enjoy everything the local landscape has to offer although the subject within the landscape is secondary to my main inspiration and focus which is the light, the shadows, the interplay of warms and cools, and the subtle colours of the seasons.
Landscape painting is a challenge, one that is endlessly fascinating and deeply fulfilling.
www.deborahtilby.com

Twelve Small Boats
“Twelve Small Boats “
by Deborah Tilby
26″ x 36″ Oil
Damien Gonzales

Second Place Award for the painting titled “Mummy Cave – Cañon del Muerto”

Damien Gonzales ImageDamien Gonzales is a self-taught artist from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He paints in oils and concentrates on landscapes. Damien divides his time between painting outdoors and in the studio. Outdoors he enjoys the spontaneity required to quickly capture the essence of a place, the most accurate color and value information possible and the other transient elements that are present only for hour or two, at most. The paintings he completes in the field are sometimes framed and shown as they are when he leaves a location or used to produce additional paintings back in the studio.
Damien is influenced by many artists and styles but particularly enjoys representational works and aspects of impressionism that impart more sublime qualities to paintings. Damien’s engineering background helps him develop as an artist.

"Mummy Cave - Cañon del Muerto"
“Mummy Cave – Cañon del Muerto”
by Damien Gonzales
11″ x 16″ Oil

He has participated in national competitions and exhibits such as Plein Air Telluride, In the Footsteps of Thomas Moran at Zion National Park and the American Impressionist Society and been recognized by various awards. Damien has also jurored and judged several events. Recently he traveled to Spain to compete in a Plein Air event in Andalucia. Southwest Art recently featured him as “An Artist to Watch”. His most recent award in June 2015 was Best of Show at the Santa Fe Plein Air Festival. He aspires to paint full time in the near future.
damiengonzales.com

Marci Oleszkiewicz

Third Place Award for the painting titled “Summer’s End “

Marci Oleszkiewicz_headshot_smMarci Oleszkiewicz, grew up in the city of Chicago in a family of four. Her mother home schooled all four children where each child’s gifts were nurtured and encouraged. Marci’s father was a carpenter and there wasn’t a moment in childhood that he was not renovating or working on some
project for their home. Looking back Marci attributes much of her creativity to seeing her father always working on something, creating something out of nothing. “My dad would say see Marci if you work at something little by little you will see your idea come about. Seeing my Dad’s work ethic and learning from my Mom the value of self discipline as a home schooler, I believe gave me some of the foundational tools I would need later in life to succeed as an artist.”
Marci’s passion for art was inspired at a young age. As a child, she remembers sitting at her little desk making pictures. “It seemed I often communicated visually. Whether it was in a Christmas card to family or a personal journal entry, there was always a drawing to be found. I remember imagining my little creations coming alive as I made the final touches.”

Summer's End
“Summer’s End”
by Marci Oleszkiewicz
20″ x 16″ Oil

Although she has been studying art and painting for some time, it wasn’t until 2007 when things started to move forward and she began to see what the future might hold for her as an artist. Upon entering several art competitions Marci was not only accepted in two of the top shows, The Oil Painters of America’s national show and the American Impressionist Society’s national show, but also received very substantial awards from both. An award of excellence from the OPA and the best of show award from the AIS. Not long after, she was included in Southwest Art Magazine’s 21 under 31 and had her first two man show at Gallery Russia in Scottsdale, AZ. “Receiving so many incredible honors, one after another, really encouraged and pushed me into becoming a full time painter.” Since then Marci has continued to paint full time, focusing on her annual show that comes up every March at Gallery Russia in Scottsdale, AZ. “I am always so encouraged to hear the response from my collectors every year, how they connect and are so touched by what I paint. It is my goal as an artist to do just that, to create works that resonate with the hearts of others, to speak clearly and deeply to the innermost being. To capture moments of life on canvas that convey beauty, joy, love and truth. I’ve heard it said if you paint from your heart you will speak to the hearts of your viewers, and that is my desire.”
“The Lord has blessed me with this passion for art and I am delighted to be able to share what I
see with my students and collectors to show them the beauty and love that surrounds them.”
www.marcioleszkiewicz.com

City By The Sea Plein Air Paintout at the 24th National Exhibition

Oil Painters of America · Jun 8, 2015 · Leave a Comment

Congratulations 2015 City By The Sea Plein Air Paint Out Award Winners!

Thanks to our City By The Sea Plein Air Paint Out judge, OPA Signature member Mark Hanson OPA.

Click here to see upcoming shows!

