Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a 4th-century theologian. He wrote, “Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything. People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to our knees.” Centuries later Albert Einstein echoed Gregory when he wrote, “The human mind is not capable of grasping the Universe.”
Somerville Manning Gallery, Cherries, Old Clock, and Sea Salt, oil on linen, 9 x 12", by Christine Lafuente.
Koo Schadler quotes Gregory in her tiny, 3¼-by-2¼-inch egg tempera painting Only Wonder Grasps Any Thing. She painted his words carved into stone weathered through the ages. Above the stone is a butterfly that wonderfully transformed from a larva to a flying insect. All the material for creating the butterfly was present in the egg from which the larva emerged just as child’s joke relates, “Remember, the mighty oak was once a nut like you.”
Nearly twice as big as Schadler’s finely detailed egg tempera is Zack Zdrale’s 6-by-5-inch oil Lone Man. A master of light and shadow, Zdrale paints in a traditional manner with prominent brushstrokes—even in this small format. His paintings are suggestive and open to interpretation. Lone Man may be a single figure in a field or he may be alone in the world, his slouched posture indicative perhaps of defeat or, more positively, resignation. 
Abend Gallery, Lone Man, oil on panel, 6 x 5", by Zack Zdrale.
Nüart Gallery, Connecting Storms, steel and paint, 4¾ x 4½ x 2", by Randall Reid.
Arden Gallery, Only Wonder Grasps Any Thing, egg tempera on true gesso panel, 3¼ x 2¼", by Koo Schadler.
Patti Andre, Friendly Enemies, oil, 20 x 16"
Christine Lafuente’s 9-by-12-inch still life Cherries, Old Clock, and Sea Salt illustrates a love of paint that Zdrale showed in his painting. She enjoys the fact that oil paint has a huge range of viscosity and revels in that as she paints her still lifes. She also marvels in the ability of paint to express the visual phenomenon of a seen object. The composition for Cherries, Old Clock, and Sea Salt is arranged on a table in the natural light of her studio. The objects are abstracted in the rectilinear setting, less literal than poetic.
Patti Andre, Water Carrier’s, oil, 16 x 20"
Patti Andre, Mountain Splendor, oil, 20 x 20"
Paul Scott Gallery, Turquoise Water, oil, 7¾ x 9¾", by Daniil Volkov.
Paul Scott Gallery, On a Walk, oil, 9¾ x 13¾", by Ivan Vityuk.
Randall Reid assembles salvaged and scavenged wood and metal into abstract sculptures that “reflect the process of aging, in that the chance and random circumstances involved in its creation are closely correlated with the physicality of growth and decay. The surface speaks of the passage of time; the windows, and the conundrums posed within them, address the deeper meanings of existence.”
Holes in steel plates suggest the eyes of hurricanes in Connecting Storms, a 4¾-by-4½-by-2-inch assemblage. Although he has created a narrative, the rusty surface of the steel plates and peeling paint suggest a connection to the past and to the people who carefully constructed and painted the original object. They have gone but Reid has rescued the remnants of their efforts. He gives new life to what A.B. Shepherd calls the “broken bits of what once was.”
Paul Scott Gallery, Summer Day, oil, 14 x 11", by Regina Lyubovnaya.
Giuliana Aubert, Celestial Moments, oil on wrapped canvas, 23 x 27"
Giuliana Aubert, Evening Ritual, oil on wrapped canvas, 22 x 28"
Giuliana Aubert, What Lies Beyond, oil on wrapped canvas, 23 x 27"
This feature dedicated to small-scale works of art is ideal for the holiday season. As collectors look to buy gifts and fill nooks and crannies within their home, the size often matters as does the affordability of these tiny treasures.
According to artist Alex Tolstoy, “Larger is not necessarily better—there are lovely jewels of paintings which are tiny. They can shine when caught peeking out from a quiet space on the wall or on a shelf. Look at them closely—they may hide thoughts and dreams.”
