Celebration of Fine Art

Scottsdale's Celebration of Fine Art: Where art lovers and artists connect.

Gregory Sievers

Gregory Sievers received his Associate of Fine Arts Degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho and a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. His graduate thesis was a compilation of still lifes depicting aspects of the early west to receive his Master of Fine Arts Degree from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

The inspiration for Greg’s pioneer scenes comes from American history. Having grown up in the Rocky Mountains, he draws from the experiences of his youth to capture the essence of the American West. He strives to portray the courage and nobility shown by those pioneers who crossed the plains, and he seeks especially to show the lives of pioneers on an individual basis. He does this by depicting individual families or groups facing the hardship, as well as the vastness and beauty of the west. By doing this he hopes that those who experience his work can better relate to the heritage that we as Americans share.

Greg has traveled extensively in Europe over the past decade, painting “Plein Air” in Paris as well as in the European country side, including the Italian and French Rivieras, Venice and Rome, Madrid and Barcelona, Budapest, Strassborg, England, Wales and Prague. He uses historical books and images to place the streets and figures in the 18th century, adding a sense of romance and history. The monuments and historic landmarks of the cities of Europe provide beautiful icons in these city scenes, and allow all who see his work to experience both the time and place depicted.

A unique form of impressionism can be seen in Greg’s style. Many of the early impressionist styles were far more detailed than most realize. Though Greg’s paintings appear to be quite detailed, a closer look will reveal expressive brush work and charming impressionistic textures.

As an artist, Greg feels that his work can affect people on many levels. He enjoys painting a variety of subjects and themes, and is always finding new ways to express his romantic leanings.

Greg has been painting at the Celebration of Fine Art in the Big White Tents since 1998. In 2010 his son, Matt Sievers joined the Celebration. It was great to have both of them painting and sharing their talent with the visitors.

Bruce Marion

Bruce began his art career at an early, studying privately with a cadre of Los Angeles artists, and sold his first piece in a show at the age of nine. While earning his degree at Art Center College of Design, he studied under Lorser Feitelson, the father of Post-Surrealism.

Bruce wants to represent the blinding truth of those “Aha Moments” of true insight as well as the confusion and uncertainty we all experience along our paths. His presence of the circle in his paintings represents the elemental almost primal journeys and lessons that keep coming back around. In observation, no single point on a circle is more important than any other point reminding us that every point on the path is an equally significant part of the journey. Whether we think of it as a good or bad experience, it’s all helping us to our destination.

Expressing this intricacy and depth on canvas involves creating multiple layers of images. Bruce begins each piece with a very vivid and energetic palette knife composition, with thick swirls and streaks of saturated color slashed across the canvas. He then layers coat upon coat of sheer glazes over his base, creating a delicate balance between what is hidden and what is allowed to bleed through. Per Bruce, “This gives it subtext. Just like in life, the most interesting stuff is what’s below the surface. That’s where I want my paintings to resonate”.

2010 represents the sixth year at the Celebration of Fine Art, where he and his Pekingese, Matisse, look forward to another great season with old and new friends. Drop by the Celebration to perhaps experience journey through his paintings.

David W. Jackson

David JacksonDavid W. Jackson is multi-talented and proficient in several art mediums. Although he is well known for his accurate depiction of wildlife and western landscapes, David’s work is very diverse and includes a wide variety of subjects and locations. His richly colored impressionistic style has afforded him the opportunity of showing his work in private collections and shows throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

David’s welcoming smile and positive attitude is very familiar to anyone who has attended the Celebration of Fine Art. His work has been exhibited with the Celebration of Fine Art since 1994. His list of collectors is long and continually growing!

A native of Ogden, Utah, David’s interest in art began at an early age. He received a Bachelor of Science degree at Weber State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree through Utah State University. aspenshadows_fullAfter teaching high school art for 27 years, he retired to pursue his passion full time to create his own artwork. He is a strong supporter of numerous wildlife and charitable organizations and for many years has served as a board member for the Eccles Community Art Center in Ogden.

David is always striving for excellence. He loves new challenges and opportunities which provide him with creative resources. His home and studio are located in the beautiful surroundings of Mountain Green, Utah where it is not unusual for him to see a Moose walking by out the window. When he is not painting or sculpting, he is enjoying his family and the great outdoors.

Be sure to stop by his studio at the Celebration of Fine Art and see what’s new for 2010.

Daphne Keskinis

Sylvie by Daphne Keskinis

Sylvie by Daphne Keskinis

Daphné was born in Paris, France.  Her whole family is involved in the history of art.  Her heritage comes from afar.  Her grandfather was an official portrait artist for presidents, kings and director of “ecole des Beaux Arts”.  His work is represented in numerous museums.  Her mother was a traditional watercolor artist.  At the age of 21, Daphne’ moved to New York to show her artwork in an exclusive gallery.

Daphné started with oils and pastels, but for over 40 years has been enraptured by the medium of enamel.  She studied with an old master, “Maitre Corlin”, who was a friend of Picassco and Braque.  She currently works with oils and enamels from her Studio Gallery in Carefree, Arizona and in South France.  In the inspiration of the new and old world, her subjects are versatile, bringing a force and excitement in panorama of both continents.
Enameling is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to metal or glass by firing.  The powder melts, flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating.  Applied enamel pottery and stone objects date back to the ancient Egyptians.  The French invented the technique of “painting” with a special enamel called “blanc de Limoges” over a dark enameled surface to form a detailed picture, often human figure.  Limoges enamel, made in Limoges, France is the most famous European centre of vitreous enamel production.

La Creperie

When Daphné paints the fused powdered glass to copper, she creates ancient gardens, views of restaurants and cafes, chefs, religious images, and gorgeous bouquets. In the past few years, she has been creating contemporary paneled wall hangings where the flowing colors create emotional movement.  Her enameled fabulous faces seem to speak to you as if they are someone you know.
Daphné  has been oil and enamel painting at the Celebration of Fine Art since 1993.  To see if one of her faces speak to you or to learn more about enamel painting, visit her studio at the Celebration January 16 through March 29, 2010.

Where art lovers and artists connect.