EVERGREEN RETIREMENT COMMUNITY TO HOST SIXTH ANNUAL COLORBURST EXHIBIT
Evergreen Retirement Community, located at 230 West Galbraith Road, former residence of the Phillip Meyer family, offers a secure and nurturing environment for its residents. This makes it a perfect setting for the Greater Cincinnati Watercolor society to exhibit their work in their Sixth Annual Colorburst Exhibit.
The opening reception will be held Sunday, May 4th from noon until 4:00p.m., offering guests an excellent opportunity to meet the artists and tour the beautiful facility and grounds. The exhibit will be open daily from noon until 5:00p.m. through June 15th, with a GCWS artist on site each weekend to answer questions and assist with purchases of artwork.
Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society artists work in all types of watercolor and water media, including acrylic, casein and gouache. Members meet monthly at the Cincinnati Art Club, 1021 Parkside Place in Mt. Adams.
Newly appointed president, Shirley Knollman says,"Members look forward to their monthly meetings as a way to grow in their art journey with speakers and demonstrations for enrichment. Education is an important focus of this group; the society also assists a high school senior each spring with a scholarship to help further their art career. Colorburst is a major exhibit for members to display their work from year to year."
Sharon Cranston, liaison for Evergreen Retirement Community, says "This exhibit benefits both communities by allowing the artists to exhibit in living spaces where works can be viewed morning and night by residents, their families and guests. It is enjoyed by many. This event opens doors to guests who might not otherwise get to see our facility."
To schedule a tour of the Evergreen Retirement Community living facilities contact Sharon Cranston at 948-2316, ext. 1235.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
APRIL 2, 2008 MEETING REPORT
President: Shirley Knollman - Treasurer: Carol Rekow - Program Chair: Joan Miley - Facilities Manager: Susan Grogan - Membership Chair: Mary Jane Noe - Recording Secretary: R.H. (Rhonda) Carpenter
Guest Speaker/Artist
Sam Hollingsworth was our guest artist today. Sam was fortunate to attend a high school that stressed art. Each Saturday he was instructed at the Cincinnati Art Academy through his high school art department. He then went to the University of Cincinnati to study design. Because of his background and classes at the Art Academy, he had a strong foundation in drawing which gave him a leg up on others in the college of design. He currently teaches beginner and intermediate watercolor classes at Baker-Hunt in Covington, KY, and teaches Art History at the University of Cincinnati.
Sam held up a painting of a pipe by Rene Magritte, the Belgian surrealist. The caption below reads: “This is not a pipe.” Why? Because it is a painting of a pipe.
Sam had drawn the cakes on the paper he was using, a full sheet of hot press illustration board. He likes the hot press illustration board because the pigment moves and merges into other areas, giving it more looseness, somewhat like Yupo (although he doesn’t like Yupo). He started with the background because he likes to paint “what isn’t there” first. He described himself as a direct painter, working directly with the paint using a large brush (he was using a sign-painting brush today.)
Sam finished his painting of the cakes by running a thin line of red (jelly) down the middle of some of them, and we all agreedthat a good piece of cake with a cherry on top would make a wonderful ending to Sam’s demo! The cakes were luscious, and the design was the main feature of this painting, with the composition being “scattered” in that there was much repetition of the design and color throughout with no focal point to speak of. (Sam said he didn’t have a focal point because, when he looks at a tray full of cakes, he doesn’t have a single focal point but looks at them all. ☺ We could understand that!)
Administration Reports
Shirley Knollman will open each meeting with a little snippet or quote regarding art.
Shirley Knollman will open each meeting with a little snippet or quote regarding art.
Today’s quote:
Our weekend To Do list:
Walk Dog - Get Groceries - Do Art
Our weekend To Do list:
Walk Dog - Get Groceries - Do Art
Shirley shared Sandy Maudlin’s expression of pleasure for the special recognition she received at the previous meeting. Joyce Budke (Membership Assistant) introduced the 9 guests we had today. We welcomed Jan Glaser, Janet Goldschmidt, Peggy Harris, Madeline Gay, Wilma Grother, Carol Stancheff, Lois Buford, Bennie Shepherd and Jean Byrley.
Carol Rekow (Treasurer) reported that our current balance is $9,313.79. We have dues from 91 members, which means 27 members still have not paid their dues. The deadline for membership dues was March 31st.
Beginning in May, the minutes will no longer be sent to each individual member through email. Rhonda will still have a few hard copies at each meeting to distribute to those who need them, but please DO NOT take a hard copy if you can access the blog. Hard copies are for those who do not have internet access or who cannot access the blog (http://GCWS.blogspot.com). If you cannot access the blog, let Sandy Maudlin know as she is keeping it current for us.
