Happy New Year from MAG! January Events

MAG's New Meeting Place

January 5, Saturday, 10 AM to Noon "Colors in the Cold" Take-in at McDowell Arts Ctr gallery area. This exhibit lasts until 2/2/13.

January 8th, Tuesday, 1 PM-3 PM Cheap Joe's DVD demo with Caroline Jasper at McDowell Arts Ctr gallery area. This is with the Plein Air Buds.

January 8th, Tuesday, 6:30 PM (mtg starts at 7 PM) MAG meeting with presenter Judy Mizell at McDowell Arts Ctr gallery area.

January 15th, Tuesday, 6:30 PM, Critique with Russell Smith and Gene Lazo at McDowell Arts Ctr gallery area. Bring in an unfinished painting or one that is finished that you want to redo for suggestions on improvement. 

January 19th, Saturday, 10 AM to Noon Presbyterian Hospital Matthews Take-In 10 AM to Noon. This exhibit lasts until 2/16/13. Take-Down is 10 AM to Noon.

To participate in the "Colors in the Cold" and Presbyterian Hospital Matthews exhibits you must be a current MAG member. All other events are free and open to the public

Weekly Usuals

Every Wednesday night at 7 PM is life drawing at the Matthews Community Ctr. Cost varies from $5-10 depending on how many participate to split model fee.

Tuesday is En Plein Air with the Plein Air Buds. Times and locations vary and due to weather, susceptible to cancellation. To be included in the email loop contact Debbie at dyacenda@aol.com. 

Judy Mizell Presenter at Next MAG Meeting

Judy Mizell, watercolorist, will be the presenter at the next MAG meeting at one of the McDowell Arts Center Gallery Rooms, 1/8, at 6:30 PM Social Time and meeting begins at 7 PM. Open to the public and free!

You can view her works at her web site: http://judymizell.com 

Do You Like Movies?

On Tuesday, January 8th, at 1 PM come to the McDowell Arts Center to view Caroline Jasper's Dramatic Depth in Painting DVD. Cheap Joe's has given us permission to show this video to interested artists at no charge. 

Here is some information on Caroline Jasper from Cheap Joe's web site:
With an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art, Caroline Jasper’s instruction stands on forty years of experience including high school Art Department Chair, Maryland College of Art and Design Admissions Advisory Board member, exhibition juror, gallery and college lecturer. She currently teaches at art workshop venues nationwide. Caroline’s paintings, which are critically acclaimed in gallery and museum exhibitions, are held in private and corporate collections internationally.

Caroline Jasper will help build your confidence working with opaque mediums like oil, acrylics and water-soluble oils. She will also help you mix brilliant colors and prevent the muddy ones. Interested? Read more at Cheap Joe's site: http://www.cheapjoes.com/dramatic-depth-in-painting-dvd-with-caroline-jasper.html 

Thank you to Cheap Joe's for allowing us to show this video! We look forward to another next month.

Art Critiquing Tuesday 1/15/13 at MAC Gallery

Working on a painting or photograph and... well, something isn't quite right? Can't put you finger on the problem... Colors too cool? Warm? Focal Point out of whack? Or maybe the subject just isn't working. Get some advice from accomplished painter, Russell Smith and others. All artists are welcome to bring in their artwork to the McDowell Art Center Gallery at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, 1/15, for critiquing. We will make this a monthly event on every third Tuesday at 6:30 PM. So bring in that troublesome painting and let's get it straightened out.

Russell Smith is a multi-award winning artist, well known for his oil paintings of WW1 airplanes and air battle scenes. We at MAG feel very fortunate to have him as a member and to have him donate his time to help other artists improve their artwork.

Russell Smith when he did a demo for MAG

MAG's 2013 Presbyterian Hospital Matthews Art Show

MAG appreciates Presbyterian Hospital Matthews for allowing us to show in their lobby. We've been doing this for several years and it has become an annual event. Unlike previous years, though, this will not be a competition show but simply a chance for MAG artists to show their works to the public and sell them if they desire. Buyers will call the artist phone number to make a purchase. MAG will not be directly involved with sales. Also, there are no commission fees by MAG or the hospital. 

Works for this show do NOT have to be originals. Giclees and prints properly framed or gallery-wrapped are allowed, as well as, computer enhanced photographs. Please have paintings or photographs wired (no sawtooths or hooks, please). Due to works being on panels, the size must be less than 36 inches horizontally and not much more vertically. If it doesn't fit on the panel, it can't be displayed. This also means no three-dimensional works, such as pottery and sculpture. 

