Simple objects become a masterpiece

Laura Zarazua won first place in the July Tahoe Art League contest for her realistic ink wash still-life titled "Dan's Chest." Zarazua transformed a few simple objects into a masterpiece of pattern and texture. Using subtle variation with black, white and sepia, she achieved a striking image. Undaunted by the challenging qualities of glass, mirror, wood grain and patterned carpet, she portrayed the essence of these objects within a framework of dramatic contrasts of light and shadow.

Zarazua has enjoyed artwork since her childhood. She majored in art at Santa Anna Community College, studied art at the College of the Golden West, and attended several workshops over the years. She put her art career to the side while raising a family, helping manage a consignment store and working as a journeyman carpenter. While working on the new gallery at Lake Tahoe Community College, she was attracted to the courses at the college. She especially enjoys drawing with pencil, pen and ink, but also has won awards with her oil paintings and watercolors. She can be reached at laura-zarazua@ sbcglobal.net. Her works can be viewed at the South Lake Tahoe outdoor shows.

Cindy Tedeski won second prize with her watercolor titled "Colorful Beginnings." Her snow scene is richly colored, reflecting the full range of warm and cools that she liberally used in her background sky. The result just sparkles. She is "at home" with watercolor, creating Tahoe and Sierra landscapes and nature with ease. Her works are enhanced by her own custom frames. She can be contacted at ctedeschi@charter.net or at (530) 318-9909.

Britta Nauta won third prize with her digital image titled "Amsterdam Canal." Using an effective design of repeated arches and cool colors contrasting with black, she has succeeded in sharing the essence of this serene moment on the Amsterdam waterway. She is well known for her photomontages, digital images and graphic designing skills. Visit her Web site www.anchordes.com, or e-mail her at Britta@anchordes.com to learn more about her art. Nauta's art will be on display at the Labor Day outdoor show at the "Y."

All three winning artists are showing works at Passaretti's Restaurant and will participate in the Heavenly Village Outdoor Show on Aug. 19 and 20 and at the Tahoe Art League Art Expo at Edgewood Oct. 18 and 19.