Graffiti as/is Art

 "When Pigs Fly"  (above) reflects Paul Flack's feelings about life & 'wearing it like a loose garment'

 "God" tells the story of man looking everywhere for Him and the dog in the story lets the viewer know He's right here...

 "Mona" reflects Paul's less-than serious take on himself as an artist - and less-than serious take on life itself...

Paul doesn't differentiate between eastern & western religions and philosophies - rather he loves giving the viewer the peaceful serenity of all spiritual paths through enlightened images such as "The Buddha" above.

Realism with a touch of Fantasy

Mary L. Parkes (Santa Fe, NM) has unsurpassed talent - and obviously, a vivid dream life!  Just painterly enough to pull away from photo-realism - then add fairies, ribbons, bubbles, flowers floating in the air - and you have a Mary Parkes original on Linen or Board.  Although a master colorist, these latest pieces reflect a more subdued palette, leading the viewer to follow the story around the subject without interference in color.  And there's nothing "dark" or "mysterious" in Mary's subtle tones or palette - far from neutral or benign.  It's difficult to create work on a dark background using a tonal palette and still appear lighthearted, fanciful, delightful.  Difficult, but Mary proves it can be done.

Clay Fun & Fantasy

 Joan Carew's newest work is "Faces" -  Clay -  small, delicate, fabulous.

 Nicole Merkens' "She Was Never The Same" - clay -  dark and delightful at the same time. 

 Joan Carew - more "Faces"

Nicole Merkens - "Birthday Girl" and "Party Boy" - Clay

Mother & daughter (Joan Carew & Nicole Merkens) create skilled clay works (both wall sculptures & free-standing) with a unique personality evident in their body of work.  Joan's work is lighter in mood and whimsical/fanciful in essence.  Nicole's faces and forms reflect a 'darker' sentimentality - like an old soul with stories to tell if you dare to look closer.

"Peaceful Shore" 36" 48" palette knife work by Donna Thomas

Using neutrals and a knife - Donna has created a series of works that soothe and satisfy.  Hard to accomplish but well-done!  Atlanta collectors have always loved representational works - places, scenes, subjects that speak to their interests or passions.  And yet, abstracts are here to stay in the South.  In this piece - Donna gives hints and expression about a place, but leaves everything else to the viewer's interpretation.  Exactly what a 'representational abstract' is all about. 

Pop Art mixed with antiques

I absolutely love using the unexpected on a wall.  These 3 Paul Flack graffiti series paintings (each 16" x 16") of John Lennon hung vertically break up the woods & browns in this room.  A wonderful "pop" of color, fun & fabulous. 

Small Works

John Guernsey small oil paintings combined with clay and sculpture break up the books in a traditional space.

Contemporary Art - Traditional Space

The clients in these spaces choose very contemporary artwork to add interest and excitement to very traditional rooms.  The top image is a family room - stone fireplace, traditional furnishings - and a Beth Emery contemporary expressionistic painting with loads of color & "pop".  The bottom image was taken in another client's bedroom - using a Lisa Moore abstract painting of a barn over a soaring fireplace wall - mixed with French Country/traditional furnishings.  Among all the colors & things going on in that room - the painting really "shines" and updates the look, without losing the owner's love of existing pieces.