Critique for Painters and Photographers with Russ & Gene

Russ and Gene critiquing a work by Ken Hutchins

Come to the McDowell Arts Center, Tuesday 5/21, at 6:30 PM with one or two of your paintings/photographs for a critique session with Russ Smith and Gene Lazo. This is a very informal get together of highly motivated artists who want to improve their art through others' fresh expert eyes.

Russ Smith is a professional oil painter who specializes in aviation art. His works are sold all over the world and are displayed in various museums, some of which commission him to paint specific planes for them. One of the latest such commissions, is for him to paint "The Swamp Ghost" for the Pacific Aviation Museum. Check out his works at his web site: http://www.russellsmithart.com.

Gene Lazo is a professional photographer whose style is self-described as nontraditional. Gene creates fine art photographs, as well as, portraits of clients within their own space. He likes his subjects to be comfortable and most of all truly themselves before the shutter is released. He sells his own photography books filled with fine art photos including one of unusual guitarists and their guitars. His web site is: http://www.genelazophotography.com.

The audience can also participate in the discussion of any painting but Russ and Gene will monitor comments to make sure no one is overwhelmed or offended. 

So come and get some help on that painting that you have stashed in the corner. Maybe all you need is a few suggestions to get it finished. It is free and open to all artists! Latecomers are welcome too. No excuse! 

Check Out Kevin E Brown's Paint Group at Cheap Joe's

Kevin E Brown of Cheap Joe's holds a paint group session for acrylics and water-soluble oils painters in the upstairs studio at Cheap Joe's. It is very informal and you can work with Kevin's assistance or by yourself. Everyone is very friendly and love to talk about art.

The session is held every Monday from 5-7:30 PM. The cost is just $15 per session. Bring your own paints and supplies and paint with motivated peers who will cheer you on.

Elise painting with oils

Kevin helping Sally with her very first painting

MAG Reception for Annual Art Competition for Members

MAG would like to thank all who attended the reception, Saturday, May 11th, for MAG's Art Competition Show at the McDowell Arts Center. There were a good many guests along with the participating artists who came.

Abundance of Food and Art

MAG appreciates all who came

The Mayor's Award was presented by Mayor Jim Taylor of Matthews. Mayor Taylor has been choosing his favorite painting for this event for 3 years and his presence is always a highlight.  Brian Neher was the main judge who went above and beyond expectations by coming to the reception and giving an explanation for his choice of each award. After the reception he also spoke with other artists about their artwork. He was a gracious and exceptional judge for this event.

Brian Neher talking about First Place entry by

Sue Panzarella

Here are the winners for the 2013 MAG Art Competition Show:

Mayor's Award- Mary Magee's "Playing in the Reef"

Mayor Jim Taylor with artist, Mary Magee

The following entries were judged by Brian Neher:

First Place- Sue Panzarella's "Lots o' Pots"

Congratulations to Sue Panzarella for taking 1st Place

Second Place- Sharron Burns' "Korn Belt"

Sharron Burns with her 2nd Place entry "Korn Belt"

Third Place- Verna Hash's "Beside Still Waters"

Honorable Mention #1: Laura Smail's "Wisconsin Autumn"

Honorable Mention #2: Jean Yates' "Fresh Tomatoes"

Honorable Mention #3: Paula Hemsley's "Cool Shade"

Honorable Mention #4: Martha Manco's "Casey"

Martha Manco with her portrait of "Casey"

Honorable Mention #5: Jean Yates' "Apples in Glass Bowl"

Jean Yates receiving Honorable Mention Award

Honorable Mention #6: Mary Johnson's "Waiting Time"

Honorable Mention winner, Mary Johnson, with "Waiting Time"

Honorable Mention #7: Janet Broome's "Walk Up"

Honorable Mention #8: Judy Mizell's "Green Eyes"

This event was assisted by the generous support of the following companies:

Binders Art Supplies

Cheap Joe's

Fast Frame in Matthews Festival

Costco

MAG would also like to thank the following individuals who gave time and talent to help with the various jobs required for the reception:

Ben Jimison

Barbara Jimison

Amy Schwartz

Mary Johnson

Yvette Brandell

Bob Evans

Jean Yates

Curtis Sloop

Rita Bowers

Jan Herzog

And Cynthia Powers for all our photographs!

The exhibit will remain up at the McDowell Arts Center through the end of May. Most of the artwork is for sale. To purchase, contact the artist with the phone number on the artwork's label.

McDowell Arts Center Hours of Operations:

M-F 1-8 PM

Sat 10 AM- 4 PM

Sun 1-6 PM

Reception This Saturday (May 11) for MAG Competition Art Show

Landscapes done with Photography (Eric Casaburro) 

and Pastels (Laura Smail)

Brian Neher has completed his judging for the following awards: 8 Honorable Mentions, Third Place, Second Place and First Place. Mayor Jim Taylor will also announce which work is his favorite and present the artist with a ribbon. Wonder if your favorite won? Come to the reception this Saturday and find out! This event is free and open to the public!

May 11, 2013 MAG Competition Art Show

Place: McDowell Arts Center at 123 McDowell, St. Matthews, NC

Time: 3-5 PM Winners will be announced at 4 PM

Most of the artwork is for sale. If you are interested in purchasing any of them, contact the artist with the phone number on the work's label.

MAG thanks their following friends and sponsors:

Fast Frames at Matthews Festival

Binders

Cheap Joe's

Costco

MAG Annual Art Competition is Up at the MAC

Stop by the McDowell Arts Center and see the stiff competition going on among MAG members. Brian Neher, local portrait painter, will judge the entries for First, Second, and Third Places and 8 Honorable Mentions. Mayor Jim Taylor will also choose his favorite painting and present the Mayor's Choice Ribbon. 

The reception is Saturday, May 11, from 3-5 PM. Winners will be announced at 4 PM. The public is invited. Thanks to our sponsors Fast Frames in Matthews Festival, Binders and Cheap Joe's for all their support with the reception and prizes.

Here are a few works you will see:

Take-In For MAG Art Competition is this Saturday!

All MAG members are invited to participate in the annual MAG Art Competition Show. Bring in up to 2 qualified works along with the entry form and $25 this Saturday, May 4, at the McDowell Arts Center between 10 AM to Noon. If you are not a member of MAG and would like to participate, you can join at take-in by filling out a form and paying the additional $25 annual dues.

Brian Neher is the judge for this event. Prizes are $300 (first place), $200 (second place), $100 (third place) and 8 Honorable Mentions with $25 gift certificates. AND... Mayor Jim Taylor will select his favorite and award a ribbon to the artist.

The reception is Saturday, May 11, from 3-5 PM at the McDowell Arts Center Gallery. The winners will be announced at 4 PM. The public is invited to come, as well as, artists and their family and friends.

For rules and entry form, contact Debbie Yacenda at magart2009@gmail.com.

It's Wednesday... Life Drawing

"Tom" by Jack

Yep, another Wednesday and that means Life Drawing at the Matthews Community Center. Thanks to Nancy Kennedy, all will be ready for you at the Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. in historic downtown Matthews, NC.  The cost runs from $4-10 depending on how many attend to split the model fee. It is open to all artists 18 years and older. Bring your own supplies and arrive early to set up so all can start at 7 PM sharp.