Chella Gonsalves, Valley Vineyard, oil, 11 x 14"
Chella Gonsalves, Dancer, oil, 12 x 9"
Steven S. Walker, Georgetown at Night #2, oil, 24 x 24"
Faust Gallery, which has locations in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Scottsdale, Arizona, represents Andrea Vargas, who creates pastel on paper drawings of birds and other creatures. “Living creatures are energetic forms and have an intrinsic vibrancy and life force that I hope to capture in these gestural works on paper,” she says. “I work spontaneously in order to mimic the freedom and vitality of these wonderful beings. Paper is my medium of choice because it aligns with the immediacy of my creative process and allows for honest and authentic mark making.”
Chella Gonsalves, My Yellow Boat, oil, 12 x 9"
Steven S. Walker, The Ol’ Shop After Hours, oil, 14 x 9"
Steven S. Walker, Streaming at Dusk, oil, 12 x 24"
Bryant Nagel Galleries in Sedona, Arizona, sees many collectors turning toward smaller aspects of life and art. Gallery co-owner Dr. Jennifer Bryant Nagel says, “Increasingly, new generations of art lovers embrace ‘living small,’ trading square footage for more leisure time and the freedom to travel. For these collectors we recommend smaller, more intimate pieces that evoke the emotions and memories of a cherished experience or a favorite destination.”
An award-winning artist, Chella Gonsalves considers herself primarily to be a plein air oil painter. She signs her artworks as Chella—her first name only preference. She paints with spontaneity and energy from nature’s present sights and sounds.
Faust Gallery, Sing Me Back Home (1/5), pastel on paper, 12 x 10", by Andrea Vargas.
Lori McNee, Aspen Glow, oil on linen, 24 x 24"
Lori McNee, Pelicans at Dawn, oil on linen, 18 x 24"
Faust Gallery, Earthly Fire (5/5), pastel on paper, 12½ x 9½", by Andrea Vargas.
Also turning to the world around her is Cheryl Keefer, who often paints cityscapes and interiors as well as landscapes. She says, “My impressionistic work is about the mood and atmosphere of everyday experiences. I love it when the viewer gets the story I am telling.”
California artist Clark Mitchell, too, turns to the outdoors. “When painting on location, as well as for smaller studio works, I always use soft pastel on paper for vibrant color, portability and ease of handling. For large format in the studio, I switch to oil,” he says. When collectors are looking for a landscape to add their collection, Mitchell says they should make the purchase if the work is moving or brings back a pleasant memory—regardless if they know the location or not.
Working mostly from memory, Deb Schmit is inspired by the rural figures and landscapes she finds near her home and abroad. “Having lived on a Montana ranch for the past 20 years, I’m in love with the stark contrast of people and animals thriving on the land,” Schmit says. “This both surprises and delights me.” 
Lori McNee, Summer Things, oil on linen, 14 x 11"
Margret Short, Blue Willow, oil on linen, 8 x 10"
Tara Sood, The Peach Hat, oil on canvas, 13 x 9½"
Schmit’s painting The Red Hen is displayed at Latigo & Lace Gallery in Augusta, Montana, for November and December, and her work The Trail will be on view at Frame of Reference in Whitefish, Montana, for its 235 – The Smaller Works Show.
Still life artist Dee Kirkham says her slogan is, “Art is my life journey, more beautiful shared than a journey alone!” She adds, “[When] creating a collection of oil paintings in the Old Dutch Masters style, collectors [are] wanting to add beauty in their lives what will last for a lifetime.”
Tara Sood, Becoming, oil, 12 x 9"
Margret Short, Winter Amaryllis, oil on linen, 20 x 16"
Tara Sood, Akashi Kojo, oil, 9½ x 13"
Knox Galleries, Orchids with Apple, egg tempera on board, 10 x 16½", by Mark Thompson.
Dennis Cheaney is another still life artist, who says, “A collector of classical still lifes is like an artist in that both are pulled to a subject and how it is realized in paint. A still life must feel complete and with that it is able to sustain many long periods of enjoyment through looking.”
