Capturing Nature

Evening View of the Blue Whole Gallery

Enjoying the Gifts of Springtime

     Spring has arrived in all its glory to share with us colors, sounds, and warm temperatures.  To showcase these natural gifts the Blue Whole Gallery is especially proud to have two member artists whose artwork focuses on those elements that Nature brings to us in Spring.  Artist Joyce DeCastro Volmut specializes in wood carvings that render images of birds, animals and driftwood in sculptures of exacting detail and imagery.  While watercolor artist Margo Hankel uses her paint to create images of natural beauty found in everyday scenes and places as well as those animals inhabiting them.  What a wonderful way to enjoy Nature's gifts, seeing artwork that focuses on beauty in form and color by visiting the Blue Whole Gallery on Friday the First Day of May.

Joyce DeCastro Volmut

Joyce working in her studio

    
      Woodcarving since 2003, Joyce's goal is to focus and capture the essence found in an animal's features or posture identifying their character and personality.  Her art of carving wood images whether it be a bird, fish, or animal has exacting detail resulting in startling realism.  The following examples show that dedication.

"Cheeky Bird"  Stellars Jay with carved peanut

"Little Night Bird" -  Northern Saw Whet Owl

"With an eye toward Cephus" - Trumpeter Swan

  

"Winter Berry" - Tufted Titmouse

   It is through the art form of woodcarving that Joyce also seeks to convey the importance of the animal in nature and the unique place it has in maintaining our ecosystem.  By protecting such habitats other life forms will endure and survive. 

   Along with animal life Joyce also sees the beauty in natural driftwood that reveals imagery and beauty within.  Some selected pieces that have found there way into her hands can be seen below.

"Over the Rainbow"

"Naturally Eccentric"

"Past Flight"

"Inside Passage"

"The Saw Filer" - Saw Whet Owl

     Yet Joyce's first love will always be woodcarving birds and animals that inhabit the natural world around us.  They give us so much, sounds that permeate the early morning, quick and effortless flight and the splashes of color of their feathers.  What a dull world it would be without them.  
   So give flight to your dreams and share in Joyce DeCastro Volmut's woodcarving skills that capture the detail and beauty of the natural world of birds, animals and unique sculptured driftwood. Visit the Blue Whole Gallery and meet Joyce along with her creations on the First Day of May, Friday from 5 to 8 pm. and throughout the month.  

Margo Hankel

Margo by her painting "The Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego"

   
     Margo Hankel, who has survived difficult times appreciates the value of life and how finite time can be.  Realizing how important it is to do what you love.  For Margo that goal is painting.  As an artist she has attended life drawing classes and developed her skills by taking lessons in watercolors by George Zien whose abilities with the medium she admires.  The results can be clearly seen in the following works:

"Little Fishes"

  

 

"Iris"

   

 

"Anderson Lake"

    

      Margo's subject matter focuses on the beauty that life offers, in persons, places and Nature.  Using watercolors helps her to expand her paintings showing visual pleasure and values taken for granted in everyday scenes.  Her scope of interest is apparent in the selections below.

"A Family Farm"

"Woodworker - John Hankel"

"Hole in the Wall"

  

"California Live Oak"

    

"Swans 'a Swimming"

       The selections shown here of the art work of Margo Hankel give the viewer a fresh and independent insight into everyday scenes in a world that we tend to take for granted.  Life and time are not always there for us so don't let this chance disappear.  Visit the Blue Whole Gallery and take advantage by seeing for yourself the watercolor work that Margo will present on May Day, Friday the 1st at the Gallery.

     Both artists, Joyce DeCastro Volmut and Margo Hankel will be present along with their artwork at the Blue Whole Gallery on May 1st, Friday from 5 to 8 pm. in Sequim at 129 W. Washington Street.

They welcome your contact: 

Joyce DeCastro Volmut:  at joycevolmut@gmail.com

or Phone: 1-785-554-6379

Margo Hankel: at margo-hankel@msn.com

or Phone: 1-360-452-5104