If you are not a member of MAG, and would like to participate, you can join at the take-in table. Take-in is at the hospital lobby, Saturday 1/19/13 from 10 AM to Noon. Volunteers who would like to help with setting up, please arrive at 9:30 AM. ONLY HELPERS COME EARLY PLEASE. The cost is $15 for 1 work, $25 for 2 works and $35 for 3 works. Money raised from this show will be used to purchase additional panels.

Email Debbie if you intend to participate so we can be sure there are enough panels: dyacenda@aol.com 

2011 MAG Presbyterian Hospital Matthews Art Show

Cheap Joe's Puts On Party For MAG Tonight

Thank you to Katie Blackwell at Cheap Joe's Charlotte for inviting MAG members to a personal party at the Galleria Shopping Center location (http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-stores/charlotte-nc.asp). Food, beverages and other surprises are in store for MAG members who can make it. Fun starts at 7 PM. Anything you buy tonight will be discounted 20%... what! They spoil us.

Thanks to Katie and Cheap Joe's!

Life Drawing This and Every Week in December

"Tom" by Jack

 

Life drawing will continue throughout the month of December every Wednesday night at 7 PM sharp. It takes place at the Matthews Community Center in historic downtown Matthews, NC. Get yourself set up early and be ready to start at 7 PM sharp. Cost? No more than $10 and lately it has been around $8 per participant. The model fee is split equally. This event is open to all artists 18 years old and older. Thanks to Nancy Kennedy for organizing and making this possible to those who enjoy life art.

Plein Air Buds at Riverwalk in Rock Hill, SC

There were seven artists at the Riverwalk for some en plein air painting with oils, pastels, acrylics and watercolor. The weather was so perfect... should've been there! Some painted near the boat ramp while others explored the trail and found a better spot.

The Plein Air Buds will take a holiday break and resume January 8. The location will be announced later.

Told you it was beautiful

The gang at work

Jen's work on her easel

 

The Dedication of the McDowell Arts Center

New sign in front of MAC

 

Mayor Taylor reveals the MAC plaque

 

The MAC plaque

 

Reception and Kidzart at studio area at lower level

 

"Introducing the Artists of MAG" exhibit and

Mataya's art demo in gallery room at upper level

 

 

The McDowell Arts Center Dedication Ceremony was held Saturday, 12/1 at 10 AM by the lower level entrance. Featured speakers were Mayor Jim Taylor, Director Lee Tillery of Matthews Parks & Cultural Resources Department, Town Manager Hazen Blodgett, and Town of Matthews Parks Advisory Board Chair Howie Labiner.

 

A reception and actvities by Kidzart were held in the downstairs studio. Upstairs in the gallery rooms, MAG had it's exhibition, "Introducing the Artists of MAG" along with an art demo by MAG member, Mataya. Cheap Joe's rep, Kevin Brown, gave out store coupons to the artists that attended the event.

 

MAG will hold its monthly meetings at MAC, as well as, exhibit in the gallery rooms. The next exhibit, "Colors in the Cold", is in January. 

 

McDowell Arts Center Grand Opening This Saturday at 10 AM!

The McDowell Arts Ctr

Grand Opening Saturday 12/1 at 10 AM

 

Artwork on Gallery Wall

Come and join in the celebration and see for yourself the amazing talent that exist right next door! The Grand Opening of the McDowell Arts Center (right next to the Matthews Community Ctr on McDowell Street, behind Matthews Elementary School) in historic downtown Matthews is this Saturday, 12/1 at 10 AM. 47 local artists with over 80 works will be exhibiting. There will also be art demonstrations and activities for children. For sure, Matthews is a town that loves ART!

Here are the artists participating:

Stanella Barnes

Shirley Bennion

Carol Benston

Jennifer Benton

Rita Bowers

Lisa Britton

Dianne Britton

Robert Brooks

Kevin Brown

Belinda Churchward

Maris Davis

Troyann Dougherty

Robert Evans

Joyce Fischer

Evy Grouse

Pam Hancharik

Anne Routh Harrell

Vernona Hearne

Susan Hinrichs

Cynthia Howard

Ken Hutchins

Barbara Jimison

Nawona Keen

Nancy Kennedy

John Lomax

Mary Magee

Valeria Marcus

Katherine Maske

Belinda Midkiff

John Moeslein

Vincent Murray

Reg Narmour

Sue Panzarella

Carol Pighin

Marcia Pyner

Roger Schulz

Carl Shealy, Jr.

Curtis Sloop

Russell Smith

Susan Smith

Shane Somerset

Jennifer Spaker

Johanna Tenz

Alan Wells

Sandy Wilkinson

Debbie Yacenda

Jean Yates

 

 

Life Drawing Tonight at MCC

"Tom" by Jack

 

For those who enjoy life drawing, there is a session tonight (and every Wednesday) at the Matthews Community Ctr at 7 PM. Bring your easel and art supplies and be set up and ready to draw by 7 sharp!

The model fee is split among participants with a maximum charge of $10 per person. Lately, the cost has been around $8. Cash or check is acceptible. Say a "thank you" to Nancy Kennedy for making all this possible and she will not turn down help with setting up and taking down.

MAG Members in Golden Palette Society Art Show

December 1st is a busy ART DAY for the town of Matthews and for MAG members. At 10 AM the McDowell Arts Center opens with over 80 paintings from MAG artists. Then two hours later The Golden Palette Society has their art show at Williams Business Properties at the Matthews Executive Park. MAG members: Barbara Jimison, Mike Thomas, Lee McLaren and Pat Hancharik will be participating in this show. After the reception for the McDowell Arts Center, go by and visit this other show and cheer our fellow members on. Details are on the flyer below:

 

Diane Is For Sure... VIBRANT!

Diane Pike's artistic inspiration comes from the likes of Henry Hensche. She loves her works, whether oil or pastel, to have a strong light source and vibrant colors. That's exactly how she started out in her pastel landscape demo at our Tuesday night MAG meeting (11/13/12).

Her trees were initially done as large shapes with mostly dark and light hues of red, orange, yellow, green-blue and purple. She does not repeat colors... "close but not the same." Also, no black or white in her pastel palette. 

She normally works on Kitty Wallis paper (has "tooth" to grip and hold the colors) with soft pastels by Unison, Terry Ludwig and Sennelier. She will also use Conte and Rembrandt brands for the underpainting.

She started the demo with her paper taped to foam core wrapped with felt. She didn't blend with her finger or a stump... she layered the colors. She said she uses no fixatives or washes. Her landscape was already sketched out on the paper. She recommends using a proportional scale wheel and grids to sketch out an image on the work surface... after doing a value sketch. Her pastel sticks were kept clean with the ever present and constantly used old tee-shirt so the colors were always clean.

After blocking-in with strong colors, the trees were toned down "some" with shades of green, purple, red and blue. Street signs and telephone poles are welcome in her works... "breaks up landscape... like them!" She completed the work within an hour... vibrantly beautiful.

She gives workshops at her studio at 1515 Mint Street in Charlotte. For more information, go to her web site: http://www.dianepike.com/.

Diane's work after the block-in stage

Diane answers a question from MAG member, Marie Davis

The finished work... (sigh) so lovely

 

Paintings Up and Ready For MAC Grand Opening

Thanks to John Moeslein, Jean Yates, Lindy Midkiff, Nancy Kennedy and Bob Evans for their help in hanging all the artwork for the Grand Opening of the McDowell Arts Center. The event will take place on Saturday, December 1st at 10 AM. It was formerly referred to as the old "AG Building." It has been beautifully renovated into an arts facility for KidzArt classes, the MAG meetings and gallery of fine art. There will be over 80 paintings on display from MAG artists for the opening day.

 

Paintings along outer wall lined with windows.

One of the two rooms of gallery on upper floor.

 

Exhibit is called: "Introducing Artists of MAG" and

will run throughout month of December

 

Pastel Artist, Diane Pike, at 11/13 MAG Mtg at Matthews Community Center

Matthews Artists Guild invites members and nonmembers interested in fine arts
to our November meeting when
Diane Pike
will demonstrate her pastels withSeeing Light in the Landscape

Tuesday, November 13, 2012
6:30 PM social 7 PM meeting
at Matthews Community Center

100 McDowell Street East

Matthews, NC 28105

"My paintings are a result of my pursuit to understand and express how light creates color and how those different notes of color convey light. Understanding how sunlight affects the perception we have of color and translating the many keys of light and shadow to whatever subject I am drawn to is the challenge I face each time I put paint onto the canvas."

-Diane Pike

Born in Iowa, Diane moved to Boulder, Colorado in 1959. She lived in that area until December of 2008 when she relocated to North Carolina.

A degree in Fine Arts from the University of Northern Colorado where she studied printmaking and graphic design led to 10 years in Denver, Colorado as a graphic designer/artist in the advertising field.