Cheryl Keefer, Thirsty Monk, oil, 8 x 10"
Cheryl Keefer, Headed Home, oil, 10 x 10"
Cheryl Keefer, Window Shopping, oil, 8 x 8"
Knox Galleries, Anglers Nook, egg tempera on board, 9 x 13½", by Mark Thompson.
He adds, “As a classically minded artist, I like to explore natural forms as revealed by light. In my still lifes, I enjoy using a well-balanced composition and a harmonious color palette to suggest the beauty in nature.”
According to Canadian artist Cindy Sorley-Keichinger, “Nature is the most soothing of things to view and enjoy.” This is why she paints nature—landscapes and wildlife. Sorley-Keichinger also believes that collectors should buy artwork that they love, because they have to live with the piece in their home.
Knox Galleries, Rose and Silver, egg tempera on board, 9½ x 14", by Mark Thompson.
Reinert Fine Art & Sculpture Garden Gallery, Dusk Light, oil, 8 x 8", by Stephanie Marzella.
Reinert Fine Art & Sculpture Garden Gallery, Encounter, oil, 18 x 18", by Olga Krimon.
Reinert Fine Art & Sculpture Garden Gallery, A Touch of Scarlet, oil, 8 x 10", by Katriel Srebnik.
Marsha Hamby Savage, Lazy Rocks, pastel, 12 x 16"
Lotton Gallery, Kitty with Butterflies, oil on canvas, 14 x 11", by Yana Movchan.
As a painter, Giuliana Aubert seeks to “explore the poetry in color and composition to transpose the viewer to another place and time.” In that regard, Aubert paints landscapes that are full of colors—purples, blues, pinks—that are vibrant and luminous. They can seem otherworldly, but are all part of nature’s palette.
Represented by Knox Galleries in Beaver Creek, Colorado, is still life artist Mark Thompson who works in the classic painting tradition of egg tempera. His work Orchids with Apples highlights the “cascading effect of the orchids against the juxtaposition of white,” the artist says. Another of his paintings, Anglers Nook, was inspired by childhood memories and the anticipation of summer, while Rose and Silver has a focus on the shiny surface of the creamer. He says that this “represents the reflection of the human spirit and the single rose is in essence a symbol of completion, of consummate achievement and perfection.”
Lotton Gallery, Reverie, watercolor and encaustic on panel, 6 x 6", by Mary Alayne Thomas.
Nathalie Lapointe, Un éclaircie, oil, 20 x 20"
Marsha Hamby Savage, Healing Waters, pastel, 14 x 11"
Nathalie Lapointe, Printemps, oil, 20 x 20"
In the flick of a tail, the swoosh of a wing beat, the fleeting glimpse of a creature in its natural habitat, artist Linda Besse strives to capture the essence of animals across the globe. Her travels have taken her to all seven continents and yet a chickadee at her feeder or a deer in her yard still informs her oil paintings and brightens her day.
Marsha Hamby Savage, What’s In The Shed, pastel, 16 x 20"
Sandy Hubler, Poo Bear, oil on canvas, 20 x 16"
Bryant Nagel Galleries, Profile and Seashell, oil and acrylic on canvas, 18 x 12", by Evgeni Gordiets.
Sandy Hubler, Drip Drop, oil on canvas board, 5 x 7"
“Inspired by nature, my broad spectrum of work includes still life, studio landscape and plein air paintings in oil,” says artist Lori McNee. “When out painting in the field, Mother Nature is in charge. However, when painting a still life, I am able to create my own small universe. These elegant arrangements are a juxtaposition of nature-made and man-made objects and most always include birds. Whether it is a landscape or still life painting, I respond to the effects of color light and atmosphere on the subject. Much of what I paint is connected to the mountains where I live and to my past.”
Sandy Hubler, Prize in the Barn, oil on canvas, 16 x 20"
Bryant Nagel Galleries, Harmony of Life, encaustic on panel, 9 x 9", by Slava TCH.
