Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Darlene Riel and my medium is photography.    I’m known for travel photography, featuring images from around the world.

Why do you do what you do?

If I have to be completely honest, my passions in order are travel #1; and photography #2.

I love to explore new places and cultures.  And while I’m exploring, I happen to be a shutter bug!   What I suppose is different about me is that I do not intentionally go on “photo shoots”.

So I capture what is presented to me at the moment.   I know that it is cliché, but I like sharing my love of travel with others through my photographs.   It brings up conversation of a place, a moment, a memory.

What themes do you pursue?

I’m very much attracted to old structures of stone, aged woods and metals.  The weathered patinas of old doors and windows are an absolute addiction! 

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

My first visit to Europe was to Rome, Italy.  The artifacts, ruins and the history really made an impact on me to want more exposure to foreign countries and cultures.  Have you ever stayed in a country farm house with a stone fireplace so large that you can walk inside of it?  I get goosebumps thinking about those stays and the stories the house could probably tell!

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I’m a registered veterinary nurse or technician (RVT) with a veterinary specialty (VTS) in small animal internal medicine.  The majority of my career was with UC Davis’ School of Veterinary Medicine working as in internal medicine nurse.  I lectured nationally and internationally on the topics of endoscopy, enteral feeding devices, and medical diagnostics.   I’ve authored chapters for veterinary reference books and participated in published scientific research papers.  My last 10 years at UCD before retirement, I was the manager of a large clinical teaching center. 

What are your hobbies?

Travel, hiking, cooking and vegetable gardening.

Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Suzanne Hambleton and I create fine art photographic images. The genre that is displayed in the Auburn Old Town Gallery is tabletop still life photography. Most of the images are considered low key. I have been studying and creating this type of work for about five years.

Why do you do what you do?

I took my first photography class in high school and learned how to develop and print black and white images. I had found my passion. But it took years before I really studied and practiced fine art photography. There is a Zen to creating and styling a still life image. And I enjoying learning new skills that I can bring to my craft.

What themes do you pursue?

My goal is to manipulate several strobe lights to draw attention to specific parts of the scene. The scenes are flowers, fruit and flowers, with various props. I love color relationships. My favorite colors are warm colors; shades of yellow, orange, and reds and various shades of these. I seek to create color harmony in my work. I also edit my images by painting them in an editing program.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

Every time I visit an art gallery, I’m inspired by the old masters paintings of still life. I try and recreate this type of masterpiece in my work.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I’ve worked for the State of California in various science related jobs before working full time as a fine art photographer.

What are your hobbies?

I love to garden, and I am a Master Gardener and community gardener in Sacramento County. In addition I enjoy traveling and hiking.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Jenn Norpchen and I create three dimensional animal gourd art using wire armature, metal mesh and clay to create their features. I embellish the pieces with inks, feathers, glass and wood.

Why do you do what you do?

My purpose is show people what you can do with gourds and the length of creativity you can add. I’m all about collecting sticks, rocks, or anything your creative heart desires. 

What themes do you pursue?

All animal themes.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

My sister grew gourds years ago and was inspired by their beautiful organic forms. I started researching gourd art and was amazed by the all the beautiful art people created.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Architectural designer.

What are your hobbies?

Hiking, paddle board, golf, collecting driftwood, rocks and snow skiing.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Cathy McAllister. I am a mixed media up-cycle artist. I love shopping for used items to use for my art. I then paint and create the items into fun whimsical and colorful art items.

What themes do you pursue?

Love very colorful and whimsical themes.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

I am inspired by Nature’s different colors, also fun shows, movies, magazines, books etc. Everywhere you look there’s some great inspiration.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I’ve been a retail manager for a lot of years and I am also a real estate agent.

What are your hobbies?

I love going for walks at the canyon. I love riding my bike. I have a great time when I crochet. And I always like to take new classes such as welding and paint classes … anything just to keep me motivated and young.

Who are you and what do you do?

Sonja Hamilton, SWA (the initials mean that I am a signature member of the Society of Western Artists, having exhibited widely and won awards). I am a watercolorist and veteran watercolor teacher working for Placer School for Adults in Auburn plus my various workshops, previously in Yosemite National Park and in Europe for French Escapade Travel Company. I authored a book – “Watercolor, It’s only a piece of paper”, which is a valuable reference book and can be found at Auburn Old Town Gallery. My work is done on location, in the classroom (demonstrations) and in my studio in North Auburn. I like to think my art is “painterly” with soft and hard edges, and always interesting to the viewer.

Why do you do what you do?

I love painting watercolor. I am a realist. It’s a challenge no matter how long you are at it and always is a mystery. It also is easy to work with considering it takes little time to dry and small space to store unless you are like I am and paint between 70 – 100 paintings a year! So the paintings you see at the gallery are a drop in the bucket (aka, filled flat file drawers in my studio) of what I do.

What themes do you pursue?

Years ago, people thought I only painted landscapes. Flowers were added. And that was it. However I wanted to be known as an artist who can do a little of everything.  I now paint many subjects such as people, animals, food, abstracts, seascapes, still life and more.

Describe a real life situation that inspired you.

My gift of art was inherited from my father, whom I lost at age 15. I vowed at that time to do something with my art, which led me to an art degree as well as a degree in teaching. I never regretted my choices and have always felt blessed to be able to do what I do.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

Really? Well, I also have been an art judge for small and large exhibits. I do lectures and demonstrations. This has been my life besides raising a family. Who has time for more? Not me.

What are your hobbies?

I love gardening and cooking. My art comes out in the plants and flowers I select; something is always blooming in my garden. And when I plate food – it is colorful and looks appetizing. See – art is with me all the time. Come on by the gallery and take a look!