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Oil Painters of America

Moving Beyond The Receipt Shoebox: Practical Accounting And Administration For Artists

Oil Painters of America · Oct 14, 2013 · 2 Comments

Presented by OPA Signature Member Kurt Anderson at the 2010 Oil Painters of America National Exhibition.

Business Organizing for Artists

General Rules for Good Organization

All artists should keep track of their expenses.  They are deductible and will save on taxes!
Keeping track of expenses should be made a priority.  If the artist says instead that he will work on the expenses when he has time, that time will never develop.  Develop a habit.  Set aside a certain number of hours per week or a day per month to do your administration and accounting.
The artist has to multi-task and be organized as he is running a one-person business.

The Well Organized Workspace

File FoldersKurt uses two bulletin boards.

  • One is a gallery board. He provides a spot on the board for each gallery where he is exhibiting.  He attaches prints or 4×6 photos of paintings he has in the gallery.  He includes the size, title, and price on the back of the photos.
  • On another bulletin board he attaches announcements and prospectuses for invitational shows.  He posts workshops, shows and mailings that are pending.

Inbox Files

A separate file box is set up by Kurt for each type of accounting activity.  They are labeled “To Do”, “Receipts and Statements”, “Address Updates”, and “To File”.  He uses an accordion file for the receipts and statements.

Art Income and Expense the IRS Way

Oil PaintRecords should be maintained in such a way that they can be easily recorded on income tax forms.  Kurt uses two files..one for “entered” and the other for “not entered”.  He uses the accounting program “Quicken”.

BUSINESS EXPENSE WORKSHEET:
Art Income: This is separated between Form 1099 Income and Non-1099 Income.
Supplies: Includes office supplies, postage stamps.  It is not necessary to keep an inventory for Schedule C.  All materials should be posted to “Supplies”.
Communications: Internet, Biz and Telephone, Biz.
Advertising: Printing and Reproduction
Ads
Travel:
Meals & Entertainment: Divide between 50% (travel. Only category that is not a dollar for dollar expense for IRS) and 100% (company parties)
Legal & Professional Fees: Includes dues
Contract Labor: Models, limited services
Misc. Expense: Postage & Delivery
Subscriptions.

 

HOME OFFICE EXPENSE WORKSHEET:This provides information for determining percentage use of certain expenses which may be deducted for IRS.
Maintenance & Repairs: House and studio
Utilities: Gas and Electricity
Improvements: Studio only

 

VEHICLE EXPENSE:Either of two methods may be used.  The artist should keep track of miles driven in the car for each place he goes and record which are for art purposes.  At the end of the year he should add up the total art miles.

  1. The easy way is to use the “standard mileage” method. This involves calculating the total art miles times an IRS approved rate per mile.
  2. The other method involves calculating all vehicle costs. When there are sizeable repairs it is possible that this way will provide a greater deduction than the “standard mileage” method.  This method involves keeping track of expenses by categories of: Gas, Oil, Tires, Repairs & Maintenance, Insurance Year End Mileage, Business Miles.

Non-Business IRS Records

In order to prepare the IRS income tax records, it is necessary to keep track of a number of non-art income and expense items.

  • Spouse’s W-2
  • Interest Income (from form 1099-int)
  • Dependent Care Expense (separated by provider.  Need his EIN or SSN.)  These expenses should be separated by each dependent.
  • Donations and Tax Credits (donation receipts, private schools (scholarship organization), public schools)
  • During audience discussion of “Donations” involving artwork, it was suggested that if the artist has received a check from an auction and then writes a check for the commission, the commission m ay be listed as a contribution to the sponsoring organization.  Another suggested option was that an artist could swap a painting with another artist and donate it, thereby being enabled to take a deduction for the full amount of the value.
  • Homeowner’s Expense (Property Tax, Homeowner’s Insurance, Mortgage Interest (form 1098)
  • Auto Registration Fees (artist’s car and spouse’s car)
  • Medical Expenses.  (All receipts added by category of Prescriptions, Medical             Professional Fees including Dental, Eyewear and Eye Exams and Health Insurance)
  • Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments are normally required for an artist.

