Sunday, October 16, 2011

EXCEPTIONAL ART TALK AT ANNE IRWIN'S - THE MCCAWS THREE

Dan McCaw and his sons, John and Danny, are on exhibit at Anne Irwin's new gallery this month. I feel so privileged to have attended the opening Friday night and also an artists' talk on Saturday morning.

I really appreciate it when artists use analogies when speaking because I can retain information better when there is only an hour or two to gather information. I rarely take notes because I know I will miss something important, so this is a very helpful teaching tool.

I am going to try to share what "I" heard during the art talk. I found all three to be honest, genuine and giving.

Dan shared the aspect of validation or loss of validation which stems early in life either from a parent, often times the mother, classmates, peers, etc., and how throughout one's lifetime the self is formed by this. When creativity is squashed by the lack of validation, then it remains so until the individual is either able to or decides to let it out.

He also discussed "fear" at length. My take home message was that there were three ways in which to deal with fear. 1. Run from it, 2. Fight it, or 3. Freeze. Interestingly...true.

And he mentioned a poem that said something to the effect that "The longer you keep your hand in the fire, a flower may soon blossom." My take home message was that although you may endure some difficulties and trials along the way, something positive may eventually come.

Lastly, every one's perception is different. Dan recalled a time when he and his sons were on a city street photographing material. While he was taking shots at the buildings, his eldest son, John, was looking at the cement walk. What may be of interest to one is different for the other.


John's love of simple shapes and the more organic source of information is revealed in his more abstract work. His love of anthropology guides his work as does view from a different perspective - the cracks and colors in a cement sidewalk.



















Danny's work appears more graphic in nature and allows simple geometric shapes and strong contrast to be the focus of his work.



















The four aspects of hue, value, shape and intensity are considered in their work, as well as, the play of warm with cool, dark and light contrast and the lack of facial definition so that the viewer can decide and relate to who the "who" is in the painting.

Last, but not least...COLOR - their play with color, its intensity, contrast, how they allow the brush to move color on the canvas. Masterful!

Wonderful exhibit, wonderful stories - exquisite work! Take a peek before the show closes!!!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

CLASSES STARTED THIS WEEK!

This is a thirty minute study done by Donna Thomas in Gary Weiss' Friday morning class. He has been teaching at the school and is one of the easiest instructors from which to learn the concept of shape, gesture, form shadow, cast shadows, etc. After a few hints from what he taught her in the spring, this was the result. She started with boxes, rectangles and simple shapes. From there, detail was added.

Check out his web site Gary Weiss.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

SUMMER OFF!!

The teachers are getting a summer holiday and will be back the week of September 12th! I, thus, decided to study with a portrait artist from Buford, Ga, Connie Reilly. I have for many years admired her work. Having the school closed gave me the chance to jump on this. I have to thank Gary Weiss immensely for getting me to a point that I really did begin to "see" things. And, Connie is helping me see, too!

Above is my first study done the morning of my first class. I have to admit that I am ALWAYS a bit nervous at first when attempting to do a portrait study and it takes at least an hour for me to wind down.


After settling in and after we all enjoyed lunch together, this is my second portrait study. Although Connie did help me with the elliptical shape of the iris and pupil, I think I felt more successful - calmer, more in control, steadier and slower. Of note is the value of light in the shadow area of the neck as it compares to the highlight areas in the face.

Thank you Annie Jefferson for being such a great model!!!

I had a great time!!!!

See you all in the fall!!! Have a great holiday!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

SIX WEEK CLASSES WILL RESUME SEPTEMBER 12th

We are essentially closed for the summer and will reopen our doors for the final series of six week classes on Monday, September 12th. The studio is available for individual or group rental at $10/day. Please email dthomas555@aol.com 24 hours in advance to learn of availability for use.

Take a look at our upcoming fall schedule - lots to choose from, lots to learn, lots of new faces. Registration has already begun for some classes and they are filled on a first come, first serve basis. We have several new teachers and some returning...so join us!

Also, fall workshops include Gary Bodner, Katharine Cartwright, Tim Horn (California), Suzanne Hughes Sullivan, Brenda Hope Zappitell.


