26 January 2009 No Comment

Patrick Farrand - Artist/Photographer

Patrick Farrand is a Los Angeles based artist who lives and works in Long Beach, CA. In general, his work is very eclectic­-ranging from portraits and surrealistic abstracts, to landscapes and architectural works.  "I first moved to Long Beach in 1986 to go CSULB and have been painting professionally since 1996.  I live in the Alamitos Beach neighborhood and have always, from the first time coming to Long Beach, loved the architecture here.  I believe it's the simple and clean geometric shapes that have drawn me in from day one."

As one of the featured artists at the Rose Park Restoration Trade Fair in September, he was pleased to report that the show proved a success for him. "I gained three new clients for commissions and sold two paintings at the show.  It was a great experience and one that I'm looking forward to next year." 

You can view his work at: www.farrandfinearts.com

 

Susan Jansen - Artist

San Francisco Bay Area artist, Susan Jansen, was also featured at the 2008 Restoration Trade Fair. Her connection to Rose Park is through her sister, Emily, an active member of the Rose Park Historic Neighborhood Association.

Jansen's specialty is in portraiture, be it of people or their pets. She is a sought-after artist whose work is collected throughout the United States, Europe, and in Russia.  "My portraits are well known for having my subject's exact likeness," she explains, "and at the same time for portraying his or her spirit and personality with a beautiful, soft quality."
 
With a love for the Art Nouveau and Art Deco style, Jansen says the Long Beach neighborhoods are a huge inspiration for her and in her work. "Walking through the neighborhoods in Long Beach, lined with arts and crafts bungalows, is like stepping back in time for me. I can think of no better way to complement a restoration than to add a portrait painted in the style of the house.  Combining my love for painting portraits with my love of that art period, has resulted in a very enthusiastic reception of my work among my clients, especially in the Long Beach area."

Jansen also was pleased with the reception she received at the RTF. "The trade fair exceeded my expectations, and it was a joy to spend the day there.  The public was very complimentary, the location was pleasant, and I have three new portrait commissions as a result.  I think the fair was a resounding success and I look forward to an invitation next year!"

Visit her website at: www.susanjansen.com

 

Dorette Marie Amell - Artist

Dorette Marie Amell's artistic endeavors span over 25 years-as both a fine and decorative artist and muralist. Her work has taken her from southern Maine to Southern California-and to Long Beach where she currently resides.

As a decorative artist and muralist, her services include trompe l'oeil painting, custom artwork, portraiture, hand lettering, gilding, furniture painting and exceptional faux finishing, for both trade and individual clients. She has completed projects ranging in size from 4 to 40,000 square feet. She also provides professional restoration, having brought back to life antique frescos, paintings and murals, as well as furniture, wood graining and wall coverings.

As a fine artist, her style has been described as "an imaginative representational style that references art historical and religious paintings as well as pop culture and folk art."  Her works have been exhibited throughout galleries in Maine, Washington, and Virginia.

"Long Beach is a big inspiration for my work," Dorette reflects. "The architecture, light, waterfront, foliage, characters and cultural diversity all combine to make a compelling place for me as an artist. As it pertains to my decorative and restoration work, good restoration requires sensitivity to those who have gone before, as well as a respect for the original designer and craftsperson. In both my decorative and fine art, I incorporate contemporary materials and approach along with time tested technique and the principals of good design. I've learned valuable technical lessons from every restoration I have completed. Long Beach is rich in the work of past masters-which I'm often reminded to look at, to see what can be learned."
 
Dorette says the trade fair was a great opportunity for her to network and meet potential clients, and to that end, she made valuable contacts for future commissions.

You can view her work at: www.doretteamell.com

 

Sarah G. Vinci - Photographer

Inside and Outside on Orizaba