Evergreen Show – May 2008
Sharon Roeder filled in for Deb and gave the report for the Evergreen show. Sharon mentioned that Mary Jane STILL NEEDS 2 more helpers for the hanging committee. Please call Mary Jane directly (NOT Deb Ward) to volunteer.
Sharon Roeder filled in for Deb and gave the report for the Evergreen show. Sharon mentioned that Mary Jane STILL NEEDS 2 more helpers for the hanging committee. Please call Mary Jane directly (NOT Deb Ward) to volunteer.
Deb’s labels and registration forms were on the back table, and Sharon stressed that each person pick up their form and take their label if they are going to be in the show. If you are NOT going to be in the show, still take your label so Deb does not mail you a registration form. Deb has asked that you contact her ASAP with the title and price of your paintings so she can get the information labels typed for the hanging. The sooner you can send her the information, the sooner she can do this job and won’t have to do it the day of the hanging.
Lois Schaich still needs volunteers for sitting and passed a sheet around for people to sign up. Please sign up! Please help out! If you intend to be in the show, then help out in some capacity.
Rhonda Carpenter noted that the postcards for the show are on the back table and each member has a packet of 10 cards. If you don’t need 10 cards, put the extras beside the box on the table. If you need more, let Rhonda know. We have 1,000 cards to distribute to all our members, so take only those you know you will need and can mail or hand out.
Deb would like a biographical sheet from everyone in the show. Either create a bio and have it in the main bio book that is kept at the Art Club (in the large cabinet in the kitchen area) – if you haven’t done so already, or bring a written bio to Deb the day of the hanging.
Sharon Roeder had publicity handouts on the back table. She has typed up everything you need to know to send to your local paper. You can add a photo of yourself and include that you’re going to be in the show. Sharon will contact the main sites such as WKRC and the Enquirer. She also passed around flyers and asked that you take one IF you can post it somewhere such as your local library or grocery store. Sharon agreed to also send a copy of the news release info to anyone who requests it, through email. It can be sent in text form or as a PDF form.
The drop-off/hanging date is Thursday, May 1st and the date to pick up your paintings is Monday, June 16th. You must make arrangements to drop off your paintings and pick up your paintings. Ask a friend to do this if you are not able to do it.
Scholarship
Shirley mentioned that Bonnie Rupe is out of town but has everything ready to contact the schools. If the recipient can be present at the May meeting, we can do a cake and a small reception for him or her. Susan Grogan and Sharon Roeder will do the cake, plates, etc. for that once we are sure the recipient of the award can attend.
Shirley mentioned that Bonnie Rupe is out of town but has everything ready to contact the schools. If the recipient can be present at the May meeting, we can do a cake and a small reception for him or her. Susan Grogan and Sharon Roeder will do the cake, plates, etc. for that once we are sure the recipient of the award can attend.
Art Shows
Judy Reed noted that the Queen City Art Club is having Lynn Conoway, a fiber artist, give a presentation on April 8th. The program will be held at the Forest Chapel Methodist Church from 10-12 on the 8th, and you can contact Judy for more information.
Mary Moore reported that the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild is having a show in Aurora, and the reception is April 20th. Contact Mary if you need information about dates, directions, etc.
Judy Reed noted that the Queen City Art Club is having Lynn Conoway, a fiber artist, give a presentation on April 8th. The program will be held at the Forest Chapel Methodist Church from 10-12 on the 8th, and you can contact Judy for more information.
Mary Moore reported that the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild is having a show in Aurora, and the reception is April 20th. Contact Mary if you need information about dates, directions, etc.
Joyce Friedeman said the Cincinnati Art Club is hosting a drawing workshop on May 24 and 25. The instructor, Tom Dusterberg, is taking beginners and intermediates for a cost of $135 (non-members) or $115 (members). If you’re interested in working on your drawing skills, contact Joyce for more information or for a registration form.
Kay Worz is giving two ½-day workshops at the Fitton Center. The first, on rice paper techniques, will be April 24th from 1pm -4 pm and the second, on liquid mask techniques, will be May 3 from 10 am – 12 pm. Contact Kay for more information or to register.
Marilyn Bishop is displaying her monotype prints in the Dayton Art Center’s show titled, “Peace and the Environment.” It will be held at the Mt. St. John Center. She is also going to have prints in the Freedom House Gallery in New Richmond. Contact Marilyn for more information about either show.
