Vicki Chelf Opens Art Studio in Downtown Sarasota, Florida

SARASOTA, Fla. - Aug. 6, 2015 - PRLog -- Artist and author Vicki Chelf has opened an art studio at the Sarasota Trading Company, 522 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, Florida.

Chelf has a Fine Arts degree from the Ringling School of Art and Design and studied classical academic techniques at Southern Atelier, both in Sarasota. Painting in various media with styles ranging from more classical to the "whimsically demented," the versatile artist has exhibited her work in the United States, Canada, France and England.

Chelf's art first manifested as stream of consciousness drawings that were painted in various sizes and techniques. Later, she channeled her passion for figurative painting and portraiture into works that drew upon her interests in current events, food and the environment, while embracing her metaphysical interests in dreams and stream of consciousness imagery. Evoking a relationship between the old masters and contemporary symbolism, Chelf's recent paintings combine both classical skill and personal expression. She also accepts commissions for portraits of people and pets.

"The Sarasota Trading Company is an inspiring place to work," said Chelf. "The old building, as well as the antiques, arts and objects, create an almost surreal atmosphere, thick with spirits from the past. The people who enter are interesting, too, and you never know who you are going to see."

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Chelf lived many years in Val-David, Quebec, where she owned and operated a health-food store. She is the author of 10 cookbooks, five in French, including the best-selling La Grande Cuisine Vegetarienne, and another to be released in the fall titled Pulp Kitchen, with suggestions on how to use juicing pulp in recipes.

Chelf can be reached at (941) 928-3426 or vrchelf@hotmail.com.

PHOTO: The artist paints a violin case with the image of Sarasota musician Willie Royal. In the background is a chest which belonged to the late Elizabeth Litchfield Lambie, the noted 1960s real estate broker on Siesta Key. The chest depicts a Litchfield family scene on the outside and is papered with letters and documents that were important to Elizabeth Lambie on the inside. On the right is a contemporary piece from Chelf's series of small oils based on dreams and stream of consciousness imagery.