 

Methodology for Maintaining Records

Paint brushesSeveral package programs are available for maintaining accounting records such as Turbo Tax Online or Quicken.  Kurt enters all cash expenses as well as check and credit card expenses.  Downloads may be made from online banking and credit cards to Quicken
Income and expenses may also be recorded in a spreadsheet.  At the end of the year, data can be transferred from Quicken to an Excel spreadsheet.
Keep an inventory of art.  (See “The Well Organized Workspace” above).  While not needed for IRS, it is essential that the artist keep an accurate inventory of available work.
Maintain good Gallery and Customer Relations.
Have a website and keep it updated continuously with new work.
Make a Business Plan.  Have one for One Year, Five Years and Ten Years.

Check List for your Administration Day:

  • Update Email – respond/file
  • Update Inboxes – To Do, Receipts & Statements, Address Updates, To File
  • Update Calendar
  • Update Bulletin Board
  • Update Gallery Board.  Contact Galleries.
  • Update Organizer
  • Update Spreadsheet Program.  Download Bank/Credit Card Data.  Check against Receipts/Cleanup
  • Update Website
  • Review and Update Business Plan

2013 National Exhibition Winner Spotlight

Oil Painters of America · Jul 10, 2013 · Leave a Comment

The OPA 2013 National Exhibition was an exciting event with a brilliant display of skill and oil painting mastery.
We’d like to introduce you to a few of our National Exhibition Winners. Meet Tom L. Nachreiner, winner of the Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship for Midwestern Artists; Shizhong Yan OPAM, winner of the Gold Medal Award for the Master Signature Division; and Johanna Harmon OPA, the Gold Medal Award winner in the OPA Associate/Signature division…

Tom L. Nachreiner

The Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship for Midwestern Artists

Tom Nachreiner
Tom Nachreiner
Tom Nachreiner – 2013 – Driven by a passion for excellence, Tom spent his earlier years as a nationally known figurative illustrator. More recent years has afforded him the privilege of a fine art rebirth, painting from his heart “en plein air” and conducting year round workshops. Among many other recognitions, recently Tom has won “Best Of Show” at the 2006 & 2011 Cedarburg Plein Air Painting Competition. He won “Best Of Show” at Milwaukee’s Plein Air Event in 2008, and “First Place” at 2008 Door County Plein Air Festival, and “Second Place” at the same event in 2009, and Third Place in 2011. He was accepted into Oil Painters of America National Show in 2009, OPA’s Eastern Regional Show in 2010 and OPA’s National Exhibition in 2012. In 2013 he was accepted into OPA’s National Exhibition in Texas & into OPA’s 2013 Salon Show in Michigan. In 2010 He was published in “Best Oil Painters of America”. This July 2013 will be Tom’s seventh year at the Door County Plein Air Festival of 40 national and international invited artists. In May of 2013 Tom received “The Dorothy Driehaus Mellin Fellowship Award” of $20,000 for his painting “Stretching” at the 22nd National Juried Oil painter’s of America Exhibition.

“I want to say just enough with paint to evoke the imagination.”

Tom paints for the love of dynamic composition, the celebration of color, and the tactile feel of applying juicy, wet paint to the canvas, at the same time having fun, enjoying the sounds and feelings of being outdoors, talking to others, doing what he loves, and trying to learn as much as he can before the end of each day.”
Tom is represented by Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek WI, at Katie Gingrass Gallery in Milwaukee WI, and online at www.tomnachreiner.com

Shizhong Yan OPAM

Master Division: Gold Medal Award

Shizhong Yan
Shizhong Yan OPAM
Shizhong Yan OPAM was born and raised in the coastal city of Qingdao, China. Influenced by his father who was an architect, Shizhong fell in love with art at a young age. He studied under various well-known local artists and at the age of sixteen, he was accepted by Central Academy of Fine Arts Affiliated School, often referred as the cradle of fine artists, where he studied for four years. When culture revolution swept China, Shizhong never gave up on his artistic dream. He was exiled worked manual labors in the countryside, but still took every minute he could to paint the world around him. When Cultural Revolution ended, he was one of the first students that were accepted by China Academy of Fine Arts’ graduate program. He continued his study under one of the most well-known artists in China, Mr. Quan Shanshi. Shizhong studied in-depth the styles and techniques of Russian, European as well as American Impressionist masters and was influenced by artists like Rechin, Degas, Cezanne, Sargent, etc.
In 1998, Shizhong and his family moved to the United States where he began a new chapter of his life as well as artistic career. Shizhong now resides in Illinois. He has four collections of artworks published and was published by countless magazines and newspapers. Shizhong has had many solo and group exhibitions in China, United States, Japan, France, Australia, Canada, Taiwan and Hong Kong. He has received many awards and his paintings are collected and loved by collectors all over the world. www.szyan.net

