Art Exhibit: Aspects

RECEPTION: Saturday, August 3, 2024 2 - 5 pm: Meet artists Carmen Sheldon and Laura Roney to hear about their artistic inspirations and celebrate the show. Refreshments will be served. Local artist, Carmen Sheldon, presents ASPECTS, a collection of paintings inspired by her recent trip to Europe. Countrysides dotted with vineyards were very reminiscent of Sonoma County. In a classic such scene, “Approaching Storm,” dramatically depicts a darkened blue sky approaching a contrasting bright sunlit vineyard. Channeling favorite European masters, Van Gogh and Klimt, whose works inspired her in Amsterdam and Vienna, she drew on aspects of their art for her own creations. The striated brushwork in “A Fine Sunday Morning” reminds us of Van Gogh; the metal leafing in “Summer’s Gold” harkens to Klimt. These works surprise and delight with their bold originality, use of color and unique combination of mediums. “I enjoy the challenge of bringing various techniques to the ‘table’ and am pleased when the magic happens. Experimenting keeps me going,” remarked Sheldon. Sheldon has always loved art and studied both graphic design and painting. After retiring from Santa Rose Junior College, where she headed up the Graphic Design Program, she pursued painting full time. Originally a watercolor painter, she eventually turned to textural oil landscapes and then began exploring other mediums, including alcohol ink. She exhibits regionally and participates the in the Sonoma County Art Trails program. Meet the Artist: Sheldon will be hosting the Gallery August 6 & 19, 2:30 – 6 pm and August 12, 11 am – 6 pm.