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Two Rivers Arts
MEET OUR 2025 TEACHERS
Connie Canby
Watercolor
I am currently a founding member and Art Director for Artists’ Alliance Co-op @ Jarrett Thor Fine Arts in Colonial Beach, VA.
In 2003 I was a founding member and later president of The Colonial Beach Artists Guild.
I grew up in downtown D. C. and attended Corcoran School of Art on a teen scholarship and Maryland School of Art and Design in Silver Spring, Md. I started teaching at NOVA (Sterling Campus) in 1980. I taught watercolor and children classes for Loudoun Academy of the Arts, Leesburg, VA. I loved doing summer camps with young people at Shenandoah University, PAVAN Performing and Visual Arts ARTREACH Program in Clarke County, VA. As artist in residence), Foxcroft School for Girls, Middleburg, VA., and Frederick MD. Kids Like Us Program.
My own artwork has evolved into abstract expressionism, experimental watercolors and some with representational undertones. The theme most often recognized in my body of work is how color and energy are showcased as they weave their way throughout the painting as well as my life. It’s like taking dictation for a song already written.
I am currently a founding member and Art Director for Artists’ Alliance Co-op @ Jarrett Thor Fine Arts in Colonial Beach, VA.
In 2003 I was a founding member and later president of The Colonial Beach Artists Guild.
I grew up in downtown D. C. and attended Corcoran School of Art on a teen scholarship and Maryland School of Art and Design in Silver Spring, Md. I started teaching at NOVA (Sterling Campus) in 1980. I taught watercolor and children classes for Loudoun Academy of the Arts, Leesburg, VA. I loved doing summer camps with young people at Shenandoah University, PAVAN Performing and Visual Arts ARTREACH Program in Clarke County, VA. As artist in residence), Foxcroft School for Girls, Middleburg, VA., and Frederick MD. Kids Like Us Program.
My own artwork has evolved into abstract expressionism, experimental watercolors and some with representational undertones. The theme most often recognized in my body of work is how color and energy are showcased as they weave their way throughout the painting as well as my life. It’s like taking dictation for a song already written.
Abigail Chandler
Hello, I'm Abigail, and I'm 17 years old. I've been passionate about art for as long as I can remember, and it's been a huge part of my life. In 2023, I was thrilled to place first in the Bay Aging Art Contest, which was a big moment for me and my art journey.
I mostly work with acrylic paint and colored pencils, and I love bringing my ideas to life with these mediums. My art is all about paying attention to detail and capturing emotions, and I aim to create pieces that really draw people in.
Even though I'm largely self-taught, I've always pushed myself to learn and try new things. This has helped me develop my own unique style, which I'm proud to share with others.
As I keep growing and evolving as an artist, I'm excited to keep creating and hopefully inspiring others along the way. There's so much more I want to explore and achieve in the art world, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds.
I mostly work with acrylic paint and colored pencils, and I love bringing my ideas to life with these mediums. My art is all about paying attention to detail and capturing emotions, and I aim to create pieces that really draw people in.
Even though I'm largely self-taught, I've always pushed myself to learn and try new things. This has helped me develop my own unique style, which I'm proud to share with others.
As I keep growing and evolving as an artist, I'm excited to keep creating and hopefully inspiring others along the way. There's so much more I want to explore and achieve in the art world, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds.
Greer Conrad
In the enchanting woods of King George, Greer discovered her passion for gourds in 2000 when she cultivated her first 'egg' and Tennessee spinner gourds. What started as a personal hobby soon transformed into a delightful craft. Painting gourds with stars, she shared them as Christmas presents, and the demand grew. Greer's journey led her to the Virginia Gourd Lovers society in 2013, where she found a community equally excited about the art of gourding.
