Texas Masters Artists » Texas Masters of Fine Art and Craft Show - YO Ranch Resort Hotel – Kerrville, Texas

Dan & Linda Baker | Jewelry

Dallas | http://bakercustomjewelry.com

Daniel and Linda Baker exhibited at their first art show in 1974 and have been a fulltime jewelry-making team since August of 1976. They produce jewelry of sterling silver, various gold karats and platinum using lost wax casting and a variety of fabrication techniques, including: granulation, reticulation, and mokume gane. They’ve won many awards in shows throughout the Southwest with their innovative designs which combine Classical and Celtic elements in contemporary settings. Their rings and pendants set with Ancient Greek and Roman coins and shards of glass and pottery have gained a worldwide following. Dan especially enjoys carving gemstones and working with fossilized ammonites in his “Jurassic Classics.”

They have a long history of showing in Kerrville Memorial Weekend, starting in 1977. Over the years, they have worked as a team to create an impressive amount of jewelry, as well as some large commissions – like life size duplications of historic crowns in sterling silver and gemstones.

Randy Bryant | Jewelry

Midland

Randy Bryant has merged his childhood interest in rocks, fossils, Indian artifacts and love of the outdoors with his adult training as a draftsman to shape his professional career. This native Texan excels in creating his “One of a Kind Works of Art” of hand fabricated settings for his personally cut gemstones, including intarsia and inlay. Many of the settings include double and triple overlay, with mixed metals (sterling, 14kt & 18kt gold) employing a variety of texturing methods. He has exhibited his award winning work at juried art shows throughout the Southwest.

Roy & Blanche Cavarretta | Gourd Art

Hallettsville | https://www.facebook.com/Gravel-Road-Arts-637416442961015/

Roy & Blanche Cavarretta are a husband and wife team who transform gourds into beautiful objets d’art. Roy’s interest in art started at an early age which led to his earning an art degree from Lamar University. A love of pen & ink drawing eventually became an interest in pyrography and gourd art which has garnered many awards in gourd association exhibitions and juried art shows. More recently, Blanche became enamored with gourd art herself and began applying her skills to pyrography on gourds.

Their work is featured in galleries in the Southwest and has been recognized for its excellence by their peers in gourd society exhibitions and art shows, including 1st place and best of show awards. They are also members of the American Gourd Society and the Texas Gourd Society.

Patricia Day | Weaving

Dripping Springs | https://www.instagram.com/patriciadaywovendesigns/?hl=en

The gift of a weaving course at the Southwest Craft Center of San Antonio in 1971 introduced Patricia Day to the world of fiber arts. Her interest in the study and practice of hand weaving and the treatment of fiber took over her life to the extent that she became a professional weaver in 1976, concentrating on woven garments and home furnishings. Patricia’s creative use of natural fibers and hand-dyed yarn in her products has gained her a loyal following of patrons and the respect of her fellow artists in the galleries and juried art shows where she continues to be a valued exhibitor.

After enjoying such an extensive career, Patricia says that “the delight of integrating texture and color keeps the work exciting”. Through her attention to the structure, color, texture, weight and finish of each hand-woven piece Patricia hopes to impart a feeling of joy and tactile pleasure to those who wear her clothing or use her home accessories.

Manuel S. Franco | Southwest Painting/Sculpture

Dumas | http://www.msfranco.com/

Born in Coyame, in the northwest state of Chihuahua, Mexico, Manuel’s academic training was as a mining engineer. After several years, Manuel left mining to pursue his love of art. His early artistic inspiration came from his mother, who worked with ground glass, creating images similar to sand paintings. His choice of subject matter ranges from Southwestern, Western, wildlife, portraiture, Native American and still life, rendered in oil, pencil, pastel, bronze or watercolor. Each piece is characterized by the fine detail for which he’s become recognized. After more than thirty years of exhibiting, Manuel’s work has become popular throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Katrina Gorman | Fabric Art and Mixed Media

Pecos | https://www.etsy.com/shop/katrinagormandesigns

Katrina Gorman has been a textile design artist for the past 15 years. She is self-taught, and finds inspiration for her pieces from the beauty all around her in nature. Through her eyes, she is surrounded by art, and you’ll hear her say “Love is in the Art” because she has such a strong feeling about her artwork and the time and love she puts into each piece.

