Members' Gallery

This page showcases recent work by MLAA and SPC members.

The Red Church again, by Maureen Carden

"South Pacific Exploration", multimedia, by Bill David

Work by Monika Stattner

"Quince", oil

"Sierra Gold", pastel

"Sugar", graphite

"Lonely", oil

Some words about my art background.
I attended a 4 years teachers college in Hungary with a dual major, with my two very favorite subjects; Geography and Art. The art classes were done in an academic, realistic style, focusing on drawing. Later, I earned an associate degree in illustration, from Pratt Manhattan.
In my art, I enjoy the realistic style, this especially shows in my drawings. My paintings are somewhat influenced by the impressionists.
I completed many commissioned pet portraits in graphite, and for a while I was an instructor at Gallery Copper, to share how to do highly detailed graphite rendering on pet portraits.
These days, I’m focusing on oil and pastel and enjoying our beautiful Tuolumne County where inspirations are endless.
- Monika Stattner

"Snowdrops", graphite

Watercolors by Steven Jamie Showers

"Valley Colors" , watercolor, by Stephen Jamie Showers

"Golden Gate Bridge", watercolor, by Stephen Jamie Showers

"Cats with Eyes that Do Not Reveal Their Emotions", watercolor, by Stephen Jamie Showers

"I work primarily with watercolors which allow for all kinds of blending that can give some wonderful and unexpected results. No matter what ideas I have as I begin a piece, it evolves as I let my feelings and intuition make each step. I am more inclined toward impressionism, surrealism, and abstracts than to realism, and perhaps in my mind I explore how to present something that can’t be photographed. The creativity of art also draws me as every piece is unique, the result of thousands of choices of color, shape, and stroke. So many times I have stared at a piece as I waited for the inspiration of where to go next. This is probably what all artists experience, and these feelings join us all together."

New mixed media work by Bill David

The Visitation of the Magi, mixed media, by Bill David

Bill David has lived with his family in Tuolumne County for over 25 years. After retiring from a career that ranged from ranch hand to bartending to pastoral ministry and college professor, Bill has time to pursue his love for the arts. He creates much of his work by cutting up paper, magazines and books to create collages to which he often adds ink, pencil and/or paint. Some are then printed on canvas, at times enlarged, and again have ink, pencil or paint added, truly making his work mixed media.

Still Life in Reds, oil, by Rayna Coller

Sera Padovana, mixed media, by Rayna Coller

We never need to go without art instruction. Lorna Hunt took a six week on-line class with pastelist Clark Mitchell

Lorna Hunt, "Seascape"

Even in isolation, we each have a model available at all times

John S's self portrait as cowboy: "Contemplating the Last Roundup in the Time of Corona"

Imagination comes to our aid

Above: Steve P' typically paints colorful scenes depicting a gritty urban environment. In response to the pandemic, he's suggesting social issues of an entirely different nature . . .

Karen Olson, "Cypresses"

Fahey Cabins at the Golden Hour, watercolor, by Karen Olsen.

Watercolor artist Karen Olsen captured a stunning late-day view of the Faney Cabins, effectively rendering the contrast between the small, old structures and the dominating forest surrounding them. Just about everybody paints the Fahey Cabins and everybody sees something different.

Gorgeous color characterizes Rayna Coller's work in a variety of media

Summer Afternoon at Twain Harte Lake, oil, by Rayna Coller

Bill David creates harmonious abstracts in collage, printed on canvas

By Bill David

Susie Hoffman, gallery owner and art instructor, painted a classful of masked artists

Susie Hoffman: "Mondays 2020"

Wildlife comes to our deck

White Crowned Sparrow, tenderly observed by Pat G

We can still get out in the forest

“Autumn Rapids on the Stanislaus River” watercolor by Margaret B

Margaret B painted "Reflections at Pinecrest Lake"

Karon Olson, "South Fork of the Stanislaus"

Interesting things are going on wherever you happen to be

Barbara is having her driveway done

Prisoner of Covid-19

Pandemic self-portrait by Maureen C

Textile Art

Left: Susan H is working on a textile piece inspired by her stay in Mexico. Many of her vivid fabrics are hand-dyed.

The Natural World

Below: John S's beautifully observed bird and flowers.

Watercolorist Barbara Y painted reflections at Crystal Falls Lake and a landmark in downtown Sonora

Above: Reflections, Crystal Falls Lake Watercolor by Barbara Y

The Bradford Building in Dowtown Sonora,,watercolor, Barbara Y

Photographer Kathy S is experimenting with new techniques using subjects from her kitchen

"Eggs" by Kathy S

"I had intended to try what is called flat lay photography. That is, when the camera looks directly down on the subject. Food is very frequently the subject of that type of shot so I began with food and food "utensils" like plates, bowls, silverware. The citrus photo is an example of that. I have quite a few photo sessions in which I used that camera set up. Food tended to be the primary subject. Then I began mixing in a different camera angle where the camera was pointed directly at the subject at table level and on up to about a 45 degree angle to the subject. The other food shots fall into that category. On the shot of the eggs, I wanted to try both a soft focus and what's called a high key shot that day. High key is when the tonal range is from midtones to whites, no darker tones in the image." -- by Kathy S

Above: "Citrus" Left: "Blueberry Muffins" By Kathy S

Rana F finds plein air inspiration right on her deck

Garden Scene by Rana F

Cineraria, by Rana F

A cup of coffee and a jar with flowers inspired Judie C

Maureen C's self portrait, on top of an abandoned plein air attempt, conveys the mood of quarantine

Sonora in a time of coronavirus, by Susan K

Susan K reworked a Sonora street scene, adding menacing, outsize animal invaders

Flowers in a funky vase, by Susan K