Clark Mitchell, Wetlands, Morro Bay, pastel, 6 x 18"
Bryant Nagel Galleries, EPT-01-13, ceramic and mixed media, 17 x 12 x 7", by Todd Volz.
Clark Mitchell, Hiking, pastel, 16 x 12½"
Available from Lotton Gallery in Chicago is Mary Alayne Thomas’ painting Reverie, which uses several elements of nature: red and yellow striped tulips and a black and white swallow, both gently perched in her muse’s braided hair. Also from the gallery is Yana Movchan’s painting titled Kitty with Butterflies, which has the exquisite details Movchan is known for, placing delicate butterflies and a kitten amongst a rose garden in full bloom.
Using luscious colors with magical names like lapis lazuli, malachite, mummy and cinnabar, Margret Short focuses on natural pigments used by artists throughout history for her paintings. She has created her Lessons series featuring cultures from around the world while highlighting folklore and pigments from each special place. Chiaroscuro techniques are cleverly incorporated into each composition. 
Cindy Sorley-Keichinger, Morning on the Maligne River, acrylic, 7.6 x 12"
Cindy Sorley-Keichinger, Into the Forest or Seaweed Dance, acrylic, 9 x 13½"
Cindy Sorley-Keichinger, South American Red, oil, 9 x 12"
Clark Mitchell, Morro Bay Harbor, pastel, 11 x 11"
Paige Bradley, Contrapposto, bronze, 17 x 10 x 6"
Linda Besse, Fox Run, oil, 7 x 13"
“There is something about nature that excites me to want to paint it. I grew up in a time when we could spend all day outdoors without adult supervision.I walked through creeks, turning over every rock. We spent hours creating trails and climbing trees. This is the worldI grew up in, and [I] want to create paintings to have the viewer feel like they can walk right into it smiling,” says Marsha Hamby Savage. “I love having a quality of mystery to them, or a story to be told, maybe a pathway or bend you want to go around, something that makes the viewer come back again to take a second or third look. Though they may look realistic, they are an arrangement of abstract shapes and marks when viewed from a few feet away, all [coming] together as a whole. My paintings may be pastel, oil or acrylic, mixed media or graphite/ink at any given time. The traditional or impressionistic style I tend to paint in is timeless and will fit in any home or office.”
Linda Besse, ‘Berg, oil, 9¼ x 13¾"
Linda Besse, Waterhole Guardian, oil, 8 x 6½"
Paige Bradley, Purple Shoes, bronze, 9½ x 11 x 11"
Paige Bradley, Vertigo, bronze, 8" tall figures
Paul Rhymer, Life in the Fast Lane, bronze on onyx, ed. of 25, life-size.
Award-winning portrait artist Mykul Lee says, “The goal is to achieve a balance between classical posture and contemporary composition.”
Nathalie Lapointe likes strong contrasts, but most of all, she likes the picture to have an atmosphere. She says, “Whether it’s the vibe of the city, its calm of the morning, its nightlife or the quiet beauty of the seaside, of the boats or even all the splendor of the fantasy worlds [or] imagery inspired by video games, I like to go somewhere else and make people travel.” 
The Christopher Hill Gallery, Seraph 4, acrylic and ink on canvas, 24 x 18", by Aiden Kringen.
Paul Rhymer, Yawning of a New Day, bronze, ed. 25, life-size.
Dennis Cheaney, Onion and bottle of oil, oil on linen, 6 x 8"
Shelley K. Breitzmann, Gibbous Moon, acrylic on canvas, 14 x 11"
Sculptor Paige Bradley says, “I am not satisfied by making pretty art or accurate work, but rather I find purpose in perceiving the human condition of today and capturing its essence. Artwork should not be considered good or deemed worthy because a curator or critic tells us so; it should speak to the heart and remind us, inspire us, awaken us from the slumber of monotony.”
Pamela B Padgett loves the simplicity of shape and composition, such as in her painting Painters Muse, which depicts a rural homestead. The work is subtle in color, but there is an authentic nature to the work. “I love these old crusty landmarks in the countryside,” she says.