John_Michael_Carter-Aviles_Street
“Aviles Street”
by John Michael Carter

First Place John Michael Carter “Aviles Street”
Albin_Veselka-Washington_Oaks_Sunlight
“Washington Oaks Sunlight”
by Albin Veselka

Second Place Albin Veselka “Washington Oaks Sunlight”
Kami_Mendlik-Spanish_Umbrella
“Spanish Umbrella”
by Kami Mendlik

Third Place Kami Mendlik “Spanish Umbrella”
Louis_Escobedo-Hidden_Pond
“Hidden Pond”
by Louis Escobedo OPA

Fourth Place Louis Escobedo OPA “Hidden Pond”
Karen_Rose-Cloudscape_Meditation
“Cloudscape Meditation”
by Karen Rose

Fifth Place Karen Rose “Cloudscape Meditation”
Kirk_Larsen-Coquina_Rocks
“Coquina Rocks”
by Kirk Larsen

Honorable Mention Kirk Larsen “Coquina Rocks”
Suzie_Baker-Passing_Through
“Passing Through”
by Suzie Baker

Honorable Mention Suzie Baker “Passing Through”
Howard_Friedland-Spanish_Moss
“Spanish Moss”
by Howard Friedland OPA

Honorable Mention Howard Friedland OPA “Spanish Moss”
Donna_Biggee-Momentary_Shadows
“Momentary Shadows”
by Donna Biggee

Honorable Mention Donna Biggee “Momentary Shadows”

Thank you to all of our sponsors and artists for making the 2015 City By The Sea Plein Air Paint Out a success!
Click here to view our 2015 sponsors. Stay tuned for more exciting events from Oil Painters of America. Visit the OPA Exhibitions page for a list of upcoming events.

2014 Summer Online Showcase Winners Spotlight

Oil Painters of America · Oct 21, 2014 · 1 Comment

We’re proud to highlight the winners of the OPA Summer 2014 Online Showcase. Enjoy some brief biographies below, detailing their painting history and journey to becoming award winning artists.

Anna Rose Bain

First Place Award for the painting titled “Sharing Secrets”

Anna Rose Bain Anna Rose Bain was born and raised in rural Wisconsin. She began drawing from the moment she could pick up a pencil. Inspired by her grandfather, who started painting at the age of 70, she spent her free time as a child sketching from nature and poring over art books. She was home schooled all through high school, giving her the opportunity to focus on art. Her primary medium was colored pencil until she began classes at Hillsdale College, majoring in Art. There, she fell in love with oils and decided to focus her studies on painting. Her strong background in drawing helped her to launch forward in advanced classes such as figure painting and sculpture. Under classical instruction and rigorous technical training, Anna excelled in the Hillsdale art department, sweeping juried art awards every semester. She received a full scholarship for her senior year, allowing her to attend summer painting classes at the Florence Academy of Art in 2006. She was the first student in Hillsdale College’s history to have a solo senior exhibit, and she graduated in 2007 with departmental honors. 

Sharing Secrets by Anna Bain
“Sharing Secrets”
by Anna Bain
20″ x 16″ Oil

Anna now resides in Garland, TX with her husband, Steve and daughter, Cecelia. She works full-time as a fine art oil painter and commissioned portrait artist, teaches private painting lessons and workshops, and is actively involved in the local arts communities. Having had such inspiring teachers and role models in her own life, she firmly believes in sharing her passion and knowledge of classical art with other aspiring artists, as well as showing practical ways to stay up to date in today’s changing art market. Anna attends regular life drawing and painting sessions with the Society of Figurative Arts in Carrolton, TX, and is a member of the Oil Painters of America and American Women Artists. She also serves as Texas Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America. She is represented locally by Weiler House Fine Art in Fort Worth, TX.
Anna’s classical style both idealizes the subject and captures its true essence, while employing a direct painting method. She draws her inspiration from the joys and struggles in her life. Her paintings are an expression of gratitude and an exploration of the questions one faces at different stages of their life. For example, her “Self Portrait at 23 Weeks Pregnant” is a coming to terms with change and a joyous celebration of new life.
www.artworkbyannarose.com
Anne Blair Brown

Second Place Award for the painting titled “Wishing”

Anne Blair Brown Award winning artist, Anne Blair Brown, was born in North Kingstown, Rhode Island and currently resides in Nashville, TN. Her work centers on both rural and urban landscapes, figure, and interior spaces. While she enjoys the quiet solitude of her studio, she delights in painting on location. Brown says, “Painting from life creates an intimacy with the subject that I just can’t get from a photograph, and it heightens my sense of spontaneity. That energy is translated to the canvas in and out of the studio.”
Currently, Anne’s work can be seen at art galleries across America including Provincetown, MA, Carmel, CA, Naples, FL,Atlanta, GA, Delray Beach, FL, Richmond, VA, and Leipers Fork, TN.

