Colette Pope Heldner Art

Artist Comments
In artist Gail Ragains' figurative piece, a woman takes a breather on the beach. She reclines comfortably on a green chair, in a mix of gestural marks within a thought-out composition. The muted color combination allows the warm and cool shades to play off each other.

About the Artist
Artist Gail Ragains paints abstract figurative works defined by strong color combinations and intuitive mark-making. "I approach each creative process as an open-ended improvisation," says Gail. "It is an evolving journey without preconceived plans for a predictable outcome. I react to the materials at hand, stripping away the non-essentials to give a loose interpretation of form, movement, and human expression." Inspired by the physical gestures and emotions of people, the human figure dominates Gail's art. As a young person, Gail was active in dance, ice skating, and gymnastics and competed in triathlons in her 20s. While pursuing a career as a massage therapist for 25 years, Gail simultaneously attended art classes through community colleges, the local Art League, and workshops with artists she admires. Having lived in California her entire life, Gail is influenced by the California colors—golden hills, clear blue skies, swimsuits, and swimming pools. Today, her studio is in her backyard just a few steps away from the home she shares with her husband. “In this workspace, I have everything I need. Good light, music, fresh air, and my studio mate, Sadie, the cutest 14 lb. mixed-breed rescue pup.”

Words that describe this painting: figure, figurative, people, Richard Diebenkorn, gestural, expressive, colorful, beach, sand, paper, acrylicpaint, portrait, expressionism, people, acrylic painting, beige

Beach Chair...

Artist Comments
"This painting is the first in a new series exploring coastal life and memories," says Marie-Eve. "It's all about summer, all year-round. Palm trees, beaches,...

Artist Comments
"This bold and colorful artwork shows a woman full of color and a wild afro," says artist Asha Hanna. "The piece was created based o...

Artist Comments
This painting is part of a series exploring coastal life and memories. It's all about summer, all year-round. Palm trees, beaches, green grass, evening walks,...

Artist Comments
Artist Sharon Sieben presents a strong portrait of a woman in bright yellow, orange, and teal with defining black strokes. "It takes time to make a commitment,"...

Artist Comments
Two women take a refreshing dip in the pool in artist Benjamin Thomas' expressionist piece. He paints the pristine waters with repeated swirling semi-abstract e...

Artist Comments
Artist Diana Rosa says this graphic, expressive portrait of 'Graffiti Man' is an outward portrayal of human emotion, as well as a personal fascination with the human head and skull. "The piece explores questions of identity and communication," explains Diana.

About the Artist
Lighthearted and jovial by nature, Diana’s contemporary paintings depict people in varied scenarios of indulgence. Whether it is a quiet moment alone in the woods, or a tantalizing rendezvous in the tub, Diana creates private moments in carefree or comedic ways. Her narratives often include humorous sexual tension between unlikely bedfellows, enough to elicit a chuckle from even the most stoic art lover. “I create a visual dialogue where everything is possible and magic is the queen,” says Diana. “[There is] a subtle injection of ambiguity that blurs the gap between the ordinary and the fantastic. The background of this sub-world appears to be transformed into an innocent children’s fantasy that almost looks like a dream.”

Words that describe this painting: man, expressionism...

Artist Comments
A cluster of butterflies beckons a young woman. Artist Sharon Sieben used graphite and acrylic paint to create this expressionistic portrait. With Sharon's th...

Artist Comments
"This woman is expressing herself and asking for attention with her red gloves," says artist Diana Rosa. "I used black lines to define...

Artist Comments
As part of my typical process, I started this piece with layers of color without a clear subject in mind. When I found a photo my friend posted on social medi...

Artist Comments
A small bright yellow bird closely perches beside a young woman. Artist Sharon Sieben rendered this expressionist portrait with thick painterly strokes and fragments of dispersed bright colors. The woman, caught in a moment of thought, stands before a lightly shaded background while she entertains the personal visit.

About the Artist
Sharon Sieben prefers working in a loose, fluid technique and finds inspiration in the most unexpected things. Her parents bought her a set of oil paints when she was ten years old and it sparked her love of art. She especially admires the work of Impressionist artists such as Paul Cezanne because of how they broke tradition. When she's not making art, she enjoys reading and playing classical guitar and piano. She currently lives in Arizona.

Words that describe this painting: portrait, face, expressionism, bird, woman, expressionism, people, acrylic painting, blue

Bird Song...

Artist Comments
A young woman walks across a verdant field in a state of peace and contemplation. Warm sunlight bathes her face as a gentle breeze brushes across her dress. Artist Gena Brodie Robbins...