Thursday, August 11, 2016

TWELVE FABULOUS ARTISTS @ THE MISSION RESTAURANT, MISSION BEACH

I am so proud of the artists who are exhibiting currently until Aug. 29th @ The Mission Restaurant, 3795 Mission Blvd. Mission Beach. These are twelve disparate artists, all whom I have mentored, most for many years. I hope that you will get over to the show if you live in San Diego County, it will be well worth it!  Most of the pieces are for sale @ very reasonable prices for the high quality of the work.

Rivian Butikofer




 FAITH FLEURY
I always considered myself an artist but was actively discouraged from pursuing it as a career. 
I Worked in corporate finance, mostly in high tech companies.
When I moved to San Diego, I started taking art classes at the Athenaeum, where I first met Rivian. Her class was a breath of fresh air! 
Since retiring, I make art 4 or 5 days a week and am currently producing for a one person show at the 1210 Gallery in La Jolla in November. 
I would include Matisse, Monet, Schiele, the Bay Area group/ Joan Brown, Wayne Thibauld, & various contemporary artists as having the biggest influence on my work.


Faith Fleury, acrylic
                                                                   
 Faith Fleury, mixed-media 


PHYLLIS MCINNIS
I remember in grade school wishing I could draw like some of my friends.  It wasn’t until I resigned from banking that I was able to pursue art and learn the skills necessary.  That was over 25 years ago.
I started with pencil and pastel, which I found to be easier to use as a beginner.  Eventually, I tried acrylics and found the freedom in movement with large strokes.  What I discovered was it led me into a surprise of subconscious expression.  When I paint, most of the time I have no plan, no idea of what will emerge.  I lay down the paint and I look into the canvas to see the forms that are ready to come forward.  That is the exciting part.  Color is extremely exciting to me.  Each color draws on our feelings and represents a certain vibration within all of us.
I began teaching myself to draw faces.  Leonardo DeVinci was my first study and copying a master like Leonardo gave me the basis that I needed.  But, when I started with Rivian Butikofer, my art world changed and continues to progress.  She has challenged me, supported my own individual expression of art and continues to open my eyes to new ways and ideas.
I have been fortunate enough to have Rivian Butikofer as my art teacher for at least 8 years.  Rivian has taught me to appreciate all types of art.  The freedom she gives her students to create their own individual art, combined with her knowledge and her patience, has allowed me to grow in so many ways.
I can’t imagine having any other teacher, but Rivian.  I recently took a non-objective and abstract art class from Rivian.  Voila!  My art has changed again.  Exciting!!

Phyllis Mcinnis, acrylic

Phyllis Mcinnis, acrylic



PNINA GOLD

My first art class as an adult was intuitive painting and since then it’s all about the process for me. Over the years I learned to respect the final outcome and make it lovable to me. Color is my guide through out the process.
     
Pnina Gold, mixed-media

Pnina Gold, mixed-media



RALPH LAZAR

Art is my vehicle for self expression. I'm lucky that I have the ability to easily express 
myself visually more so than verbally. I like to be creative,
and innovative in my work.
Ralph Lazar, collage

Ralph Lazar, mixed-media



GAYLE TAUBER
I love the serenity and the “other place” I go to when I paint.  I love the challenge of capturing the inner essence of a person, of reaching into their eyes to reveal.  Under the guidance of my very patient, nurturing, and ever so skillful art teacher, Rivian, my ability to “see” has broadened, my technique has improved, and my confidence to risk has grown.  Rivian has  provided me with the platform to explore beyond my artistic zones of comfort.  It has been and continues to be a rich journey of discovery and adventure.    



Gayle Tauber, oil




Gayle Tauber, oil


                                            
 HANS BUTIKOFER
Thanks to my wife I started painting almost six years ago 
when I paint (or draw) I am in my "right brain" and sometimes allow my fantasies to inspire me.
Rivian keeps me motivated by giving me advice on colors, composition and other elements and principles of Art. I have had many influences besides Rivian; Masters in the many museums we have visited and that I see in class, places to which we have traveled.  I especially am drawn to Picasso & Modigliani.
Lucky me, I married an art teacher!


Hans Butikofer, mixed-media

Hans Butikofer, acrylic


KATHLEEN WILSON
Creating is a freeing, healing, spiritual experience for me. I approach each piece with a few ideas,
canvas or cardboard, the later my 1st choice, as the corrugated organic texture and recycling usefulness are very appealing to me. Selecting colors and mediums then applying these to what my heart would like to express I begin to create. I am influenced by family, friends, Mexican culture, Pablo Picasso, Alexej Von  Jawlensky, and my mentor and friend Rivian Butikofer.

