| plein air festival 2023 | meet the artists
1 | laurie basham
Laurie Basham, an award-winning pastel artist, hails from Rockville, Maryland. Her artistic journey has been marked by a deep appreciation for the interplay of light and shadow, which she skillfully captures in her landscapes, figures, and still life compositions. After earning a degree in Art Education from the University of Maryland in 1985, Laurie embarked on an illustrious career as an Art Educator in Howard County, Maryland, garnering accolades along the way.
In 2019, Laurie embraced a new chapter as a full-time artist. Since then, she has earned recognition in various plein air competitions, local, national, and international shows, making her a prominent figure in the North Carolina art community. Laurie is actively involved in teaching pastel workshops, both in-person and online, and offers private instruction. She holds signature memberships in esteemed pastel societies such as the Piedmont Pastel Society, The Pastel Society of North Carolina, the Maryland Pastel Society, and the Degas Pastel Society. Additionally, Laurie is an Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America.
Her artistic philosophy centers on capturing the beauty of everyday moments through pastel, with a focus on emotional expression that resonates with viewers.
MEDIUM | Chalk Pastel
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.lauriebashamfineart.com | FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lolliartworks | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/lolliartworks
2 | maryjo gunning
Maryjo Gunning's artistic philosophy centers on painting with enthusiasm and capturing scenes that transfix her interest. With an unwavering passion for plein air, Maryjo embraces all weather elements to translate her surroundings into vibrant artworks.
"Every site I see before me, I paint with gusto. If the location doesn’t make my heart flutter, I don’t paint it. I love everything about plein air; in all weather elements. What an experience!"
Maryjo's creative journey is driven by a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around her, and she aspires to evoke that same sense of wonder in those who view her work.
MEDIA | Oil Paint, Watercolor, Gouache
3 | katie hallahan*
Katie Hallahan, an artist based in Greensboro, is an advocate of "slow living through art." Her vibrant, impressionistic artworks, spanning landscapes, figurative pieces, and snapshots, convey the allure of life's often overlooked moments. Katie's preferred medium is pastel, which she wields to encapsulate the essence of her subjects.
A member of the Piedmont Pastel Society and a juried member of the Pastel Society of America, Katie has received recognition for her talents. Notably, she was selected as an artist for the 2023 Creative Greensboro Downtown Arts program and achieved acclaim at the Blowing Rock Plein Air Festival and Foothills Plein Air Festival in 2022. Her artwork has graced numerous juried exhibitions, including the 2022 International Association of Pastel Societies Juried Exhibition and the 2023 Pastel Society of America Annual Exhibition. Katie's works have also found a place in private collections across the country.
Her artistry thrives on the connection between nature and plein air painting, encouraging observers to engage their senses and appreciate the world around them.
*Katie earned the distinction of being the Curator's Choice Winner at the 2022 Foothills Plein Air Festival. In addition to participating in the Fresh Paint Sale on Saturday at Grassy Creek Vineyard, her remarkable artwork is also showcased at The Wisdom Table, nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Elkin.
MEDIA | Chalk Pastel & Oil Paint
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.katiehallahan.com | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/hallahan.art
4 | diane knesovich
Diane Knesovich, a self-taught artist from Sayreville, New Jersey, has called the Raleigh area of North Carolina home for over two decades. Her chosen medium is oil, and her passion lies in plein air painting, where she finds joy in the exploration of ordinary scenes, colors, and moments of life.
Through her art, Diane endeavors to delve into the details of her surroundings, creating a connection between her subjects and the viewer. Whether it's capturing the play of light, the subtleties of color, or the essence of a place, her oil paintings are a testament to her keen observational skills and her desire to convey the beauty of the everyday.
MEDIUM | Oil Paint
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.dianek.net | FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/dianekfineart | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/dianekartist
5 | seneca leonard
Seneca Leonard, a self-taught artist residing in the Elkin/Foothills area for about 25 years, has cultivated a passion for watercolor and pen-and-ink. Inspired by the dynamic interplay of fluidity and structure, she brings landscapes and cityscapes to life through her vibrant and bold creations.
Having embarked on her plein air painting journey after taking a class offered through the Foothills Arts Center in April of 2022, Seneca's enthusiasm for this artistic style has only grown. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the landscapes that surround her, capturing the ever-changing beauty of nature and urban scenes. Her creative journey is marked by the evolution of her techniques.
“Painting from nature is not copying. It is realizing one’s sensation.” — Paul Cezanne
MEDIUM | Watercolor, Pen-and-Ink
CONNECT | FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/senecasartwork | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/senecasartwork
6 | manny maldonado*
Manny A. Maldonado's artistic journey is a reflection of his diverse life experiences. Born in Venezuela, raised in Utah, and now residing in North Carolina, he draws inspiration from the varied landscapes and cultures that have shaped his life. Manny's artistic style fuses impressionism and sketching, using acrylic paints to create bold, loose brushstrokes and intricate sketches.
"I have been fortunate to witness the beauty of different landscapes and cultures. These encounters have greatly influenced my artistic expression. Beyond the canvas, I find solace and joy in pursuing outdoor activities. Fly fishing, camping, and hiking have become an integral part of my life, allowing me to connect with nature’s wonders. These adventures are even more special when shared with my wife and our two dogs, Dodger and Remy. Together, we explore hidden trails, and embrace the serenity of the wilderness."
Manny's vibrant palette and playful use of colors capture the ever-changing moods of nature. Each brushstroke and sketch seeks to transport viewers into the heart of the scenes he paints, inviting them to immerse themselves in the dynamic beauty of the landscapes.
