 As of April 2023, Cathryne Loos became a resident of New Smyrna Beach (NSB), Florida. NSB is a vibrant art community, and it is situated just off of the Atlantic Ocean about one half hour below, south of, Daytona Beach. It is home to the 50th annual “Images” and 64th annual “Art Fiesta.” Cathy has immersed herself in several working artists communities where she has the opportunity to learn and share artistic skills and communicate with like-minded people.
She recently joined Urban Sketchers Daytona Beach (Facebook). The group is brand new, and Cathy is thoroughly enjoying their outings. This sketch was at the Casements in Ormond Beach, Florida, at Rockefeller’s former winter home. Cathy Loos' sketch captures a quiet, contemplative moment, rendered entirely in pen and ink—a medium that demands precision and patience. This detailed drawing of a period dress could almost portray a solitary figure slumped comfortably in a simple spindle-back chair, evoking the stillness of rest. One can imagine a woman clothed in a hat and a long dress, with intricate line work and cross-hatching articulating the nuanced textures and folds of the fabric. The head leans forward, resting gently on the chest, suggesting a deep calm or gentle sleep. The legs cross with casual ease, one foot grounded, the other suspended, emphasizing a natural, unguarded posture. Cathy’s process included engagement with the Urban Sketchers Daytona Beach community. This piece drew inspiration from one of her urban sketching outings at The Casements, once Rockefeller’s winter home in Ormond Beach, Florida. The connection to a specific, storied place, grounds the image in a sense of quiet history and reflection. Her sketch provides a focused and intimate portrait, responding to light and shadow while preserving the tactile quality of ink on paper. Working with pen and ink meant embracing the discipline of layering lines to produce depth and the subtle gradations of shadow that bring the figure’s presence to life. The interaction of light and structure here is deliberate—shadows do not simply fall but shape the mood, lending a weight and realism that invites viewers to enter the stillness of the moment. Interested in Urban Sketchers Dayton? check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/883268494106575/
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Greetings Artists!
2026 has gotten off to a brisk start and with Valentine's Day approaching, it is sure to warm up. February invites us to slow down, to look more closely, and to remain present. It is a great time to spread the love and enjoy the small moments with family and friends. Does the artwork in your mind seem more real to you than the pieces you have completed? I recently read Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland for an art book club. This book is chockfull of tips on how to approach art making. It helps answer these 3 questions: What is your art about? Where is it going? and What stands in the way of getting it there? I highly recommend it. Now let's make some art. Bradley Hayes, our new webmaster is back. Please reach out to him at [email protected] or by text at (858) 243-6929 or me at [email protected] or (314) 494-9543. His website expertise is a wonderful addition to BE. Here’s what’s happening now in our BE community: 1. As of April 2023, Cathy Loos became a resident of New Smyrna Beach (NSB), Florida. .NSB is a vibrant art community, and it is situated just off of the Atlantic Ocean about one half hour below (south) Daytona Beach. It is home to the 50th annual “Images” and 64th annual “Art Fiesta.” We also have several working artists communities where we can learn additional artistic skills and communicate with like-minded people.I recently joined Urban Sketchers Daytona Beach (Face Book). Our group is brand new, and I am thoroughly enjoying our outings. 2. Nancy Van Ness' artwork is on Charish. She has great sales success with this shopping site. Check it out at https://www.chairish.com/search?q=van+ness . 3. Kathy Corey's painting, "Flames of the Garden Muse" is now on display at The Key West Studios for the Anne McKee Artists Fund Fine Art Auction which will be held on Friday, February 27, 2028.4. Spirit of the Trees: A Group Exhibition curated by Mel Watkin features artist Maria Ojascastro. The show runs from January 16 through April 12, 2026, at Red Gate Gallery, 6501 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO. Don’t miss it!5 Maria Ojascastro’s artwork "Yellow Shadow" will grace the cover of the new poetry book *A Moth Collection* by Anna Ojascastro Guzon, now available for pre-order. You can learn more and place your order here:https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/a-moth-collection-by-anna-ojascastro-guzon/ 6. The last week to see Kathy Corey’s painting "Herons Watch" is currently on display in the juried exhibition Shadow & Light: Island Contrast at the Key West Museum of Art & History. This show, running from December 3, 2025, to February 15, 2026, explores the contrasts of shadow and light throughout the Florida Keys’ unique environment across various mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, sculpture, pottery, and mixed media. 7. Also, look out for Kathy Corey in The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys 2026. This exciting initiative by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts will spotlight visual and performing artists at 10 “pop-up” events across the county, showcasing nearly 150 canvases by Keys artists alongside live music performances. We encourage you to share your news and updates with us. Your stories, exhibitions, and achievements strengthen our community and inspire one another. Please send your artwork submissions and news regarding exhibitions to keep us all connected and informed. Please share your news, exhibitions, or exciting projects so we can feature you on the website and social media. Together, we can celebrate the creative spirit that drives our community forward. Wishing you all a happy Valentine's Day! Warmly, Kathy
Happy New Year, Artists!