Pamela B Padgett, Painters Muse, oil on linen, 11 x 14"
Mykul Lee, Vanessa, oil on canvas, 12 x 9"
Alex Tolstoy, Lighthouse, watercolor, 7 x 5"
The love of painting many subjects has always been a part of Patti Andre’s art career. “The body language of the figure, colors of nature and the composition of architecture all inspire me to paint these subjects,” she says.
Sculptor Paul Rhymer says, “Although I live in the east, I spend a lot of time in the Southwest. I find the land and the denizens found there to be a constant source of wonder and inspiration. A roadrunner sculpture done last year led to the creation of an enlargement of that piece. I felt like the world needed an 8-foot version of that quirky and cocky bird. What a fun project.”
Hernan Miranda, Perfil IV, oil on canvas, 10 x 8"
Deb Schmit, The Red Hen, oil on linen panel, 16 x 12"
Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is Paul Scott Gallery, which represents the work of artists that create in a variety of subject matters and styles. “I really enjoy the small works that come through our gallery as they are often steps in a process and not something created for a specific price range. Our classically trained artists use them to capture something that inspires them such as an interesting face, a strong composition or fleeting light and, as such, they are some of the most honest paintings we get. Because of their extensive training, the artists make the process look so easy and effortless when it really is not,” says gallery owner Paul Eubanks. “These small works are snapshots of years of training and lots of natural talent. They are often used as sketches for larger works.”
Deb Schmit, The Trail, oil on linen panel, 16 x 12"
The Christopher Hill Gallery, Jones St. North Beach, SF, oil on canvas, 8 x 10", by Nobuhito Tanaka.
The Christopher Hill Gallery, Blues at Midnight, oil on panel, 16 x 12", by Terry Miura.
Eubanks continues, “Daniil Volkov is a well-known, third-generation impressionist whose plein air works are now popular throughout the world. We sell many of his small works to professional artists. Regina Lyubovnaya is a Russian-American artist whose mastery of light comes from her years at the Florence Academy of Art. Ivan Vityuk is a skilled realist and impressionist who loves to paint scenes of everyday life in Russia and Ukraine. He walked the same halls of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, Russia, that Nicolai Fechin did.”
Reinert Fine Art & Sculpture Garden Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, is home to artist Rick Reinert and a slate of emerging through established artists. Gallery director Jason Stone says, “Our gallery is proud to represent some of the nation’s top emerging artists. We represent artists that have earned important credentials; their work is in high demand and they offer a compelling price point.”
Dee Kirkham, Whte Peonies, oil on board, 12 x 12"
Dee Kirkham, Christine Roses, oil on board, 12 x 9"
Sandy Hubler loves to paint subjects that are in nature or animals. “I seem to always be seeking a serene atmosphere in my subjects,” she says. “I like my paintings to either take you back in time or [make you] wish you were there.”
Shelley K. Breitzmann lives near Lake Superior in upper Wisconsin. The region has had a major impact on her work. She says, “The fog, the storms, the ice, the cold [and] deep water are all pretty compelling. The unpredictable weather generated by Lake Superior is a constant source of inspiration. Living here all my life, and having the chance to get to know the area as well as I have, has really been a gift.”
Though she paints in a wide range of sizes, Breitzmann finds that the smaller work is a great way to try to focus in on the details but distill them down to the basic elements.
Dee Kirkham, Gathering Basket, oil on board, 12 x 15"
Whether a landscape or a night scene, Steven S. Walker’s artwork is “inspired by the design of light in the composition,” he says. “I often look for scenes that would typically be overlooked. My hope is that my work will take collectors to a place and time that moves them both aesthetically and emotionally.”
“As I seek the balance between an expressive brushstroke and precision in my larger paintings, I paint two to three small works exploring ideas, composition and values,” says artist Tara Sood. “These small works are often fresh, alive and complete. Having spent significant time in Japan, I have built a painting series depicting the process of the Japanese potters. I continue to explore this subject as I build my next series, Mother/Daughter.”
