Artist R.L. Alexander finds inspiration in the everyday and the distant past, from tales told through the ages, to stories waiting for discovery. He goes through life with his sketchbook at the ready, recording thoughts, images, and ideas as they present themselves. From his sketches, his paintings spring to life through his meticulous technique. He is a compulsive draftsman, who paints primarily on wood panels using only the finest oil colors with techniques passed down through the ages.

Alexanders’ paintings reside in private and public collections throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe. His work is intended to be both thought-provoking and whimsical, evoking quirky delight in those who value imagination and craftsmanship. For his part, Alexander hopes his paintings are approachable yet mysterious, rewarding for those who take the time to look, and think, a little deeper.

Alexander spends most of his time with his head in the clouds but occasionally you can find him at home in Celebration, Florida with his long suffering wife Becky, son Niko, and his Italian Greyhounds Beppo and Botticelli who sneak their way into many of his paintings.

Barbara Rush is an iconic animal artist with a deep love for animals and nature. Her stunning, vibrant and colorful, acrylic pet portraits have won many awards as they pay tribute to the wonderful creatures she has, and those she grew up with in Va. Beach, VA. She spent much of her childhood riding horses, walking in the woods with her dog, cuddling her cats, and raising and releasing wild animals.

Educated in fine art and graphic design, Rush holds a BFA from Old Dominion University (VA) and an MA from Syracuse University (NY). With over 20 years experience as a graphic designer, her art is heavily influenced by lines, grids, and gestalt.

In 2004, inspired by cubism, Rush developed her own style which she calls GeoCubism. As a GeoCubist she delights in the geometry of lines and shapes infused with vibrant colors. For her, there is nothing better than creating unique combinations of abstract shapes, that uplift the viewer, as they converge, to reveal a delightfully recognizable form.

“Spring Joy” was inspired by a moment Currier captured here in Central Florida.

“I draw through direct observation in the field and then return to the studio to refine and complete my work,” Currier said. “One afternoon, by chance, I came across a Brahman giving birth. I captured a tender moment between the mother and her calf within their first hour together. The moment was truly special.”

Currier, a Florida artist who studied fine art at Ringling College of Art and Design, received a Merit Award last year for her drawings. After spending nearly a decade as a silver smith making jewelry, Currier redirected her creativity to charcoal on paper.

Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong is a soft-spoken, intense man, tho has spent the better part of the past 40 years participating in art festivals around the country. Coming to the United States from his native Thailand when he was 17, Tony is a self-taught artist. Beginning with large-scale photo-realistic pencil drawings, Tony transitioned to mixed media, large-scale compositions and now focuses on acrylic abstract work. His work is featured in numerous public and private collections in the United States and Europe.

In his work, Mike Williams, the 50th Anniversary Featured Mayfaire by-the-Lake Poster Artist, pays homage to the past, telling the history of the places he has traveled. His nostalgic pictures leave the viewer curious about the stories behind them and invite each of us to tell stories of our own based on the journeys we have taken in our lives.

Williams’ own artistic journey sets him apart. He began a career as a carpenter, building homes on the shore of Lake Erie, but would often find himself daydreaming about far-off places. Soon enough, Williams decide to shift his path, dedicating himself to daydreaming professionally and concentrating on his particular passion for drawing.

Williams first began drawing everything from summer cottages and boats to impressions of weekend vacationers visiting Lake Erie. He also opened a small gallery on Catawba Island but later decided to move to Florida, searching for a new sense of freedom and subject matter for his art.

Based now in Tampa Bay, the artist’s inspirations come from traveling, where endless ideas for new works can be found. Indeed, his favorite part of his professional art career is not knowing where it will take him next. Williams’ vintage illustrations have gained him a wide following and can be found in private and public galleries around the world.