Artistic Tucson

Full of It by Art Toones

Award winning artist Art Toones is opening her studios this weekend as part of the TPAC Open Studios Tour this Saturday 11/15 and Sunday 11/16. There are over 167 artists this year opening their studios to the public.

On Thursday, November 12, I attended the Open Studios exhibition at Gallery 801 Main St. put on by the Tucson Pima Arts Council.  Art professor, Alfred Quiroz, of the University of Arizona was chosen as judge to pick the “best of show.”  Art Toones , ceramic creation was selected for first place and receives a check for $500. Out of all the great art at this exhibition this piece really stood out as exceptional.

The winning ceramic sculpture titled ” Beneath” is the creation of professional Tucson artist Art Toones. I was so impressed with her work I immediately called her and received information for this article and recommend art patrons to visit her at her studio called Reality Check Studios.  Her location and that of the other artists participating this weekend can be seen at at: http://www.tucsonopenstudios.com/ost/ost-online-program-2009.pdf

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From the moment she saw a print developing in a tray years ago she was entranced with the magic of photography. She learned early on to handle a negative in the darkroom and make it speak from her soul.  Ever since that moment, she has followed her passion with her camera.

Karen’s award winning work certainly speaks for itself. Her vision seems to always come from somewhere inside herself as each of her subjects speak through her, revealing some meaning of itself and herself in the finished photograph.

She says the process of selecting the precise second to expose the film comes through a meditative process where her intuition takes over and light, form and feeling are transposed through her camera and herself. Her spiritual insight has given her an eye for the unusual from the ordinary.  By viewing the images below you will SEE the unique professionalism she has achieved.

Slide 1 of 20.
First Day at Nursery School
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 2 of 20.
Street Violinist In Boulder, CO
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 3 of 20.
Julia Osinchuk
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 4 of 20.
Bill Boynton-Mars Mission
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 5 of 20.
Mayor Bob Walkup
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 6 of 20.
Sabino Canyon Skeleton
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 7 of 20.
Snowy Sabino Canyon
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 8 of 20.
Textured Tucson Tree
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 9 of 20.
Tohono Chul
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 10 of 20.
Cow
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 11 of 20.
Hummingbird
Source: Karen Dombrowski-SobelPhotoSlide 12 of 20.
Riley Triptych
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 13 of 20.
Super Chilli
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 14 of 20.
Frank's Pet World
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 15 of 20.
Mexican Wolf
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 16 of 20.
Beth's Rose
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 17 of 20.
Bird of Paradise
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 18 of 20.
Beech Tree
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 19 of 20.
Beech Tree With Vines
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel PhotoSlide 20 of 20.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine
Source: Karen Dombrowski-Sobel Photo

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