Located in St. Helena, California, The Christopher Hill Gallery is celebrating its 17th year in business. The gallery represents a number of artists—including Nobuhito Tanaka, Aiden Kringen and Terry Miura—who all fit within owner Christopher Hill’s unique vision. Hill says, “Is it possible to combine a reverence of classicism with a contemporary edge? I believe it is, and aim to purvey the embodiment of such within the gallery.” —
Featured Artists & Galleries
Abend Gallery
1412 Wazee Street
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 355-0950
www.abendgallery.com
Alex Tolstoy
McLean, VA, (703) 760-0881
atolstoy@gmail.com
www.atolstoyart.com
Arden Gallery
129 Newbury Street
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 247-0610
www.ardengallery.com
Bryant Nagel Galleries
431 State Route 179, Sedona,
AZ 86336, (928) 282-6865
connect@bryantnagelgalleries.com
www.bryantnagelgalleries.com
Chella Gonsalves
cgonsalv@ix.netcom.com
www.chellaartist.com
Cheryl Keefer
www.cherylkeefer.com
Cindy Sorley-Keichinger
(780) 847-2294
goldfarm@telusplanet.net
www.goldenkstudio.com
Clark Mitchell
8967 Cypress Avenue
Cotati, CA 94931, (707) 477-0276
www.clarkmitchellart.com
Deb Schmit
(406) 468-3093
www.debschmit.com
Dee Kirkham
(714) 307-2377
dee@deekirkham.com
www.deekirkham.com
Dennis Cheaney
dwcheaney@hotmail.com
www.dennischeaney.com
Faust Gallery
114 E. Palace Avenue
Santa Fe,NM 87501
(480) 200-4290
www.faustgallery.com
Giuliana Aubert
(310) 288-3531
www.giulianaaubert.com
Hernan Miranda
(561) 860-1626
hernanmiranda1@gmail.com
www.hernanmiranda.com
Knox Galleries
46 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek,
CO 81620, (970) 949-5564
www.knoxgalleries.com
Linda Besse
(509) 238-9129
linda@besseart.com
www.besseart.com
Lori McNee
(208) 726-5512
www.lorimcnee.com
Lotton Gallery
900 N. Michigan Avenue, Level 6
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 664-6203
www.lottongallery.com
Margret Short
margretshort@comcast.net
www.margretshort.com
Marsha Hamby Savage
Smyrna, GA, (770) 853-4696
marsha@marshasavage.com
www.marshasavage.com
Mykul Lee
www.mykullee.com
Nathalie Lapointe
(450) 421-4761
info@nlapointe.com
www.nlapointe.com
Nüart Gallery
670 Canyon Road, Santa Fe,
NM 87501, (505) 988-3888
fineart@nuartgallery.com
www.nuartgallery.com
Paige Bradley
information@paigebradley.com
www.paigebradley.com
Pamela B Padgett
jppadgett@comcast.net
www.pamelabpadgett.com
Patti Andre
(970) 690-4246
www.pattiandre.com
Paul Rhymer
(301) 980-4429
www.rhymerstudio.com
Paul Scott Gallery
7103 E. Main Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
(480) 596-9533
www.paulscottgallery.com
Reinert Fine Art
179 & 181 King Street
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 694-2445
jason@reinertfineart.com
www.reinertfineart.com
Sandy Hubler
(501) 416-0533
www.sandyhublerfineart.com
Shelley K. Breitzmann
sbreitzmann@gmail.com
www.shelleybreitzmann.com
Somerville Manning Gallery
Breck’s Mill, 2nd Floor
101 Stone Block Row
Greenville,DE 19807
(302) 652-0271
www.somervillemanning.com
Steven S. Walker
(614) 264-7666
steven@stevenwalkerstudios.com
www.stevenwalkerstudios.com
Tara Sood
San Diego, CA, (760) 685-5560
art@tarasood.com
www.tarasood.com
The Christopher Hill Gallery
1235 Main Street, Saint Helena,
CA 94574, (707) 963-0272
www.chgalleries.comv
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