Johanna Harmon OPA

Associate/Signature Division: Gold Medal Award

Johanna Harmon
Johanna Harmon OPA

Johanna Harmon OPA was born in 1968 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but spent most of her childhood in Tempe, Arizona. Johanna began designing and recording visual observations at the age of seven, but it wasn’t until almost two decades later that she was introduced to the traditional language of art at the Scottsdale Artists’ School in Scottsdale, Arizona, the Fechin Art Institute in Taos, NM, and the Art Students League of Denver in Denver, Colorado. There, she studied painting alongside prominent figure artists with varied artistic philosophies and approaches such as Carolyn Anderson, John Asaro, Scott Burdick, Mark Daily, Daniel Gerhartz, Quang Ho, and C.W. Mundy.
Her work has been exhibited with the Art Renewal Center, The Artist’s Magazine, California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition, Oil Painters of America (OPA), Portrait Society of America, and Scottsdale Artists’ School. She has received numerous prestigious awards throughout the years. Most recently she was honored with the OPA Signature Member designation, and acceptance into the 2013 Oil Painters of America’s 22nd National Juried Exhibition— her eighth National Juried Exhibition— where she received her second Gold Medal Award, becoming the first artist to receive two OPA National Exhibition Gold Medal Awards in the organization’s history. Her first Gold Medal was awarded in 2007.
Over the past decade, her work has been presented in numerous solo, group and juried exhibitions, and is collected internationally. Her work has been published inSouthwest Art, Artbook of the New West, and Focus Santa Fe.
Harmon has taught workshops at North River Arts Society in Marshfield Hills, MA, and the Coppini Academy of Art in San Antonio, TX. Currently, she teaches at The Art Student’s League of Denver. Her emphasis is the clarification of visual intention, while nurturing the overall painted subject. This pivotal understanding defines her work today. She credits Cecilia Beaux, Nicolai Fechin, John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla and Anders Zorn as inspiration.
Johanna now resides in beautiful Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with her husband, Steven, of 16 years. www.johannaharmon.com

This Year Make a Personal Commitment to Invest in Your Career

Oil Painters of America · Mar 14, 2013 · 2 Comments

OPA-2012-National-Registration-Header

Whether you are new to oil painting or a seasoned professional, we encourage all OPA members to attend the 2013 OPA Exhibition & Conference in Fredericksburg, TX, May 15 -1 9, 2013.

It’s so important to continue to invest in yourself and your career! 
Artists for the most part are solely responsible for their own professional growth and development.   The OPA Exhibition & Conference is THE place to acquire both creative and professional skills that will help you successfully manage your career.
The time is now!
Don’t procrastinate!  This is the time and this is the place for you to learn from some of today’s best artists and business professionals, discuss topics that are important to you, and extend your social and professional network with like-minded peers.   Join your fellow artists for an exciting and informative week that will inspire you to achieve your full potential as an artist.
Register Today!
The entire 5-day conference is just $265 for OPA members!   An affordable investment that you will be glad you made. Register for the 2013 National Exhibition and Convention.
 

Highlights

Painting Demonstrations by:

• Juror of Awards Sherrie McGraw OPAM • John Michael Carter OPAM
• Kenn Backhaus OPAM • John Cosby
• Scott Burdick • Elizabeth Robbins OPA

Presentations include:

Scott Burdick
Scott Burdick
“The Banishment of Beauty” with Scott Burdick
Contemporary realist painter Scott Burdick takes on the challenging and ongoing debate between modernism and traditional art as he methodically contrasts the great painters from the late 19th century with examples of 20th century and contemporary Modernism. Join Scott Burdick for this fascinating and enlightening discussion.
Joe Paquet
Joe Paquet
“Authenticity, Creativity and the Quest for a Singular Vision” with Joe Paquet
This talk deals with a topic all creative’s face; a personal, unique vision and a path to help one achieve it. Factors such as Risk, Ego, Fear and External vs. Internal Motivation will be discussed as well as some positive options to help direct or redirect those who feel they have either strayed from their path or have never found it. Joe Paquet has been painting for 30 years and teaching for the last 17 years. He is a signature member of the Plein Air Painters of America, the Salmagundi Club of New York as well as the California Art Club.
John Cosby
John Cosby
“After you Paint: How to Bring Art to the Rest of your Professional Life” with John Cosby
The business of art can seem very cryptic. Well-respected artist John Cosby will address this anecdotally and with more practical methods that cover the idea of solving business problems so they fit in an artist’s lifestyle. Cosby has owned three galleries, painted professionally for 30 years and curated museum shows around the country. While being an engaging speaker, it is his experience and delivery that makes this a talk you do not want to miss!
Bill Frazier
Bill Frazier
“Art Law: What Every Artist Needs to Know” with Art Law Attorney Bill Frazier
Montana attorney Bill Frazier specializes in art related legal issues representing artists, galleries, collectors and museums. Author of over 350 articles for national art and legal publications, including a regular column in Art of the West Magazine, Mr. Frazier is uniquely positioned to provide attendees with a wealth of knowledge on a number of art related topics. This session will cover the basics of copyright law, trademarks, internet piracy, contract analysis and interpretation, and tips to help protect you from internet scams.
Eric Rhoads
Eric Rhoads
“How to Build a Brand as a World Renowned Artist and Have All Your Dreams Come True” with art publisher and entrepreneur B. Eric Rhoads
Art publisher and entrepreneur B. Eric Rhoads will teach you the tricks, techniques and tactics for brand building. He believes that being a great artist is not enough. Branding is not accidental and requires a specific process. Rhoads will walk you through the basics of brand building and show you the tools necessary to become better known than you ever thought possible. With a strong brand come strong sales, which will result in your living the life of your dreams.
Sherrie McGraw
Sherrie McGraw
OPA Distinguished Artist and Juror of Awards: Sherrie McGraw OPAM
Join SW Art Magazine Editor-in-Chief Kristin Hoerth, for an informative and in-depth interview with Master Signature artist and this year’s Distinguished Artist Sherrie McGraw. McGraw studied and taught at the Art Students League of New York and has become one of America’s foremost artists and teachers. Her work has received numerous awards and has shown in major art institutions and museums, including the Butler Institute of American Art, where she will have a solo show in 2013.
Kenn Backhaus
Kenn Backhaus
“Conceptual Thinking, Finding Your Own Place” with Kenn Backhaus OPAM
This presentation will address the tools needed to overcome an artist’s commonality in his or her painting efforts. For the most part, artists find themselves consumed with the single thought of just painting the scene, as they observe it. The powerful attraction of the visceral response that one experiences from standing in front of the subject is difficult to alter. Hence, the end result can become predictable and very similar to other painters’ efforts. An artist needs to develop skill sets to gain the ability to change and manipulate elements within his or her theme. This lecture and presentation will show, through description and visuals, how artists in the past and present have gone beyond literalism to find their own voice. Literalism can become a short and uneventful venture, whereas the exploration of conceptual thinking can put you on an endless journey that will last forever.
Bill Bush
Bill Bush
“The Business Side of Art” with Bill Bush CPA
Join William E. Bush, owner of Fredericksburg Artists’ School and a Certified Public Accountant as he addresses “The Business Side of Art.” With over 30 years of experience, Bill brings a wealth of knowledge and practical information to the art community. His presentation will include discussion on various subjects facing the artist today, such as tax issues, insurance, agent relationship, gallery representation and other means of selling art.
American Art CollectorAmerican Art Collector Magazine’s Party under the Stars – Texas Style!
This is one party you won’t want to miss! For the 4th year running, the staff at American Art Collector Magazine is pulling out all the stops and hosting an evening of fun and camaraderie. Join us at the historic Pat’s Hall, where live music sets the stage for dancing the night away. OPA convention attendees will enjoy a down home Texas barbeque from Cranky Frank’s BBQ, and music from one of Austin’s hottest country bands, The Lonesome Heroes Band.
Southwest ArtSouthwest Art Magazine’s Pampered Paint Out!
What could be better than a day spent painting outdoors?   How about one where you are truly pampered!  Join Southwest Art Magazine’s Kimberly Moore for this unforgettable day that includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and a wine and cheese send off to end an amazing and perfect day!
Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony
Always a highlight and so much fun to watch!  Come celebrate the tremendous artwork on display at this year’s exhibition and be there when this year’s award winners are announced.
For a complete schedule of events, speaker and seminar details and other registration information, please visit www.oilpaintersofamerica.com.
 

Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase Winners

Oil Painters of America · Dec 24, 2012 · 2 Comments

Fall 2012 Online Showcase Screenshot
Fall 2012 Online Showcase Screenshot
We are proud to present to you the Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase winners. The OPA Online Showcase is a digital exhibition offered in the spring, summer and fall. While some shows are open to both Associate and Signature members, the Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase only accepted entries from Associate members, giving an addition opportunity for Associate OPA members to enter and win significant awards for the low entry fee of only $14. The best part of this is that members are allowed to enter as many times as they wish, thus increasing their chances of winning.
Prizes for the OPA Online Showcase are made available largely to a generous donation from Dorothy Driehaus Mellin and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. These awards typically boast $3,000 in cash for first place, $1,500 for second place and $500 for third place along with 10 honorable mentions.
Judges for the Online Showcase are selected from our Signature members, Master Signature members and other top oil painters in North America. Signature member Kathleen Dunphy was selected as judge for the Fall 2012 show, and has included some excellent comments for each of the paintings entered.
The Spring 2013 OPA Online Showcase will begin accepting entries on March 1, so be sure to enter to win excellent awards. Until then, enjoy the remarkable artwork of your fellow OPA Associate members from the Fall 2012 OPA Online Showcase.

First Place

"Sunshine Breakfast" by Stan Rogers
“Sunshine Breakfast” by Stan Rogers

Sunshine Breakfast by Stan Rogers
16 x 20 Oil
Judge’s Comments: This painting has it all: Great design, accurate drawing without being too tight, energetic brushstrokes, thick and thin paint, wonderful play of color accents amid the grays. Well done! – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA
 

Second Place

"Cracker Jack" by Craig Pursley
“Cracker Jack” by Craig Pursley

Cracker Jack by Craig Pursley
18 x 18 Oil
Judge’s Comments: To pull off lettering in perspective and make it look accurate and not too distracting..what a feat! The red leads you right to the center of interest, a beautifully painted portrait, but your eye keeps moving around the painting to the door handle and light in the background. An ambitious and well-executed undertaking. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA
 

Third Place

"Autumn Marsh - Proverbs 2-2" by Thomas Kegler
“Autumn Marsh – Proverbs 2-2” by Thomas Kegler