*Manny earned the distinction of being a People's Choice Winner at the 2022 Foothills Plein Air Festival. In addition to participating in the Fresh Paint Sale on Saturday at Grassy Creek Vineyard, his remarkable artwork is also showcased at The Wisdom Table, nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Elkin.
MEDIA | Acrylic, Pen-and-Ink, & Digital
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.mannyamaldonado.com | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/artbym.a.m
7 | medrith nuttle
Medrith Nuttle, originally from Michigan and educated in Ohio at the Columbus College of Art and Design and the Cleveland Institute of Art, has forged a nearly 60-year career as a contemporary American Impressionist painter. Her medium of choice is acrylics, and she is equally comfortable working en plein air or in the studio. Medrith's versatility extends to her subject matter, painting landscapes, and a wide range of subjects that catch her artistic eye.
Throughout her career, Medrith's paintings have been recognized and awarded in local, regional, and national juried competitions. Her art has found a place in both private and corporate collections across the United States. Her passion for painting is evident in her dedication to the craft, and she invites viewers to share in her joy of creating and experiencing art.
MEDIUM | Acrylic
8 | elbert shubert
Elbert Shubert, originally from Kansas and now residing in Pilot Mountain, North Carolina, has been honing his artistic skills for over 12 years as a self-taught plein air painter. Working primarily with oil, Elbert possesses a deep appreciation for capturing the essence of God's creation in an expressive and painterly style.
His artistry extends beyond landscapes, as he also finds joy in creating portraits and still life compositions. Elbert's dedication to his craft has earned him numerous awards, including several "Best in Show" honors in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. His work resonates with viewers through its vivid and evocative portrayal of the natural world.
MEDIUM | Oil Paint
CONNECT | FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/egshubertstudio | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/egshubertstudio
9 | sherry smith
Sherry Smith, an artist with over 25 years of experience, specializes in creating unique and vibrant works using acrylics. Raised in East Tennessee, Sherry draws inspiration from the picturesque landscapes of the Smokies and the surrounding regions of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
Her artistry is an ode to the beauty of the mountains, lakes, forests, farms, and back roads that provide an endless wellspring of inspiration. Sherry's canvases capture the essence of these natural wonders, inviting viewers to share in her profound connection to the landscapes she depicts.
"Our mountains, lakes, forests, farms and back roads provide a never ending source of inspiration and joy that I love to capture on canvas."
MEDIUM | Acrylic
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.sherryjsmith.com | FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/waldensridgegallery
10 | patricia sweet*
Patricia Sweet's artistic endeavors revolve around the panoramic views stretching across the Smokey & Blue Ridge Mountains. A dedicated plein air artist, Patricia immerses herself in capturing the world that surrounds us. Her artistic style combines modern influences with a special affinity for the 19th-century Hudson River School painters.
Whether working on location or in the studio, Patricia focuses on the subtleties of light effects, seeking to convey fleeting moments of awe onto the canvas. Her art invites viewers to share in the sense of wonder and inspiration she experiences when confronted by the breathtaking vistas of nature.
*Patricia earned the distinction of being a People's Choice Winner at the 2022 Foothills Plein Air Festival. In addition to participating in the Fresh Paint Sale on Saturday at Grassy Creek Vineyard, her remarkable artwork is also showcased at The Wisdom Table, nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Elkin.
MEDIA | Oil Paint & Watercolor
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.patriciasweet.com | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/patriciasweetartist
11 | lyudmila tomova*
Lyudmila Tomova Clark is an acclaimed artist renowned for her distinctive impressionist style, earning recognition both nationally and internationally. Her artistic repertoire encompasses the creation of figures, portraits, and landscapes through the mediums of oil, watercolor, and acrylic. What sets Lyudmila apart is her ability to seamlessly blend abstract and realistic elements, resulting in artworks that evoke mood, convey movement, and offer impressions of both the world around us and the emotions within us.
Nature serves as a profound wellspring of inspiration for Lyudmila, and her talent has been highly acknowledged in numerous plein air paint-out events, where she has garnered numerous Best in Show awards. Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, she embarked on her American journey in 1990, eventually settling in the bustling artistic hub of New York City. There, she carved out a multifaceted career as a full-time painter, editorial illustrator, and designer, exhibiting her works on both national and international stages.
Lyudmila's formidable artistic foundation includes rigorous training in Classical realism, first at Sofia's Academy of Fine Arts in Bulgaria, and later at FIT in New York, where she earned a BFA degree in Illustration. This extensive educational background, combined with her diverse artistic experiences, has solidified her position as one of the most versatile and prolific artists in her field.
Her artistry has been celebrated in renowned publications such as the International Artist magazine, where she was featured in a comprehensive 6-page article. Additionally, Lyudmila's works have been selected for prestigious exhibitions like the PleinAir Salon, ArtFields, RFAS, WFWS, and NWS, among others. She proudly holds Signature memberships with esteemed Watercolor Societies, including North Carolina (silver signature member), Georgia, Southern, and the Southwestern Watercolor Society.
Currently residing in Cary, North Carolina, Lyudmila generously shares her expertise by teaching watercolor, oil, acrylic, and drawing workshops at various locations. Her art continues to captivate audiences both nationally and abroad, solidifying her status as a luminary in the world of contemporary art.
*Lyudmila earned the distinction of being a People's Choice Winner at the 2022 Foothills Plein Air Festival. In addition to participating in the Fresh Paint Sale on Saturday at Grassy Creek Vineyard, her remarkable artwork is also showcased at The Wisdom Table, nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Elkin.
MEDIA | Oil Paint, Watercolor, & Acrylic
CONNECT | WEBSITE: www.tomovafineart.com | FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lyudmila.lucy | INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/iamartgirl