As we welcome 2026, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the achievements and challenges of 2025 and look ahead with inspiration and creativity. I'd like to welcome Bradley Hayes, our new webmaster. Please reach out to him at [email protected] or by text at (858) 243-6929 or me at [email protected] or (314) 494-9543. His website expertise is a wonderful addition to BE. Beginning with the return of the monthly email, my aspiration is that this monthly email and the BE Website will be your connection to the BE community for news, artist spotlights, tips, and opportunities to connect with fellow creatives. Here’s what’s happening now in our BE community: 1. Spirit of the Trees: A Group Exhibition curated by Mel Watkin features artist Maria Ojascastro. The show runs from January 16 through April 12, 2026, at Red Gate Gallery, 6501 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO. Don’t miss it! 2. Maria Ojascastro’s artwork "Yellow Shadow" will grace the cover of the new poetry book *A Moth Collection* by Anna Ojascastro Guzon, now available for pre-order. You can learn more and place your order here: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/a-moth-collection-by-anna-ojascastro-guzon/ 3. Kathy Corey’s painting "Herons Watch" is currently on display in the juried exhibition Shadow & Light: Island Contrast at the Key West Museum of Art & History. This show, running from December 3, 2025, to February 15, 2026, explores the contrasts of shadow and light throughout the Florida Keys’ unique environment across various mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, sculpture, pottery, and mixed media. 4. Also, look out for Kathy Corey in The Connections Project: A Mosaic of the Keys 2026. This exciting initiative by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts will spotlight visual and performing artists at 10 “pop-up” events across the county, showcasing nearly 150 canvases by Keys artists alongside live music performances. We encourage you to share your news and updates with us. Your stories, exhibitions, and achievements strengthen our community and inspire one another. Please send your artwork submissions and news regarding exhibitions to keep us all connected and informed. Please share your news, exhibitions, or exciting projects so we can feature you on the website and social media. Together, we can celebrate the creative spirit that drives our community forward. Wishing you all a creative and fulfilling 2026! Warmly, Kathy  "Wow, It's Been A Long Road" by Maria Ojascastro, Watercolor on Paper, Hand-Colored Photo, Mono Print on Arches, Acrylic on Canvas, 21x21" framed, 2025 Spirit of the Trees
A Group Exhibition Including Artist Maria Ojascastro Curated by Mel Watkin January 16 - April 12, 2026 Red Gate Gallery 6501 Wydown Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63105 Red Gate Gallery is proud to present Spirit of the Trees, a deeply evocative group exhibition featuring 19 artists, including acclaimed local artist Maria Ojascastro. The exhibition responds to the devastating EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis on May 16, 2025, leaving a profound mark on the city’s landscape and its people. Beyond the loss of lives and destruction of homes, thousands of trees across the St. Louis region were damaged or uprooted, symbolizing a broader narrative of loss, endurance, and renewal. Maria brings her unique vision to this powerful conversation, exploring the ways trees embody the forces of life, knowledge, healing, and transformation. Her artwork, alongside the works of other participating artists, invites viewers to reflect on both the physical destruction and the emotional reverberations wrought by the tornado. Spirit of the Trees is more than an art exhibition; it is a space for communal healing and dialogue. Hosted by Red Gate Gallery, known for its commitment to socially engaged art and rooted in the inclusive community of Wydown United Church, this show encourages audiences to contemplate the intersection of nature, memory, and resilience. Visitors are invited to experience Spirit of the Trees during gallery hours Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm, from January 16 through April 12, 2026. The exhibition offers a contemplative journey into themes of environmental fragility, human connection, and renewal. For more information, contact Red Gate Gallery at 314-721-5060 ext. 1. Discover art that grows from loss and flourishes in hope—join us to witness the Spirit of the Trees. "A Bird and Its Coffee", Oil paint on birch board, Wood floating frame, 9"x9", $500 Currently on view in Key West, FL JAG Gallery. A charming and whimsical oil painting that blends the everyday with the unexpected, evoking a sense of curiosity and quiet delight. An expressive oil painting featuring a bird perched on the edge of a cup filled with coffee that has a heart on its surface. The bird is rendered with bold, textured brush strokes in shades of black, gray, red, and blue, giving it a dynamic and lively appearance. The background comprises varying hues of blue, cream, lavender, and touches of orange, creating an impressionistic and vibrant atmosphere that emphasizes the scene's warmth and charm. The brushwork is thick and textured, adding depth and movement throughout the composition.