Recent Accomplishments:

  • 2nd Place, Oil Painters of America Online Summer Showcase
  • Still Life Award of Excellence, 23rd Annual Oil Painters of America 2014 National Exhibition
  • 1st Place, Buildings Category, Plein Air Salon, Spring 2014
  • Plein Air Magazine Award of Excellence, American Impressionist Society 14th Annual National Juried Exhibition, 2013
  • Artists’ Choice Award, 2013 Los Gatos Plein Air Festival
  • Third Place, 2013 Wayne PA Plein Air Festival
  • Honorable Mention, OPA Online Showcase 2013
  • 22nd Annual Oil Painters of America 2013 National Exhibition

Wishing by Anne Blair Brown
“Wishing”
by Anne Blair Brown
16″ x 16″ Oil
Anne Blair Brown is the President of the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast (PAP-SE). She is also an active member of The Cumberland Society of Oil Painters, The Oil Painters of America, The American Impressionist Society, and The Chestnut Group, a nonprofit group of artists dedicated to preserving endangered ecosystems, historic locales, and
aesthetically and environmentally significant places.
Brown received her training from the University of Georgia and Watkins College of Art&Design.
www.anneblairbrown.com
Charles Young Walls

Third Place Award for the painting titled “La Vespertina”

Charles YoungCharles Young Walls has been an artist all of his life and art has always been in the forefront of his pursuits. He completed a BFA from Arizona State University after which, following years of artistic struggle, he finally found the training he was looking for. He studied art at the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League, both in New York City. Continuing to hone his painting skills, Charles then spent a decade pursuing a successful career in illustration before returning to the field of fine art.
He enjoys a growing reputation as an award winning painter and has exhibited in numerous exhibitions in the South and nationwide. At the 2013 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition he was awarded the John August Dietrich Memorial Figurative Award of Excellence. In the November 2009 issue of Southwest Art Magazine, he was featured as one of their “21 Over 31” Emerging Artists of 2009.
 

La Vespertina by Charles Young Walls
“La Vespertina”
by Charles Young Walls
20″ x 16″ Oil
He is a member of the Portrait Society of America, and the American Impressionist Society, and is an Associate Member of Oil Painters of America. Charles and his wife currently live in the Atlanta area.
www.charlesyoungwalls.com

2014 Summer Online Showcase Winners

Oil Painters of America · Sep 30, 2014 · Leave a Comment

The OPA Summer 2014 Online Showcase was held from June 1 – August 15, 2014, open to Associate members only and awarding $5,000 in cash awards. The Online Showcase runs three times each year and is completely digital competition held at www.opaonlineshowcase.com for only $14 per entry, with no limit to the number of entries allowed.

These award comments are thanks to our Summer Online Showcase judge, OPA Signature member Bryce Liston OPA.

The Winter 2014 Online Showcase runs from October 1 – December 15, 2014 and is open to OPA Associate and Signature members. Enter Today!

This was a particularly difficult show to judge because there were so many strong pieces. There were a lot more paintings that deserved awards among the entries, but as is always the case, I had to narrow it down to fewer pieces than I would have liked to.  I like judging art shows. I really enjoy seeing all the different styles, approaches and subject matter. But when you have to start narrowing it down to the award winners it gets very difficult very quickly.

Bryce Liston OPA

Two ballerina girls Telling secrets
“Sharing Secrets”

by Anna Bain

20″ x 16″ Oil

First Place Anna Bain “Sharing Secrets”
I knew this was an award winner the first time I saw it. What a beautiful painting! It has a straightforward, simple and well balanced composition along with two impeccably well-drawn figures. I love those two faces, and the hands, structurally correct yet not at all distracting from the faces. The artist has employed great restraint and control over edges, subduing and letting them go where they’re not needed. This painting also has a strong use of value massing which really helps draw your eye to the center of interest. I love the subdued color palette and controlled color.
Cat Sitting on a chair
“Wishing”

by Anne Blair Brown

16″ x 16″ Oil

Second Place Anne Blair Brown “Wishing”
Again, this painting has a clear center of interest. My eye was completely controlled by the artist here. Every object was painted to a subordinate degree to support the composition. Also I love the paint application; I love the brushwork; loose but smartly applied. The artist is clearly seeing what’s going on under the loose brushwork without compromising the drawing and the perspective. The values are well massed and controlled and that, along with a great sense of warm sunlight, helps to tie the painting together.
Naked woman from behind
“La Vespertina”

by Charles Young Walls

20″ x 16″ Oil

Third Place Charles Young Walls “La Vespertina”
Beyond the wonderfully straightforward and strong composition and edge control, this painting has great color harmony. I love the way the artist kept all those flesh colors tied to the background and then brought in just a little warmth to really make the figure pop off the canvas. I judge figures on a higher level than most everything else. They have to be “In Drawing”. The draftsmanship has to be strong. This figure has such a superb sense of draftsmanship. The anatomy is solid and the figure has a great gesture. Even beyond that, the figure has a feeling of movement. It’s not stiff and posed and seems as if might move at any moment.
A hawk about to fly out of its nest
“Taking Flight”

