Master Showcase
Mary Qian
Chicago, oil, 40 x 30" (102 x 76 cm)
INSPIRATION
Mary Qian’s painting Chicago was inspired by her desire to create a painting that would give the viewer the feeling of the bleak, chilling winter wind and atmosphere of Chicago. To humanize the painting, she asked her friend and fellow artist, James to pose for her right outside her studio.
ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Like many artists, Qian grew up fascinated by art. Her dad, a chemist and abstract painter, has been one of her greatest supporters. Drawn to traditional art, she started studying the Old Masters in museums and then began painting from life. After atending Brigham Young University, she landed a job in Chicago in the animation field. It was in Chicago where she discovered Palette & Chisel; with the opportunity to work from life, with a variety of instructors, she has developed into a skilled and proficient artist.
Carol Peebles
Gigi at 13, charcoal, 23 x 18" (58 x 46 cm)
INSPIRATION
The inspiration for Carol Peebles’ portrait of her daughter, Gigi, who Peebles says is 13 going on 30, was to show a young girl who desires to be hip with a boldness that she can take on the world. She included her hoodie, a pretend nose ring, and eyebrow slit, wanting to capture a “très gangster- esque” feeling.
ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Dedicated to drawing from life, Peebles believes that a consequence of our current fast-moving digital age is a loss of connection with both our environment and each other. But Peebles has found through life drawing the artist is forced to study what is before you and not impose any dogmas or preferences. This can create a synergy and awaken your sense of life. Peebles says, “A faith in this creative process, and faith in your ability to achieve it, can bring great happiness.”
Aapo Pukk
Estonian Cello Player Peeter Paemurru, oil, 41 x 30" (104 x 76 cm)
INSPIRATION
When Aapo Pukk was commissioned to paint the world-renowned musician Peeter Paemurru, his goal was to put together all the elements he believes makes for a great portrait and a work of art. Committed to working from life to give the painting a genuine feeling, he met with the cello player six times for two-hour painting sessions. The portrait is set in Tallinn, at the Swedish St. Michael’s Church, where Paemurru attends service every Sunday and also performs as a musician.
ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Pukk was raised in a single parent household surrounded by art. In a recent interview he said, “Although we were living in need, my mother always managed to make sure that when it came to art supplies and opportunities, we were rich indeed.” Influenced by the Tartu Art School for Children, where his mother worked, they also visited museums and exhibitions. After each exhibit, Pukk and his mother would analyze what they had seen. Studying for many years and now a full-time artist, he is also founder of both the Aapo Pukk Art School and the Aapo Pukk Art School for Children.
Susan Wakeen
Iris, plaster with patina, 18 x 8½ x 8" (46 x 22 x 20 cm)
INSPIRATION
Susan Wakeen tells the story of what inspired her to sculpt this portrait of her great-niece, Iris. She says, “Artists Jean-babtiste Carpaeux, William Bougereau and Iris (my great-niece, 4 years young) were all present when a quiet moment of inspiration was captured.” It was early in the morning when Iris awoke, her hair was gently tossed to one side with the bow falling down the long length of her hair. Iris mistook Wakeen for her twin sister, Sandra, and in trying to process the visual similaries and waking up she gave her a sideways glance, mixed with grace and hesitation. It was the specialness of that moment Wakeen wanted to capture in her sculpture.
ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Wakeen began her professional career as a doll sculptor, establishing her own studio with a reputation as one of the leading artists in that field. After 28 years, and with the support of her family, she closed the doll studio and established a fine art studio. Her love for bronze and clay led her the rest of the way. Wakeen has been accepting commissions and selling her work ever since.