A member of the American Gourd Society, Virginia Gourd Lovers society, as well as the North Carolina and Pennsylvania Gourd Societies, Greer's joy in raising and crafting gourds is evident. While she no longer grows her own, her expertise has expanded through classes at various gourd festivals. In 2019, she co-founded a local Gourd Patch in Fredericksburg, where enthusiasts gather monthly to embark on projects and discover new aspects of gourd artistry.
A member of the American Gourd Society, Virginia Gourd Lovers society, as well as the North Carolina and Pennsylvania Gourd Societies, Greer's joy in raising and crafting gourds is evident. While she no longer grows her own, her expertise has expanded through classes at various gourd festivals. In 2019, she co-founded a local Gourd Patch in Fredericksburg, where enthusiasts gather monthly to embark on projects and discover new aspects of gourd artistry.
Steve Griffin
Cyanotype
Steve Griffin has been a painter for over fifty years. In 1968 he was one of twelve undergraduate students, selected from a national pool, to attend the first year of the newly created Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum in New York. The ISP is still active today.
Since retiring from teaching in the Art Department at the University of Mary Washington in 2008, Steve has continued to work in his studio. He recently received a 2011-2012 professional fellowship in painting from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and a 2012-2013 fellowship in painting from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Steve has also been awarded three residency fellowships at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Griffin’s work hangs in many private and corporate collections and is represented by several galleries.
Over the years I have gradually drifted far from my early photo-realist style of painting. My most recent “Strata” series began in 2007. The basic horizontal stripe compositions in these paintings were initially inspired by landscapes but the result more closely resembles a cross-section of earth or the strata found in rocks. The painting process itself is similar to an archeological dig. I apply multiple layers of paint which are eventually sanded and scraped to reveal previously forgotten colors and textures. This method of painting retains an element of chance in an otherwise very structured format.
Steve Griffin has been a painter for over fifty years. In 1968 he was one of twelve undergraduate students, selected from a national pool, to attend the first year of the newly created Independent Study Program at the Whitney Museum in New York. The ISP is still active today.
Since retiring from teaching in the Art Department at the University of Mary Washington in 2008, Steve has continued to work in his studio. He recently received a 2011-2012 professional fellowship in painting from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and a 2012-2013 fellowship in painting from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Steve has also been awarded three residency fellowships at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.
Griffin’s work hangs in many private and corporate collections and is represented by several galleries.
Over the years I have gradually drifted far from my early photo-realist style of painting. My most recent “Strata” series began in 2007. The basic horizontal stripe compositions in these paintings were initially inspired by landscapes but the result more closely resembles a cross-section of earth or the strata found in rocks. The painting process itself is similar to an archeological dig. I apply multiple layers of paint which are eventually sanded and scraped to reveal previously forgotten colors and textures. This method of painting retains an element of chance in an otherwise very structured format.
Janice Jones
Drawing and Specialty Classes
Lonnie Hawkins
Lonnie Harkins is a self taught artist who, as a child, began drawing almost as soon as he could hold a pencil, beginning by doodling and copying Andy Capp and Beatle Bailey cartoons from the comic strips. Since those early years, Lonnie has dabbled in numerous artistic media including photography, pottery, glass, scratchboard, silversmithing, and other mediums.
In the early 2000's, he was introduced to a little known medium known as Scratchboard. Scratchboard is a form of direct engraving where the artist scratches off black ink to reveal a white layer underneath. Lonnie uses X-Acto knives and other tools to scratch away the black ink from the board and reveal more or less of the white clay that is underneath. Unlike many drawing media, where the artist adds in the mid-tones and shadows, the scratchboard artist works by adding in the highlights.
Lonnie began creating art using this medium in earnest around 2015. It has since become his medium of choice. The medium lends itself to extremely fine detail and contrast. Transparent inks add bright color. It is also a very portable medium, requiring a minimum of equipment.
His work can currently be seen at Artworks@7th Gallery in North Beach, MD. He also exhibits his art at the Calvert Artists' Guild art shows.
