The love of animals has provided me years of appreciation for some of nature's most precious gifts to the world. Thru the years of providing graphics for many companies and people, I have developed a great fondness for creating oil pastel portraits of our special family friends.
“Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with” ~Mark Twain St. Petersburg, Florida artist Robert Phelps is a big fan of Mark Twain...and the Rolling Stones...and Hunter S. Thompson...and boxing....and nymphs...and John Lennon....and animals, especially dogs and cats... Naturally exuberant, he paints what gives him joy, believing this to be the highest form of artistic “statement”. “I have to force myself to focus on a singular theme for a set period of time in order to complete a show. I am fascinated by so many things and want to wander down so many paths that I have to be disciplined.” “Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
“When you love something you can really “see” it. Otherwise your eyes are dulled with stale ideas or crusted with preconceptions or agendas. I consider my paintings to be just intimate celebrations of what IS. I take great pleasure in simply exploring the subject and having a color party in my studio. A greater pleasure is sharing a love with someone. Other Rolling Stones fans know how much pleasure they take from their music and its fun to paint Mick Jagger so we can both enjoy together. The other knows what you mean to say. No interpretation or explanation is required”
A self taught artist, Robert began painting murals in high school. In 1996 at the age of 19, he went to work for Disney as a scenic painter during the construction of the Animal Kingdom. Since then he’s been working as a decorative painter as well as a fine artist. He specializes in vibrant, figurative works of subjects ranging from Hells Angels and professional fighters to striped kittens and teacup chihuahuas.
“I love painting dogs because they have a purity that I find emboldening. They are unabashedly enthusiastic, defiantly lazy, naturally calming, and fiercely loyal. For a guy who tends to think too much they are a great reminder to Keep It Simple Stupid....or Sweetheart, whichever you prefer. They wake up your heart. Paradoxically their simplicity and consistency inspire and arouse our highest and most refined human emotions. They make us more “human” with their antics and mere presence than all the human “progress” ever devised.”
Through the years Robert has participated in many group shows, charity events and private exhibitions. Often collaborating with his brother Thomas who is also a painter, the duo have displayed a wide range of artistic styles and subjects. Unfortunately he is notoriously inept at keeping track of his adventures so you will just have to see for yourself.
"In the world of struggling artists, Stephen Huneck's success has been meteoric. He is a strong believer in fate, and perhaps that is part of the explanation. There is no doubt that his figures are whimsical, amusing and charming, but they also have the power to evoke an immediate emotional response in anyone who sees them. Therein lies their wide and ever-growing appeal." ~ Roberta Vesley, Library Director, AKC.
Stephen Huneck's home and studio are in St. Johnsbury, Vermont which he shares with his wife, Gwen and his three dogs. Two Black Labs Artie and Sally and Molly a Golden Retriever. Stephen and Gwen have totally furnished their home with Stephen's artwork. He works in his private studio attached to their house. Near their home is Dog Mountain where the Dog Chapel is located. You can often meet Stephen at his primary gallery in Woodstock, VT on Saturdays personalizing books and artwork.
Alright Bella Dog readers…feeling creative? Have an artistic talent that you’re dying to express? Get out your pens, pencils, paint brushes, clay, cameras or whatever medium you Join me in celebrating this year’s annual Art for Animals 2010!
When most people think of laboratory animals, they envision rats, mice, monkeys, etc.For true animal lovers, the very thought of ANY animal being subjected to unnecessary pain and torture sends chills of anger and sadness. Well, don’t think for one second that our four legged, furry best friends are kept safe from such a horrible fate.Every year, millions of dogs and cats suffer at the hands of so called scientists.Support this year’s Art for Animal 2010! Express your talents or vote for your favorite artistic display! The animals are depending on you!
Visit Art for Animals 2010 on facebook and www.navs.org to check it out and get informed!
Nicoletta Poli was born in Hoboken New Jersey, but moved to Molfetta Italy at the age of 3. She began drawing at a very young age inspired by her father who is also a painter. Her first drawing was of a horse and the skill she demonstrated through this painting marveled teachers and classmates alike. Since then, she hasn’t stopped impressing anyone fortunate enough to discover her talent. She returned to the United States with her family in 1968 and went on to graduate from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New york City. In 1982 during a visit to Provincetown,Cape Cod, she fell in love with the town and realized that there she could devote her life to her first love, painting. She engulfed herself in the process of creating art, painting along with other artists and being inspired by the many well known artists that have lived there in the past.
FEATURED ARTISTS
