Sunday, November 13, 2011

"Eye Candy Series"-#1, Chocolate Covered Cherry by Vonnie Kohn, Christmas candy, small works

 
"Eye Candy" # 1
Chocolate Covered Cherry
Small works..4x 4"
Oil on gallery wrap (no frame needed)
$ 50-available

When I was much younger, a box of chocolate covered cherries was the ultimate treat at Christmas time. As the holiday season draws near, I am reminded of this candy as I pass through the stores, listening to Christmas music (can you believe it's not even Thanksgiving yet?). I was asked to do a few "Candy" paintings for a candy company to exhibit through the holidays and it inspired me to do a whole series from the pleasant memories I had as a child. Feast for the eyes..."Eye Candy"
 
If interested, please contact me for availability:
 
 
Thank you for looking!

Equine Expo Show with Weatherford Art Association, Vonnie Kohn

Whew! What a busy November it's been. A trio of members from our art guild (Karon Richardson, Julie Lawther, and myself) hosted a booth at the Teskey's Equine Expo in Weatherford, Texas early this month. In Texas, we are experiencing an unseasonal heat in the month of November. My "summer tan" came a little late during this show..aka, "boiled lobster" status. We had much fun, good sales, and a raffle which was a fund raiser for our art group. It included 3 (excited) winners for a Christmas ornament with a painted horse (or small pet) of the owner. There was also a re-enactment group (with a jail) next to our booth & a Country/ Western band to provide entertainment. I was careful not to get some time in "jail." What a good day for sharing our art with others.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Vonnie Kohn receives MVP award in Art

It's been one of those unpredictable weeks! This week I received an email from the current president of my art guild -a group that has over 100 members. He was requesting that I present a very special award to the past president, Paul Latham, standing to my right in the photo. The reason? I shared the same time frame as an officer (Vice-Pres. of Shows), & this new president was not a member at that time. Sounded good to me...I agreed.  The Betty Murray Award in our art guild is equivalent to the Most Valuable Player award in football.This award usually goes to the one person who best represented the guild to the community and who exemplified a high standard of dedicated service to the art group. 
When the moment arrived to step up to the microphone, Paul preceded me to the microphone to speak to the art members. To my surprise, he was announcing my name for the Betty Murray award! I froze. Upon recovering, I took the mike, spoke of Paul's dedication during that four years & handed him an award too. It was his turn to become speechless.. It was a night full of delightful surprises. The board members had decided to engage each of us to present the other with this award to ensure the element of surprise.  Anyway, Paul and I were both humbled and grateful for the honor. 

There is a good lesson from this...I will not be playing "poker" with any of those board members.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

"La Golondrina" by Vonnie Kohn, equestrian Spanish woman on horseback, oil

A "golandrina" is a young Spanish woman skilled in equestrian drill team riding. Here in the Southwest, there are many such drill teams who perform on Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May), a holiday celebrating Mexican heritage and pride. This holiday is celebrated both in the United States & regionally in Mexico to celebrate the cause of freedom and democracy.

This young beauty has taken a pause to enjoy the moment between the  performances. Her drills have taken many hours of practice to synchronize in perfect timing with many other young ladies. These women are all dressed alike, with matching tack and gear and are a delight to watch as they perform.

Oil on canvas. 24 x 36". 

Installed at Beto's Restaurant in Springtown, Tx. for grand opening. 

This painting is already sold, however, other works may be found at:

http://www.vonniekohn.com/

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Opening Gallery Reception at the Doss Heritage & Culture Center


Tonight was gallery night and the official opening of the Weatherford Art Exhibition at the Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford, Texas. There were two featured artists, Michael Bain, who specializes in troumpe l'oil ("fool the eye") technique, and Pamela Stern, a clay ceramist, who casts her illusionary fugures in a way that challenges the viewer to think in a provocative manner.

The museum show was featured on Channel 11 in Ft. Worth, a tv news station prior to the opening night. The art exhibit will continue through the entire month of September, 2011. More information may be obtained from the Doss website:          




I am standing on the left with a good friend, Becky Glasgow, another participating artist in the show. Kudos to C.B. Williams and the staff of the Doss for their efforts at putting together a wonderful exhibition. A night of great reward...

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Spanish Collection of Oils by Vonnie Kohn, at Beto's Restaurant


Anna, Beto, & Vonnie Kohn
In Texas, we have a wonderful cuisine known as Tex-Mex. Near us is a place known as Beto's Restaurant. The owner, Beto Garza, is also the chef, while his wife is hostess. We came to know Beto when he was employed at another local restaurant in our town. His excellent cooking left its mark on our community. When he became a proprietor of his own place, we found ourselves as faithful customers once again.

His blank walls became a "canvas" for my paintings to hang. Here is one of them,  a 24 x 48" gallery wrapped canvas whose subject is one of five main Spanish Missions located on the "Mission Trail" in San Antonio, Tx.

Owners, Anna and Beto
I later added 2 smaller paintings to his collection. There is another works-in-progress, entitled, "La Golondrina" which is soon coming.
If you find yourself in the area (about 25 mi. west of Ft. Worth, Tx.), they are located at 1272 Hwy 199 E., Ste. 101 in a small shopping center on the top of the hill. It is one of those quaint little places in Texas that you encounter on a day trip...stop bye, I think you will be pleasantly surprised! Their phone # is: 817-677-4127 if you need further directions.


vonniekohn.com


Friday, August 12, 2011

"New Paintings at the Doss Museum"...by Vonnie Kohn, contemporary western landscape, Native art

I've been accepted!

Welcome news... from the curator of the Doss Heritage & Culture Museum in Weatherford, Tx--a town also known as the "cutting horse capital" of the world. The exhibit will be the month of September, 2011.  These paintings will be available for sale during the show.

I have just included "Cactus Heat" in my previous post (see below), but the second painting is not a painting...it is a skilled drawing on a metal plate, etched with acid baths, and then printed on a specially prepared rag paper. It is one of a limited edition of 20 etchings. (which means when the edition is completed, the plate will be destroyed).

This Etching is entitled: "A Rich Heritage." The image was inspired by many trips to
family gatherings, otherwise known as Powwows, as I observed the matriarchs in their finest Native American jewelry, fans, and prayer shawls. (The prayer shawl is required to step into the ring for dancing...it is a sign of respect.)

Custom Frame size: 20 x 24
Neutral tone, triple-cut mat

For more information, please visit my website: