A Singular Creation Art Showdown

I was born in England, and I have been interested in photography for 3 years. All my techniques are self taught as no courses were available to me during school. I prefer to shoot action with my other hobbie of World War two reenacting, but will grasp any opportunity that arises. To see more of her art work, please visit her website here.

Helen Williams is a self-taught artist, specialising in oil paint. Helen has over 20 years experience as a painter and is a full time artist. Her main field is portraiture, painting people and pets, although she also paints still life and art deco/art nouveau style artworks and works under the title of Artway Gallery. Born in Wales, she now lives in London with her partner and son. To see more of her art work, please visit her website here.

I am self-educated in the arts field, without schools or oficial studies. I can say that I have really discovered my painting 20 years ago, because I've never seen someone painting, not even how to begin. It came all alone by many testing. After a while I've sold a few paintings and that gave me the courage to continue. It was very difficult because of my themes, in the time of full-blown communism in Romania I was forbidden. Since that time I reach to survive by my paintings but very, very hard. Even today, I have not money to buy a photocamera to make captures of my artworks. I left my job 20 years ago taking the risk, but believing in art. So, life is good, but we must look at the full part of the glass!

I was born in 1958 in California but have lived in New england since I was 10 years old. For me, photography has been a lifelong passion. I have always been fascinated with cameras and photography. My dad used to teach me how to use his beloved Argus C-4 rangefinder with all the accesories. When I was 13, my dad built me a darkroom in the basement and I spent all my saved money on darkroom equipment. I loved black and white. Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, John Guttman and Karl Blossfeldt were my favorites. I love to photograph deserted buildings, perfect skies, landscapes and nature. My next venture is Photogravure printmaking in color and black and white. I have been admiring the work of the Parkeharrisons and Joel-Peter Whitkin and there is nothing like this look to me.

I am a Northumbrian artist, born in Rothbury, England in 1951. I was raised in Alnwick and now live in Washington County, Durham with my wife and son. I am primarily a landscape artist and the countryside of Northern England has certainly inspired me. We regularly go for country walks into woodland. I feel so privleged to get to see and paint beautiful scenery like this for a living. I work in acrylic, oils and watercolour and I try to capture and convey my feelings of a particular subject. I am a self-taught artist and after 17 years of painting professionally, I am proud my paintings are now in many Art Galleries throughout the UK. I now teach others, tutoring art classes throughout the year and I also do demonstrations and workshops for art groups/societies. Please visit my website here.

I am from South Africa. Art has always been a part of my life since earliest childhood. Not until my marriage though did I start to translate my love for Africa and its wildlife unto canvas. Spending holidays in South Africa’s great National Parks, exploring my other love, photography, enabled me to re-create my fascination with nature and wildlife. I feel blessed to have been able to hone my talent experiencing incredible scenes like my Fighting Zebras first hand. I had no formal schooling in art and what I have achieved came through many years of diligence, hard work and an everlasting passion for the beauty nature so freely offers. My husband and I are both artists. Please have a look at our website here.

I am from Ontario Canada where this Buffalo farm is located. They were quite wild and charged when I got out for a better shot. They thought they were being fed so they came from all directions in minutes. I am a Photographer/Graphic Designer. The result is a wide variety of subjects in my art world. I keep trying for that great picture. At the moment I have started a new endeavor and work on a comic strip about a Black Pug who is into espionage and black ops. I haven't finished enough strips to publish yet but will let the site know if it takes off. Thank you for choosing my image for showdown on the "Art of Autumn". It is encouraging. View my website here.

Greetings from Idaho. My grandfather and my mother both painted, and I guess I followed in their brushstrokes. Other than help from my mother as a youngster, I am pretty much self-taught using books, watching PBS, and learning from the mistakes of many failed attempts. Recreating beautiful landscapes and wildlife are my favorite subjects, and I use my photography as away to capture subjects as reference material for my paintings. My photograph of the orca was taken in the Rosario Straits of the San Juan Islands in Washington State, and was truly a spectacular experience. I feel blessed and honored to have been chosen as a showdown winner. Thank you all. View my original art or photography.