 Herons’ Watch is a quiet reminder of the moments we often overlook—the stillness of water, the patient grace of herons, and the gentle shift of light at dawn or dusk. Painted from the view in my own backyard, this scene invites me to pause and find calm in a world that moves too fast. The soft colors of sky meeting water, the lushness of the mangrove island, and the poised figures of the birds create a space where time feels tender and expansive. In creating this piece, I was drawn to the natural rhythms and the subtle beauty that often goes unnoticed, hoping to share that sense of peaceful presence with others. It’s a celebration of quiet strength and the balance that comes from simply watching and being present in a place that feels both familiar and full of life.
Herons Watch is currently on display at the Key West Art and History Museum as part of the Key West Art & Historical Society’s bi-annual juried exhibition, Shadow & Light: Island Contrast. Opening December 3, 2025, this exhibition showcases the work of artists living and creating in the Florida Keys, celebrating their unique interpretations of natural light and its interplay with everyday life. Exhibition Dates: December 3, 2025 – February 15, 2026.  Join us on Friday, February 27, 2025, at The Studios of Key West for a captivating evening featuring the vibrant artistry of Kathy Corey at the highly anticipated Anne McKee Artists Fund Fine Art Auction. Doors open promptly at 4:15 PM, welcoming guests to an inspiring preview of exceptional works. Before the auction begins at 5 PM, enjoy live music by Bobby Nesbitt, setting the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable night of art and community.
Kathy Corey’s latest piece, "Flames of the Garden Muse" celebrated for its evocative portrayal of the natural beauty and spirit of the Florida Keys, will be among the exquisite works up for bid. The artwork reflects Corey’s profound connection to the environment, highlighting her masterful use of color and texture to capture the area’s unique light and landscape. The event is part of an extended public opening preview held at The Studios of Key West from Thursday, February 5 through the evening of the auction day. This free preview allows art lovers and collectors alike to immerse themselves in the creativity and talent of the region’s finest artists, including Kathy Corey. The Anne McKee Artists Fund Fine Art Auction is a cherished tradition supporting local artists and fostering the arts community in the Florida Keys. Your participation helps ensure the continued growth and recognition of artists like Kathy Corey who inspire with their unique vision and dedication to craft. Mark your calendar for this special event and experience firsthand the dynamic work of Kathy Corey alongside a vibrant lineup of local talent. For art enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of the arts, this promises to be a memorable celebration of creativity and culture. Please save the date: Friday, February 27, 2025, at The Studios of Key West. Doors open at 4:15 PM, with live entertainment by Bobby Nesbitt from 4:15 to 5 PM before the auction commences. We look forward to welcoming you to an evening of beautiful art, lively music, and community spirit.  The VoyageKathy Corey's new painting, *The Voyage*, invites you into a quiet passage suspended between sky and water—a place where two figures cut softly through calm currents beneath a vast, dreamlike sky. The pink and yellow of their garments stand out against the deep blues and gentle reflections that ripple beneath their canoe, as clouds hover like whispered secrets overhead. This scene is more than a journey; it’s a moment of stillness and subtle transformation, drawn from my fascination with how clouds and water mirror each other, blurring the line between reality and reverie. Through oil on linen, I aimed to capture that elusive interplay, inviting you to linger in a space both tranquil and mysteriously alive.
