I specialize in painting and drawing.  Primarily working in pastel, the subject of my work ranges from the landscape and architectural studies to still life.  Over the last few years, my work has evolved through my investigation of the dimensional use of color.  This exhibition includes examples of types of works I produce.  I find that I study the landscape while the weather is tolerable and return to the still life in the winter months.

As painters, we strive to take a two-dimensional surface and make objects look as if they have weight, volume, and specific orientation in space. In my work, the interaction of color intensity and temperature creates the illusion of a sense of light, color, and form. Through my continued investigation of this psychological use of color, I work to exceed the limits of depth and invite you, the viewer, to enjoy the experience of exploring my use of color. When looking at the work be sure to stand back at times to see that my usage of color can hold its own in a vast space.

I have also included a few charcoal works.  I enjoy working with other mediums.  I find myself jumping from one to another throughout the year.

A variety of miniature paintings by a variety of watercolor artists, including:
Connie Eyberg
Gwen Foster
Connie Guillaume
Sara Burrier
Larry Castek
Ann Hutchins
Barb Doeden
Regina Lloyd
Mayela Fonseca
Bob Baldus
Susan Jauron
Kathy Strohl
Eileen Mullan
Richard Parker
Marilyn Romine
Tom Holcomb
Jerald Steele
Melinda Kabel
Dianne Peterson
Kathy Van Haaften
Charlotte Willis
Martha Rhoades
Ann Pisarik
Mary Johnson
Justin Young

The slideshow below is just a small sampling of the paintings in the show, please visit the gallery to see them all!

 Enter a world of "Little Enchantments" and enjoy the company of fairies, butterflies, birds and blooms. This show at the gallery will entice you to imagine a beautiful wonderland in each piece by these talented women, Autumn Rozario Hall and Sara Burrier.

About Sara Burrier, www.sarabillustration.com
Growing up Iowa, and in a house filled with plants and art, I enjoyed playing pretend outside, hiding under trees, and riding my bike. I was fascinated with Disney and their fairytales, being fully inspired by The Little Mermaid and Fantasia. I knew then what I wanted to draw for the rest of my life.

In school I focused primarily on art classes, gifted and talented summer workshops, and went to the comic book store on a regular basis. I began to collect everything that inspired me from X-Men, to Sailormoon, Disney Princesses, to the model wearing the wedding dress. It wasn't until college that I was taught the spirit of figure drawing and the history of fairy tale folklore.

I received my BFA in illustration at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and began immediately creating art with the intent to license and publish. I began to sell my own art prints and painting commission work for private clients, illustrating self-published children's books, and creating cover art. I also began teaching drawing and painting at the Des Moines Art Center, offering classes on Manga and fantasy. I am passionate about connecting with the younger community through art and those following me online.

After getting married I was able to give my studio work more attention and since then I've been making a stronger presence online through my website, blog, and Etsy. I hope to continue spreading the light and peace in my work to others through licensing, publishing, and private requests.

When I'm not creating art or teaching, I adore cooking for my husband, family, and friends, decorating my charming brick home, and watching superhero movies. My husband and I live in Des Moines, Iowa with our bright and amazing daughter Norah, along with big kitty Talor.

 About Autumn Rozario Hall, www.autumnrozariohall.com
Autumn Rozario Hall is a painter, dreamer and collector of stories. She earned her Bachelors of Arts with a double emphasis in painting and drawing from the University of Northern Iowa in 2013.

Autumn grew up in Iowa, by the banks of the Mississippi river. And though she lived in town, she always sought the wild places, where the brambles overran the houses, and the gardens outgrew their yards. Hidden in back lots, choked with weeds, was a kind of magic. A magic of growing things.

These wild places called to Autumn, and inspired her interest in folklore and art. Her paintings often contain trees, girls that aren't quite women, forgotten places, and wonder. She also uses faeries, which she views as spirits of nature, to symbolize the human connection to the land. This connection, and the possibility for wonder, are central to every painting.

Autumn Rozario Hall currently lives in Iowa. She works mainly in acrylic and mixed media. She had her first solo exhibition in 2014 and currently shows her work in many art fairs across Iowa.

Featuring photography by members of the Des Moines Camera Club...
Pat Foster
Deb Shoning
Barb McGraw
Janie Lawson
Greg Punelli
Nancy Brown
Deanne Vespestad
Dwight Tomes
Barry Brestel
Terri Dermody
Joe Countryman
Kathleen Hanika
Gary Rothfus
Jill Amentrout
Sarah Becker
Diane Darnielle
Diane Michaud Lowry
Paul Grillo
Jay Lohner
Penny Adam

Please come to see the show in person. The photography is beautiful and I could only get a sampling of pics to show you here!

In the gallery April 21 – May 21, 2017
Artist Chris Thomas has been painting for more than 35 years. Originally from Saint Cloud, MN and living in Sauk Centre, MN most of his life, Chris is no stranger to small town life, the subject of many of his beautiful landscapes. There is Minnesota charm infused into every painting, truly appreciating the churches, trees, lakes and gardens that make up his subjects.  Chris often travels to Iowa, so you'll also find a few familiar images including Amana and Racoon River park. He joins us at Art Day for portrait sketching.

Chris has a bachelor's degree in art from St. Cloud State University and is a lifelong learner in art and art history through books, museums, drawing sessions and workshops. His work shows expertise in oil paint and a keen eye for light and color and a beautiful composition.

christhomasartworks.com