BlueFrogArts

Donna Trudell Featured Artist

Submitted by Vikki Morain

Wow!   Blue Frog artists are amazing!  We already have another fantastic display of amazing artwork created by Lamoni's own Donna Trudell. 

Donna's exhibit  is entitled  "Fruits of My Labor"---- and you really need to stop in to Blue Frog Arts to fully appreciate it.  Since I don't have photos to show you yet you will have to put your imaginations into high gear to "picture" these pictures in your mind.  OK---focus on fruit and imagine your own creations to match these titles, then come in to see the real goods!

Donna's displayed paintings are called:

Fruits of My Labor

    Just Bananas

    What a Pair

    Peachy Keen

    Thanks a Bunch

    The Three A'Mangoes.

What can I say?  You can see from the names that Donna is creative, whimsical, humorous, clever and talented.  Her personality shines through her vibrantly colored paintings in this collection.  OK---on this one---"you gotta be there."  Visit the Green Gallery of the Blue Frog!

Also included in the show are:

 Friends of the Fields (a collection of cattle portraits with personality).  Having been engaged in the cattle business for years, Donna knows whereof she speaks----and paints. The display also includes:

Upset the Fruit Basket

An Apple a Day

What a Pear

Fruit Study

Odd Man Out I and II

A Splash of Red

Dizzy Daisies

View Donna Trudell's exhibit during May at Blue Frog Arts, 119 E Main, Lamoni IA.  Open Wed-Sat from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Abarr and Rolfe Display Talents at the Blue Frog

 
Reported by Vikki Morain

We are so fortunate to have the space in The Green Gallery in The Blue Frog to display the artwork of our very talented artist members.  Currently you can stop in to see the basketry of Rebecca Abarr and the variety of works produced by Lynda Rolfe includingceramic pieces and acrylic paintings inspired by her recent trip to Italy.

Rebecca Abarr and Lynda Rolfe have put up an art show in the green room of the Blue Frog for the month of April and May.  The show covers paintings from Lynda's trip to Italy plus pottery. The unique baskets are by Rebecca.  Come in and see it anytime.  We are open on Wed through Saturday 10 to 5.  These art pieces as well as all the art in the Blue Frog Gallery were part of a Lamoni Art Crawl on April 23.  A  bus was available to shuttle art lovers around Lamoni to the various show locations.  Shows included:  Graceland University Student Show at the  Helene Center and North Science Building, Blue Frog, The Gallery and Linden Street Coffee House.

As always, you are invited to see the Blue Frog show in person if you are in the area.  For those at too great a distance, here is a sampling for your enjoyment: 

 

Transform Your Home With a Mural

This mural is by Deborah Skinner, the owner of Blue Frog Arts, and is in a local couple's home.  The painting was done for the clients' new grandson's room.  It is a specific row of beautifully twisted and gnarled red bud trees on College Avenue in Lamoni. 

When these trees bloom each spring, they are often discussed by those who are tuned in to natural beauty.  The strength of the chocolate brown ancient tree branches balanced with the young fresh petals makes quite a bold statement.  For the mural, I used the first several redbud trees, softened the pallette, and placed them in a pastoral setting, rather than in town. 

The effect was transformational.  It invites the vistor into the room from the hallway, evokes a sense of calm, and expands the boundaries of the room to beyond the walls and into the cool distance. I'm pleased with the result. 

How would you begin a mural project?  This couple was inspired by a mural I had done several years ago of Cherry Blossom trees.  I thought the clients had chosen excellent subject matter, as I have been impressed by the beauty of these trees for years. 

I visited their home and photographed the room and the wall where the mural was to be painted.  I produced several preliminary sketches in colored pencil and met with the couple.  From that discussion, we finalized the details of the mural and set a date for production.  The mural took approximately one day to complete.  Voila - it is done!

Custom original artwork is done by several artists at Blue Frog Arts:  Deb Skinner - portraits or any subject matter in pencil, watercolor, or murals; Myrna Morris - watercolor; Helen Caples - porcelain and pastels.