Spanish Daggers, The Cove, Plein Air, Oil Paintings, Landscapes by Vonnie Kohn

"The Cove"

"Spanish Daggers"

May was a very busy month! Lately I've had several opportunities for painting "en plein aire"-a term which means painting in an outdoor setting. Sounds romantic, eh? In Texas, artists have to endure the elements of insects, heat, sudden spring storms, and prickly pears or cacti as they hike into remote areas to find beauty. Such was this trip. I was participating in Arte de los Brazos, a juried art competition at "Possum Kingdom" Lake, an area that survived wildfires involving hundreds of acres the previous year with a substantial loss of homes. This place has evolved into a resort community with retirees from corporate life escaping the large cities of Dallas and Ft. Worth. I was curious to see if "beauty had emerged from ashes." So it had. 

When I go on a plein air outing, I travel very light, carrying an 8 x 10" pochade box, some 9 x 12" wood panels, a set of water soluable oils, a paint thinner & a small amount of medium. Oh, yes, a couple of brushes, although my fingers have been known to "double" as a painting device. The morning had rained, delaying our party of about 15 painters. We headed out as soon as the clouds broke.

 In "The Cove", my goal was to capture the fast moving overcast clouds before blue sky completely covered the area-fifteen minutes later! There is an area of burnt ridges in the distant background. The sun was trying to break into the scene with a glow on the mesquite tree in the foreground. I had to paint quickly to capture the fleeting light.

"Spanish Daggers" was a term given to the yucca plant in the early days. It is amazing how our planet can renew itself when devastation has happened. This was originally intended to be the underpainting for additional layers, but became an impressionist painting itself as the colors emerged. The redder trees in the background behind the yucca stalks were burned-out post oak trees still standing. Juxtaposing the green yuccas in front of their red counterparts complemented the hardy plants. Yellow wildflowers completed the composition. "Beauty for Ashes," don't you agree?

These are available for inquiry...if interested, please contact me @ 

www.vonniekohn.com

Thank you for looking!

Arte de los Brazos, art show & sale, Plein Aire Paint Out, with Vonnie Kohn

 I am honored to be one of the participating artists in the Arte de los Brazos Art Show & Sale at Possum Kingdom Lake. This is a community that survived record breaking fire storms last year. The dates are April 14-22, 2012.

There will be a Plein Aire Paint-Out on Friday, (9 am-4:30 pm) and Saturday (9 am-noon), April 20-21.Other events include wine tasting events,  Cork and Canvas Painting Party (April 19, 6:30 pm), and Presentation of Awards, April 14, Noon.

 For information, please contact:

PK Chamber of Commerce

362 N FM 2353

Graford, Tx. 76449

PossumKingdomLake.com

I have these 3 entries listed with the show. You are invited to share a delightful evening with Award Winning Artists in this Third Annual event.

I will be entering the Plein Aire Paint-Out on Friday. It promises to be a fun event for everyone. Bring your umbrella and sun tan lotion!

Western Artists of America Show, Corsicana, Tx, April-May 2012

Pearce Museum, Corsicana, Tx.

Ready for some really outstanding Western Art? 

 I was able to attend a wonderful day-filled art seminar in Corsicana, Texas last Friday (Mar29) with Karen McLain from Apache Wells, Arizona. Sheila Cottrell, another artist,  presented an informative lecture with images of the late James Reynolds(member of CAA). Jack Muir, sculptor & foundry owner of the Kalispell Art Casting (Montana), presented a slideshow and lecture of the art of Lost Wax Sculpture. There was a varied representation of paintings and sculpture in both Contemporary and Historical genre.

Karen and another friend, Carolyn Hawley, were participating artists in this show, which also featured artists from Texas, California, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and even Massachusetts!
 

Karen McLain (left) and Vonnie

Carolyn Hawley 

Corsicana, known as the home of the Collin St. Bakery, famous for it fruitcakes, and Navarro College, a part of the Texas A & M University, is located about 50 miles south of Dallas, just off the I-45.  It's an easy day trip to view artwork of more than 75 top Western artists (by invitation only) from the Western Artists of America. All art will remain on display at the Pearce Museum until May 12, 2012.

The Civil War Art Gallery and Museum is an added bonus to the admission price to the show. This collection boasts the largest documentation of letters of the enlisted men in the state.

For additional information you may contact the Pearce Museum at:

www.pearcecollections.us

903-875-7642

3100 W. Collin Street

Corsicana, Tx. 75110

"Hey Handsome", by Vonnie Kohn, oil painting, contemporary pet portrait

"Hey Handsome..."

11 x 14" Oil

SOLD

This is a contemporary painting of a  French Bull dog with a beautiful disposition. The painting was a commission which was one of two for a canine physical therapist. His owner had trained him to sit patiently while I gathered photos for a composite. I usually study at least 5-6 photos to find the composite personality. His owner was very well pleased at the results in the painting. 

I am now available for new commissions on your beloved pets. I may be reached here or through my website:

www.vonniekohn.com 

http://vonniekohn-artist.com 

Thanks for looking!

Portrait of a Cowboy, by Vonnie Kohn, Contemporary Western Oil Painting

"Portrait of a Cowboy"

20 x 20 x 1 1/2"

Oil on Canvas

John is a remarkable cowboy of our present day. He is tall, lanky, and as a cowboy, he is the real deal. I spotted him seated in this profile next to a chuckwagon during a championship cookout. His cowboy attire typifies the American Spirit...red, white and blue. The contrast of his hat in direct sunlight with face in shadow was an invitation to paint!

Shortly after completing this painting, I learned from some of his friends that he was in an accident with his horse. His firm resolve to survive the broken bones just reinforced my opinion of the all-American Cowboy, quiet, soft spoken, endurance...courage comes in many forms.

This painting is available. You may contact me at:
www.vonniekohn.com                                                                        

Labrador Retriever Commissioned oil painting by Vonnie Kohn

"Bear"

16 x 20"

oil on canvas

Sold

Labrador retrievers are among the most favored dogs of the canine world. They are gentle giants, faithful companions, excellent hunting dogs. This is the last of my Christmas commissions. It is also one of my all-time favorites. I met "Bear" a few days ago to finalize her portrait. What an endearing canine! she was thoroughly in sync with the commands of her owner's father. (I'm not sure who is more attached-the owner or his dad) No two animals-even of the same species-are alike. Each has his own character traits, expression in the eyes, his posture...and his owner is able to recognize them at a glance. I challenged myself to capture Bear's soul on canvas. It is my hope that Bear's family will enjoy this beautiful experience as well. Merry Christmas, "Bear."

I will be accepting new commissions after January 1st. Please contact me at:

www.vonniekohn.com

Thank you for looking!

"Eye Candy Series"-#5, Ribbon Candy" by Vonnie Kohn, Christmas candy, small works

"Eye Candy Series-# 5, Ribbon Candy"

4 x 4, oil on canvas

Gallery Wrap-needs no frame

$ 50

Ribbon candy is one of those classics of rock candy. It's been around forever. I remember getting some of this in my stocking when I was a child. Now I am "stuffing" the stockings for my grandchildren with the same wonderful kind of candy. I chose this as part of my series as the reds and greens just sparkle with delicious color. Another delightful memory...goes along with thoughts of presents, the Christmas tree, twinkling lights...ah, Christmas.

I accept personal checks & PayPal...please contact me if interested:

www.vonniekohn.com

vkohnartist@aol.com