Diane’s first painting class was in March of 2002 when she studied with Chuck Ceraso learning to see and paint color with the influence of light, studies he based on the teachings of Henry Hensche from the Cape School of Art. Diane studied with Ceraso for four years with pastel as her medium.

That brought her to a year long study with Kevin Weckbach in 2006 where she also began painting in oil. In addition, Diane has studied with Ken Valastro and Quang Ho at the Art Students League of Denver in Colorado.

Diane lives in the Lake Norman area with her husband where she paints full time and teaches studio classes and a few workshops each year.

Our meeting begins with a 6:30 PM social when you can chat with Diane and preview samples of her work. At 7 PM we'll have brief announcements followed by Diane's demonstration.

After briefly sharing significant points of her studies and influences that developed her passion for pastel and oil, Diane will paint a landscape in pastel while working from a photo. She'll take us step by step through supplies, equipment needed and the progression of creating a finished piece while she teaches us about Seeing Light in the Landscape.

Visit Diane Pike's website: http://www.dianepike.com

Wednesday Night Life Drawing

"Tom" by Jack

 

For those of you who enjoy life drawing, there will be a session for all artists, 18 years old and up, tonight at the Matthews Community Center at 7 PM. You do NOT have to be a member of MAG to participate. Bring your own supplies and arrive a little early to set up so the session can start on time. The cost is at a maximum of $10 depending on how many attend to split the model fee. It usually runs around $8.

Be sure to thank the volunteers who set this up and keep it going. If you have time, offer to help.

UGH! Wind, Rain and Cold Today... Plein Air Canceled

Hate canceling for the second week in a row but the weather is looking dismal. We'll try again next week. Stay in touch for our next location... maybe Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery again.

Plein Air Buds at Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery

After voting early in the morning, come on out and paint Tuesday, 11/6 at 10 AM at Providence Presbyterian Church's cemetery across from the church building. There will be polling at the church so anticipate the parking lot being fuller than usual on a weekday. No voting will be taking place at the cemetery (hope not!)... it should be quiet. This is a very old cemetery and we've enjoyed painting here before.The weather is iffy with possible showers so check the MAG Blog http://matthewsartistguild.blogspot.com/ in case of cancellation by 8:30 AM on Tuesday. We usually eat lunch somewhere together afterwards. All artists welcome!

Check the address and directions at their web site: http://www.ppc1767.org/.

The oldest grave at PPC Cemetery is dated 1784

Pastel Artist Diane Pike at next MAG Meeting

Meeting Date: 11/13/12, Tuesday

Time: 6:30 PM Social Time/ Meeting starts at 7 PM

Place: Matthews Community Ctr

We will have pastel artist, Diane Pike, as our presenter. She relocated to the Lake Norman area from Denver Colorado, where she studied painting from Denver artists: Chuck Ceraso, Kevin Weckbach, Ken Valastro and Quang Ho. She holds a fine arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado and worked for 10 years as a graphic artist. Her works portray vibrant colors and a strong presence of light. You may see her works at her web site: http://www.dianepike.com/artist.php

MAG's monthly meetings are always free and open to the public. We love visitors... join us!

12th Annual Silver Brush Holiday Art Sale 11/9-10/12

Got this from MAG member, John Moeslein. Show your support not only for these artists but also for The Matthews Help Ctr.

Wednesday Night Life Drawing

"Tom" by Jack

 

For those of you who enjoy life drawing, there will be a session for all artists, 18 years old and up, tonight at the Matthews Community Center at 7 PM. You do NOT have to be a member of MAG to participate. Bring your own supplies and arrive a little early to set up so the session can start on time. The cost is at a maximum of $10 depending on how many attend to split the model fee. It usually runs around $8.

 

Be sure to thank the volunteers who set this up and keep it going. If you have time, offer to help. 

En Plein Air Cancelled

We are officially cancelling the paintout today at Hunter Farm due to anticipated cold, breezy, drizzly weather. Hopefully the weather will be better Tuesday, 11/6 when we go to Providence Presbyterian Church.

Plein Air Buds at Weddington's Hunter Farm Tu 10/30

Old Barn at Hunter Farm

 

Like to paint old barns, farm animals or mayber some pumpkins... then get out to Hunter Farm tomorrow morning, Tu, 10/30 with the Plein Air Buds. We will meet at the parking lot at 10 AM and eat afterwards together, dutch treat, at nearby Ilios Noche... we all love that place! Information regarding Hunter Farm can be found at: http://www.thehunterfarm.org/

 



 

Also be aware there is 30% chance of rain tomorrow. Check this blog at 8:30 AM to see if this event is canceled.

