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Fiona Purdy
Purdy moved to Scottsdale from New Zealand in 1995. She has been part of the Camelback Tour for the past three years. Purdy paints pet portraits using two different mediums: acrylic on canvas and fine art paper and with pen and ink. She's been painting those for almost 30 years. I started painting them on large river rocks but changed to canvas in 1997. It's much easier to source and paint on. I started the pen and ink and acrylic on paper in 2017 to help pet lovers on a limited budget," she said. Purdy said that she's always drawn animals and that as she got older, she was passionate about painting them, too. My art teachers were always exasperated that I managed to incorporate an animal or bird in any assignment I was given," she said. "When I painted dogs and cats on river rocks, someone asked me if I could paint their pet, and I found that I had the talent to paint their likeness and also capture a pet's personality." Purdy explained that being an artist means continually developing skills and mediums. I am extremely comfortable and competent in handling my chosen medium, but the way I use it is always evolving. Every portrait teaches me something new and allows me to get better," she said. In February, Purdy participated in the Shemer Furry Friends Art Festival for the second time. Her favorite part about being on tour and at the festival is talking to the people who visit. A bonus is hearing about and seeing photos of people's pets. Both events are low key and relaxed. The Shemer Furry Friends event is perfect for me as a pet portrait artist because visitors are both pet and art lovers - my favorite type of people," Purdy said. Purdy said that aspiring artists should paint what they love, in the medium they love and believe in their work. petportraitsbyfiona.com
Cheri Reckers
Reckers moved to Phoenix from New Mexico five years ago with her husband. Since they came from an inspiring desert/mountain region, they wanted to continue living in a similar area. The Sonoran Desert was attractive because of its unique environment, dramatic vistas and of course the saguaro cacti that only grow here," she said. Reckers' primary medium is silk painting - and it has been for 30 years. She's participated in the CST twice. Occasionally, I work with watercolors, acrylics and oils, though I particularly like the vibrant color achieved with the dyes on silk," she said. Reckers doesn't believe there is such thing as "perfect" but that striving for "perfection" as an artist is ongoing. Having a good foundation helps one achieve success because they can apply the principles to any medium of choice," she explained. Her work can be seen at the Shemer several times a year, and Reckers also teaches silk painting workshops there. Participating in the tour and exhibitions are good ways for the community to see my work and meet me," Reckers said. "It's nice to get feedback about my paintings and see what pieces the collectors make a connection with." Her advice for aspiring artists is this: Take some classes, hone your skills, then use self-motivation and determination to keep creating and getting your artwork out where people can see it," she said. Visitors to Shemer, the Sedona Art Center and Wild Holly Gallery in Carefree can view Reckers' current and past works.
cherireckers.com
Representing students of Arizona universities, community colleges and high schools, as well as other emerging Arizona artists since 1993.
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