Vignette: Hallie Brunson

"Stormy Night" by Hallie Brunson, acrylic, 10x8in, 2013, $65

Painters have used more than brushes in the application of paint for generations now, and it became particularly noticeable in 20th century Modern Art with the move into abstraction and unorthodoxy. Hallie Brunson uses a palette knife to a significant degree, and there are times when the technique injects her images with a vigorous, almost kinetic energy resulting strictly from that rough and rustic application. The wind-blasted rocks surrounding the lighthouse of “Stormy Night” are reflected in the tempest of palette marks, and “The Green Door” suggests the movement of the sunlight across the surfaces. These are perhaps the strongest examples of this quality

Brunson began painting under the direction of Janice Miller at the Wood Shack in Garrard County. "The best advice given to me at the time was 'get in....get out' teaching me not to overwork my paintings," says Brunson. "Janice introduced me to painting with a palette knife and I was set free!”

"Bridge Over The Brook" by Hallie Brunson, acrylic, 8x10in, 2017, $65

The artist exults in the spontaneity of the approach: “I love the texture and boldness of painting with the knife, it is my favorite means of expression in my painting.  Although I love the palette knife and acrylics I also paint in oil and watercolor."

Brunson has won several awards for her artwork and has taught classes in palette knife painting. Her work is currently available direct from the artist or from the Gift Gallery in Lancaster KY.

Hometown: Lancaster, Kentucky
Website: garrardarts.com
Gallery Representation: The Gift Gallery (Richmond, Kentucky)

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"Stormy Night" by Hallie Brunson, acrylic, 10x8in, 2013, $65

"In The Meadow" by Hallie Brunson, acrylic, 11X14in, 2017, $125

Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2017 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved.

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Vignette: B.G. Lewis

“Painting is a journey where I can explore color and textures, play with brush strokes and create my ‘perfect’ version of the world." - B.G. Lewis

"Twigs and Twine" by B.G. Lewis, acrylic, 11x14in, 2017, $175

B.G. (Bobbie Gayle) Lewis is a self-taught Kentucky artist finding her passion in painting after a professional career in the medical field. The Garrard Community resident enjoys teaching painting classes to children and adults at the Community Arts Center located in Lancaster, Kentucky. 

Although she didn’t formally study art, Folk Artist, Janice Miller, was an early mentor for Lewis, as were painters Jerry Yarnelle and Pat Banks. Currently she is studying portraiture with Chantel Barber.

“It started with just one painting. From the beginning an empty canvas stirred my creative juices. Once begun, the painting takes on a life of its own, leading me from hobby to art. Painting fills me with a sense of accomplishment and integrity, and has proven a most amenable vehicle for translating inner vision into outer reality.”

“Although I work quite deliberately, consciously employing both traditional and innovative techniques, my unconscious is the undisputed project manager.
The creative nature of painting frees my imagination and provides many opportunities for happy accidents and grace to influence the finished product.”

“The world around me inspires and invigorates a renewed sense of creativity. Awed by the mystery of how creation occurs, I strive to produce art that represents the world in a ‘perfect’ state.”

"Cardinal Knowledge" by BG Lewis, acrylic, 8x10in, 2017, $150

Even as she develops, Lewis’ work still display her roots in the primitive aspects of Folk Art. In “Cardinal Knowledge” her use of vintage newspapers from 1930's in her background is an individual connection to an aged and nostalgic sensibility, one that connotes pre-World War II America and the Great Depression.

Lewis’ art is on exhibit at Maple Tree Gallery, Boyle County Arts Council in Danville Kentucky as well as the Grand Theater and Garrard Community Arts Center, in Lancaster Kentucky. She has exhibited in multiple shows in Kentucky and has sold her artwork to collectors across the country. 

Hometown: Lancaster, Kentucky
Education: Self-taught
Website: garrardarts.com

"Morning Melody" by BG Lewis, acrylic, 11x14in, $175

"Showers of Blessings" by BG Lewis, acrylic, acrylic, 10x24in, $175

Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2017 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved

Are you interested in being on Artebella? Click here to learn more.