In the early 2000's, he was introduced to a little known medium known as Scratchboard. Scratchboard is a form of direct engraving where the artist scratches off black ink to reveal a white layer underneath. Lonnie uses X-Acto knives and other tools to scratch away the black ink from the board and reveal more or less of the white clay that is underneath. Unlike many drawing media, where the artist adds in the mid-tones and shadows, the scratchboard artist works by adding in the highlights.
Lonnie began creating art using this medium in earnest around 2015. It has since become his medium of choice. The medium lends itself to extremely fine detail and contrast. Transparent inks add bright color. It is also a very portable medium, requiring a minimum of equipment.
His work can currently be seen at Artworks@7th Gallery in North Beach, MD. He also exhibits his art at the Calvert Artists' Guild art shows.
Nana Gaul Lauer
Drawing, Watercolor and other mediums
My love of art and creating started the second time I had 4th grade when I was asked to design and create the classroom bulletin boards for the year. As my teacher, Mrs. Fisher said “ Nana Gail already knows the work” I love Mrs. Fisher wherever you are.
I went on to graduate from high school with art honors. My art teacher in high school got me a job with Samuel Kirk and Sons as a silver engraver. While there I worked in the design room with their small animal series. From founder to stamping the name on the bottom. After my daughter was born I studied Ceramics/Pottery at Towson State University
I attended watercolor classes with Dr. Morris Green and Fritz Briggs and finally graduated from the world-renowned Atelier...The Schuler School of Fine Art.
My love of art and creating started the second time I had 4th grade when I was asked to design and create the classroom bulletin boards for the year. As my teacher, Mrs. Fisher said “ Nana Gail already knows the work” I love Mrs. Fisher wherever you are.
I went on to graduate from high school with art honors. My art teacher in high school got me a job with Samuel Kirk and Sons as a silver engraver. While there I worked in the design room with their small animal series. From founder to stamping the name on the bottom. After my daughter was born I studied Ceramics/Pottery at Towson State University
I attended watercolor classes with Dr. Morris Green and Fritz Briggs and finally graduated from the world-renowned Atelier...The Schuler School of Fine Art.
Anne McCahill
Embroidery
Vicki McKay
Fiber Art
Kayla Payne
Private Art Lessons
Ronda Rotz
Acrylics, Collage and Specialty Classes
Ronda is a self -taught artist who is constantly seeking knowledge of painting mediums that interest her in a quest to discover new techniques to introduce into her own artwork. She has taken many workshops and painting classes along the way. She grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and began her creative journey at a very young age. She used her creativity in a different way after begging her Mother to join 4-H at the age of 7 so she could learn to sew, which lead to many other creative paths. Having access to unlimited books because of her Librarian Mother, she discovered Tole painting, so she learned to paint home décor items in that style of painting. She was formally trained in horticulture and floral design and worked as a floral designer, creating art thru her floral arrangements. While raising 3 children with her husband on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, she rediscovered Folk Art and decorative painting and taught acrylic and fabric painting classes at a local shop that offered classes.
Now that her children are raised, she has been able to dedicate more time to her art. She considers herself a multi-media artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, brusho, collage and cold wax/ oil.
Ronda is a self -taught artist who is constantly seeking knowledge of painting mediums that interest her in a quest to discover new techniques to introduce into her own artwork. She has taken many workshops and painting classes along the way. She grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania and began her creative journey at a very young age. She used her creativity in a different way after begging her Mother to join 4-H at the age of 7 so she could learn to sew, which lead to many other creative paths. Having access to unlimited books because of her Librarian Mother, she discovered Tole painting, so she learned to paint home décor items in that style of painting. She was formally trained in horticulture and floral design and worked as a floral designer, creating art thru her floral arrangements. While raising 3 children with her husband on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, she rediscovered Folk Art and decorative painting and taught acrylic and fabric painting classes at a local shop that offered classes.
Now that her children are raised, she has been able to dedicate more time to her art. She considers herself a multi-media artist, creating works in acrylic, watercolor, brusho, collage and cold wax/ oil.