Johannes Wessmark is a self-taught painter mastering watercolor, airbrush and colored pencils as well as computer-graphics. Although he has spent lots of time experimenting with different kinds of media, color-pencils have always been his favorite-tool. Drawing close to photorealism demands a lot of time and patience, which fortunately Johannes has a surplus of. Enter Johannes world, where imagination and realism merge: www.johanneswessmark.se

I am a self-taught 23 year old artist living in Midland, Michigan. The process has always been a personal one, and it is only recently that I have begun to exhibit and sell pieces. I work in many mediums, but for the past few years I have focused on photographic manipulation and fusion of images. My photography has become an exciting way to capture textures and forms which become my palette for the digital works. My creations tend to be abstract, dramatic forms that that allow me to experiment with color and texture. I also tend toward themes of nature and finding a balance of chaos and order within an image. To view more, please visit my online gallery.

The human being really fascinates me. With my art, I like to give rise to a reflection touching the human feeling. The first thing that I search for while creating an artwork, is the reason of its interest. I like to propagate emotions that will remind us, at least for a moment, the best of ourselves. The beauty of an artwork often resides in sharing. What I have to say, often speaks of you and me. If an artwork touches, it's that the human being recognizes itself. My artworks speak to all those that know how to give and take in turns. View more of my art at my website here.

Man Yu is a young self-taught artist who has both nationalities, Costa Rica and Hong Kong. From five years of age, Man Yu’s comic strips and colorful scribbles, passionately embarked on the journey to the world of inspiration. She has been invited on numerous occasions to give workshops on human anatomy and theories of art to national festivals, private institutions and cultural centers in Costa Rica. Man Yu is considered by many media and people who know, as a human being intense, dedicated and talented. She has received teachings and motives of great mentors and friends, artists such as Julio Escámez, Eyo Nelly, Juan Luis Rodriguez, Miguel Bastos Hernandez and Gonzalo Morales. Visit Man Yu's wesite.

I was born in Transylvania and live in Ontario, Canada. I have been sculpting for two years after a very long hiatus. I mainly work in paper maché, a versatile and challenging material. While I have a deep respect and admiration for the classical figurative tradition, my own pieces tend to transform into realistic but elongated figures. My "skinnies" as I like to call them, allow me the freedom to explore human gesture and complex emotions through exaggeration. Many of my works are a direct result of childhood memories, observation, real life stories, and sometimes mythology: they provide endless ideas for exploring a wide spectrum of human behaviour and gesture. For more works please visit my website here.

My name is Kristina Gehrmann and I'm born in 1989 in Germany. Currently I study classical academic drawing and painting at Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. I’ve been doodling since I could hold a pencil and simply love drawing, and experimenting with everything. I mostly work with the digital medium, using a Wacom tablet and Photoshop; at art school, I use solely traditional media. I'm a part-time illustrator, and after school I plan to do it full-time. My favorite painters are J.M. William Turner, Waterhouse, Delacroix, Bonheur and many others. View more art at my website here.

I was born in Meran, northern Italy. Since I was a child, I've always been fascinated by colours and I can't figure my life without art. I have always devoted myself mainly to painting. My artworks are realized using m.d. panels on which I work mixing different techniques; gouache, pastel, watercolour. I also decorate on backed clay, glass, wood, fabrics, mural surfaces and self-made Papier-maché objects. Moreover, I have: contributed as an illustrator to many magazine, illustrated a children book on ecology in collaboration with Ente Parco Fiume Sile, painted a collector's pack of tarot ed. Lo Scarabeo-Torino, realized settings for animated films for the television. View more art at my website here.

The human being really fascinates me. With my art, I like to give rise to a reflection touching the human feeling. The first thing that I search for while creating an artwork, is the reason of its interest. I like to propagate emotions that will remind us, at least for a moment, the best of ourselves. The beauty of an artwork often resides in sharing. What I have to say, often speaks of you and me. If an artwork touches, it's that the human being recognizes itself. My artworks speak to all those that know how to give and take in turns. View more of my art at my website here.

Cheng Fung Kau (Francis) was born in 1981 in Hong Kong and is now living in Costa Rica. "I love to draw since I was a child. When I was 6 years my dad asked me: what would you like to be when you grow up? Which I replied: artist. Of course he did not like the idea, since he thought I could not earn a living from this profession. I never have been in formal classes, except for the 6 months at the 'Facultad de bellas artes' of UCR." By 2005, Francis specialized in pastel chalk painting. "I've always loved art, for me it is something essential in life, is the most beautiful way to express our feelings, emotions or to convey the message that we want to share. Life without art would be gray, monotonous; life would not be the same." I would like to share some of my works on my website here.

