Category Archives: New Artists

From The Studio of Life Arts Designs

Lois & Fanelle

Life Arts Designs is the collaboration of artists Lois Eder and Fanelle White.  Lois and Fanelle have known each other since 2007, when Fanelle’s daughter was a student in Lois’ Special Needs class and Fanelle was an art teacher at the same school.  They shared a common interest in the arts and Lois would visit Fanelle’s art classroom during her off periods, becoming inspired by her teaching and engagement.  It was inevitable that they would become close friends. More than ten years later, they began to talk about retirement and a collaborative art adventure, and Life Arts Designs was created. 

“Colorful Beach

What do you do first when you get to the studio?

Lois: I like to go up to my studio that has large windows which let in wonderful sunlight and put on peaceful music to help calm my brain and inspire creativity.

Fanelle: I set up all my art supplies I will need for my vision of the artwork. I am very methodical in my art approach.  

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

Lois: I put in all of my energy into a single painting so that I can continue on a single focus path.

Fanelle: I am blessed with being a very focused artist. Thus allows me to create a work in a timely manner which allows me to work quickly and focus on one piece at a time. 

Dogs Allowed

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Lois: Abstract work that includes a multi-media approach has always fascinated me. I visualize a large work with many ways that the viewer can connect to my work through texture, composition and color.

Fanelle: I am so fortunate that I have worked on so many projects both individually, in a teaching setting, and in group setting that I feel I have satisfied my need to dream. That said, I am always experimenting with new ideas and new collaborations. 

featuring “Subtle Beach”

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

Lois: Georgia O’Keeffe because I have loved her since high school!

Fanelle: Wow, what a question! I am humbled to work with any artist whether it is an ex-student or working established artist. It’s all wonderful. 

 

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Lois: I talk to everyone wherever there is any form of art and compartmentalize all this information in different areas of my brain. My friends are always blown away by my ability to pull out any needed information and use it for inspiration in my artwork and sales of artwork.

Fanelle: I am so lucky to have a brilliant business partner, Lois, who has inspired and encouraged my professional art making career. 

How has your art evolved over time?

Lois: In one word “age”. Age has its advantages with combining old experiences with new ones. I have learned from old mistakes and discovered new mediums which has helped me to grow as an artist.

Fanelle: Looking back on work I did years ago compared to what I am doing now shows a difference in genre, but not talent (hope that doesn’t sound boastful). I taught art for many years and before that I was an industrial designer. All that time I created for someone else’s purpose, not my own. Now I create beach scenes and am a new resident of the Jersey shore which reflects my happiness in beach life. 

What do you like most about your work?

Lois: I am never quite sure of the exact outcome, and I love the resulting energy that seems to take on a life of its own.

Fanelle: I love to look back on my work and find myself smiling. I try to place many small stories within each work. This way, each time someone looks at the work they see something new.  

“Fenlo

What is one word that best describes your style?

Lois: Unexpected

Fanelle: Whimsical  

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

Lois: I love the early morning light and am a very early riser with loads of creative energy.

Fanelle: I am not a morning person (coffee first before all else). That said, the best light to paint is late morning to early afternoon when the natural light helps me see all flaws and wonderful blend of colors.  

“Endless Horizons

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

Lois: Taking a break from work is always helpful. I live near the beach and a long walk along the shore with salty air filling my lungs clears the blockage and helps me to refocus.

Fanelle: Oh my goodness, yes! I put the piece away for a while and think about what is bothering me for a day or two. Hopefully after I have come to a conclusion, I retry and apply my solution.  

“Candy Bowl Prussian Blue

What is up next on your easel?

Lois: I like to work in series with a nautical or beach theme. The most recent series I completed was a sea life theme and I am now thinking about exploring landscapes inspired by my upcoming trip to the Alaskan wilderness.

Fanelle: I so want to play with a new concept of playing with a combination of perspective, color and light!  

What To Read Next…

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Lens of Thomas Tepstad Berge

Thomas Tepstad Berge is a photographer based in Stavanger, Norway, where he lives with his wife and 4 kids on the west coast of Southern Norway.

