The new year brings new art to Z Cafe

FALLBROOK – Three artists will be spotlighted at Z Cafe and Art Gallery during the first two months of the new year – first-timer Leslie Sweetland, second-timer Linda Thorne and old-timer Neill Ketchum.

Sweetland said she has always loved art, working for the last 40 years to translate into art what she sees in her "mind's eye." At 11, she began taking art classes and won her first awards of many.

Sweetland's life took off in another direction and she worked in the information technology field for 30 years, however, she was always involved in art classes, workshops and college extension courses, feeding her artistic side. Now, as a full-time professional artist, she draws and paints a variety of subjects, using a variety of mediums. For the past eight years she has worked with dry pastels, which allow her to portray the essence and beauty of nature in its purest form.

Her awards are numerous from the San Clemente Art Association, Brandon Gallery, SoCal Pastel show, Paso Robles Art Association, Idyllwild Art Association and Fallbrook Art Association among others.

Thorne, once a scientist, was drawn into the art world and is now painting full time.

"The visual world speaks to me, both visually and emotionally," Thorne said. "When I paint, I dialogue with the canvas until I can record the emotions I feel through what I am seeing."

The Z Cafe is graced with Thorne's work for the second time. Her work can also be seen at the Brandon Gallery. Her website is [email protected].

Ketchum, resident artist of the Z Cafe, is showing in the reception area of the restaurant.

Send any questions about any art displayed work to Ketchum at (760) 723-4773.