I am from Liguria, Italy and I started painting 10 years ago with different technique. But shortly afterwards, I decided to commit myself thoroughly to painting with oils. I am a self taught painter who loves the "golden age" of art. As an amateur I particularly enjoyed reproducing the XVII century Dutch, Spanish and French artists, trying to mimic their wonderful use of colours and lights. I have since begun an emphasis on my own original works. To see more of my art, please visit my online gallery here.

Cheng Fung Kau (Francis) was born in 1981 in Hong Kong and is now living in Costa Rica. "I love to draw since I was a child. When I was 6 years my dad asked me: what would you like to be when you grow up? Which I replied: artist. Of course he did not like the idea, since he thought I could not earn a living from this profession. I never have been in formal classes, except for the 6 months at the 'Facultad de bellas artes' of UCR." By 2005, Francis specialized in pastel chalk painting. "I've always loved art, for me it is something essential in life, is the most beautiful way to express our feelings, emotions or to convey the message that we want to share. Life without art would be gray, monotonous; life would not be the same." I would like to share some of my works on my website here.

Adam Miller was born in 1979 in Oregon. He began an apprenticeship to artist Allen Jones at thirteen years old. At Sixteen he was accepted to the Florence Academy Of Art in Florence Italy where he underwent an extensive training in classical painting techniques and studied the masterpieces of the Renaissance firsthand. For the next four years Miller traveled in Europe studying the greatest art of the past, especially the Mannerists in Florence and the Flemish Baroque painting in Antwerp. Miller approaches his work as a theatre director, taking control of light and space to bring the visions of his imagination to life. His work is filled with Symbols and mythology that create an atmosphere of mystery and sensuality. View more of Adam's art on his website here.

I've been drawing and painting things since my childhood with no formal training in art whatsoever. For me, art is more than just passion - its a way of life. For the past 12 years I’ve been setting one milestone after another, creating things in the animation world - television as well as films. I’m currently positioned as VP - 2D Production at Sun Animatics India, an animation production house with global presence. All my creations reflect my love for detailed work and realism, as also the hours that I spend on intricate details and the zeal to experiment different texturing techniques.

Dr. Michael Cassidy is the co-founder of Studio 4\2, where he does fine art photography. Most of his images attempt to capture the awe he feels when out in nature. He says: "All of the images speak to me of the unimaginable beauty of this world and of our duty to attempt to protect it for future generations." His next one man show, entitled “Western Water,” will be at the Mesquite Arts Center in Mesquite, Texas for the month of September, 2008. More of Cassidy’s photography can be seen at his website.

Lynne Wright is a native of northwestern Washington State, and has spent much of her life near the Pacific Coast. Her most profound inspiration is God's awesome creation. Basically self-taught, painting has been a lifelong passion for Lynne. She has used various techniques, specializing in oils and watercolor. Her work involves the realistic depiction of nature and its many moods, favorites of which are nautical scenes, skyscapes and rural landscapes. Photography by her husband Don has been a great source of ideas and reference material. Lynne's artwork is in homes and collections throughout the United States. She has been represented by galleries along the Pacific Coast, as well as in eastern Oregon, Kansas and the Kansas City area.

Nature has probably been the greatest inspirational influence and energy in this work, not in imagery alone, but in the multitude of facets of living and creating things. People are naturally fascinated with the past, and returning to something, and some of that shines through in "Worlds". I think everyone really wants to visit another world, and I've had the great reward of also creating something that's enjoyed by others. More of my artwork can been seen on my website here.

The human being really fascinates me. With my art, I like to give rise to a reflection touching the human feeling. The first thing that I search for while creating an artwork, is the reason of its interest. I like to propagate emotions that will remind us, at least for a moment, the best of ourselves. The beauty of an artwork often resides in sharing. What I have to say, often speaks of you and me. If an artwork touches, it's that the human being recognizes itself. My artworks speak to all those that know how to give and take in turns. View more of my art at my website here.

I've had a passion for art for as long as I can remember mainly because art has been one of the things I have been blessed with that comes naturally. It can still be hard work but I've always had this simple philosophy: "If it's not right...Rub it out and do it again". I was fortunate enough to have a teacher who noticed and encouraged me to do my best and push the boundaries of my imagination. And that is where I rest with my work, not landscapes or portraits, but inscapes - Pictures of the mind and imagination, a place that's original and completely mine.

I've been an art lover for longer than I care to remember and my appreciation continues to grow. I participate in several art guilds, am on the board of one, support my local museum, and love creating unusual and unexpected works of art. I enjoy oil painting and digital art; two mediums that are far apart - but both that bring me pleasure. I have certain preferences in art, but I choose not to limit myself and I enjoy art in a wide variety of forms and mediums. You can see more of my fine art prints on my website. I hope you enjoy my art.

