Duane is shown here with an oil portrait titled “A Kiss for Big Brother” and an oil painting “On the Tarmac.”
Duane Langston Named Artist of the Year 2025
Since childhood, Duane’s interests in life have been art and music. His answer to, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” was always, “An artist.” As a child, he constantly sketched with pencil and paper, drawing mostly animals and people. His art and his guitar became his lifelong passions.
He served with the Marines in Vietnam during the 1968 Tet Offensive. After returning home, he attended college where he received a degree in music theory and composition on the classical guitar, followed by graduate school in jazz performance. While in college, he also studied drawing, watercolor, and oil painting and received a minor in Art.
Besides music and art, he devoted over 40 years to the martial arts, where he reached the rank of 4th degree Black belt, taught Taekwondo for 20 years, and participated in competitive tournament karate for 10 years.
Prior to retirement, he painted with watercolors, using photos taken during numerous trips to Europe, Asia, and South America. He took several workshops from renowned artists, as well as private watercolor lessons from a well-known Italian artist on Lake Como.
After retiring from a 24-year teaching career in the Music department at Boise State University, his art hobby became an obsession. He regularly participated and won numerous prestigious awards in the Idaho Watercolor Society shows, Nampa Art Guild shows, as well as the Idaho State Fair. He was represented by two Idaho galleries, Gia Gallery in Eagle, Idaho, and Brown’s Gallery in Boise, Idaho. Duane has contributed paintings to the Humane Society fundraisers, a charity that is very dear to his heart.
Duane consistently wins ribbons at the PebbleCreek Art shows as well as the portrait competition at a Goodyear Art show. Upon the question of his favorite subject, Duane’s reply is that he likes to “mix it up” with scenes, portraits, or paintings that tell a story, particularly if it connects with the viewer on a personal or emotional level.
Duane’s other hobbies are ballroom dancing and cooking. It was at one of the USA Ballroom dances that he met his wife, Alla, and won her heart by cooking a gourmet dinner for her on their first date. Duane and Alla moved to PebbleCreek in 2013, where he found a supportive home among the members of the PebbleCreek Art Club.
Duane continues to paint almost daily, working mostly with oils or just practicing drawing. He still does an occasional acrylic, watercolor, pastel, or charcoal. He considers himself a contemporary realist and finds inspiration in the classic works of Vermeer, Sargent, Wyeth, and Sorolla. He claims that his wife, Alla, is his greatest fan as well as his toughest critic. He never feels a painting is complete until it meets her approval.
In addition to painting daily, Duane currently teaches classes for the PebbleCreek Art Club.
Duane’s remarkable artwork can be seen in the Art Center Coyote Window and the Expressions Gallery. Duane accepts commissions and can be reached at duanelangston001@gmail.com.
The Art Club’s holiday party was a highlight of the year’s social events. It was hosted by Shoray Wolfe, with music by guitarist Duane Langston. A few minutes after this photo was taken we learned that Duane was named the 2025 Artist of the Year.
Should You Join the Art Club?
Emily Grotta
In a recent art club class, a newcomer to PebbleCreek wondered if it made sense for a snowbird to join the Art Club. After all, she said, “I’m not here all year.” It was her first class, and she said she liked it so much she wanted to take more classes. Financially, did it make sense to join?
Erika Grande, a vice president of the Art Club, explained that the $25 annual fee for membership is a 12-month cost. Joining in February would entitle members to take as many classes as they wanted for 12 months, with the $20 discount for members applicable for each class. “It’s a really good deal,” she said. “When you return after the summer, you’d still pay the discounted cost.”
But, Erika explained, membership has many more benefits than simply a discounted fee for classes. Members-only events include open critique, the 30-30-sketching summer program, monthly social events, and more.
So, do you think the Art Club might be good for you? Please go to pcartclub.com and explore what we have to offer. The calendar shows upcoming events, and the Membership Benefits. We look forward to hearing from you.
Pastel paintings made by students in Michele Corsini’s January class.
February Art Club Classes and Events
Emily Grotta
We’re not sure if it’s New Year’s resolutions or the growth in the Art Club (now more than 240!), but classes in January filled quickly, and we expect the same will happen in February when the club hosts nine classes. It’s always good to check your email and the Art Club calendar to see when classes open. And don’t forget: Members get a $20 discount on every class; membership is only $25, so you’ll recoup your investment quickly and be able to attend member-only events.