Katrina’s intricate designs have evolved over the years to include painting, crystals, pearls and other objects, along with the vast amount of hand wound fabrics which she weaves together to make her mesmerizing pieces of art. Her work ranges from wall hangings, baskets, fabric sculptures, paintings, purses, gift cards and more.

Steven Harris | Oil Painting

Bandera | https://www.stevenharrisart.com/

Having lived in Texas nearly all of his life, Steven Harris’ art is strongly influenced by both the Texas Hill Country and the Gulf Coast. The small towns, rocky terrain, clear streams and vistas in central Texas and the beaches, bays and inland marshes along the Gulf Coast provide an abundance of subjects for Steven’s oil paintings. Consequently he maintains two studios: one, in Bandera to allow him to spend more time painting outdoors in the Hill Country and the other in Manvel, convenient to the Texas coast. Both locations permit him to pursue his passion for Plein Air painting as well as getting more studio time working on larger canvases.

Steven’s training with numerous prominent painters over the years has helped him develop his techniques as well as his artistic vision. His goal as a painter is to be able to combine technical skill with inspiration to engage the attention of the viewer and share his vision of the themes of his paintings. His work has been featured in Southwest Art magazine and received recognition and awards in art shows in central and south Texas. We welcome Steve to our show this year.

Gary Hastings | Wood Working

Fredericksburg | https://www.facebook.com/gary.hastings.9022/

At the age of 49 Gary Hastings traded his passion of chasing around after golf balls for the joys of making sawdust. He soon discovered that the creative process of making objects from wood not only gave him satisfaction, but, he was also pretty good at it. After 2 years of developing his woodworking techniques, he found that people were willing to pay for his creations and his hobby became a business. 24 years later, Gary continues to market his work in art shows and galleries, as well as making custom pieces for private customers.

As a Texas woodworker, based on his rural property outside of Fredericksburg, it’s natural that Gary primarily uses mesquite in his products, which may also by composed of mixed hardwoods. His handmade boxes and furniture are characterized by the use of half lap and miter joints with splines and corner biscuits, not only for strength, but, also to add interesting visual effects. Gary describes his work as “Fine Rustic” with natural irregularities, but with clean joints and a refined finish. His business name is Texas Hardwood Art Gallery

Virginia Howell | Oil Painting

Eldorado | http://virginiahowellart.com/

Bold color and texture are what comes to mind with Virginia Howell’s work. Her use of the palette knife has become a trademark characteristic of her southwest landscapes. She believes that the use of a limited color palette brings special harmony and simplicity to each painting.

After many years raising a family in El Paso, Virginia and her family moved to her family ranch. Life in the country has brought many new inspirations and opportunities to Virginia now that she is devoting all her time to painting.

Virginia is a member of Oil Painter’s of America, American Impressionist Society, American Plains Artists, San Angelo Art Club, Die Kunstler von Fredericksburg and a charter member of the Alazan Artists of El Paso.

Steve Kriechbaum | Jewelry

Austin | https://skriechbaum.com/

Steve Kriechbaum and his sophisticated, handcrafted jewelry should be familiar to everyone who’s attended the top juried craft shows in Texas since the 1980’s, like the Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair in Kerrville or the Laguna Gloria Fiesta in Austin.

His training as a craftsman began by studying sculpture in the fine arts department at the University of Texas in El Paso and continued with practical instruction at the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology. 40 years later, his finished jewelry pieces continue to combine sculptural design with his passion for technical precision.

Steve’s jewelry featuring fine gemstones set in gold, platinum, and silver has been honored with numerous awards of excellence over the years, but his more important legacy may be his generosity in sharing his vast knowledge of jewelry crafting techniques with his students and fellow jewelers.

Edith Maskey | Southwest Painting

Comfort | https://www.maskeyart.com/

A native San Antonian, Edith Maskey has loved art for as long as she can remember. “Painting is the finest form of expression I know, and is my personal statement about the things around me.”

