Somerset Place

Color is perhaps one of the most powerful influences in our lives. A specific shade can recall a treasured memory; a particular hue can represent how our emotional state; and a certain tone can affect everything from what we buy to how much we eat. For artists, color is a language of its own, allowing for limitless expression through their creations. And although we all have colors we are drawn to time and again, it's perhaps when we step outside our comfort zone and embrace a new palette that we truly learn something about ourselves. Feast your eyes on the following collection of artwork that explores the full spectrum of colorful possibilities. What new color palette will you explore next?

Celebrating a Life of Color

MISTY GAGE⎟ SOMERSET STUDIO AUTUMN 2025

“Since childhood, I’ve been in love with three things: bright colors, gorgeous flowers, and the beauty and strength of women. It’s no surprise they’ve become intertwined in my art, each piece a celebration of these cherished elements, blending together in a vibrant tapestry.

In my work, flowers burst forth in a riot of color, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the delicate balance of nature. Alongside them, I portray women who exude strength, beauty, and grace. They are muses, warriors, and dreamers, embodying the diverse facets of femininity.” — Misty Gage

See more of Misty Gage's artwork in Somerset Studio Autumn 2025.

RENEE STIEN⎟ SOMERSET STUDIO WINTER 2024

“During Pride month, I was seeing rainbows all over the place in the clothing stores, on bumper stickers, yard flags, and more. Everywhere I looked, it seemed I was seeing rainbows, so maybe I had rainbows on my brain, but as I watched our feeders, I realized we had our own rainbow right in our backyard. We have regular visits from Orioles, Cardinals, Goldfinches, Blue Jays, and so many others. I never really stopped to appreciate nature’s colors in this way before. Certainly, I needed to make a book dedicated to this rainbow of color we see every day.” — Renee Stien

See more of Renee Stien's artwork in Somerset Studio Winter 2024.

Playing with Bold Color Choices

CINDY GILSTRAP⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2025

“I treasure my journals, but they are not “perfect” — they’re my playground. They are a place to try new techniques, test new supplies, splash paint, and let the stress of the day melt away into playful layers.

My journals are influenced by my love of old things, like crinkly vintage papers, worn fabrics, and wallpaper scraps. Then I take it a step further and I mix the vintage with bold, happy colors. Neon pinks next to faded ledgers? Yes, please! There’s something about combining the old with the new that just feels like me, and I think “feeling like you” should definitely be reflected in your art.” — Cindy Gilstrap

See more of Cindy Gilstrap's artwork in Art Journaling Summer 2025.

MARIE AGUIAR KOSIK⎟ ART JOURNALING SUMMER 2024

“I love the bright colors I used while making this art journal. Beautiful pinks, sunny yellows, and fabulous blue-greens always fuel my artistic nature. These colors remind me of fresh flowers blooming on a cool spring morning. So, naturally, the first thing I added to my journal pages was patterned paper and gel-plate prints of these favored hues.” — Marie Aguiar Kosik

See more of Marie Aguiar Kosik's artwork in Art Journaling Summer 2024.

CARA GULATI⎟ ART QUILTING STUDIO AUTUMN 2024

“I love fabric, especially the vibrant colors. I decided to create quilts that broke traditional rules and could hang on walls instead of being confined to beds. And so, my art quilting journey began.

In 2002, I started designing original quilt designs with bright, saturated colors and nontraditional blocks. I discovered freezer paper machine applique, realizing I could make anything I could draw; this led to my “3-D Explosion” series, where I created scroll shapes that appear three-dimensional.” — Cara Gulati

See more of Cara Gulati's artwork in Art Quilting Studio Autumn 2024.

MAGS WOODCOCK⎟ SOMERSET STUDIO AUTUMN 2024

“As many of you may know, I mostly create using rusty, vintage-inspired colors and tones, but sorting my kaleidoscope of scraps reignited my love for color. I would gather a few coordinating papers and elements, add them to an index card, and finish with stamping or markmaking, sometimes adding a word sticker or phrase. It works best to have one dominant piece and a couple more fillers.” — Mags Woodcock

We want to see you in the next issue of Somerset Studio! You’re invited to join our celebration of color by creating and sharing collages, assemblages, mixed-media work, and more that are bright, bold, and beautiful. Visit our submission guidelines for more information.

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