Grand Opening of McDowell Arts Center to Feature Artists of MAG

McDowell Arts Center

Located next door to the Matthews Community Center

MAG is very proud to be exhibiting for the dedication and grand opening of the McDowell Arts Center on December 1, 2012. The exhibit of two-dimensional hung artwork will showcase the members of the Matthews Artist Guild. MAG will meet in one of the upstairs meeting rooms at the new art center when it opens. Thank you to Cultural Recreation Specialist, Colten Marble, and the town of Matthews for this honor.

The following artists plan on entering artwork for this exhibit:

Troyann Dougherty

Barbara Jimison

Shirley Benion

Jennifer Benson

Debbie Yacenda

Bob Evans

Carol Pighin

Dianne Britton

Mary Magee

Mataya

Jean Yates

Nancy Kennedy

Joyce Fischer

Kenneth Hutchins

Belinda Churchward

Cynthia Howard

Rita Bowers

Russell Smith

Yvette Brandell

Valeria Marcus

Evy Grouse

Alan Wells

Jo Tenz

Reg Narmour

Lindy Midkiff

Anne Harrell

Vince Murray

Mona Hearne

Lisa Britton

Sandy Wilkinson

Jen Spaker

Carol Connaughton

Carl Shealy

Stanella Barnes

Katherine Maske

John Lomax

Shane Somerset
John Moeslein
Kim Younce
Susan Panzarella
Illa Joshi
Nawona Keen
Cynthia Powers
Curtis Sloop
Marie Davis
Kevin Brown
Carol Benston
Marcia Pyner
Bob Brooks
Susan Hinrichs
Nawona Keen
Roger W. Schulz
Susan Smith

Perfect Weather for Paintout at McDowell Nature Preserve

Plein Air Buds enjoyed the Lake Wylie waterfront view from the McDowell Nature Preserve this morning. All were oil painters except for one charcoal sketcher. Those who attended were Connie Snipes, Yvette Brandell, Kim Younce, Carol Connaughton and Debbie Yacenda. Beautiful weather resulted in beautiful works.

Next time we will be at Hunter Farm... again! Since it's the day before Halloween (Tu, 10/30) we figured it only right to be among the pumpkins. Interested? Email Debbie to be in the loop: dyacenda@aol.com.

Carol Connaughton set up her easel right on a trail path

Connie Snipes painted a view from Lake Wylie

Kim Younce painting trees with oil

Yvette painting a water scene

 

Thank You, Braitman Studio!

Anne Harrell and Jean Yates representing MAG

at Braitman Studio's Open House

 

Thanks to Nancy Kennedy! She got MAG a spot in the Braitman Studio's Open House last night (10/18) alongside Binders, Cheap Joe's, and other art organizations/services. We met lots of artists, established and beginners, with the single minded goal of making them aware that MAG exists. We told about our instructional monthly meetings, weekly life drawings and en plein air outings, the annual competitions/art sales and, of course,... the MAC (McDowell Arts Center in Matthews)!

 

Anne Harrell and Jean Yates helped Debbie Yacenda in the whole affair. We got one new member on the spot and added over 20 names to our email list. Our goal was to generate new interest in the guild by inviting artists to our meetings, which are always free and open to the public. The one new member was a total but pleasant surprise! He was already aware of MAG having gone to the life drawing sessions. 

 

And... THANK YOU, ANDY BRAITMAN! He put on a great event with the food, beverages, door prizes and an art-loving crowd. We hope to be able to come again.

McDowell Arts Center to Open December 1st, 2012

McDowell Arts Center in Matthews, NC

 

All of us at MAG are saying, "Can't wait... can't wait... can't wait!" And it won't be long, until the McDowell Arts Center (MAC) is open. Colten Marble, Cultural Recreation Specialist in charge of MAC, has invited MAG to display artwork for the Dedication and Grand Opening, Saturday, December 1st. We at MAG are truly honored and can't wait to fill the upper rooms with beautiful artwork from local artists.

 

All members are encouraged to bring 2 works of art. Email Debbie Yacenda if you plan on participating at dyacenda@aol.com. Take in is right before the next MAG meeting, Tuesday, November 13 from 3-6 PM. The meeting afterwards at 6:30 PM will feature Winsor & Newton representative Larry Leach with the latest on watercolor products and samples for all who attend. Meetings are always free and open to the public. We love visitors!