Edith studied 5 years with Warren Hunter of San Antonio, and with many other nationally known painters through the years. Her work is characterized by a love of color and exuberance of expression. Although her subject matter is highly varied, Mexico, Texana and people bear a special preference. Her work has been the subject of feature articles in Southwest Art, Art Voices, American Artist and Texas Magazine.

John Maskey | Southwest Painting

Comfort | https://www.maskeyart.com/

Native Texan John Maskey received his first training at the Hunter School of Art, and later with many nationally prominent artists. His bold use of light and color weave a vibrant tapestry of the life and culture of the region. “The unique character of the land and people of the Southwest is rooted in powerful traditions. The blending of cultures, rugged landscape and classically simple architecture are timeless.” John paints what he knows and loves best – the colorful history, romance and flavor of Texas, Mexico, and the Southwest.

Maskey’s work has been the subject of feature articles in Southwest Art, Art Voices, American Artist and other publications. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Western Art and other prominent collections.

Michael Moore | Fused Glass

Halletsville | https://hotglassworks.shop/

Michael Moore was introduced to the world of stained glass over 40 years ago. Even though he enjoyed the medium, pressures of life eventually took him away from his artistic pursuits. About 16 years ago Michael was able to get back into working with glass and he was immediately drawn to the fused glass process. He was fascinated with being able to shape glass by heating to extreme temperatures, mixing different colors, and seeing what forms he could create with it.

He found that he could produce large sculptures and edge-lit works of art as well as exquisite bowls, trays and vases. For the last 15 years Michael has shown his work in juried art shows around the Southwest, where it has been well received. His designs have won awards in various art shows, including 3 consecutive years at the Ruidoso Art & Wine Festival.

Carlos Moseley | Rock Art

Fredericksburg | http://www.carlosmoseley.com/index.html

Stones are the paint canvas and color pallet of Texas Fine Rock Artist Carlos Moseley. He and Carol live on their ranch located in the Texas Hill Country, outside of Fredericksburg, Texas. Carlos has always held a passion for nature, photography, gourmet cooking and music, all of which led to the unique discovery of “River Rustic Rock Art”. Years of collecting unique stones and rocks developed into his extraordinary artistic rock designs. A unique process is used to collect native local stones and rocks with a procedure that does not disturb the environment….all his work is above ground. Some of the flint stones were used by early native Apache and Comanche Indians who lived in the area.

Carlos’ wife, Carol plays a part in the enterprise….handling all the business and creating names for each piece. This allows Carlos to focus on creating from the vast assortment of stones. His work is displayed in galleries and shown throughout Texas and the Southwest. His pieces have found their way to Europe via Spain, Great Britain and Germany….each with unique names such as Western Bow Legged Bill, Indian War Parties, Shady Lady, Ladies of the Cross, Dancehall Cowgirls and Bonnie & Clyde.

Vicky Phillips | Pottery

Bandera | https://mudmagicart.com/

Vicky Phillips’ pottery reflects the natural Texas Hill Country environment where she lives, along with an assortment of animals, in a house she built herself on 15 acres near Bandera, Texas. Her introduction to working with clay was in a high school pottery class and it has remained a passion that she’s pursued ever since, both as a hobby and professionally. Vicky’s colorful pottery is made of stoneware and porcelain clays that she shapes on her wheel or with a slab roller and adds hand-crafted sculptural elements. She then dips or paints each piece with up to six layers of different colored glazes, refiring it until it’s a beautiful work of art.

The natural life of the Hill Country is expressed in Vicky’s designs, as her mugs, trays, and bowls are often decorated with intricate wildflower motifs and attached sculpted antler handles, reminiscent of the white tailed deer that roam the area. Vicky’s pottery is functional, but with a touch of whimsy, that she’s appropriately named, “Mud Magic Art”

Rita Marie Ross | Wire Sculpture

Austin | https://www.ritamarieross.com/

Rita Marie Ross was introduced to the basics of metal fabrication in the well-equipped arts program of her high school in Sandusky, Ohio. After graduation she continued her study of metalsmithing and began selling her own line of fabricated jewelry. After relocating to Austin, Texas in 1983, Rita became involved in the area’s community of metalsmiths which initiated a transition to designing large-scale sculptures. This led to a career as a sculptor, co-owner of art galleries, and to both exhibiting in and organizing studio events.

