Colette Pope Heldner Paintings

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 about three friends or siblings enjoying the sunshine," says artist Gail Ragains. "It bursts with California colors. Minimal on detail but a...

Artist Comments
Relaxed and contemplative, a woman sits reclined with both legs tucked under. Artist Gail Ragains used broad strokes of color in a harmonious combination of t...

Artist Comments
A mother embraces her child in artist Diana Elena Chelaru's tender expressionist portrait. "We all know as children and later on, as parents how much we love be...

Artist Comments
Artist Gail Ragains depicts a woman standing in an attitude of strength. The figure gazes out at the viewer with the ocean behind he...

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
Artist Gail Ragains portrays two gestural figures clad in swimwear on a hot summer day. The piece pays homage to the Bay Area figurative movement yet retains ...

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
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
"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
Artist Asha Hanna describes this painting as a powerful and motivational image to reflect on our own uniqueness. "The deep blues in ...

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...