Pat Southern-Pearce
My 5 years at Art School in the UK, training as a Painter, in oils, gave me a strong base of practice and experience that I shall be forever grateful for. We were fortunate to have a new painting tutor join us, early on, fresh from the Welsh valleys: bags of energy and uber-talented. He had us sketch every week, in all weathers, even in snow, with easels, in oils and in gouache. We were taught to be free, to value everything we did and every Friday our work was propped up and critiqued, like today’s USK Sketch Meet throwdowns. Our sketchbooks and sketching were a part of us, and it’s stayed.
My sketches are responses to the feel of a place: the atmosphere, the cold, the heat, the quietness, the happiness of a crowded beach, days end and its brilliant colours, never just marks and lines on paper. I draw intuitively and quickly, working all over the page at once and it just grows. If I have a colour in my hand, I’ll ask “Where else can it go?”. And that keeps things balanced and unified. 8 years ago, after a lifetime of drawing in white, I bought a grey Strathmore sketchbook, then a Seawhite Kraft one and I was hooked. Pure magic; what a revelation: so much more fun and potential! And lately, all kinds of colours, different kinds of paper, pre-prepared experimental backgrounds and digital, too: fascinating.
My inspiration and interests
I am inspired, always, by shapes against the sky, buildings, telegraph pole and wires, trees, wild places, blue distance and textural surprises. In our cottage garden oasis, I love to wander, glass in hand, and eat amongst the blossoms in the Summertime. But I love to travel the world, too, more and more every year: teaching, exploring and meeting other creatives. It’s living the dream, and it fires me up. The USA is a constant: Spring and Fall in 2024. And my daughter lives in Virginia so that’s a bonus. There have been 2-month and 3-month long trips to Australia, tutoring at USK Symposiums of course! And all manner of other workshops scattered about.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
– Exhibitions: Moscow, Venice and the UK
-Publications: “1612 The Trials of the Lancashire Witches” Edgar Peel & Pat Southern-Pearce. David & Charles/ Hendon Publishing Co
“AN URBAN SKETCHING JOURNEY: Sketches and Memories” Due out March 2024
“Art in the Classroom” Pindar Graphics
– Sponsorship: Workshops in Australia, America & Amsterdam. Nova Trios provided.
-Commissions: Clairefontaine Paint on Series: 6 Sketchbook covers, for the USA.
-BBC 3 commissioned drawings for a documentary on the Witches. Joint adviser for a filmed drama on the witches.
-3-year Artist in Residence 2013 -2016. Arts Council UK full funding. 3 linked schools.
-Symposium Tutor: 2016 onwards: Manchester, Chicago, Amsterdam, Leeds mini
My sketches are responses to the feel of a place: the atmosphere, the cold, the heat, the quietness, the happiness of a crowded beach, days end and its brilliant colours, never just marks and lines on paper. I draw intuitively and quickly, working all over the page at once and it just grows. If I have a colour in my hand, I’ll ask “Where else can it go?”. And that keeps things balanced and unified. 8 years ago, after a lifetime of drawing in white, I bought a grey Strathmore sketchbook, then a Seawhite Kraft one and I was hooked. Pure magic; what a revelation: so much more fun and potential! And lately, all kinds of colours, different kinds of paper, pre-prepared experimental backgrounds and digital, too: fascinating.
My inspiration and interests
I am inspired, always, by shapes against the sky, buildings, telegraph pole and wires, trees, wild places, blue distance and textural surprises. In our cottage garden oasis, I love to wander, glass in hand, and eat amongst the blossoms in the Summertime. But I love to travel the world, too, more and more every year: teaching, exploring and meeting other creatives. It’s living the dream, and it fires me up. The USA is a constant: Spring and Fall in 2024. And my daughter lives in Virginia so that’s a bonus. There have been 2-month and 3-month long trips to Australia, tutoring at USK Symposiums of course! And all manner of other workshops scattered about.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
– Exhibitions: Moscow, Venice and the UK
-Publications: “1612 The Trials of the Lancashire Witches” Edgar Peel & Pat Southern-Pearce. David & Charles/ Hendon Publishing Co
“AN URBAN SKETCHING JOURNEY: Sketches and Memories” Due out March 2024
“Art in the Classroom” Pindar Graphics
– Sponsorship: Workshops in Australia, America & Amsterdam. Nova Trios provided.