Autumn Marsh: Proverbs 2:2 by Thomas Kegler
30 x 40 Oil
Judge’s Comments: We’ve all stood somewhere similar to this spot and been awed by the hushed beauty at the cusp of the day. Thomas captured not only the look but the spirit of that moment – you can feel the emotion emanate from the canvas. Just enough detail on the grasses in the foreground and a lovely sense of mystery as detail and warmth diminishes into the background. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"The Burden of Knowledge" by Michael DeVore
“The Burden of Knowledge” by Michael DeVore
The Burden of Knowledge by Michael DeVore
32 x 36 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Another emotional painting- I love the sense of intrigue–What’s he reading? What’s tormenting him? The painting on the wall in the background is a nice touch to add to the story. Incredible draftsmanship and just enough soft edges to keep it from feeling too brittle. Lovely color harmonies. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Sign of Spring" by Nikolo Balkanski
“Sign of Spring” by Nikolo Balkanski
Sign of Spring by Nikolo Balkanski
20 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Beautiful play of temperatures – you feel both the chill of the snow and warmth of the weak spring sun. Great drawing and depiction of “junk” – turning the mundane into art. I looked at this painting a long time before I noticed the fox next to the building – a great pay-off to the viewer without taking over the theme of the painting. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Sorolla's Studio: On Wings of Art" by Ray Hassard
“Sorolla’s Studio: On Wings of Art” by Ray Hassard
On Wings of Art: Sorolla’s Studio by Ray Hassard
20 x 24 Oil
Judge’s Comments: I must admit that any depiction of Sorolla’s studio would get my attention, but the execution of this piece elevates the scene from just a snapshot to a work of art. Lovely indication of Sorolla’s paintings in the background. Great design- the triangulation of the bright white color keeps the eye moving through the painting. That half-figure on the left looking into the painting is a bold and effective addition. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Mercato Nuovo in Rain (Firenze) No. 2" by James Crandall
“Mercato Nuovo in Rain (Firenze) No. 2” by James Crandall
Mercato Nuovo in Rain (Firenze) No. 2 by James Crandall
24 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: I love the implied areas in this painting – the darks on the left and the signs behind the figures on the right. Lovely paint quality and brushwork. The warm accents from the incandescent lights play beautifully against the cooler natural light. Wonderful indication of wetness on the pavement. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Blue and White Ginger Jar" by Christine Saper
“Blue and White Ginger Jar” by Christine Saper
Blue and White Ginger Jar by Christine Saper
10 x 8 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Above and beyond the subject matter, this painting engages with the viewer with strong brushwork and luscious paint. I stopped thinking about a ginger jar and an apple and instead followed the tracks of the artist through her strong brushwork. Fresh and energetic! – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Apotheosis" by Alan Larkin
“Apotheosis” by Alan Larkin
Apotheosis by Alan Larkin
20 x 16 Oil
Judge’s Comments: I kept coming back to this painting again and again – the various textures and unique subject matter grabbed my attention. Beautiful rendering of the elephant and dynamic lighting. A head-turner. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Early Birds, Winter Park Farmers Market" by Stacy Barter
“Early Birds, Winter Park Farmers Market” by Stacy Barter
Early Birds, Winter Park Farmers Market by Stacy Barter
24 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: You need sunglasses to look at this painting! Wonderful feeling of light. Beautiful sense of time and place and accurately-depicted figures. Just enough detail to tell us what’s going on without losing that sense of blinding morning light. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Little Artist" by Randolph Peay
“Little Artist” by Randolph Peay
Little Artist by Randolph Peay
30 x 20 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Great design and paint quality! I love the way the bear almost blends into the background, focusing our eye on the little girl. Sweet without being too sentimental. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"The Horse Before The Cart" by Elizabeth Pollie
“The Horse Before The Cart” by Elizabeth Pollie
The Horse Before The Cart by Elizabeth Pollie
24 x 30 Oil
Judge’s Comments: Intriguing textures – those little glints of red/orange coming through make for a lively painting.Good solid drawing and I love the temperature shifts in the indication of the bricks on the wall. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Honorable Mention

"Brother Afar" by Jacob Neagle
“Brother Afar” by Jacob Neagle
Brother Afar by Jacob Neagle
22 x 28 Oil
Judge’s Comments: In addition to depicting a very moving subject matter, this piece is beautifully painted. The warm underpainting showing through provides unity throughout the work, and the thicker paint on the figure’s face creates a convincing sense of depth. Great textures and subtle color shifts in the background shadow. – Kathleen Dunphy, OPA

Upcoming OPA Events

  • March 1 – May 15, 2013 — Spring 2013 Online Showcase
  • May 17 – June 17, 2013 — 22nd National Juried Exhibition
  • June 20 – August 31, 2013 — Salon Show, Petoskey, MI
  • September 6 – October 8, 2013 — 2013 Western Regional Exhibition
  • October 20 – November 17, 2013 — 2013 Eastern Regional Exhibition

Stay tuned for more updates on these premier oil painting exhibitions for 2013 at www.oilpaintersofamerica.com

2012 National Show Winners Spotlight

Oil Painters of America · Dec 3, 2012 · Leave a Comment

This week we’re featuring some of our top 2012 National Juried Exhibition Winners by sharing their biographies and winning paintings.

