Artistic Encounters is an on-going series of segments focusing on the fine arts of our region.

Beth Rodgers loves everything whimsical, mysterious and fantastical in art, and often looks for ways to incorporate these elements into her work. She started painting over seven years ago after retiring from non-profit community program development and management. Her sister who is an artist, introduced her to acrylic painting and showed her the basics. She enjoys the versatility of this medium and over the years has learned increasingly more about color and composition, distinct shapes, and negative and positive spaces. She usually paints from reference photos, most frequently taken herself, when she is drawn to unusual compositions or subjects. She brings her own interpretation, style and color to her paintings, looking for what isn’t there but could be. She hopes that the enjoyment she experiences in painting is conveyed through her paintings.

The artist P. Buckley Moss was asked how long it takes for her to paint a picture.  "My whole life," she said.  For Pat, it is this lifelong passion and belief that is expressed in her work, giving us a collection of art that is filled with a lifetime of experiences:  from her Irish-Italian heritage to her urban art school education, the laughter of her children, and the simplicity of birds flying south for the winter.  As a young mother Pat moved her family south and increasingly found inspiration in the imagery of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, becoming captivated by the life and culture of the Amish and Mennonite people of the area.  She embraced the local landscapes, lifestyles, and traditions and felt that the life and culture she was part of held an important message for modern society:  live simply and enjoy every moment!

Paulina Swietliczko is a perceptual painter inspired by everyday life and her favorite medium is oil. According to Swietliczko, ”Recently, I have been painting outside, finding places and scenes around my town and surroundings; sometimes I paint architecture and some other times a landscape, vegetable garden, objects in my house or my friends and family members. Whatever I paint, I try to find my own way of depicting the world. In my painting process, I like the feeling of wonder and being lost, finding some kind of order in the chaos. Painting for me is a constant search and an adventure, each time I paint, I discover something new.” 

If you find yourself strolling down Roanoke’s Crystal Spring Avenue you might just find  Rudy Saunders creating one of his signature birdhouses while whistling with the neighborhood birds. He’s a friend to all and embodies the creative spirit of this vibrant city. His talents are not limited to providing whimsical safe havens for our feathered friends but he also carves walking sticks, paints, and plays the African drums.  His imagination finds beauty in repurposed pieces of wood, furniture, etc. and turns it into functional art. 

Retired Naval Aviator, Captain Rich Davis bought his first DSLR about 12 years ago. After fumbling about for a year shooting on automatic, a couple of professional photographer friends taught him how to shoot in manual mode. He then fell in love with the craft and dabbled with infrared for about 6 years or so when a friend gave him an old, converted camera. He’s been doing more infrared photography since a few years before he retired, but it is now the main focus (pun intended) of his photography.

Originally from Deva, Transylvania, Cornelia has now lived in France for thirty-three years.  The female form is her favorite theme and her chosen technique is composite (inks, oils, pastels, acrylics, collages, ceramics and mosaics). The Roanoke Saint-Lo Sister City group brought her to the Star City first and now she returns frequently to her home away from home spreading her artistic abilities and enthusiasm for fostering a shared love of the arts between cultures.  

Born and raised in the Mediterranean French town of Marseille, Pierrette was captivated by the unique, wonderful light that has attracted artists for centuries. Most of her paintings are reminiscent of the South of France and are filled with color and energy.

On this episode, Madison Madden visits Lindor Arts where she talks with Impressionist Artist Greg Osterhaus.

LinDor Arts | Facebook

osterhausart.com

On this episode of ARTISTIC ENCOUNTERS, Madison Madden visits with abstract artist, Maggie Perrin-Key.   MaggiePerrinKey.com

Roanoke artist, Julie Hamilton calls herself a good energy artist. On this episode of ARTISTIC ENCOUNTERS, Madison Madden uncovers why there’s more to Julie’s art work than meets the eye. More info at juliehamiltonart.com and emilymangusinteriors.com.

In this premiere episode of Artistic Encounters, Madison Madden visits with Salem artist, Kyra Hinton. Kyra is a Chemical Ink Artist, a term, and an art form, she created thanks to a happy accident.