Promoting fine art and artists in Gilbert, AZ | Gilbert Visual Art League

Profile: Leona Stachura

At age of 88 my daughter signed me up for an art class and I went kicking and screaming protesting of my inability to paint. But she persevered and dragged me along. She set up an easel, squirted out paint onto a palette, stuck a brush into my hand and said “Paint!” So I did. And lo and beholdI took to painting like duck to water. I love working in acrylics and find that they suit my techniques and that I paint very fast.

Profile: Michele Bourquin

Though I work in oils, graphite and silver point, my “real job” is in the horse show industry and most of my work is commissions from that world and specialize in portraits of horses, pets and people. Horses and art have always been my two driving forces. The art I come by honestly as my mother and brother are both artists. The love of horses, however, was a family mystery. I began riding at 8 and continue to be active today, showing hunter/jumpers as well as riding dressage. My husband and I own 7 horses, several of which live with us at our home in Gilbert, AZ. along with 3 dog, 4 cats and assorted other creatures.

Profile: George Lenz

George Lenz retired after 40 years in the computer industry and started doing digital photography in 2007. As the sole owner of Lenz Photo Shop his vision is to communicate the infinite beauty, mystery and wonder of creation through nature and abstract art by changing ordinary photographs into fine works of art.

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Profile: Michael Feher

I heard so much about the magic Photoshop could perform on photographs that I decided to try out this software earlier this year.  At first I used it to correct and slightly alter some of my photos, but then when I started to use layers and masks and selections, I was totally hooked on it. I tired putting myself in front of the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids and started to experiment with some of the artistic effects and plug-ins available. I have included some of the different treatments the software can do on photographs. Is this art? I let you decide. Contact me at 480.580.9855 or igx10@cox.net.

Profile: Michael Small

I have no formal training in photography but have a passion for and love of the art. I first started shooting with film about 10 years ago and moved over to digital about 4 years ago picking up the fundamentals along the way. Although I have photographed a wide range of subjects I tend to stick to urban and natural landscapes incorporating my love of architecture and Arizona into my photographs.  You can see more of my photography at my website www.shuttermike.com.

Profile: Marsha Blumm

Title: Anthuriums
Medium: Watercolor

See more of Marsha’s work in the photo gallery below.

Profile: Jean Turner-Smith

Title: Rhino
Medium: Watercolor

Jean created this Rhino painting as an example of using colors to create greys. See more paintings by Jean on her website.

Profile: Michelle Cornelius

“Cross Country” by Michelle Cornelius. Michelle, she is the GVAL Chairperson and an accomplished pastel artist. Her specialty is pet portraits. See some of her work in the gallery below or visit her website for more pastel art.

Profile: Michael Hayslip

Title: Evening at Bapchule
Medium: Digital photography

When taking photographs, especially portraits, Mike has a talent for finding his subject’s personality getting a much better result than most bland studio shots. He likes to photograph people in their environments and often combines portraits with landscapes. See more of Michael’s photography »

Profile: Sandra Neumann Wilderman

Sandra Neumann Wilderman was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lived in the Midwest until 2003 when she moved to Arizona. Wilderman knew she wanted to be an artist since she was in elementary school while drawing maps and creating covers for her reports. She studied at The Toledo Museum of Art and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Northern Illinois University, School of Art in DeKalb, Illinois.

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