-Commissions: Clairefontaine Paint on Series: 6 Sketchbook covers, for the USA.
-BBC 3 commissioned drawings for a documentary on the Witches. Joint adviser for a filmed drama on the witches.
-3-year Artist in Residence 2013 -2016. Arts Council UK full funding. 3 linked schools.
-Symposium Tutor: 2016 onwards: Manchester, Chicago, Amsterdam, Leeds mini
Stephen Walker
Oil
Before you start reading Steven's bio, let me tell you about my experiences with him. There are so many reasons that Steven is one of my favorite teachers, here are a few!
I don't remember how many years ago I took my first class from Steven at the Thor Gallery in Colonial Beach. I had been taking classes for a while but had never seen so many students in a class before -- there must have been 25. Yes, this seems like a large class but somehow in addition to his demonstrations and teaching, he found time to work with each of us at whatever level we were.
I was so impressed with Steven and how he helped me that I have followed him for years and when I planned to take a group of artists to Ireland several years ago, whom did I ask to go with us as the teacher, Steven of course.
I can promise you that no matter how good an artist you are or aren't, Steven will help you grow as as well as teach you how to be a better artist.
Steven doesn't come to this area very often, so this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. He teaches in oils but is competent in other mediums also.
Before you start reading Steven's bio, let me tell you about my experiences with him. There are so many reasons that Steven is one of my favorite teachers, here are a few!
I don't remember how many years ago I took my first class from Steven at the Thor Gallery in Colonial Beach. I had been taking classes for a while but had never seen so many students in a class before -- there must have been 25. Yes, this seems like a large class but somehow in addition to his demonstrations and teaching, he found time to work with each of us at whatever level we were.
I was so impressed with Steven and how he helped me that I have followed him for years and when I planned to take a group of artists to Ireland several years ago, whom did I ask to go with us as the teacher, Steven of course.
I can promise you that no matter how good an artist you are or aren't, Steven will help you grow as as well as teach you how to be a better artist.
Steven doesn't come to this area very often, so this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. He teaches in oils but is competent in other mediums also.
Ellen Werner
Ellen Werner is a contemporary artist who resides in Tappahannock, Virginia.
Her love of art began at a young age and has grown into a passion for painting. Her paintings are inspired by the styles of the masters of impressionism and convey emotion and tell a story through the use of color, line, and composition.
Ellen currently works with acrylics, utilizing their vivid colors to transform the canvas into her glimpse of the world. She also works in watercolor, alcohol inks, and oils.
Ellen has exhibited in solo and group shows in Richmond, Tappahannock, and the Northern Neck of Virginia. She has worked on several commissions of pets, children, and architecture.
Ellen has been teaching children’s art camp at the Tappahannock Artist’s Guild for several years and enjoys working with children as they are our future artists.
Her love of art began at a young age and has grown into a passion for painting. Her paintings are inspired by the styles of the masters of impressionism and convey emotion and tell a story through the use of color, line, and composition.
Ellen currently works with acrylics, utilizing their vivid colors to transform the canvas into her glimpse of the world. She also works in watercolor, alcohol inks, and oils.
Ellen has exhibited in solo and group shows in Richmond, Tappahannock, and the Northern Neck of Virginia. She has worked on several commissions of pets, children, and architecture.
Ellen has been teaching children’s art camp at the Tappahannock Artist’s Guild for several years and enjoys working with children as they are our future artists.
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