Wednesday, April 13, 2016

My Excellent Tennessee Adventure: Memphis to Chattanooga

What a whirlwind and fun trip - beginning with a visit to one of my very favorite humans, artist Jamie Lee McMahan, who hosted me for three fabulous days. I traveled to Memphis for a commission at the Memphis University School, where I'll be painting this year's distinguished scholar (you'll see more on that in future blog posts, as the painting proceeds).

Among the highlights were hanging around in Jamie's studio where we both found ways for each other to spend more $$$$ on art related toys, since evidently we still need newer and fancier "stuff" in our work lives. Jamie is an artist whom I'll be paintings as part of my American Artist series, so I had a chance to rephotograph him in his own environs.

Below, view from the sitter's chair, as Jamie showed me how he begins a portrait:)



On to Chattanooga Wednesday, for an evening demo preceding a four day workshop hosted by the Townsend Atelier, which is really a spectacular studio space. Peggy and Stan Townsend have created a beautifully designed and functional area, serving workshops and learning of all kinds, including a small but VERY select art supply shop, flexible lighting, space arrangements and best of all, their incredibly gracious presence as workshop hosts. I fell very honored to have been selected to be one of their instructors as the teaching roster is filled with artist who (IMO) are for the most part, superstars. For my artist readers, if you get the chance to attend the Townsend Atelier, you will have a wonderful experience. We had a great group of artists in attendance, all focused and hard-working.


Above, awaiting class arrival!
Below, Wednesday night demo in monochrome oil.


Below, with Chattanooga artists Jim Aplin, who dropped in to have lunch with Stan and me,  and Vrushali Dhond.


Below are some pictures of the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, where I stayed. The history is so interesting, and the lobby is the original train terminal - cars and locomotives are on the grounds, and it is a very cool setting. While I couldn't recommend staying there, numerous good restaurants are nearby and the grounds are beautiful.












Here'a pic of the adjacent Stir Restaurant, which was excellent, and I thought had such an amazing bar- the bartenders scamper up and down the ladder, attached to the shelving on a rail, just like you'd see in old libraries.





The whole visit was capped off with lunch and a visit to artist Cindy Procious's studio - treat yourself to a visit to her website here. She is as warm and funny as she is talented - Cindy teaches regularly at the Townsend Atelier.

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Cuties, oil 12 x 16

Practicing some of the composition techniques from my workshop with Jeff Legg:)


Wednesday, March 9, 2016

April 7- 10, Chattanooga, at the Townsend Atelier

Just few spots open! Registration deadline
March 15!







PORTRAIT PAINTING WORKSHOP WITH CHRIS SAPER
April 7-10 | 9 am-4 pm


This four-day workshop will focus on painting from a model and on technical "labs" that will cover invaluable information on the art of the portrait including proper lighting, photographing the model, marketing, pricing your work, and professional development.

Nationally recognized portrait painter, Chris Saper has completed almost 400 commissioned portraits, authored four books and filmed four DVDs on portraiture.  We are happy to have her teach a four-day workshop at Townsend Atelier where she will cover lots of ground including lighting, photographing the model, color, materials, capturing a likeness, professional development, marketing and more.
For those traveling to Chattanooga, feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help recommend lodging.

About the Instructor:
Since beginning her commission portrait painting practice in 1991, Saper has completed almost 400 commissioned portraits nationally, authored four books and filmed four DVDs on portraiture. "I love the discipline of working with clients in a shared vision of the portrait to be painted.  There's a satisfying result when I can achieve beautiful skin tones, accurate likenesses, and yet still paint a lovely piece of art."
Her books include:  Classic Portrait Painting in Oils: Keys to Mastering Diverse Skin Tones,  Painting Beautiful Skin Tones in Color and Light, For Love or Money: a Business Handbook for Portrait Painters and Mostly Monochrome.  Saper has been published in The Best of Portrait Painting, Artist's Magazine, American Artist, International Artist Magazine, Pastel Artist International, and the Pastel Journal. Her work is also included in North Light Books' Strokes of Genius: The Best of Portrait Drawing; Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Light and Shadow; and Drawing & Painting People: The Essential Guide, also published by North Light Books.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Workshop with Jeff Legg

I recently took a four day workshop with Jeff Legg at the Scottsdale Artists' School, and I am pleased to say that I got out of it what I had hoped - mainly a  new focus on designing and composing still life.

Here are the two paintings I made during the class, each using one of Jeff's signature elements: Eucalyptus leaves and canteloupes.




It was a good week, and I think everyone enjoyed Jeff and the things he showed us:)