Published: November 03, 2007

Fine Art at Fike Gallery

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Jerri Hunt, Paulette Mark and Marcelle Maldonado at Fike Gallery, ejoying their friendship and the ambience.

At the end of a beautiful November day, what could be better than meeting up with friends at the Fike Gallery and Procissi Wine Cellars in Historic Sutter Street, Folsom?

Even better, include the work of "Art of Romance" Artist Lauri Blank, Paulette Gautier and Sherry Huntting, plus "vocal styling" by Marcel accompanied on piano, and good food by chef, writer and interior designer, Lisa Smith. Lisa created tasty culinary treats that feature in her "designer" cookbook scheduled to be published end of 2008.

Fike Gallery is the place to see the style of "The Old Masters" - stunning paintings by Lauri Blank, Paulette Gautier and Sherry Huntting.

"Art of Romance" artist Lauri Blank

Lauri Blank finds herself naturally drawn to the imagery and complexities of the human form. She concentrated on the female figure, learning to capture its very essence on canvas. Uninhibited by conventional or formal training, Blank's talent took on an original life of its own. Her artwork exhibits an unblemished romantic realism long forgotten by commercially driven, modern trends. What is most remarkable is that she does not use live models. "The images virtually create themselves," she muses.

Lauri was honored at the 44th annual GRAMMY Awards announcing the nominees at the press conference, where her painting was unveiled as the official artwork for the event. This stunning piece graces the cover, invitation and program book.

Artist Sherry Huntting with "Marguarite" and "Still Life with Grapes". paintings.

Sherry Huntting created the Academy of Classical Realism, an atelier, which is the studio of a practicing artist who dedicates part of her time teaching a limited number of students who want to paint in the classical realistic manner.

Huntting has taken intensive and extensive training in the classical methods from Frank Covino continuously since 1998. She says "Frank has such in-depth knowledge of the master's methods that there will never be a time when I cannot learn from him."

Paulette Gautier with her painting "Floral", at Fike Gallery, Folsom, California.

Paulette Gautier, born in London, England, spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Provence, France. Her early enthusiasm and artistry were inspired and encouraged by frequent visits to the museums of fine art in Europe. Her fascination with classical painting led her to study the methods and techniques of the old masters.

In addition to years of concentrated, independent study to master her craft, Paulette trained in classical realism for seven years attending the workshops of renowned master portraitist Frank Covino.