Who are Some of the Latest, Greatest Artists? - Part 2

"Spider Tapestry" by Carol Theologo
Welcome to the second edition of our search for worldwide artistic talent! We received a number of positive reviews for our Latest, Greatest Artists piece and wanted to follow-up with another. Aside from the fact that we thoroughly enjoy scouring the net for new artists, it's also great to share them with all of you!
Originally, when compiling artists for our first article, we were asked questions like:
"Where are the classic artists of our day?"
Having pondered this query, we've come to the realization that artists - those who create works of visual art, specifically - are gainfully employed within new mediums of artistic representation. Think about the digital artists creating CGI for marketing campaigns and Hollywood blockbusters, holding down steady jobs which undoubtedly pay more annually than the 'starving artist' career-path that many are still used to pigeon-holing painters into. To be sure, those painting art for art's sake are still abundant - but are no longer the only breed of new-age artist.
For the sake of this article, we're still focusing on the independent artists - the potentially under-appreciated geniuses who have not yet landed massive critical acclaim but who, nevertheless, toil in self-crafted studios to create works of great beauty for no other reason than personal enjoyment.
Our selections this time around were not based entirely upon one criteria. One specific dimension, perhaps like technical skill or knowledge of stroke-technique does not always make an artist you can revere (of course, it helps). Rather, those who can weave technical skill into a personal style take on greater achievement than just a mastery of reflexes or blends. Some of our selections were based on the perception of soul behind the paint; a style that truly attempts to exhibit meaning behind a menagerie of color and beauty to express something personal. After viewing the pieces that follow, we felt compelled to reach out to each artist and not just say, 'that's beautiful' -- but felt compelled to say, 'that's beautiful, and I feel richer now that you've shared it with me.'
All works within this article have been posted with the written consent of each artist. You may not reproduce them and should direct all inquiries about their use to each respective artist. Please see our disclaimer for copyright information. If you have suggestions for other artists who could potentially be listed within a third edition (we won't rule out the possibility!), simply let us know on this article's forum.
www.caroltheologo.com
Here is a painter who loves to craft the wondrously complex environmental scenes that would normally make you double-take in real life -- and then stop to gape in awe. Carol's mastery of even the smallest details, skillfully woven into beautiful arrangements of color are an inspiration for anyone trying to capture nature's brilliance. With all the effects of an excellent photograph taken on a hike, Carol's works go beyond the aesthetic to portray the specific style of nature that you can only see through her eyes.

“Woodland Wonder” by Carol Theologo
1. What artistic style would you classify your work as? (ie. postmodern, post-impressionist, energy, abstract, etc.)
Representational
2. What is your preferred medium?
Oils
3. Who/What are your influences?
Carol's inspiration comes mainly from that which inspires her in the surrounding environment; whether it’s nature, light or the inherent beauty captured within a signature atmosphere. Aside from transposing the world's beauty to canvas, Carol also greatly admires the works of Gail Descoeurs and Helen Parsley, though her aunt Lorna Panzenbock has also reportedly been a strong influence on crafting Carol’s transcendent talent.

“Birds on a Wire” by Carol Theologo
4. What is your favorite work from your own catalog?
Often hoping to create a new favorite with each piece, Carol was hesitant to choose an all-time favorite. Having to pick just one, she opted for “Woodland Wonder” because of the subtle mystery within the depicted pathway, disappearing into a beautiful collage of autumn colours.
www.rainlongson.com
Rain Longson showcases our first exposure to the genre of art entitled, hyper-realism. The stunning likeness to real-life within each work is baffling in its attention to detail and almost surely is on the more time-intensive side of the artistic spectrum. Laboriously recreated, Rain's art shows off a near-replica version of reality as a novel approach to the human endeavor to stockpile the treasured moments and personal experiences that make up life.
1. What artistic style would you classify your work as? (ie. postmodern, post-impressionist, energy, abstract, etc.)
Hyper-Realism / Photorealism
If you're curious about what kind of piece might qualify as hyper-realist, feast your eyes on one of Longson’s amazing works:

“Rumble in the Bronx” by Rain Longson
2. What is your preferred medium?
Acrylic and Watercolor
3. Who/What are your influences?
Rain cites a Mrs. Sandra Tobe as a very strong influence, having received a wealth of knowledge and experience from her while studying the subject.

“Rhodedendruns” by Rain Longson
4. What is your favorite work from your own catalog?
"Daddy's Girl" ranks as Rain's most beloved piece. This may be because she began the work as nothing more than a doodle to break in new equipment -- but quickly found that the form, shape and subject-matter of her new creation had captured her imagination. This may also be because it's an excellent work with elegance in its simplicity.
5. So who is the best painter of all time?
Casey Cunningham (Alberta, Canada)
http://www.garrykravit.com
Should you be resisting the urge, thus far, to visit these artists' websites -- do yourself the favor and check out the rest of Garry's repertoire. Literally every piece is outstanding. It's like Delacroix crawled out of his grave and started painting again, but this time about stuff that's not so weird.
With a cunning realness and a penchant for capturing still-life, Garry has the uncanny ability to take something beautiful and actually make it much more beautiful on a canvas. What really amazes me is that Garry's painting is actually more of a side-project that he pursues for the love of the art, rather than being professionally-minded -- although you will notice that many of his works have garnered clients.

“Boys Night Out” by Garry Kravit

“Homage to Elizabeth Robbins – Peaches, and Copper” by Garry Kravit



