On the cover | Barbara Tyroler

“Takesha”

“Takesha is a portrait of a young woman, recently arrived from South Africa to attend college in the US. While teaching a visualization workshop with the university students, I noticed that she became intrigued by the illuminating qualities of light reflections on the water’s surface, and she inadvertently became the artistic subject.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.barbaratyroler.com.

On the cover | Gray Griffin

“The Roots Below”

“Growing up in North Carolina, we are surrounded by trees and vegetation. My roots run deep here in NC, yet I often miss big cities I have lived in. This work is a product of intertwining my urban and suburban loves. ‘Never forget where you came from,’ my dad, a farmer in rural NC, always says. I swear I never will.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://greytheartist.wordpress.com.

On the cover | Catherine Vosecky

“Polar Vortex 6”

“This photo was taken at a pond after an extreme polar vortex which created beautiful patterns in the ice. The light was fading in the late afternoon, bringing out more color. My work is intuitive, imaginative, and reflects the reverence and excitement I have for the natural world.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://catherinevosecky.com.

On the cover | Carol Retsch-Bogart

“Mosaic”

“As a mixed media artist I love to combine diverse elements—both found and created. As a play on mosaics, each of these rectangles is made of pigmented encaustic wax encasing razor clam shells found on the North Carolina coast and embedding handmade shibori silk.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.carolretschbogart.com.

On the cover | Sandra Elliott

“Playing Field”

“The circle as symbol of feminine/maternal, infinite/eternal, universe/rhythm, and complete/whole, among many others, is very evocative to me. Once I have chosen a mood, narrative, and color palette for a piece, my challenge is to stay out of my own way and let the intuitive guide the work. This piece speaks to feminine strength, growth from adversity, and new beginnings.” Download “SandraElliott” from the App Store or see the Facebook page “The Art of Sandra Elliott.”

On the cover | Barbi Dalton

“Morning Surf”

“I am drawn to paint images that stimulate the senses and are deeply rooted in nature. I strive to transform everyday scenes into dynamic affirmations of life.” Morning Surf was created exclusively with a palette knife. More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.barbidalton.com.

On the cover | Lew Graham

“Palimpsest”

Palimpsest. “This piece addresses my goal in encaustic painting. A palimpsest in modern parlance is something having several layers, with the lower layers still visible. The medium of encaustic uses translucent layers and can present great depth. I want to provide an experience of depth that goes beyond the surface of daily life.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.lewgrahamartist.

On the cover | Helen Buiskool

“The Conversation”

The Conversation. “My abstract paintings are often intuitively driven. Without a clear goal in mind, I allow the materials to suggest a direction. It’s a conversation of sorts between the painting and my subconscious. This painting is a tribute to that process.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.studio200.us.

On the cover | Jamie Hagenberger

“Fall Leaves”

Fall Leaves (#765), 2014, multiple-exposure color photogram, 14″ × 11″. “Photograms are a camera-less photographic technique related to the sunprints of the early 1800s. Jamie creates her images in her darkroom, working by feel, in the total darkness. No cameras, negatives, or digital processes are used. Each image is unique.”

On the cover

Original photo by Harissa Ragsdale/iStock/Thinkstock, modified by Erin Dewalt.

On the cover | Luna Lee Ray

“Horizons #1”

“All of my imagery is informed by the natural world. I also strive to convey the unseen reality of our existence on both cellular and cosmic levels. This piece, Horizons #1, was inspired by a visit to a swamp/bird sanctuary in southern Florida, and the play between the sky and the water.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.lunaleeray.com.

On the cover | Nancy Tuttle May

“Dance Series”

“Dance Series, mixed media and acrylic, was done in response to the American Dance Festival, located in Durham, North Carolina. The shapes create movement and the shadows create depth. This painting is now in an exhibition in the Alizarin Gallery in downtown Durham, North Carolina.” More of the artist’s work can be seen at http://www.nancytuttlemay.com.