While he was given a disposable camera every summer when he was young to document his summer holidays, it was not until Thomas was 18 that he started filling his spare-time with capturing moments. Thomas started out making films, then gradually moved into timelapse photography before he settled down within still photography. He is a self-taught photographer who’s learned techniques and approaches to framing both the hard way and by reading books and articles, watching YouTube videos, etc. Thomas’ portfolio mainly consists of the landscape that you find along the west coast of Norway with deep fjords and steep mountains, long beaches and farmland, and surfing action in the waves. The common denominator for all his images is that he tries to capture the right light, whether it be the soft sunset light in a cloudscape, the powerful Northern lights on the night-sky, or the strong daylight illuminating the actions taking place on a surfboard. Every image brings Thomas back to that moment when he captured them, and if some of those feelings can be transferred to others who view them then he considers the image to be successful.

How would you describe your photography style?

I would describe my landscape and cloudscape photography as “dreamy”, as both the smooth style and the locations themselves are typically not your everyday view, but rather somewhere you would day-dream about visiting.

What are your typical photography subjects?

My typical photography objects would be landscapes, night sky, and surfers. What makes this interesting is the big span from well planned landscape shots to the very in-the-moment action photos in surfing, where both the equipment and approach is completely different.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

Landscape photography in Iceland or the Azores would be amazing. I would then sleep during the day so that I could capture the light during sunsets, night, and sunrise.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

While I do use planning tools to some extent, I actually prefer to go to a site and find the inspiration there and then through the camera lens. I find that the best angles and views are usually not the ones you think prior to being at the location, and often foreground elements like flowers, trees, and animals provide you with that missing ingredient for the perfect shot.

How has your photography evolved over time?

When starting out with photography, I was more centered around the classical sunset shots without many other elements playing together with the light to fulfill the image. Today I always have “something more” than a pretty sunset. I also very much enjoy the more difficult conditions (snow, rain, fog, etc.) as they often create more interesting images.

What do you like most about your work?

What I like most about my work is the joy that it gives me. I love to be outside with my camera, I love to process my images on the desktop, and I love to see the final images and share them with others.

What is your favorite time of day to shoot?

My favorite time is the sunset period (afternoon in the winter, almost midnight in the summer) as the light itself can make a dull scene become the most interesting of all.

What To Read Next…

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Hayley Michelle

Hayley Michelle is a Riverina, New South Wales-born artist who has spent time living within and loving parts of South East Queensland and Victoria. With a background in fine art and portrait photography, Hayley has been creating beautiful works in multiple mediums for the past two decades. She has been gathering up details of textures and tones over that time and has spilled them onto canvas to create a selection of unique and stunningly evocative work.

Now residing within beautiful Melbourne with her son, Alex, and her rambunctious bulldog, Bruno, Hayley works from her home, creating elegant abstract artwork, brought to life with such deliberate detail. Hayley is currently studying Visual Arts at The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology where she intends to expand her knowledge and experience in the arts.

What do you first do when you get to the studio?

My first step is always find an amazing playlist to support my mood and the flow of creativity.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I have always worked on only one at a time. I love to be able to let the entire piece come to life, with an uninterrupted flow from beginning to end.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

I would love to create something large, a collection of floor to ceiling canvases in subtle hues with a lot of texture.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

It is probably cliche, but Frida Kahlo would be my first choice. She was so unapologetically unafraid to simply create with so much passion. Her depictions of her life were so beautiful, but her courage as an artist to just paint without fear was truly so special.

What’s your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

I am a true lover of nature and being outdoors, feeling the warm sun or the crisp cool air on my skin, catching the scent of spring or salty waves in the air. I am a lover of the moon and of beautiful sunsets. I draw a lot on my time living in beautiful Phillip Island, where the sky fills with candy tones over the bay to the east, as the sun sets behind in the west, and waves in the most beautiful shades of blue crash over ancient volcanic rock. I listen to music and close my eyes, and remember the textures, the tones, and mostly the way it feels to be there, and I do my best to convey that on canvas.

How has your art evolved over time?

I was once a pencil portrait artist, drawing tight, realistic portraits from photos. I loved the skill involved, but felt that my passion for creativity wasn’t being fulfilled entirely. I craved to create loose, big painted strokes on canvas, to express emotion and truly capture what it is I love the most. When I moved in this direction, it brought me such peace and my work truly came to life.