 

Jeff Legg OPAM - In the studio
Jeff Legg OPAM
Jeff Legg OPAM
Master Signature Gold Award Winner
Jeff Legg, a native of Missouri studied painting and drawing at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and also Atelier Lack, a private art studio school modeled after 15th to 19th century classical European instruction. His “old master” techniques combined with his inspired contemporary use of chiaroscuro engage fellow artists and collectors world wide. Today, Legg’s artwork is represented by some of the nation’s most distinguished galleries including Astoria Fine Art, Jackson, WY, Morris and Whiteside Galleries, Hilton Head Island, SC and M Gallery of Fine Art in Charleston, SC. Mr. Legg is an Oil Painters of America signature Master painter and a nationally recognized award winning artist.
"The Provision" by Jeff Legg OPAM - 30x30
“The Provision” by Jeff Legg OPAM – 30×30
His paintings have been featured in many publications including The Artists Magazine, American Artist, North Light books, Art of the West, Western Art Collector, American Art Collector and has graced the cover of Southwest Art Magazine. Mr. Legg now resides in Estes Park, Colorado where he paints daily in his studio.

 

Xiao Song Jiang
Xiao Song Jiang
Xiao Song Jiang
Associate/Signature Gold Medal Winner
Xiao Song Jiang was born in 1955, in Wuhan, China. In 1978 he studied fine arts at the China Academy of Art, formerly the Zhejiang Art Academy, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1982, then began lecturing watercolor at the City of Wuhan Construction College. Four years after, Song was selected to further develop his skill at the provincial Hubei Art Academy. During his time there, he accumulated years of experience, painting, sketching, and working for a refined grasp of color and technique.
Throughout his early career, Song has received numerous awards as one of the representatives of Chinese paintings with works displayed at international art exhibitions in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Turkey, and Singapore. He also had the honor of having four representative works collected and preserved at the National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) and three works at the Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum.
"Tide" by Xiang Song Jiang
“Tide” by Xiang Song Jiang
In 1988, Song immigrated to Canada and invested a passion for its vivid scenes of the broad North American landscape. While there, he travelled widely from coast to coast and gained some 20 years of experience forming his unique style of a mixture of brush and knife with attention to the unique natural detail, richer handling of light, shadow and depth in each piece, which has won him numerous awards in North American exhibitions and art festivals. He now lives by the lake in Toronto, Canada with his wife and son.
He is influenced by the beautiful land and friendly people. Through his paintings, he wishes to express his love to the North American landscape and all its people.

 

Dayle Sazonoff
Dayle Sazonoff
Dayle Sazonoff
Dorothy Mellin Driehaus Fellowship Award Winner
Dayle has been painting since 1996. She has a private studio at the Palette and Chisel in Chicago, Illinois and served on their Board in the capacities of Secretary, Vice President, and President. She is a member of Oil Painters of America.
Dayle has studied oil painting with Diane Rath and watercolor with David Becker.   She has participated in workshops with Albert Handell, Margaret Kessler, Gregg Kreutz, David Leffel, Phil Beck, Hedy Moran, and Ken Auster.
Awards include the Palette & Chisel Irving Shapiro Watercolor competition for a landscape and the Harriet Bitterly award for an oil landscape. Her oils and watercolors were accepted in juried shows in Gallery North, New Buffalo, MI.  She is the 2012 winner of the $ 20,000 Dorothy Driehaus Melin Fellowship for Midwestern Artists – Oil Painters of America.
Dayle’s paintings are in the Amoco Oil Corporate Collection, Lucca’s restaurant in Chicago, and La Chaumiere Bed and Breakfast in Calistoga, Napa, California, Dijon, France, as well as in many private collections.
"Yellow Peonies" by Dayle Sazonoff, 20 x 24
“Yellow Peonies” by Dayle Sazonoff, 20 x 24
Currently Dayle has been giving her full attention to painting oil still lifes.

“There has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of this subject matter. The important interplay of colorful and colorless in a painting, the pattern of light, and the composition are great challenges to me.  Cut flowers, fruit, and favorite objects, new and worn, are reminders of life’s transience and of things past.”

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