Sandy Maudlin and her Wednesday students are having a show at the Middletown Art Center. The show runs through April 26th. See side bar for days they are open for viewing.
Homer Hacker will be giving a workshop at the Middletown Art Center April 28-30. Call the MAC for more information.
Also, a reminder that the Taft Museum show of watercolor works from the Brooklyn Museum of Art (masters as Homer, Sargent, and Hopper) continues until May 11. The Taft offers free admission and parking (in their garage) on Wednesdays.
Remember that all of this information about art shows our members are participating in can also be found on our blog, if you send Sandy Maudlin the information.
Guest Speaker/ArtistSam Hollingsworth was our guest artist today. Sam was fortunate to attend a high school that stressed art. Each Saturday he was instructed at the Cincinnati Art Academy through his high school art department. He then went to the University of Cincinnati to study design. Because of his background and classes at the Art Academy, he had a strong foundation in drawing which gave him a leg up on others in the college of design. He currently teaches beginner and intermediate watercolor classes at Baker-Hunt in Covington, KY, and teaches Art History at the University of Cincinnati.
Sam began by asking those who had seen the show at the Taft to share what we had discovered there. He talked about the fact that there were no watercolors shown that were painted after 1940. He noted that many of the works were done, not as pure watercolors, but to be sent to an engraver for magazine, newspaper, or other work.
He said Winslow Homerhad a unique style but he didn’t sell his watercolors, leaving them to his family when he died. A curator of the Brooklyn Museum of Art agreed to take them but kept them in a box in the basement of the museum for 40 years!!! Sam said he felt those Homer paintings are the best part of the Brooklyn Museum. Why were they kept in the basement, hidden?
Watercolor was well recognized between 1915 and 1940 but went out of favor when large abstract work gained as what museums chose for their collections. However, Sam said he thinks watercolor is such a unique medium whose look cannot be achieved in any other medium.
When talking about photo references, Sam stressed that it is not his job to replicate what a camera does. He doesn’t want to be a slave to a photograph. He sketches outside but paints in the studio so uses many photo references for his paintings. He strives for a workable composition and has learned how to use photos for his subjects.
Sam held up a painting of a pipe by Rene Magritte, the Belgian surrealist. The caption below reads: “This is not a pipe.” Why? Because it is a painting of a pipe.He showed us this to point out that we are “image makers.” We make art, not renderings. You must give yourself permission to try new things and expand your artwork. People who make groundbreaking art have grown and have allowed themselves to fail and succeed in their journey. As an example, he noted Marilyn Bishop’s latest venture into monotypes and her blog. She is growing as an artist and it shows.
Sam’s demonstration today was a painting of multiple cakes on plates, a la Wayne Thiebaud (an artist who was the darling of the pop art world in the 60’s with his paintings of cakes and pies and other common elements). Sam showed how he begins a painting with a series of small thumbnails to get ideas and work with shapes, composition and design. After the thumbnails, he either does a large format colorstudy or a large format value study (if the painting is more complex). He transfers the drawing to the watercolor paper using graphite paper, and begins the painting.
He showed us a value study and a painting of screws to demonstrate how this process looks, with both pieces full sized. Note how Sam has changed the final composition of the painting to add more directional flow and interest.
After putting in all the spaces in the background with a pale color, Sam started on the cakes, painting the shadow shapes. He says he begins painting what “isn’t the subject” and then paints in the shadow shapes. When he’s done that, he has
very little left – maybe just some local color – to finish up the painting. He worked this way on the demo.
very little left – maybe just some local color – to finish up the painting. He worked this way on the demo.
As he painted, Sam stressed that drawing is important, and making sure you have a good drawing first is very important to a successful painting. He said if you worry about ruining your watercolor paper, then draw out the whole sketch on drawing/tracing paper and when you have it the way you want it, transfer the drawing with transfer paper (graphite paper) onto the watercolor paper. By doing this, you don’t tighten up with the drawing and you position the drawing right where you want it on the watercolor paper – no more misplaced elements that don’t fit when you try to put a mat around it! Sam believes you can only be taught so much and then it’s up to you to continue learning. He said that most of what he’s learned, he has learned on his own through trial and error.
Sam had drawn the cakes on the paper he was using, a full sheet of hot press illustration board. He likes the hot press illustration board because the pigment moves and merges into other areas, giving it more looseness, somewhat like Yupo (although he doesn’t like Yupo). He started with the background because he likes to paint “what isn’t there” first. He described himself as a direct painter, working directly with the paint using a large brush (he was using a sign-painting brush today.)