After 40 years, Rita continues to use an oxyacetylene torch and forging tools to turn both newly refined and recycled materials into expansive patterns ranging from natural tree-like shapes to swirling nebulae. Copper is her preferred metal because it’s malleable and lends itself to a variety of surface textures, ranging from hammered and patinated to smooth and highly polished. She is a member of the Texas Society of Sculptors and serves as a mentor, teaching metal fabrication skills to both jewelry makers and sculptors. Her work can be found in private homes and corporate installations.

Eric Slocombe | Sculpture

San Marcos | http://www.ericslocombe.com/

Eric spent his childhood experiencing firsthand the natural beauty of the wilderness – hunting, fishing, and camping on the river with his Dad. Even today, he vividly remembers what it felt like as a boy to hear elk bugling in the distance. With these experiences, he is able to capture the natural, subtle movements and spirit of his wildlife subjects.

Eric turned to sculpting while studying art in college and first exhibited his work in 1984. Today, his bronze work is in private collections throughout the Southwest. In the past, he has exhibited at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo and was named Outstanding New Artist by the Dallas Safari Club. He recently participated in the Nature Works Wildlife Art Show and Sale in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he won an Excellence award for “Comanche Moon”. Having adopted Texas as home, Eric now lives in San Marcos, where he continues to sculpt new pieces to the delight of his customers.

Sherry Steele | Drawing/Pen and Ink

Austin | http://www.sherrysteele.net/

As an artist, conservationist and hunter, Sherry has taken the classic medium of Pen & Ink and revised it with a fresh, bold approach. Self-taught, she is unhindered by traditional approaches to Pen & Ink. Mixing her own shades of inks, she builds layer upon layer of thousands of tiny strokes to achieve a 3-dimensional quality. Distinctive in its austerity and astonishing in its complexity, she shows the incredible textures of Nature in a fine balance of detail and drama. But, what will always entice you first about Sherry’s work will be the secrets reflected in the eyes of the creatures who shared themselves with her.

Sherry regularly travels to Africa to observe the magnificent animals of that continent and photograph and sketch them interacting with each other in their natural surroundings. After returning home to her studio in Austin she renders her memories on paper with pen and ink which she fills out with layers of color until she’s recreated a spontaneous moment in the life of an animal in a habitat that’s rapidly disappearing. Sherry bubbles with enthusiasm when describing her encounters with the wildlife that inspire her paintings.

Denise and Diana Steinhagen | Jewelry

San Marcos

After years of pursuing jewelry making as a hobby and studying the work of other jewelers, getting laid off from their jobs almost simultaneously launched the professional jewelry careers of these sisters. One can tell from their finished product that the San Marcos artists are still having fun and a growing customer base will attest to the quality of their craftsmanship. Working independently, they use a wide variety of stones and techniques to create a fresh style of their own. The surface textures they achieve by rolling various materials with silver sheet through a rolling mill add an interesting touch to their designs

“Our designs vary widely…so customers can usually find something that appeals to their tastes – especially if they like large jewelry that makes a statement.” They have a loyal base of repeat customers who come each year looking for another one of a kind piece of jewelry from these two sisters.

LaJuana Westerfield | Landscape Painting

Crawford | http://lwesterfield.com/

LaJuana Westerfield is a native of Central Texas and spends most of her time painting and teaching art. She is also an accomplished musician and former piano teacher. Her landscape paintings capture the beauty of the countryside in which she lives. She has studied art with many noted instructors and at McLennan Community College. A member of the Texas Wild Bunch Professional Artists, LaJuana has been included in Who’s Who in American Women and Notable Personalities of America. Her work has represented the State of Texas in two issues of the Daughters of the American Revolution national publication. Her landscapes of the Texas countryside are owned by many collectors throughout the world, including President George Bush.