Linda Bergkvist

http://enayla.deviantart.com/

Linda Bergkvist is an artist discovered through DeviantArt. Her work is painted entirely in PhotoShop. She paints with remarkable skill and precision. She spares no detail and her work is exceptionally smooth. To me her symbolism is enthralling. The featured painting I've posted might seem to have a romantic theme at first glance but, in fact, it is a statement on the current state of our civilization's relationship with the earth ("Mother Nature"). This sort of art speaks to me because it promotes a message. Her art makes the viewer think.

Details to "Spoiled":
http://www.furiae.com/images/spoiled-closeup.jpg
http://www.furiae.com/images/spoiled-closeup2.jpg
http://www.furiae.com/images/spoiled-closeup3.jpg
http://www.furiae.com/images/spoiled-closeup4.jpg

Robert Standish

http://robertstandish.com/paintings.htm



Robert Standish is an artist who paints in absolutely stunning detail. His paintings resemble photographs not only in their realistic execution but also in his inclusion of photographic elements like loss of detail due to slow shutter speed. His work is so realistic that I feel his "meaning" is conveyed entirely through subject matter rather than technique.

Donnie Green

http://www.donniegreen.com/

http://www.gallery5arts.org/Home/Home.html

Donnie Green is an artist suggested to me by my aunt Lana Gentry. He is a local artist and has had shows at galleries in Richmond. To me his work is the epitome of chaos and disorder. The composition of his work draws the eye all around the page starting with obvious symbols and slowly working inward toward the smaller and less obvious elements of his work. His striking talent for detail and seemingly tireless imagination make a very compelling combination. He works in full color and often uses symmetry to his advantage.

Lora8

http://lora8.deviantart.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/lorazombie

Lora8 is a young cartoonist from the United Kingdom. She is part of the art community DeviantArt and sells her work as T-shirt designs on Zazzle. She works with ink and watercolor and though her style is ever-changing, I feel her predominantly watercolor works are her most intriguing pieces. Some of her paintings are political statements. She is able to portray a unique idea in a visually pleasing and innovative way. Her bright colors and explosive, dripping watercolors speak to the imagination and give a sense of a loss of boundaries.

Joshua Petker

http://www.joshuapetker.com/

Joshua Petker is a traditional painter who made his start in graffiti. Although never having pursued a formal education, his grasp of color theory and his ability to paint realistic figures is apparent. Some notable influences to his work are the works of Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet, and various graffiti artists. His unique use of splashes of neon color bring to mind a fantastical dream-world. I find this artist very inspiring in his surprising placement of pigment and his bold choices in color.