Six week class schedule:

HOW TO CREATE AN EXPRESSIVE LANDSCAPE ($195) John Guersney

MON 9:30 - 12:30 All Levels

ACRYLIC AND MIXED MEDIA TECHNIQUES

($195) Stuart Fleishman

MON 1:00 - 4:00 All levels

STILL LIFE - ALLA PRIMA ($195) Millie Gosch

TUES 9:30 - 12:30 All Levels

PORTRAIT STUDY WITH NANCY DUSENBERRY ($195) Nancy Dusenberry

TUES 1:00 - 4:00 All Levels

SELF CRITIQUE, NEW METHODS AND DRAMATIC FINISHES ($195) Donna Thomas

WED 9:30 - 12:30 Intermediate/Advanced Levels (Oil or Acrylic)

THE FIGURE IN PASTELS ($195) Evelyn Breit

WED 1:00 - 4:00 All Levels (*Model fee applies)

AFRAID TO PAINT...WHERE TO BEGIN? ($195) Christine Bray

THURS 9:30 - 12:30 Beginners in oil painting

DRAWING CLASS ($195) Catherine Anne Moore

THURS 1:00 - 4:00 All Levels (*Model fee applies)

THE CLOTHED FIGURE IN OIL OR CHARCOAL PENCiL ($195)

Gary Weiss

FRI 11:00 - 2:00 Intermediate to advanced (*Model fee applies)

WATERCOLOR FOR ALL LEVELS ($195) Catherine Anne Moore

SAT 12:00 - 3:00

Happy Summer!!!

Sunday, June 26, 2011

VISIT TO DENNIS CAMPAY STUDIO - JUNE 25, 2011

Dennis Campay doing a short demo of his palette knife application of lines.





A thoughtful moment during our two hour visit with Dennis and Colette Campay. A group of us from the school were graciously accepted into their home. Both are so delightful, warm and sharing. Dennis shared his story and spoke to us about the craft of art. He encouraged us to stay true to the craft and if you feel stuck just get back to the basic fundamentals of drawing, shape, form and value.
He discussed his techniques, mediums and materials used, movement throughout his work by using color triangles to guide the viewer throughout his work.
The Campay studio in Avondale.















A few guests, Pat and Ted Plomgren, and Gary Bodner, listening to what Dennis had to say about artists being true to themselves and painting for themselves. He strongly encouraged self expression - study from others, but make it your own. Take home message, do not copy others.




That iconic chair and typewriter which are housed in his studio.















It is always Christmas in the Campay studio. Rhonda Feldman and Beth Stormont pose before two of Dennis' works.

Dennis and Colette Campay bidding us a farewell from their Atlanta home/studio in Avondale.
Dennis described his personal journey throughout his work using icons such as a chair, typewriter, boats, fences that he climbed through in Texas to watch baseball games.

Dennis traveled the world since he was in a military family and his roots are now shared with Colette between their homes in Jacksonville and studio home in Atlanta.






IT'S BEEN THREE MONTHS!!! VISIT WITH DAVID SHEVLINO

David Shevlino - June Workshop

David studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He stresses clean lights, large mass application, mid tone transitions, brush handling, and we all enjoyed a philosophical discussion about artists in the market, gallery representation, being able to grow as an artist, challenging ourselves to become better painters.

http://paintingperceptions.com/cityscape-painting/david-shevlino


Demo of Sumo Wrestler painting:
http://www.youtube.com/user/davishev#p/u/5/fxQqFVb4NQc

Day 2 Demo - David Shvelino - Study of the figure with warm shadows, mid tone colors to round the form, and brush movement.














Day 1 Demo by David Shevlino - Study of Annie
David stressed the nuances of color shifts in facial planes, angles of paint application and creating a dynamic background.



















Friday, March 11, 2011

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Art establishes and makes tangible a time, a place, a thought, an idea.
Art, properly made, enhances and enriches the lives of others.
Art gives an opportunity to endow new life and meaning into the ordinary.
Art gives an opportunity to design your own world, and as in your children, create a significant immortality.
Art is hard-earned work that is its own reward and has a degree of permanence.
Art, because it's so easy to do, and so difficult to do well, encourages humility in the human soul.
Art is an apprenticeship that can be stretched into a lifelong education.
Art thrives on democratic ideals, freedom of expression and rugged individualism.
Art permits you to step out of the labyrinth and into a quiet corner of your own private joy.
Thank you, Nancy Rounsaville, for sharing the beauty of these words!!!