Details about hours, supplies and cost of these classes can be found at pcartclub.com.
Classes in February
Feb. 3: Pastel Workshop in Florals. Michele Corsini returns to teach how to work in soft pastels to paint beautiful flowers. This class is good for beginners and those with intermediate experience.
Feb. 10: Paint with Colored Pencils. Carla Cebrelli continues her series of drawing and painting classes that are open to all levels of students.
Feb. 18: Introduction to Oil Painting Workshop. Emily Grotta will once again teach the basics of oil painting for those who are curious about this medium. All supplies are included in this workshop that is for members only.
Feb. 19: Painting Spring Flowers in Liquid Watercolors with Janet Nunn. Learn about this medium as you paint flowers in several different techniques. Great for beginning watercolor artists while seasoned painters can learn something new. All supplies included.
Feb. 20: Painting Techniques on Notecards with Liquid Watercolor. Janet Nunn returns to teach a variety of methods of painting small paintings on cards that will be yours to keep! All supplies included.
Feb. 24: Beginner Acrylics with Shoray Wolfe. This art course is designed for individuals with no prior painting experience, focusing on the fundamental techniques of using acrylic paint.
Feb. 26: Canyon Waterfall with Ann Osgood. Learn how values (light and dark) can make your paintings exciting and how the sun makes dramatic effects.
Feb. 28: Graphite Pencil Drawing with Carla Cebrelli. Learn the foundation of a good drawing. Students at all levels will benefit from this class.
Also in February for Members Only:
Feb. 4: First Wednesday Discovery Session!
Feb. 6: First Friday lunch
Feb. 9: Mid-Month Mingle
Feb. 11: Sketchers!
Feb. 12: All mediums critique
Feb. 13: Sketchers workshop
Feb. 18: Introduction to Oil Painting
Feb. 25: Open Critique
Feb. 27: Art Club Monthly Meeting
Feb. 28: Monthly PCAC Meeting
Reese Hass
Reese Hass, February Featured Artist
Reese Hass
Taking an art class through the City of Calgary in 2004 sparked my curiosity for different mediums. Hi, I’m Reese and I was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
A work transfer brought my husband and me to Arizona, where we have resided since 2014. During COVID, I had time to get creative. Being furloughed from my job for six months meant I could focus on watercolor and acrylic painting. I started doing “Furlough Fridays”—producing a watercolor art card every week. After taking online courses and classes at the Creative Art Center, I found my passion! I am now exploring pastel painting.
My work in the travel industry inspires my creativity. Visiting unique places and having memorable experiences are reflected in my painting and artwork. For example, on a previous trip to India I travelled with my sketch book and captured the beautiful scenery and iconic Tuk-tuks. Closer to home, I also enjoy sketching the scenery from my parents’ home in Calgary.
Working full time means it’s even more important to carve out time to tap into my creative side. I realize how much I enjoy seeing the images come to life on paper. There is a sense of accomplishment in completing a piece of artwork. I still remember the first time I sold a piece of my artwork. I was thrilled I had created something that drew people to my work. My style of pastel painting may not appeal to everyone, but that’s the beauty of art … it’s unique.
I continue looking for courses in pastel painting that will enhance my skills and techniques in this most amazing medium that offers vibrant and luminous color. I love that you can create unique textures through layering and blending. I like creating more of a loose painting, it’s more of an expressive art style. I like to leave the interpretation of the painting up to the viewer. I’m learning that art is a journey and one I look forward to continuing to explore.
My husband Tony and I are now dual Canadian and U.S. citizens. We have lived in PebbleCreek since 2018. We enjoy all that the community has to offer. Outside of art, my favorite activities are golf and pickleball. It’s fun to be a part of such an active community.
It’s an honor and privilege to be the February Artist of the Month. Who knows where art will take me in 2026? It’s a journey, and I am open to opportunities, as art sings to my soul! To an inspiring and rewarding art-filled new year—what greater gift could one ask for! Yours in curiosity and creativity.
Reese’s artwork can be seen in the Creative Arts Center and both clubhouses throughout February.