Focus On Art
By Jackie Hodges
Some of the artists who have occupied space over the years have moved on and at present there are six artists in residence working in harmony, each varied in his or her talents.
Judy Eager well known for her vivid, imaginative landscapes and still life, Ann Tunnell paints colorful street scenes and landscapes using acrylic and oils. Isela Martinez, uses oils for portraits, landscapes and still life, Luisa Julian conducts art classes in her studio and at present, paints large, bold, still life, Isidro Xiloncochiti uses all mediums excelling in Hyper-realism often using live models.
I sat down to talk to Victor Romero and Robert O&rsqu;NConnell the two artists who opened the studio. Victor, I had known for many years, back to the time when he was working as a young waiter at the original "Posada" run by Morley and Judy Eager. Morley saw the potential in the young artist and displayed one of his paintings in the bar. The painting, a tranquil scene of a fishing boat on the lake was an immediate hit and sold shortly thereafter, launching Victor on his art career. He was yet another local boy who got his start in the art world attending Neill James&rsqu;N School. Except for this opportunity, Victor is entirely self-taught, buying art books from money he earned to experiment and copy the technique of the masters.
Fifteen years ago, he started devoting his entire time to painting. He stretches his own canvas and does his own framing and now the galeria offers framing to the public. Victor paints in oils on large canvases in a realistic style. At the present time he works almost exclusively by private commission.
Robert O'Connell hails from Redwood City, California. His art background includes studies at Skyline College in California as well as private lessons in Hawaii. He began working in water color but now paints mainly in oil. He enjoys doing portraits and landscapes.
While we were talking, Robert related exciting plans unfolding for a new gallery which will open in October of this year at number 13 Colon in Ajijic. His work, Victor&rsqu;Ns and Isela&rsqu;Ns will be the mainstay, however each month a well-known professional and the work of a talented unknown artist will be featured. It will give young unknown artists a wonderful opportunity to have their art exposed to the public. These unknowns will be drawn locally as well as from outside the area.
Drop in and view the work of these six talented and industrious artists whose works are instrumental in creating a climate in which the viewer and potential buyer can enjoy memorable products of the Ajijic art colony.
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