What do you like most about your work?

That it is an authentic expression of me.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Ethereal

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I would love to explore with more deliberate shapes and more texture.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

In the morning. I feel so fresh and inspired when I first wake, the new day is like a fresh canvas. I love being up early, sipping coffee, and painting in those quiet hours of the morning.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

I do. Over time I have learned to leave it. Nothing good comes from pushing a piece, so if it isn’t flowing , its not right. I will leave it be, and may or may not come back to it later.

What is up next on your easel?

I am currently working on a small collection of earthy, neutral, more textured paintings, again inspired by the natural world with the colors and textures of elements such as clay and pumice. I am excited for what is unfolding.

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Ben Schneider

Meet our new artist, Ben Schneider! He is truly showing the world that his art inspires hope. Ben was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.  Art has been a part of Ben’s life from a very early age, providing him with an essential outlet with which to calm and express himself. Art has become Ben’s passion, and continues to provide him opportunities to enjoy meaningful and fulfilling work. Ben loves using acrylic and mixed media to create his dynamic paintings.  He is always searching for new techniques to experiment with in his studio, and loves using bright colors and interesting combinations.

What do you do when you first get in the studio?

The first thing I do is set up supplies and canvases.  While I’m setting up my materials, I start thinking about the style of the painting and the colors I want to use.  I then pick out my paints and prepare them for the painting I will be completing.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I usually work on two paintings at a time, though that number can vary.  It takes close to a week for the paints to dry, and to add finishing coats to it.  Sometimes I will do multiple canvases that go together in a set, so that can be up to 4 canvases at once.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to work on?

My dream project would be to combine patterns using painters tape, and the technique of pouring acrylics.  I think the combo of the materials would create a good painting. 

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

I enjoy painting with my mentor Nicole.  She helps me keep my materials organized and assists me when needed.  She also helps me keep notes on the paintings, like what colors I used, and any special equipment I choose.  

What is your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

The main way I generate ideas is in my head through visions and pictures I see.  That helps me decide what I want to try.  I also will research new ideas and techniques online.  I am very inspired by colors.  I love to combine unexpected colors and see the outcome.

How has your art evolved over time?

The main way I have evolved with my art is that my skills have improved.  I now understand the routine I need to do to be successful in the art studio.  I also think I have evolved the techniques I use.  I started with just pouring paint on canvases, and now I have many techniques and materials that I use in projects.  I also now have preferences on paint brands I use as well.  Each brand can be different, but I know which ones I like.

What do you like most about your work?

What I like most about my work is when I complete a painting. It makes me feel accomplished.  I like to look at the finished art and see the final project.  I also really like my use of colors.  I pair things together that may be unexpected sometimes, but it always looks good in the end.

What is one word that best describes your style?

I think one word that describes my art is “movement”.  Throughout all of my art pieces, you can see the unique movements of the paint, and the movement of the colors combining. As for my personal style, I would say I am precise and mellow.  I am very precise with measuring paint ratios and completing projects, yet manage to keep a mellow attitude while I’m in the art studio.  


I think one word that describes my art is “movement”.  Throughout all of my art pieces, you can see the unique movements of the paint, and the movement of the colors combining.


Is there an idea you would like to explore?

I really would like to explore the use of tape in my paintings.  I like that I can tape away parts of the canvas from the paint I am pouring, and when I remove the tape, a unique outcome of patterns and paint appear.  I am also looking into adding more texture to my artwork through the use of gels and other thickening materials.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

My favorite time of day to paint is in the evenings.  I feel like I am most alert and focused in the evenings, and I tend to be most efficient then as well. 

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece? If so, what do you do?

I don’t really ever get stuck on any art pieces.  I am very decisive when it comes to the colors I choose and the techniques I use.  I do, however, learn and gain knowledge with each piece I complete.  I am able to use that knowledge I gained to make adjustments as I move forward into new art pieces. 

What is up next on your easel?

When I think about what’s next, I think about trying new techniques and seeing how it goes.  I like to evolve as an artist and I’m pretty open to new ideas.  I do like to research new ideas, and I tend to plan out new projects to try in the future.