 Kathleen Wilson, mixed-media
                                             

Kathleen Wilson, mixed-media

LISA SWAIMAN
"When the self-consciousness and self-judgment falls away, I just let the pleasure of making art wash over me. I don't know how it can simultaneously be both meditative and exhilarating, but it is. As a beginner, I've gone from dreading art class each week, to eagerly awaiting the exploration of a new medium, a new technique or a new idea. "Gold Rush", One of the pieces displayed here, was my second chance to "play with" plaster-on-wood. It's a race against the quick-drying plaster to create or give in to the magical flow of the medium. So much fun! 
Max was a 96-year-old Holocaust survivor. I met him in his last days, while volunteering at Light Bridge Hospice. With no family left, his biggest concern was that his story would be gone. No one would remember him. He held this piece of art in his hands two days before he died. He then knew he would indeed be remembered. 


Lisa Swaiman, mixed-media
                                      
 Lisa Swaiman, mixed-media, Max


                                          

                                                     BARBARA SIMMONS
I love exploring texture, recycling and my imagination in assemblage, primarily sculpture. Currently I have three series; the first  consists of sculptures made of bark,pods & natural materials. The second sculpture series is based in recycled metal and wood. My most recent exploration is of recycled plastic and polymer sculptures.

                                                                           
Barbara Simmons, mixed- media
                                   
 Barbara Simmons, mixed- media
                                  

                                                                       
                                                    AVI MODY                    
 "My art is the song in my heart or the chatter in my mind or the sadness in my soul....my therapy , my outlet.... Nothing is as nurturing to my inner self as is a brush in my hand to do whatever I wish with!
There is no set manuscript for my work - each piece has its own narrative. Hopefully woven in each individual viewer's mind's eye"
                   
                                                       
 Avi Mody, mixed-media


Avi Mody, mixed-media 
                                                    
                                                                           
                                                                            ANGELIKA ERNE
    I was born in Germany and lived in Switzerland with my Swiss Husband before moving to La Jolla where we have lived for many years. I began making "traditional"  ART' until  I found my Teacher & Mentor, Rivian Butikofer with whom I have been working for about ten or more years. Rivian has helped me to feel, see, smell & taste ART!
"I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say, he feels deeply, he feels tenderly"
Vincent Van Gogh

                                                                   
Angelika Erne, mixed-media


Angelika Erne, mixed-media



DENISE PACCIONE
After leaving a 40+-year career in the world of advertising as an award-winning creative director, my focus is on process, rather than technique. In my creative work, I’m seeking the pure creative impulse arising from the authentic self, rather than the analytical mind. Influenced by the power of archetypical imagery and natural forces, my art tends toward darker emotional explorations while maintaining optimism through the use of a bright palette.                                                                        
Denise Paccione, mixed-media

Denise Paccione, mixed-media






Sunday, August 7, 2016

TEN FABULOUS CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS @ THE MISSION RESTAURANT, MISSION BEACH. WATCH FOR MY BLOG VERY SOON!

Introducing Sculptor/mixed-media artist Barbara Simmons working on one of her sculptures in my studio, & pictured below one of her wonderful mixed media pieces which is hanging in the exhibit @ The Mission Restaurant 3795 Mission Blvd. in Mission Beach until Aug. 29th. All of the work is exceptional & some is for sale @ great prices! I will be blogging about this with more images very soon, WATCH FOR IT!

Also, registration is open for my two new classes @

THE ATHENAEUM, LA JOLLA 

7. EXPLORING CONTEMPORARY ART FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
       SEPT.28-NOV.16

THE ATHENAEUM, BREAD & SALT, LOGAN HTS.

56. URBAN ART & MORE, 
      OCT. 4-NOV. 8

Happy Art Making!
Rivian


Barbara Simmons

Barbara Simmons, mixed media


TWELVE FABULOUS CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS @ THE MISSION RESTAURANT, MISSION BEACH. WATCH FOR MY BLOG VERY SOON!

Introducing Sculptor/mixed-media artist Barbara Simmons working on one of her sculptures in my studio, & pictured below one of her wonderful mixed media pieces which is hanging in the exhibit @ The Mission Restaurant 3795 Mission Blvd. in Mission Beach until Aug. 29th. All of the work is exceptional & some is for sale @ great prices! I will be blogging about this with more images very soon, WATCH FOR IT!