by Jason Jackson

24″ x 30″ Oil

Honorable Mention Jason Jackson “Taking Flight”
This painting read very well when I viewed it as a thumbnail and it continued to hold up as I looked at it in a larger format. It has a strong sense of light and dark and they’re well grouped together. The feathers on the wings could have easily gotten out of control, but I love how the artist subdued detail in the shadow. It makes the feathers read perfectly.
Millitary Man
“Semper Fi”

by Patrick Meehan

16″ x 12″ Oil

Honorable Mention Patrick Meehan “Semper Fi”
I kept coming back to this painting. The artist has created a very interesting piece by subduing the color with a monochromatic approach. On top of that, I can easily break this piece down into three values. So the artist has reined in both color and value, making the overall shapes and brushwork stand out. A great example of controlling some of your elements to make others shine. Well done.
An old man looking out a window longingly
“Portrait of Nat Benjamin, boat builder & designer”

by Elizabeth Whelan

30″ x 24″ Oil

Honorable Mention Elizabeth Whelan “Portrait of Nat Benjamin, boat builder & designer”
There’s a lot going on here but it’s all kept in a good sense of order. It’s well designed and technically very well done. I believe it tells a lot about this individual and his life. The light coming in through the window really unites all of the elements in the painting. The harmonious colors and strong value massing makes this one a winner.
Dog Looking up
“Wanna go for a walk?”

by E Melinda Morrison

16″ x 9″ Oil

Honorable Mention E Melinda Morrison “Wanna go for a walk?”
This is a great example of thinking outside the box. It’s very original and I love that perspective. I also enjoy the use of that one streak of light balancing out all of the soft blue tones in the rest of the painting. Another example of a superb use of edges. See how the dog just blends right into the carpet? Fantastic! Oh and what a great dog face, don’t you just love those eyes?
Buckets stacked up
“Maryland Crab Shed”

by Mark Boedges

14″ x 20″ Oil

Honorable Mention Mark Boedges “Maryland Crab Shed”
Strong design and intriguing paint handling. I enjoy the open dry strokes allowing the underpainting to come through. That warm yellow light coming from behind really sets off the soft blues and violets that unite all of the foreground elements.
Girl in the shadows on a ladder
“Exploring the Basement”

by Stephanie Deshpande

30″ x 24″ Oil

Honorable Mention Stephanie Deshpande “Exploring the Basement”
Mood, mood and more mood.  I love it! Such a great use of lighting. A wonderful sense of atmosphere and great value massing. I love the use of thick impasto on the dress. It contrasts great with all of the simple subdued shadow colors.
Tree in a field
“Hill Country Celebrity”

by Jimmy Longacre

11″ x 14″ Oil

Honorable Mention Jimmy Longacre “Hill Country Celebrity”
I love the warm and cool colors in this painting. I can feel the warmth on my face. I feel like I’m right there where it was painted. The beautiful cool violets in the shadows really make the warm light bathe and harmonize the entire painting. I also appreciate the way the artist used thick impasto to paint into the brush in the foreground. Very well done!
River running through trees
“Hidden in the Woods”

by Deborah Tilby

16″ x 20″ Oil

Honorable Mention Deborah Tilby “Hidden in the Woods”
This painting has great design and a strong sense of light. The color palette is very controlled and limited, giving the painting harmony. Rushing water can be so hard to paint and so easy to over paint, but this artist has done a superb job in keeping it simple and not over worked. I love all the subtle color in the water. I could look at this one all day long.
Portrait of a man with a beard with red behind him
“Valentino”

by Suzie Baker

20″ x 16″ Oil

Honorable Mention Suzie Baker “Valentino”
Again, another portrait that is solid and well-drawn. This painting has a lot of energy, it’s bold and strong along with fresh and energetic brushwork. Everything is set up to take you right into the center of interest, which is that wonderfully painted eye. Notice how subdued the hand is, it fits right into its value range without jumping out. Great job!
Dark skinned woman with hooped earrings
“Jessica”

by Ann Kraft Walker

13″ x 10″ Oil

Honorable Mention Ann Kraft Walker “Jessica”
This painting is so well drawn and sculptural, it has a solid 3-dimentional feeling. It’s a portrait, yet maybe not. I mean I feel like there is more here than just a portrait of someone. It made me want to look beyond the literal.  I also love the way the artist has simplified and changed the hair as it moves away from the face. Wonderful use of opaque vs transparent, not to mention wonderful edges. Great paint handling.
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