Life Drawing Tonight

"Tom" by Jack

 

 

Didn't know? Yeah, there's Life Drawing every Wednesday night at the Matthews Community Center at 7 PM sharp. That means you should come early to set up with all your supplies. Cost? Very reasonable... no more than $10 and usually around $8. All participants split the model fee equally. Artists must be at least 18 years old and there are new artists particpating almost every week. Give it a try and thank those who volunteer to make this possible.

Plein Air Buds at Hunter Farm in Weddington

Kathy Collins' Barn in Oil

Carol Connaughton's Woodland in Oil

Kim Younce Painting At Her Easel

 

Hunter Farm is one of the Plein Air Buds' favorite location. So much so, we're going back for Halloween. Next week? We'll try the McDowell Nature Preserve again since we had to cancel due to weather conditions last time. We'll be at the Lake Wylie lakefront. Join us on Tuesday, October 23rd at 10 AM. Afterwards we go out to eat together. Great group!

Plein Air Buds at Hunter Farm

 

Plein Air Buds will be at Hunter Farm Tuesday 10/16. The address is 13624 Providence Road, Weddington NC. We will meet at 10am in the parking lot. There are pumpkins, fields and some barns and outbuildings. We can meet for lunch after painting.

The website is below. Hope to see you on Tuesday at 10. For questionable weather, please check  MAG's Blog: http://matthewsartistguild.blogspot.com/ around 8:30 am on the morning of the paintout for a cancellation notice. 

 

http://www.thehunterfarm.org/

Best of Show at Matthews Art Fest... Our Own Cynthia Howard!

Cynthia Howard at Matthews Art Fest

Best of Show

 

 

MAG is very proud of member, Cynthia Howard, for winning Best of Show at Matthews Art Fest. She says, "I am so overwhelmed and thrilled-- there were some amazing artists there! Guess I am doing ok." Well, Cynthia we know you are amazing too. Congrats from your fellow artists at MAG!

Lorene Demonstrates Basing Beautiful Artwork With Salt and Soap

Lorene applying first of many washes with hake brush.

 

Lorene Lovell's watercolor demo was filled with tips and facts but what was enjoyed most was her humorous delivery. She said she had always been a "good girl" wanting to please everyone in her youth but lately she has been breaking rules... like using Chinese white! And that's not all she's broken... like both her legs! One was broken when she fell off a ladder and the other while dancing (and, no, it wasn't on top of a table).

 

Between the laughter, we watched her wet 140 lb paper with a hake brush (three times). Her palette is a muffin pan normally filled with Naples yellow, sepia, burnt umber, alizarin crimson, Davy's gray and Payne's gray. For the demo she also had Prussian green and Hooker's green. These are colors she loves and is comfortable with.

 

Along with color mixed with a mixture of 1/4 cup water and 1/2 tsp dish detergent (Dawn is best!), she sprinkles individual grains of regular table salt in specific places to create "swirls and holes" for a textured background. Then she lets it completely dry. Hairdryer? Won't work! Let it dry naturally. Also, humidity affects the salt. During the rains earlier this week, she said she couldn't get the effect she likes. It works best when the humidity is low.

 

After the desired background is dry, Lorene brings out her magic brush... an Escoda size 8 (reservoir liner) to create details over the background. She demonstrated making clouds and trees, as well as bringing many samples of her technique to help us try to emulate her technique on our own.

 

One of Lorene's favorite subjects is birds. When she paints them, she does not start with a lot of detail... just the outline. She paints the specifics as she goes along. And she always starts with its eyes. "It is the soul of the bird." Last night, we not only learned about Lorene's technique but we also got a glimpse of her soul. Thank you, Lorene, for a wonderful presentation.



Plein Air Buds Paintout at McDowell Nature Preserve Canceled

Due to bad weather, the paintout at McDowell Nature Preserve scheduled for this morning is canceled. Next time!

Plein Air Buds at McDowell Nature Preserve

Jen Spaker has the Plein Air Buds planned for the McDowell Nature Preserve on Tuesday, October 9 at 10 AM. We will meet at the Lake Wylie Waterfront within the preserve. According to Jen, "There is a parking lot, a building with bathrooms and a great view of the lake and woodlands. There is only one entrance to the Preserve. Once you enter, stay on the same road, all the way to the lake front. It is about 1 mile to the lake. Do not turn right towards the Nature Preserve Building."

All artists are welcome. There is no charge except you pay for your own lunch when we eat out together... yeah, eat with us!