Sam finished his painting of the cakes by running a thin line of red (jelly) down the middle of some of them, and we all agreedthat a good piece of cake with a cherry on top would make a wonderful ending to Sam’s demo! The cakes were luscious, and the design was the main feature of this painting, with the composition being “scattered” in that there was much repetition of the design and color throughout with no focal point to speak of. (Sam said he didn’t have a focal point because, when he looks at a tray full of cakes, he doesn’t have a single focal point but looks at them all. ☺ We could understand that!)Some quotes from Sam:
* Managing mistakes and managing your expectations – that’s the essence of watercolor!
* People who make successful art are those who have made a lot of it. So the solution to your watercolor problems is paint more!! However, Sam had a sign on the desk by his demo that said: Think More, Paint Less. Which means planning is as important, or more so, than putting paint to paper.
* One of the best painting tools is your squint. If you squint at your painting, you can see if your values are working well.
* Managing mistakes and managing your expectations – that’s the essence of watercolor!
* People who make successful art are those who have made a lot of it. So the solution to your watercolor problems is paint more!! However, Sam had a sign on the desk by his demo that said: Think More, Paint Less. Which means planning is as important, or more so, than putting paint to paper.
* One of the best painting tools is your squint. If you squint at your painting, you can see if your values are working well.
Sam led the after-program painting session and had a good turnout of 19 members staying to learn more and paint along.
Upcoming Meetings and Guest Artist/Speakers
Our guest speaker/artist for May will be the nationally known artist, Stephen Blackburn. Mr. Blackburn teaches workshops all over the country and will demonstrate and talk about his pouring technique. He is known for pouring misket and then pouring paints, as well as strong composition with great values.
A mini-pouring technique and paint-along will be had after the program with either Kay Worz or Deb Ward leading. Remember, it’s only $10 per person to stay and paint along and, perhaps, learn a new technique. Join us!
Critique Session
Joyce Friedeman led the critique session and several members had paintings for critique today. REMINDER: Members are asked to bring ONLY ONE painting each month, and to have the paintings UNFRAMED.
Joyce Friedeman led the critique session and several members had paintings for critique today. REMINDER: Members are asked to bring ONLY ONE painting each month, and to have the paintings UNFRAMED.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Award from CCP Competition
GCWS member and former program director, Deb Ward has recently received an Honorable Mention Award for her casein painting titled, Grandpa's Shaving Mug With Roses, from Creative Catalyst Productions in California. The judge, Janie Gildow, commented on her beautiful painting, stating, "The balance of white, the intricacy of the lace, the glowing color of the roses, and the artist's wonderful understanding and use of the rich darks all contribute to the success of this piece." There were 115 entries judged in this winter show, entitled, TREASURERS. Congratulations, Deb. To see the all of the show, go to http://www.ccpvideos.com/artshows/ Deb is also the chairman of our GCWS Spring Art Show opening in May at Evergreen Retirement Center.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
MARCH 2008 MEETING
Minutes of Meeting: Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Art Shows and Other Art News
The Taft Museum show of watercolor works of such masters as Homer, Sargent, and Hopper will continue until May 11. Do see it if you haven’t done so.
President: Shirley Knollman
Treasurer: Carol Rekow
Program Chair: Joan Miley
Program Chair: Joan Miley
Facilities Manager: Susan Grogan
Membership Chair: Mary Jane Noe
Recording Secretary: R.H. (Rhonda) Carpenter
Administration Reports
Sandy Maudlin opened the meeting. Carol Rekow (Treasurer) reported that our current balance is $7,345.66. She has received dues from only 58 members and needs the dues paid for by at least 50 more members. By delaying paying your dues on time, you delay the membership directory Mary Jane Noe has to prepare as Membership Chair. Please get your dues in to Carol ASAP.
Carol clarified a misunderstanding from last month. Although we have a balance of over $7,000, the amount she discussed was to let us know what the GCWS’ income versus expenses were for 2007 = $1,259.24. Since funds do carry over from year to year, the total amount in our account is now $7,345.66.
Rhonda Carpenter (Recording Secretary) noted that our blog is up and running and Sandy Maudlin will be taking information to post on the blog. She encouraged all members to please go to the blog to get the minutes (which will be posted there) and other information about the club. Sandy Maudlin noted that we have had over 100 visitors since the blog’s inception and requested members to please give her any information about their blogs/websites or any upcoming shows so she can post them online. The blog address is: http://GCWS.blogspot.com
Beginning in May, the minutes will be posted on the blog and will no longer be sent to each individual member through email. Rhonda will still have a few hard copies at each meeting to distribute to those who need them.
