Experimenting, Learning and Working Hard

 Taking the attitude that we are learning and experimenting helps take some of the pressure that we put upon ourselves away.  If we consider learning a “win” then we are encouraged.  If we are perfectionistic in our expectations then we will certainly become discouraged when our efforts don’t measure up.  Personal progress is a reason toContinue reading “Experimenting, Learning and Working Hard”

5 “P’s” – The Fifth “P” is for Perseverance

Perseverance often means a dogged determination to master the basics.   For we know that as we build that solid foundation, in the field of our endeavor, our greatest opportunity for full artistic expression is given flight.  The very repetitious and mundane practices of our craft coupled with an intellectual thirst to learn more create within us buildingContinue reading “5 “P’s” – The Fifth “P” is for Perseverance”

Values in Color, Values in Life

Some of our days, or seasons of our life, can be like dramatic contrast in a painting.  There are portions of brilliant light juxtaposed by deep dark shadows – the peaks and valleys of life sometimes run close together.  In my work in ministry there were weeks when we would both prepare for a wedding, withContinue reading “Values in Color, Values in Life”

What Does the Composition Convey?

A composition, in many aspects, is the task of placing visual components on a canvas.  This may sound simple but may be, in fact, amazingly complex.  The arrangement of objects can convey diverse ideas and one has to decide what one is attempting to communicate to the viewer.  For example, a simple triangular composition withContinue reading “What Does the Composition Convey?”

The Joy of Mixing Colors

My painting teacher, Jim Faber (who was a wonderful colorist) said is that “in light there is all colors.”  So when we paint we can attribute color to places that we know, scientifically, are there even if we don’t wholly see them with our limited eyesight.  For example, we may see only a light yellowContinue reading “The Joy of Mixing Colors”

Art & Wine in the Park – June 9th

Back in the day, as they say, I was part of a small band of artists working in a representational manner.  We called ourselves The Representational Art League, and although my path went a different direction, the League is still in existence.  We started something called Art & Wine in the Park in local Rohner ParkContinue reading “Art & Wine in the Park – June 9th”

How to Enjoy Art Like a Child

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow  up. – Pablo Picasso We are so creative as children, and then we grow up.  We become fearful of not measuring up.  We get discouraged by the sometimes thoughtless comments of others.  We lose our sense of wonder andContinue reading “How to Enjoy Art Like a Child”

Observa-tion is the Key to Art

Observation…we discuss it every week in the art classes whether it be drawing or painting.  We often ask, “what did you see differently this week because you took the time to really observe something? The study of art gives us an avenue to view our natural world with fresh eyes and take in all the nuanceContinue reading “Observa-tion is the Key to Art”

Drawing Generations Together

It is exciting to see someone’s talent bloom in any season of life.  For many, it is not until the years of retirement that the schedule allows some time to address a life long yearning to study art.  My grandmother, for example, did not take up painting until she was in her eighties (she lived toContinue reading “Drawing Generations Together”

From the Glorious Rhythm of Life

Observation is a key ingredient in creating art that reflects the beauty of our natural world.  It is often easier to work from photographs and masterful artists have done so for a long time.  But hands down, the most visual information is available to us from life itself.  The nuances of light, the vibrancy of color,Continue reading “From the Glorious Rhythm of Life”