Frances M Stilwagner
I have always enjoyed painting and was recognized for my creative talents in my early years. I primarily have worked in oil paint, charcoal, soft pastel and acrylic.
Married life, raising two children and enjoying grandchildren resulted in putting my art on the back burner. Retirement in 2006 has enabled me to actively pursue my love of painting and studying all I can about oil pastel and my exhibition schedule and sales continue to build each year.
I was introduced to oil pastels by Mr. George Shipperley, OPS and am part of a growing group of dedicated oil pastel artists here in northern Illinois, who consistently get together to take oil pastel classes with George Shipperley and Carol Zack. As of January 2008, I am proud to have helped launch a new artist's organization called "The Yellow House Artists" created for area artists who enjoy working in oil pastel and oil stick. We already have about 41 members and officially had our first exhibition which was held at Peck Farm, in Geneva, IL. We had sales during the artist's reception and a wonderful turnout! The Yellow House Artists have also acquired a new website http://www.yellowhouseartists.com. designed to showcase area artists who work in oil pastel. I serve on the board as Events Chairperson.
When I am not painting in oil pastels, I have been searching out the Chicago suburbs for places to exhibit our member's oil pastels. We will be exhibiting at two more venues this year, Provena Gallery and The Henrich Gallery. I am dedicated to making oil pastel paintings more visible to the art collector. My working experience at the Imagine Gallery in Oswego, IL has also provided me with presentation skills that help to showcase our members work during an exhibition.
This year, I already have committed to showing in several area shows that include the Kavanagh Gallery at The Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, IL. "Art in the Park", Peck Farm Park, Geneva, IL., The Henrich Gallery in Aurora IL., and The Geneva History Museum which has several shows coming up this year.
I have established a studio in my home and have started giving lessons in oil pastel. This is another new venture for me and retirement never seemed so busy.
I use board, canvas, foam core, and watercolor paper for my work and have been able to achieve variety textures and color combinations. I am never bored by how much you can achieve with this medium. I look forward to many more adventures.
I have enjoyed good sales through the shows I have been in as well as receiving commission work. I am currently working on two commissions.
My work is about color and emotion and influenced by nature. Over the years my art has evolved to express these qualities.
My work elicits wonder and sensitivity.
Juried Shows:
2008 "New Member Show", Naperville Art League, Naperville, IL. - Merit Award
2007 "& nbsp; “Vicinity”, Norris Center, St. Charles, IL. Merit Award
2007 "Oil Pastel Show" The Fine Line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, IL. - 2nd place
2007 "Art in Your Eye", Batavia City Hall Exhibit, Batavia, IL. - Merit Award
2007 "Emerging Arts Show", Geneva Fine Arts Fair, Geneva, IL. Recognition Award
2008 “New Members Show”, Naperville Art League
Merit Award
Current Memberships:
The Oil Pastel Society, National
The Batavia Artists Guild, Batavia, IL.
The Fine line Creative Arts Center, St. Charles, IL.
The Naperville Art League, Naperville, IL.
The Chicago Artist Coalition, Chicago, IL.
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