Sandy Maudlin, in her last act as President, officially installed our new President, Shirley Knollman. Shirley was given a black beret from France J and a gavel with paint tubes on it for her official installation. We welcome Shirley as our new Madame President, and wish her a successful and enjoyable tenure.
Sandy also welcomed our new Facilities Manager, Susan Grogan. Susan will be taking over the position from Kay Worz, and we thank Kay for her service to the club. We also look forward to working with Susan throughout her two-year tenure.
At this time, Shirley asked members to stand and share any thoughts about Sandy. Many thanked Sandy for her constant encouragement, and for her promotion of art both in the club and as a teacher to many of the members. (When members were asked to stand if he/she was a present or past student of Sandy’s, about half of the members stood!) Sandy mentioned that she was fortunate to have been introduced to Don Dennis at the Cincinnati Art Club by Joan Abdon. She said it was wonderful that Joan Abdon had returned as a member of the GCWS.
Evergreen Spring Show
In preparation for Deb Ward’s report on the Evergreen show, Shirley read the description of what constitutes watercolor for the GCWS. Shirley said, “Based on the accepted mediums of the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society, any water soluble paint is, technically, watercolor. This includes watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, inks, and watercolor with collage if the watercolor is the predominant characteristic. Surfaces acceptable are paper, yupo and canvas. We will NOT accept oil paintings for any of the shows.”
Deb Ward gave us an update on the show. She still needs a chairperson to organize sitting the show so she passed around a sheet for someone to volunteer. She asked Mary Jane Noe to chair the hanging committee. Deb stressed the need for help with all aspects of the show and hoped people would step up. It is, after all, your show!
Deb asked that all members pick up a registration form from the back table, crossing his/her name off the list as they did so. She will mail the remaining forms. The forms contain all the information you need about the show, including the date to hang the show, the reception date and time, and each day’s scheduled viewing time. The form also includes a map to Evergreen. Deb noted that she’s been asked if there are other places to drop off the paintings. You must deliver your paintings to Evergreen or have a friend do it for you. No paintings will be picked up at any other location so please make arrangements for delivery if you want to be in the show. And please remember, no saw tooth hooks for hanging, only wires.
Rhonda Carpenter is in charge of the postcards this year. She reported that the paintings have been chosen and everything is in place for the postcards to be ready for distribution at the next meeting. She passed around a mock-up copy to show how the postcard will look and thanked all the members who put their paintings in for the selection process. Working with the Evergreen staff, the paintings chosen for the postcard are those of Janet Vennemeyer and Joan Ammerman (top row), Deb Ward (middle), and Susan Grogan and Tamara Adams (bottom row). The paintings work well together and there is a definite spring theme.
Scholarship
Bonnie Rupe asked members to give her more names of schools to contact for the scholarship award. She has only received two names so far.
At this time, Shirley introduced her assistant, Vickie Shepherd. Vickie volunteered to help Shirley with her duties throughout her two-year term.
Other Business
Shirley asked if there was other business. Rhonda Carpenter and Bonnie Rupe came to the front of the room and asked Sandy Maudlin to stand with them.
They then presented Sandy with a personalized plaque for her three years’ service to the GCWS. The plaque had the new GCWS logo on it and was trimmed in Sandy’s favorite color, Ultramarine Turquoise:-) Bonnie provided an artfully decorated cake to be shared with Sandy after the program. We thank Sandy for her three year’s service as our President!
Sandy Maudlin opened the meeting. Carol Rekow (Treasurer) reported that our current balance is $7,345.66. She has received dues from only 58 members and needs the dues paid for by at least 50 more members. By delaying paying your dues on time, you delay the membership directory Mary Jane Noe has to prepare as Membership Chair. Please get your dues in to Carol ASAP.
Carol clarified a misunderstanding from last month. Although we have a balance of over $7,000, the amount she discussed was to let us know what the GCWS’ income versus expenses were for 2007 = $1,259.24. Since funds do carry over from year to year, the total amount in our account is now $7,345.66.
Rhonda Carpenter (Recording Secretary) noted that our blog is up and running and Sandy Maudlin will be taking information to post on the blog. She encouraged all members to please go to the blog to get the minutes (which will be posted there) and other information about the club. Sandy Maudlin noted that we have had over 100 visitors since the blog’s inception and requested members to please give her any information about their blogs/websites or any upcoming shows so she can post them online. The blog address is: http://GCWS.blogspot.com
Beginning in May, the minutes will be posted on the blog and will no longer be sent to each individual member through email. Rhonda will still have a few hard copies at each meeting to distribute to those who need them.
