Juried Artists

I’m drawn to the challenge of portraying light at different times of day, using bold colors to evoke emotion. Oil paints are my medium of choice, and I combine palette knife and brush techniques to create texture and depth.

For me, interpreting the mystique of the landscape and human form on canvas is both exciting and fulfilling. I immerse myself fully in the process, with the texture and scent of oil paint providing the perfect means to explore our environment. Painting outdoors allows me to capture fleeting moments in history and nature, offering endless opportunities for growth and discovery.

The bright, scorching sun reflecting off buildings, a wisp of exhaust in the air, utility poles leaning every which way with wires holding them together, cracked pavement, gritty bricks, corroded metal bridges, cars crammed against curbs—these are the scenes that ignite Sarah’s passion. She sees rhythm, design, and form in the urban landscape: the everyday places we live in and travel through.

Sarah believes her urban landscapes mirror our own lives—the paths we walk, the choices we make, and the scars we accumulate on our unique journeys through the world.

A self-taught oil painter specializing in urban landscapes, Sarah has been a full-time artist since 2014. Before that, she spent 25 years as a scenic artist, painting for theater and opera companies from Wisconsin to Maine, eventually settling in the Delaware/Philadelphia area.

Sarah has won multiple awards for her plein air painting in regional competitions and has been featured in Plein Air Magazine.

A cum laude graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baran began his teaching career with the Baltimore County Public School system in 1976. Over the years, he gained recognition for his leadership, often guiding departments and developing innovative curricula to challenge aspiring artists. His courses have spanned a variety of subjects, including traditional painting, ceramics, and photography. Now retired from teaching, Baran focuses on painting full-time.

As an artist, Baran's passion lies in painting. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and competitions, with his work held by celebrities, dignitaries, and collectors across the United States and abroad. His pieces are displayed in businesses and galleries, further cementing his legacy in the art world.

Krystal W. Brown is an accomplished artist whose work offers a painted perspective of the world, inspired by her deep connection to nature and the healing power it brings. Her fine art has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, earned multiple national awards, and secured her NOAPS Signature Status.

Krystal is dedicated to sharing her knowledge with others, teaching workshops, and offering individual instruction to help artists discover their unique voices and creative potential. She believes that celebrating beauty through art allows us to find it in all things, transforming our experiences and bringing healing and blessings. This intention shapes every piece she creates.

As a painter, Krystal intentionally creates fine art oil paintings that capture the transformational power of beauty. For her, the creative process is a healing balm, with each stroke of luminous oil paints bringing life to the canvas and inviting viewers to reconnect with the world through her art.

I aim to create the illusion of detail in my paintings without painting every minute element. By using just a few carefully placed brushstrokes, I guide the viewer's eye to recognize familiar objects, suggesting rather than fully rendering them. This approach invites the viewer to participate in the artwork, interpreting the scene through their perception of the marks I’ve made.

A key aspect of my artistic practice is the mental preparation that happens constantly. I’m always observing my surroundings, imagining how I can translate them into a language of pigment and paper, allowing others to see what I see. Sometimes, a scene presents a clear idea that’s ready to be captured on paper. More often, inspiration comes from fleeting moments—a glimpse of atmospheric effects, the way sunlight touches a surface, or a specific element within a landscape.

With 60 years of painting experience, 45 of which have been as a professional artist, I specialize in plein air painting. My primary focus is on landscapes, marines, and cityscapes—sometimes incorporating figures—captured during my extensive travels across the U.S. and Europe, particularly in Italy and France.

I seek subjects that highlight the interplay of color, light, and shadow, which I interpret through an Impressionistic-Realist style. For me, painting is the bold and dynamic application of color that brings life to the subject. Color is the essence of a painting, and its harmonious application—whether vibrant and striking or soft and tranquil—creates the energy that drives the work. I often use a palette knife to complement my brushwork, adding texture and depth to my pieces.

Painting outdoors in all weather conditions not only satisfies the eye but nourishes the soul, helping me to see and feel the world more clearly and aesthetically. I am deeply inspired by the works of Willard Metcalf, Daniel Garber, Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, and Joaquin Sorolla, whose approach to light and atmosphere continues to influence my work.

I am a Plein Air painter with a deep love for the outdoors, though I do retreat to the studio when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Still, the ever-changing light in nature remains my greatest inspiration.

Every painting starts with an idea—whether it’s a color scheme, a specific mood, or the rhythm of dappled light and the interplay of light and shadow. I place great emphasis on strong design, often beginning with thumbnail sketches to map out the lights, darks, and their connections.

With a long career as a graphic designer, I’ve learned that strong concepts and design are essential for a successful painting. Above all, I live by my lifelong professional motto: “Keep it simple.”