In 2012 Ben’s parents started a non-profit called Ben’s Fund to help children and young adults with autism reach their full potential through financial aid, awareness, and hope! Ben’s Fund has raised over $2,329,166, and portions of the sales of Ben’s artwork go to support the non-profit! Check out their website for more information.

What to read next…

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

From The Studio of Roberta Dyer

Roberta Dyer

We are excited to welcome our newest artist Roberta Dyer to Third & Wall! Roberta grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Spending time at the High Museum of Art and going to the fledgling Piedmont Park Art Festival, she imagined her paintings would one day hang among the artists she so admired.

She attended Vanderbilt University, earned her BA in Art History and returned to Atlanta after graduation where she continued pursuing her passion for art, taking classes at the High Museum and Georgia State University. Moving to San Diego in 1971, Roberta took art classes as time would allow and has since enjoyed many forms of expression from sculpture to copper enameling, oil painting to mural assignments. Today, she focuses on non-representational paintings and figurative subjects.

Roberta’s art is best described as expressive, whether figurative or abstract. She uses a combination of bold color and mixed media techniques to present her subjects in unusual ways.

“I am constantly pulled by two loves–painting figures and painting abstracts. It makes me happy to work with the push and pull of these two disciplines. I want to explore how design and pattern interact to make a realistic subject more abstract and enhance the theme of the painting. For me, the process of painting involves adding and removing and editing as I go along. If something doesn’t work, I simply paint it out and go in a different direction. I don’t try to paint likeness, that is a task for portrait artists. I use figures and animals as shapes in a painting and my intent in these paintings is to portray animals and humans as survivors–vulnerable but strong. I also love pure abstraction using mixed media along with acrylic paint.”

What do you first do when you get to the studio?

Whether I am beginning to paint or just visiting my studio before going back to it later, I take this time to look at my works in progress and try to decide what my next creative steps should be. Then I might clean up a bit and organize my supplies.

How many paintings do you work on at a time?

I work quickly at the start of a painting so I like to work on two or three paintings at a time. While one is having some “drying time” I work on the others. I also find that working on several pieces at once keeps me from over-focusing on one and getting lost in the minutiae too early.

If you could paint with anyone, who would it be?

This is a hard one because there are so many masterful painters I would choose. I admire the work of Turner, Picasso, Lautrec, Diebenkorn, Manet, Modigliani, not to mention the wonderful men and women of the Abstract Expressionists. But if I had to pick one, it would be Matisse. His influence on modern art has been profound with his flattening and simplifying of his subject matter, his bright colors, his use of patterns and lines and his brilliant compositions. There is something that can be learned by every artist working today.

“There is something that can be learned by every artist working today.”

What is your favorite way of generating ideas and inspiration?

Two ways work best for me when I am casting about for ideas. Working toward a particular theme is one way, particularly when there is a deadline for a show, and the other is to decide on a project or subject or theme and then do a series based around that idea. Or I might find a new material that I like and experiment with that for several paintings. I am currently in love with ArtGraf water-soluble pastels.

How has your art evolved over time?

I’ve been painting for years and understand looking back that the best way to improve or evolve is to work really hard. I’ve taken many workshops and classes- some valuable and some not so much- and have learned from some brilliant artists and teachers. Taking that information and applying it to my style and vision has helped me grow. My confidence has grown over the years as has my skill and that has allowed my style to emerge.

What do you like most about your work?

I have always admired artists who are not afraid to have their “hand” evident in their work, and I believe that I have achieved that in my paintings. I like that the emotion of my subject matter, whether real or abstract, shows through. People say that my work is expressive and I appreciate that.

What is one word that best describes your style?

Expressive.

Is there an idea you would like to explore?

My life long goal as an artist is to merge realism with abstraction in a unique way. No matter the painting, that is always in my mind.

What is your favorite time of day to paint?

I find that I am the most focused in the afternoon. My mind is more settled after other commitments have been accomplished. I have more energy in the mornings but my mind is chaotic.

Do you ever get “stuck” on a piece?