Sandy Maudlin, in her last act as President, officially installed our new President, Shirley Knollman. Shirley was given a black beret from France J and a gavel with paint tubes on it for her official installation. We welcome Shirley as our new Madame President, and wish her a successful and enjoyable tenure.
Sandy also welcomed our new Facilities Manager, Susan Grogan. Susan will be taking over the position from Kay Worz, and we thank Kay for her service to the club. We also look forward to working with Susan throughout her two-year tenure.
At this time, Shirley asked members to stand and share any thoughts about Sandy. Many thanked Sandy for her constant encouragement, and for her promotion of art both in the club and as a teacher to many of the members. (When members were asked to stand if he/she was a present or past student of Sandy’s, about half of the members stood!) Sandy mentioned that she was fortunate to have been introduced to Don Dennis at the Cincinnati Art Club by Joan Abdon. She said it was wonderful that Joan Abdon had returned as a member of the GCWS.
Evergreen Spring Show
In preparation for Deb Ward’s report on the Evergreen show, Shirley read the description of what constitutes watercolor for the GCWS. Shirley said, “Based on the accepted mediums of the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society, any water soluble paint is, technically, watercolor. This includes watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, inks, and watercolor with collage if the watercolor is the predominant characteristic. Surfaces acceptable are paper, yupo and canvas. We will NOT accept oil paintings for any of the shows.”
Deb Ward gave us an update on the show. She still needs a chairperson to organize sitting the show so she passed around a sheet for someone to volunteer. She asked Mary Jane Noe to chair the hanging committee. Deb stressed the need for help with all aspects of the show and hoped people would step up. It is, after all, your show!
Deb asked that all members pick up a registration form from the back table, crossing his/her name off the list as they did so. She will mail the remaining forms. The forms contain all the information you need about the show, including the date to hang the show, the reception date and time, and each day’s scheduled viewing time. The form also includes a map to Evergreen. Deb noted that she’s been asked if there are other places to drop off the paintings. You must deliver your paintings to Evergreen or have a friend do it for you. No paintings will be picked up at any other location so please make arrangements for delivery if you want to be in the show. And please remember, no saw tooth hooks for hanging, only wires.
Rhonda Carpenter is in charge of the postcards this year. She reported that the paintings have been chosen and everything is in place for the postcards to be ready for distribution at the next meeting. She passed around a mock-up copy to show how the postcard will look and thanked all the members who put their paintings in for the selection process. Working with the Evergreen staff, the paintings chosen for the postcard are those of Janet Vennemeyer and Joan Ammerman (top row), Deb Ward (middle), and Susan Grogan and Tamara Adams (bottom row). The paintings work well together and there is a definite spring theme.
Scholarship
Bonnie Rupe asked members to give her more names of schools to contact for the scholarship award. She has only received two names so far.
At this time, Shirley introduced her assistant, Vickie Shepherd. Vickie volunteered to help Shirley with her duties throughout her two-year term.
Other Business
Shirley asked if there was other business. Rhonda Carpenter and Bonnie Rupe came to the front of the room and asked Sandy Maudlin to stand with them.
They then presented Sandy with a personalized plaque for her three years’ service to the GCWS. The plaque had the new GCWS logo on it and was trimmed in Sandy’s favorite color, Ultramarine Turquoise:-) Bonnie provided an artfully decorated cake to be shared with Sandy after the program. We thank Sandy for her three year’s service as our President! Art Shows and Other Art News
The Taft Museum show of watercolor works of such masters as Homer, Sargent, and Hopper will continue until May 11. Do see it if you haven’t done so.
Marilyn Bishop will be teaching a watercolor class at the Mt. Washington Recreation Center on Tuesdays, March 25 – April 29. The fee for the class is $48. Class size is limited to 12 people. Contact Marilyn at 513-528-2088 for more information.
Kay Worz will be participating in a show benefiting the Cathryn Hilker Cheetah Foundation. The show will be held in the Hidden Hill Gallery in Springboro, Ohio (about 20 minutes north of Mason), and there will be two live cheetahs at the opening reception on Wednesday, March 26th from 5-9 pm. A portion of the profits from sales will go to help preserve endangered cheetahs. You may call 937-748-2192 or email hiddenhillgallery@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Other News
John Howe’s painting, “Rust of Ages,” was chosen for the postcard for the upcoming Cincinnati Art Club associate show and sale. The reception is Friday, March 7, 6-9 pm and can also be seen March 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2-5 pm.