I picked up photography again in Nov 2006 after 26 years of only taking some family snapshots and digital photography has been a true revelation to me. Although this adventure has just begun it has me taken to levels I would have never dreamed, opening up a new plateau of discovery where vision and persona can magically transform into a new dimension of time, light and color. This entry was a pure pleasure for me as shooting anything metal is a passion of mine these days! Much of my work is displayed at my website, which you can view here.

"I am both intrigued and enamored by beauty. I believe it to be, when used correctly and with the right spirit, a tool of profound power. It can stimulate the mind, motivate the soul, soften the heart and inspire selfless actions. Beauty is a unique quality in that it is impossible to define. It is subject to the opinion of the viewer and therefore transient in nature. This however adds to it’s charm because it makes it precious to the beholder who discovers it. This is why I paint. I seek through my art to reflect the beauty that I experience in my life and in so doing create beauty of my own."

I have not been painting all my life. I am completely self taught. It all started when I was living in England. I was having a particularly bad year. My Mother had died and there was other circumstances going on in my life. My daughter tried to get my mind off everything and bought me some paints and canvas. I painted a picture of African Violets and for some strange reason some one bought it. Well I never looked back. I have been painting for the last 15 years and have won many awards, including the New York Times award for "Excellence in Art For Women." I now live in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Eric began drawing at the age of two; art proved to be the passion of his life. Since he was never formally trained, he has sought to use the life he sees around him as a gauge for how he renders his work. "Fruit Still Life" was created as the first piece in a series of Still Lifes that he recently completed. "The piece was something that I set up with my wife. She wanted something classical and impressive that matched the living room. Everything flowed pretty well, but the tablecloth pattern is something that took more time and patience than anything else." You can see more online here.

Photography is my passion, although I am not a professional photographer. When I was sixteen I started to travel and visit many places in India. I had participated in many trekking programmes in the Himalayas and fell in love with nature and used to take photos of nature. So in 2001, I took photography seriously and spent a lot of time in this field. My favorite subjects are people and places. This year I received the distinction of AFIAP from FIAP. I have also been selected as one of the sixteen winners in a travel photo contest organised by CITY Magazine New York.

While growing up Andrea was surrounded by dogs, cats and other small companions who inspired her love for animals. She remembers especially her dog Kane, a rottweiler, whose love for her family was the inspiration that lead her to specialize in animal portraiture. "It’s my way of paying him back for all the joy he brought to my life." Andrea’s representational realistic style allows her to create a true reflection of an animal’s personality. Andrea graduated from the Hartford Art School and currently freelances in NJ while teaching at several art centers and associations. Visit my website here.

I started drawing when I was a year old and ever since making pictures has been at the core of my existence. My strong interest in painting was developed during the past few years. I like to explore the infinite possibilities of this, yet very challenging, medium. Although the human face is not my only source of inspiration, I do find it particularly inspiring, not only in the difficulty of portraying a person’s physical features, but also in capturing the inner soul and character that is beyond the face. I am currently studying visual arts at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg.

I have been creating computer artwork and designs for over 10 years, both professionally and as a hobby. I get most of my inspiration from reading and watching science fiction and also from living where I do – in a world heritage national park near Sydney. The majority of my work is created using Bryce or Mojoworld for the 3D image and then Photoshop for post work. This gives me a great range of styles and scenes to work with. I love to create artwork on the computer that looks either very real, or completely out of this world! I am currently available for freelance work. Visit my website here.

While studying art in college, Nancy found a unique way to show the human form. She began to create abstract artwork from where one sketch began and another ended. This began a long series of abstract figurative work that branched out into other forms besides the human. "Becoming One was created as my wedding portrait. Our wedding was unconventional and so the painting was created showing the entwining of two lives in my own style. This abstract was made to be turned and viewed from many different angles." You can view more of her work at my website here.

Jeremy has been creating art in many forms since an early age and his work is heavily influenced by illustrators Shaun Tann, Lane Smith and Colin Thompson amongst others. Jeremy currently works designing and creating ideas for novelty pre-school childrens books. As well as this full time job he also freelances as an illustrator in his spare time, specialising in childrens educational and editorial work. "I wrote a story about a man who lives in the centre of the earth and had lots of ideas left over so decided to use them in this painting."