February 8, 2011 > Six artists, six styles Six artists, six styles By Mona Shah The painters at Jan's Art Studio invite the public to view some of their most recent works at Mission Coffee in Fremont. Five artists work together at the studio to have shows throughout the year and sponsor one show each year for student artists. The studio artists, Nancy Benton, Therese Ely, Dmitry Grudsky, Ann-Marie Haley, Jan Schafir, and special guest artist Sophia Benton, age 9, will be showing their paintings. The show will include watercolors, oils, acrylics, and collages, all reflecting the artist's personal expression. Jan Schafir has been painting most of her adult life. Art began as a hobby; she was trained as a professional registered nurse. She began her art career by taking lessons locally in Fremont. "The spontaneity of watercolor attracted me, as my personality is that of one who welcomes the unplanned challenges in life, sometimes happy, sometimes sad, but never dull. I continue as an impressionistic painter, always excited by the unexpected effects of transparent watercolor," says Schafir. Ron Newcomb has been painting with oil for 35 years. He received his certification in landscape instruction from the Bob Ross Co. and he continues to tech the Bob Ross "wet on wet technique." "If there is an artist within you, it will eventually emerge especially when you reach retirement age. This was my awakening after my retirement in 1995. With freedom from the working world and some leisure time, I finally had the opportunity to look within myself and give birth to those unfulfilled desires and creativity," says artist Ann-Marie Haley. Award-winning artist Therese LaChance Ely lives and paints in Fremont. She is known for her "Sierra-scapes", inspired by backpacking and canoeing adventures in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and other off-road destinations. Her paintings often begin with a mini sketchbook, brush, and camera tucked into a pack pouch. Her work, whether rendered in oil, gouache, watercolor, or accented with collage, is completed in-studio. "My goal is to capture both the tranquility and exuberance that is the beauty of nature". Dmitry Grudsky career started with drawing, as early as seven years old and through the past 30 years, he has progressed with a number of different painting mediums: as well as mural designing. His inspiration comes from different objects that surround him in his daily life. He is drawn to the human figure and he loves to paint colorful people at street fairs and stadiums. "The painting process is like a rolling show ball. It becomes larger and larger. As I work consistently, day-by-day, I keep accumulating new ideas that inspire me to do new projects," says Grudsky An artist reception will be held on Sunday, February 13 at Mission Coffee in Fremont. Music will be provided by Jules Goldberg. Six Artists - Six Styles Through February Artist reception Sunday, February 13 3 pm to 5 pm. Mission Coffee Roasting 151 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-9290