George Handrahan is a little unusual for the Gallery.  He is a native Utahn and paints primarily Utah landscapes. Recently when we saw and exhibition of his work, we were immediately enchanted by his singular vision and style. We asked him if he would exhibit at the Gallery. We could not be more pleased to announce our engagement with his work and presentation at TKM gallery. 

 

Olya Cheney is originally from Kazakhstan, but now calls Utah home.  Her art perfectly complements the Gallery's primary focus of featuring Russian Impressionism with our desire to complement our offerings with talented Utah impressionist artists.  Olya is a mix between East and West and her art is the perfect bridge between Russia and Utah. We are so happy to begin exhibiting her work at the Gallery. 

George Handrahan

"My work reflects the life cycle vident in the world we live in -- relationships, interactions, contrasts and comparisons - both natural and man-made. It's not about pretty pictures or technical prowess. It is seeing the dark or the light, the hard or the soft, the mass or the miniscule, the beautiful opposites that make a subject intriguing, then communicating these in a unique and expressive way. I choose to visually whisper, calmly and quietly without gimmicks -- whether it is the saturated color of a willow in spring against the cold shadows of winters' remnants or the way light and shadow envelop the human form. I am inspired to capture that moment in time and place with all of it's color, texture and soul."

Compelling landscapes that hold our attention, giving us an enticing taste of the beauty and power of nature.  - Informed Collector

With over 70 major awards, listings in 7 books on prominent artists, and paintings sold through major auction houses, George W. Handrahan is considered to be one of the most collectable artists in Utah. Mr. Handrahan has been painting the beauty of Utah, California and New England landscapes for more than forty years.

George, a native of Utah, was raised in the rural community of South Weber. It was in this environment that he came to love and appreciate the diverse natural landscape surrounding him, taking every opportunity to spend time out of doors.

As a student, Mr. Handrahan learned to appreciate many forms of art but gravitated towards the work of LeConte Stewart, Maynard Dixon, the California and the American Regionalist artists, admiring their ability to subtly portray the essence of light, color, form, and mood.

Taking his degree in art from Weber State in 1976 under Farrell R. Collett and Richard Van Wagoner, these influences led him to devote his skills full time to landscape painting. The art of Mr. Handrahan is characterized by both his lifetime affinity with nature and his knowledge of art principles, design and composition.

 

Olya at the Gallery admiring some of her newly hung works.

Olya Cheney, (Olga Alexandrovna Kovalova)

 

(Olya) Olga Alexandrovna Kovalova (now Cheney) was born in Kazakhstan in 1972.  Olya's father was an officer in the former Soviet Union.  As a result of military service, Olya has lived in many places in the Russian Regions.  

 

Olya has always had a love for art.  Because of living on military bases, Olya was not able to attend any formal art schools.  Olya's dream has always been to become an artist.  While still young, Olya had two art books in her home.  The art of Rubens and Levitan inspired her to draw and paint which she did often.  Later, Olya spent countless hours watching local artist paint on the streets of Ukraine.  Olya worked in the Ukraine painting, using a local folk decorative style.  

 

Olya has lived in Kazakhstan, Russia, Sakhalin (Island above Japan), California and now Utah.  Living in these various areas has influenced and shaped her art.  Olay's four children are now older and allow her to focus on her art.  Olya enjoys experimenting with different mediums and styles.