Also, registration is open for my two new classes @

THE ATHENAEUM, LA JOLLA 

7. EXPLORING CONTEMPORARY ART FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD
       SEPT.28-NOV.16

THE ATHENAEUM, BREAD & SALT, LOGAN HTS.

56. URBAN ART & MORE, 
      OCT. 4-NOV. 8

Happy Art Making!
Rivian


Barbara Simmons

Barbara Simmons, mixed media


Monday, July 11, 2016

WHAT'S NEW WITH ARTIST GAYLE TAUBER

Gayle Tauber has been involved in entrepreneurial businesses for more than 40 years, notably Kashi Company started in 1983 with her and sold to Kellog Company in 2000. She is currently active in philanthropic Women's groups and is also sought out for speaking engagements. Gayle started drawing as a young girl, but it was not until she sold her business that she had time to pursue her art interest with her first (& only) teacher, Rivian Butikofer.
Gayle has been painting with me for almost a decade. How gratifying to see the enormous progress that she has made painting, focusing on her Family members and  "Women of Valor"; for example, Golda Meir, Eleanor Roosevelt, Ella Fitzgerald, Maya Angelou, and most recently, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 
Having worked closely with Gayle Tauber these past many years I can say in all candor that she has much in common with the impressive Women whom she chooses to paint!
Rivian

A WOMAN OF VALOR

A woman of valor–seek her out,
for she is to be valued above rubies.
Her husband trusts her,
and they cannot fail to prosper.
All the days of her life
she is good to him.
She opens her hands to those in need
and offers her help to the poor.
Adorned with strength and dignity,
she looks to the future with cheerful trust.
Her speech is wise,
and the law of kindness is on her lips....

Excerpt from the Book of Proverbs: Proverbs 31


Gayle painting Ella Fitzgerald 

Ella Fitzgerald


Gayle painting Eleanor Roosevelt



Eleanor Roosevelt

Golda Meir

Golda Meir


Maya Angelou


Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg


Gayle & her painting of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg


Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

MY WONDERFUL STUDENTS' ART!


 I have the most talented & loyal students that anyone could ask for!  I am  proud & happy to share with you some of the wonderful work that they do. Their work is exceptional & it was difficult for me to choose which to exhibit on this BLOG!  Most of the ART is available for purchase. If you are interested in more information such as price, size or media please contact me on this BLOG or by e-mail @ 4choux@sbcglobal.net. 
Trust me when I say that you would have to pay VERY MUCH MORE to purchase this quality of ART @ any gallery in the world. We welcome your comments!

*PLEASE NOTE: I HAVE NEW WORKSHOPS BEGINNING @ THE ATHENAEUM,
 LA JOLLA & LOGAN HEIGHTS END OF MAY & JUNE. PLS. CHECK ATHENAEUM.ORG OR CALL 858 454 5872, OR  E-MAIL ME FOR INFORMATION.
Warmly,
Rivian                                         

Faith Fleury
Faith Fleury
Faith Fleury
Gayle Tauber
Gayle Tauber
Gayle Tauber

Angelica Erne
Angelica Erne
Angelica Erne
Anonymous
Anonymous
Anonymous
Kathleen Wilson
Kathleen Wilson
Kathleen Wilson
Ralph Lazar
Ralph Lazar
Ralph Lazar

Hans Butikofer
Hans Butikofer
Hans Butikofer
Phyllis Mcinnis
Phyllis Mcinnis
Phyllis Mcinnis
Avi Mody
Avi Mody

Avi Mody
Patricia Valdes
Patricia Valdes
Patricia Valdes
Denise Paccione
Denise Paccione
Denise Paccione
Jorgina  Alcayaga Franzheim
Jorgina  Alcayaga Franzheim
Jorgina  Alcayaga Franzheim
Pnina Gold

Pnina Gold



Pnina Gold

Dorothy Wetzler
Dorothy Wetzler



Dorothy Wetzler
Lisa Hill
Lisa Hill
Lisa Hill

Ann Westbrook

Ann Westbrook
Ann Westbrook

                                                                       Larry Gratt

Larry Gratt

Larry Gratt

Anonymous

Pamela (Zuni) Courtelyou

Pamela Courtelyou

                                                                 Madonna Treadway
                                                               
 Madonna Treadway

Madonna Treadway

Fiona Bechtler-Levin 

                                                                  Donatella Wachtel

  Donatella Wachtel 

                                                                    Allyson Handley

Allyson Handley


anonymous

anna k.metza gallegos

                                                                         Patti Gotte

                                                                  Debbie Kirchofer


Andrea Factor
                                                                   Carolina Vivas