I am an intuitive painter rather than a planner, so it is safe to say that I get stuck at some point on every single piece! There are several ways I can move forward–I can stop working and not look at the piece for a day or two, I can go over my “Finish” checklist that helps me evaluate values, compositions, line, shapes, etc. One of the most effective ways is one I learned by taking a workshop from Jeannie McGuire. She said that when she is stuck, she gives her painting a story and that then she will be able to move forward. I have found that to be a sure and fun way to get unstuck.

What is up next on your easel?

I have been working on a series of 36×48 paintings of coyotes and told myself that I should do five. I have completed 3 1/2 so far and am trying to move ahead to finish number 4. I have also begun working on a series of large abstracts using the ArtGraf water-soluble pastels and am loving the process. I’ll always circle back to painting figures and animals too.

The images featured above are available in our Print-On-Demand collection.  Some areas of our website are password-protected. If you are a member of the trade but don’t have full access to our website, www.thirdandwall.com, please contact us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

What To Read Next…

Recap of 2016 West Coast Art and Framing Expo

Even a month after the WCAF Expo, we’re still catching up with all the orders, licensing contracts and requests for samples generated by Third and Wall’s new imagery and products.

Emerging artist Corrie LaVelle’s work received amazing response across the industry from wholesale framers to designers.  As neutrals continue to dominate design, you’re likely to see her images soon in hospitality, residential and retail stores.  View more of Corrie’s work here.

Instead of displaying our catalogue of new imagery on iPads, for the last two years we’ve opted to use Lookbooks, which bring the colors of the pieces to life in a way that a screen can’t.

Customer flipping through lookbook with T&W Account Manager Melody Minarcin

An application we introduced this year was gold and silver leafing on display with new photographer KaCee Erle, Pablo Rojero and Sarah Stockstill.

The increasing popularity of flushmount resin boxes was apparent as two pieces by Kelsey Hochstatter sold right off our booth wall.  The image below is a 12×12  “Recollections in Red” by Jill Martin.

A flushmount resin box of "Recollections of Red" by Jill Martin

A flushmount resin box of “Recollections of Red” by Jill Martin

Detail of flushmount resin box

Detail of flushmount resin box

 

 

 

 

 

 

These gorgeous florals under acrylic by Jill Martin were also on display.

"Climbers" by Jill Martin under plexi

“Climbers” by Jill Martin under acrylic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall we noticed a solid attendance with more new customers than ever, which led to great meetings and negotiations.   We especially love the opportunity the WCAF Expo provides to be able to introduce new artists to the art and design world.

If you weren’t able to attend this year’s WCAF Expo but you’re still interested in how Third and Wall’s artwork can help grow your framing, consulting or design business, we’d love the opportunity to speak with you about the wide variety of services we offer.  You can contact us toll-free at 877-326-3925 or email us at customerservice@thirdandwall.com.

 

 

Introducing Third & Wall’s Newest Artists

We  are thrilled to introduce you to the newest artists at Third & Wall – Stacy D’Aguiar, Michele Gort and Michael Lawrence. All of their imagery is available to you on a variety of media for your home or business design projects through our Print-On-Demand program.

Stacy D’Aguiar paints a wide range of subject matter on canvas, metal and wood, from transitional landscapes to surrealism to abstract images. She enjoys collaborating with clients to create beautiful custom art for a range of corporate, hospitality and residential interiors.

“I’m honored to have my work in spaces where it brings joy, inspiration and healing to others.” ~ Stacy D’Aguiar


Michele Gort hails from Holland, Michigan. Her prior career as an interior designer infuses an extra level of insight, style and taste into the art she creates for a range of interiors.

“I paint not only to decorate environments, but to inspire people.” ~ Michele Gort


Michael Lawrence earned a BFA in Studio Arts with Painting Emphasis at the University of Colorado. Since then he has exhibited work in many important exhibition spaces worldwide, and continues to explore the breadth of contemporary art practice through abstract painting.

“A feeling of completeness and thoughtfulness in my work is very important to me.” ~ Michael Lawrence

If you are a member of the trade and would like information on becoming a Third & Wall member and accessing our online collections, please contact us or call us at 1-206-443-8425 or toll-free at 1-877-326-3925. Our fax number is 1-206-441-4299.

If you are not a member of the trade, please email us to find a retailer near you, or visit our showroom at 312 Ninth Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109. Our showroom is open to the public.

All images © the artists and Third & Wall Art Group.