Mary Marxen had double hip replacements this spring and will be recuperating for a long time due to the severity of the surgery. She would enjoy hearing from you with a note or card to her Florida address.
DVD Program
Our first venture into having DVD programs instead of guest speakers/demos was hosted by Marilyn Bishop. She arranged for us to rent a DVD projector and large screen and purchased the DVD for the club. She had also prepared a handout for each of us outlining Tom Lynch’s DVD, “Water Color Techniques.”
Tom’s focus was exaggerating whatever catches your eye about the subject you’re painting, and creating a mood. Tom is well known for using spray bottles of paint he uses to spray over paintings. When he does this, he mixes up a color by taking about 1 ½ inches of paint and adding 1 inch of water in each spray bottle and then shakes it to blend it well. He has each color in his palette also represented in a spray bottle. In order to protect parts of the painting he doesn’t want sprayed, he blocks off areas by holding a piece of paper over that area. He sprays clean water with a larger, more forceful spray bottle whenever he wants to take paint off the painting in a streak (as he did for sunlight streaming through windows in this painting).
As he painted sunlight streaming into the room, he talked about the need to put cool colors around warm colors and how he wanted to exaggerate the warmth using the warmest and cleanest colors around the area of interest, while lightly spraying cobalt blue around the edges to make the edges less important.
An interesting thing he did (other than sprayed paint on the painting more than brushed it on) was, he painted with a mat on his painting after he was finished with the spray technique. He said if you do this while you’re painting, it gives you an idea of the finished look of the painting. This way you know what does and doesn’t need more work.
Tom said when trying to capture a mood, photos aren’t enough. You should look at other paintings that have that mood and use them to get the visual feeling you want.
He doesn’t use the terms “Center of Interest” or “Focal Point,” preferring to call it the “Area of Emphasis” or the “Impact Area.” In the impact area, he always uses pure colors - what he calls his “Juice colors” - Permanent Green No. 1, Opera, Permanent Yellow Lemon, and Peacock Blue (these are all Holbein colors). During a pause for questions, there was some discussion about the use of Opera and how it is a fugitive color – it will fade. You may use Permanent Rose, Quinacridone Rose or Rhodonite Genuine in place of Opera.
When working in the impact area, Tom makes sure he paints that area using more white paper, the best color, the best contrast, and the best edges.
He says he “suggests” elements in the painting and likes to challenge himself, seeing how few brush strokes he can use to suggest things and retain the mood rather than being detailed and painting everything. He likes to let the viewer fill in the spaces he doesn’t paint in detail.
Another thing he does is stay with the same color throughout an area. In other words, if you put down a warm yellow first (like he did with the spray bottle technique), and then want to add detail in that area, just put a darker yellow tone down (unless it’s in the impact area). He did this with the yellow and with a violet area, just darkening using the same hues.
Tom calls painting by suggesting, “seems like” painting. He makes something “seem like” a pot or a table or a chair, suggesting elements without detailing everything and losing the impact area (where you do put in more detail). Don’t paint too dark too soon and don’t detail too much throughout the painting but save that for the impact area.
To finish, Tom wanted to soften areas where the liquid frisket he removed had left too many hard edges. He softened those areas by spraying clean water and then using his fingers to smudge the edges. He also lightly brushed on some pale color in the same areas and smudged with his fingers to blend and blur the edges.
Finally, Tom took a spray bottle filled with a mix of clean water and the warm yellow paint (the same color with which he began the painting), and sprayed around areas of the painting to re-emphasize the glow.
Some major points he mentioned in the DVD:
Decide upon the mood of the painting before you start.
Use paintings in that mood as visual guides, not just photographs.
Exaggerate the mood.
Leave your major whites in the impact area so they stand out.
Keep the outer areas away from the area of emphasis softer and less detailed.
Use pure colors, darker colors, and more contrast in the area of emphasis to draw our eye there.
Play with an old painting and try this! Take something that is a pretty painting but doesn’t have a mood and rework it by spraying color off, blending and re-emphasizing the area of emphasis.
Kay Worz will be participating in a show benefiting the Cathryn Hilker Cheetah Foundation. The show will be held in the Hidden Hill Gallery in Springboro, Ohio (about 20 minutes north of Mason), and there will be two live cheetahs at the opening reception on Wednesday, March 26th from 5-9 pm. A portion of the profits from sales will go to help preserve endangered cheetahs. You may call 937-748-2192 or email hiddenhillgallery@sbcglobal.net for more information.
