Circle of Eight: Exhibition Dates May 2

The Circle of Eight is a group of eight women brought together by artist Natalie Fleming. Once a month they gather in Natalie's home to paint, share ideas, discuss trends in art, explore new techniques, and enjoy each others company. Their styles are as different as they are but their goals are similar. They are passionate about their painting and work together to expand their knowledge and perfect their skills.

This exhibition includes artwork by:

Diana Saffo Bono

Virginia Dragschutz

Jessica Dreyer

Ethel M. Ferrett

Natalie Fleming

Crystal Goldkamp

Annette McGarrahan

Nancy M. Young

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EXHIBITION ALBUM

	Diana Saffo Bono: "These new pieces, these small windows of my world, are playful and lighthearted, a departure from my norm, but such fun! Watercolor, like life, often delivers it's own surprises. In "Dancin", the dancer was a happy accident hearing music only he could hear. That bear just appeared as I was framing that piece. Enjoy!" Learn more about artist Diana Saffo Bono.
	Virginia Dragschutz: "In this exhibit I have chosen to shed light on a series of animal life studies, Some of these studies were done for art exhibits at the St. Louis Zoo exhibits and other exhibits across the country." Learn more about artist Virginia Dragschutz.
	Jessica Dreyer: "I refer to myself as an artist with many styles not limiting myself to one. It revolves from my inner curiosity and the need to experience and explore the many facets of median, style and composition. Keeping this in mind when I put brush to canvas is my goal that the end result speaks to a variety of art lovers." Learn more about artist Jessica Dreyer.
	Ethel M. Ferrett: "I especially enjoy painting watercolor, directly from nature, finding plenty of subjects right outside my door in the garden or in the woods. I like to think of my paintings of flowers as portraits, everything in nature having its own individual characteristics just as humans do! I love to experiment with all media and have won numerous awards. I am also a member of the Lake Saint Louis Artist Association, the Saint Peters Cultural Arts Center and the Oak Leaf Artist Guild."
	Natalie Fleming: "Most of all I enjoy nature in all of it's moods and seasons. At one time I used to paint plein air, but now at 91 years of age, my painting on location is limited to small paintings done from the front seat of my car. I also like to paint interesting houses and at one time used to do paintings of people's house on commission. Abstract, non objective paintings are also fun to do. Watercolor is the medium of my choice because of its fresh, transparent color. Watercolor paintings almost paint themselves. When painting I start out with sketches, often several photographs and a very clear idea what I think my painting should look like, but after painting a while I soon discovered that there is a time when the painting tells me what to do. At first I thought that this was kind of a failure. After all the painting was not exactly as I had planned. However these were my best paintings. I am a signature member of The Missouri Watercolor Society, The Baltimore Watercolor Society and The Potomac Valley Watercolor Society." Learn more about artist Natalie Fleming.
	Crystal Goldkamp: "I am primarily a watercolorist; often inspired to paint "en plein air", outdoors using natural light. Indoors or out, I feel the key is to interpret the light on the subject and let that guide me in the creative process. The translucent, unpredictability and randomness of watercolor results in a painting that is expressive and atmospheric--qualities I happily accept and employ when painting. One has to "let go" a bit when working with watercolor and be open to the results." Learn more about artist Crystal Goldkamp.
	Annette McGarrahan: Annette has long admired the transparent, ethereal quality of watercolors. Although she has taken a few art classes, she is mostly self-taught from books and a lot of practice. Annette’s style is fairly representational, as she finds it difficult to improve upon God’s handiwork. She hopes that the viewers of her work will be reminded of this awesome handiwork and be motivated to go in search of it themselves. She firmly believes that finding the beauty in life can lift the soul. Learn more about artist Annette McGarrahan.
	Nancy M Young: "My love of color is evident in my art. Presently concentrating on watercolors, I take my subjects from life around me as well as my imagination. I enjoy the spontaneity that watercolors provide my artistic expression.." Learn more about artist Nancy M Young.

See past Circle if Eight exhibitions by this group from 2012 and 2011.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE EXHIBITION ALBUM