 Still Perch Beneath the Florida Sky by Kathy Corey is a piece that invites you into a quiet moment of observation—an encounter with nature rendered in oil on linen at a modest 20 by 16 inches. The painting centers on a Mangrove Cuckoo, a bird whose subtle beauty and reserved nature have long captured my attention.
This bird is portrayed perched calmly on a slender branch, set against a backdrop of clear, expansive Florida sky. Its plumage commands focus with a vivid orange torso contrasted by deeper brown markings on its wings and head. The tail feathers offer a striking pattern of black and white, adding a graphic element that draws the eye. Sparse green leaves cling to the branch, bringing a natural freshness to the composition without overwhelming the scene. The overall effect is one of quiet presence and stillness—a snapshot of a fleeting, serene moment in a coastal habitat. Her inspiration for this work grows from a series dedicated to the Mangrove Cuckoo, a species native to the Florida Keys. These birds are elusive by nature, often settling quietly in dense mangroves where their discreet song punctuates the air. Their slender forms, distinctive markings, and low, croaking calls have been sources of both fascination and challenge. The bird’s tendency to remain still for extended periods captures that sense of peaceful watchfulness beneath the vast Florida sky. Technically, the process demanded close attention to the bird’s unique traits: the contrast between its buffy underside and darker upper plumage, the detailed black-and-yellow bill, and especially the tail’s bold patterning. Balancing the intricate textures of feathers with the simplicity of the sky and foliage was key to conveying the quiet dignity of this often-overlooked species. Still Perch Beneath the Florida Sky stands as more than a naturalistic study; it is an homage to the subtleties of life on Florida’s coastal edge. She hopes it evokes for you not just the image of a bird, but a moment of calm connection—a reminder of the delicate ecosystems thriving quietly, often out of sight, and the patience it takes to truly see them.  Captured Flowers is a vivid exploration of elegance and history, encapsulated within the confines of a canvas. This recent work of mine delves into the enchanting world of perfume bottles—their forms and the stories they tell, poised against a dark backdrop that accentuates their individual personas.
At the forefront are three distinct perfume bottles, each an ode to the art of luxury. To the left stands a square bottle with a striking rectangular stopper, where light dances across its transparent finish, playing with the warm amber liquid nestled inside. Its presence is both bold and refined, demanding admiration for its architectural form. The central piece is a more modest yet equally captivating bottle, crowned with a rounded top. Its subdued color palette whispers subtlety, encouraging a journey inward, as it forms a bridge between its companions. Meanwhile, on the right, rests the iconic Chanel No. 5 bottle. Its classic rectangular design, paired with an ornate cap and its storied label, conjures the timeless elegance synonymous with its name. The interplay of light and shadow brings the painting to life, transforming glass and liquid into storytelling elements that invite the viewer to look closer. The painting's depth is enhanced by the intricate details captured in every reflection, turning a still life into a dynamic conversation between material and memory. Creating Captured Flowers was a labor of love, inspired by the compelling history and artistry embedded in perfume making. It was an exercise not only in capturing the essence of the physical bottles but in reviving the stories they hold—from the intimate connections they inspire to the timeless allure they radiate. The process itself challenged my perception of detail and realism. Capturing not just the external beauty but the very aura of these bottles required a delicate balance of patience and precision—a journey into the textures and transparencies that define them. This artwork beckons not just to those who appreciate art but also to lovers of history and luxury, forging a space where aesthetics and storytelling beautifully intertwine. Through Captured Flowers, I invite you to see beyond the surface, to uncover the elegance of daily rituals and the luxury in the everyday—a gentle reminder of the beauty in the details we often overlook. |
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