Acrylic
Our gallery showcases some of the finest acrylic paintings in Colorado, including vibrant impressionism pieces by Lisa Cameron, narrative work by Liese Chavez that draws the viewer into contemplation and reflection and colorful impressionism work by Tammie Hesse.
Lisa Cameron
A statement from the artist: "My painting style is an evolution combining Impressionist painters “Spirit of Place” and Contemporary applications like Jackson Pollock's dripped paint technique. Each painting reflects playfulness and vigor and can be appreciated by both patrons of abstraction or impressionism. First, I lay down a foundation with broad brush strokes in an impressionistic style; then I paint without restraint splashing and dripping color, mimicking my excitement and enthusiasm for my subjects. The paintings are created by building a multicolored woven surface with dripped layers on large scale panels to form windows of site-specific scenery. The layers create visual perception of depth and tactile dimension. Standing near my work, viewers see lively splashes and drips of seemingly unorganized color, but as they step away, “Ah Ha”, the layers of color form images. At first glance, the style is loose and whimsical, but with closer observation the painting yields detail and depth. It is like getting two paintings in one." 
Liese Chavez
A statement from the artist: "When I was small, I remember lying on my back under a side table in my Grandparents' house. The tabletop was a round slab of marble, out of which grew a lamp with lead crystal teardrops dangling from a filigree bloom. There was a circlet of these crystals beneath the lamp as well and I watched the front parlor glow in the half-light reflected from these tiny worlds of faceted glass. In that private world just a few inches from the floor, the chairs all had carved feet on the bottom and way above me near the ceiling I could see the undersides of little animal faces in the corners of the moldings. I would climb up the steep stairs to the dusty attic with crates of 45 records and the secret-seeming low doors to mysterious things in storage in the eaves. Sometimes I would hide myself in the tiny sewing room under the stairs or spend hours pawing through Grammy’s costume jewelry, trying on clip-on earrings and peeking into lockets. One day I came into my grandparents’ house and everything looked different. The tiny details were still there, but I was too tall to see them so intimately anymore. Some of the magic had disappeared. I have been trying to get back to that magical world ever since. This series holds all the nostalgia and strange faces of my past. I wanted to know what was inside, what was under, what was behind things. I still do. Come into the wardrobe with me, let the smell of old faded minks brush your face and peek with me up onto the high shelf filled with hatboxes and secrets…" If you are looking to purchase Liese's work online, look HERE.
Tammie Hesse
While studying fine art at Metropolitan State College, Tammie discovered a love for the brushstroke along with vivid colors. She'd been researching the Impressionists and was enamored by their use of paint in an almost sculptural manner. As with her favorite from childhood, VanGogh, she was also provided with city, pastoral and floral images while living in Salida, CO. She had fourteener peaks, waterways, ranch vistas and colorful desert formations for her inspiration, and landscapes became her new joy! Tammie knew Impressionists took their paints to the field to paint "plein air", which means "outdoors". She remarks of this natural studio, "Painting outdoors has real challenges, such as shifting light, wind or weather, dirt blowing atop a wet canvas, possible wildlife visitation, or Colorado's dry atmosphere effecting my media. But, I also find so much enjoyment in the whole process. When I find the values and plan my shapes well, I have a great painting. And I must work fast." Tammie shows in various Colorado galleries and regional art shows as well as teaching an occasional art student. She attributes her ability as a painter to many things . . . the visual bounty of her parent's huge garden that she "lived" in, the tutelage of her high school art teacher, Phyllis VanDeHaar, instruction of Metro State College professors, VanGogh's work and in God's incredible handiwork. 