Other News
John Howe’s painting, “Rust of Ages,” was chosen for the postcard for the upcoming Cincinnati Art Club associate show and sale. The reception is Friday, March 7, 6-9 pm and can also be seen March 8, 9, 15 and 16, 2-5 pm.
Mary Marxen had double hip replacements this spring and will be recuperating for a long time due to the severity of the surgery. She would enjoy hearing from you with a note or card to her Florida address.
DVD Program
Our first venture into having DVD programs instead of guest speakers/demos was hosted by Marilyn Bishop. She arranged for us to rent a DVD projector and large screen and purchased the DVD for the club. She had also prepared a handout for each of us outlining Tom Lynch’s DVD, “Water Color Techniques.”
Tom’s focus was exaggerating whatever catches your eye about the subject you’re painting, and creating a mood. Tom is well known for using spray bottles of paint he uses to spray over paintings. When he does this, he mixes up a color by taking about 1 ½ inches of paint and adding 1 inch of water in each spray bottle and then shakes it to blend it well. He has each color in his palette also represented in a spray bottle. In order to protect parts of the painting he doesn’t want sprayed, he blocks off areas by holding a piece of paper over that area. He sprays clean water with a larger, more forceful spray bottle whenever he wants to take paint off the painting in a streak (as he did for sunlight streaming through windows in this painting).
As he painted sunlight streaming into the room, he talked about the need to put cool colors around warm colors and how he wanted to exaggerate the warmth using the warmest and cleanest colors around the area of interest, while lightly spraying cobalt blue around the edges to make the edges less important.
An interesting thing he did (other than sprayed paint on the painting more than brushed it on) was, he painted with a mat on his painting after he was finished with the spray technique. He said if you do this while you’re painting, it gives you an idea of the finished look of the painting. This way you know what does and doesn’t need more work.
Tom said when trying to capture a mood, photos aren’t enough. You should look at other paintings that have that mood and use them to get the visual feeling you want.
He doesn’t use the terms “Center of Interest” or “Focal Point,” preferring to call it the “Area of Emphasis” or the “Impact Area.” In the impact area, he always uses pure colors - what he calls his “Juice colors” - Permanent Green No. 1, Opera, Permanent Yellow Lemon, and Peacock Blue (these are all Holbein colors). During a pause for questions, there was some discussion about the use of Opera and how it is a fugitive color – it will fade. You may use Permanent Rose, Quinacridone Rose or Rhodonite Genuine in place of Opera.
When working in the impact area, Tom makes sure he paints that area using more white paper, the best color, the best contrast, and the best edges.
He says he “suggests” elements in the painting and likes to challenge himself, seeing how few brush strokes he can use to suggest things and retain the mood rather than being detailed and painting everything. He likes to let the viewer fill in the spaces he doesn’t paint in detail.
Another thing he does is stay with the same color throughout an area. In other words, if you put down a warm yellow first (like he did with the spray bottle technique), and then want to add detail in that area, just put a darker yellow tone down (unless it’s in the impact area). He did this with the yellow and with a violet area, just darkening using the same hues.
Tom calls painting by suggesting, “seems like” painting. He makes something “seem like” a pot or a table or a chair, suggesting elements without detailing everything and losing the impact area (where you do put in more detail). Don’t paint too dark too soon and don’t detail too much throughout the painting but save that for the impact area.
To finish, Tom wanted to soften areas where the liquid frisket he removed had left too many hard edges. He softened those areas by spraying clean water and then using his fingers to smudge the edges. He also lightly brushed on some pale color in the same areas and smudged with his fingers to blend and blur the edges.
Finally, Tom took a spray bottle filled with a mix of clean water and the warm yellow paint (the same color with which he began the painting), and sprayed around areas of the painting to re-emphasize the glow.
Some major points he mentioned in the DVD:
Decide upon the mood of the painting before you start.
Use paintings in that mood as visual guides, not just photographs.
Exaggerate the mood.
Leave your major whites in the impact area so they stand out.
Keep the outer areas away from the area of emphasis softer and less detailed.
Use pure colors, darker colors, and more contrast in the area of emphasis to draw our eye there.
Play with an old painting and try this! Take something that is a pretty painting but doesn’t have a mood and rework it by spraying color off, blending and re-emphasizing the area of emphasis.
I think everyone would agree this DVD program held our interest. Thanks again to Marilyn Bishop for all her work in getting this set up for us (after a weather cancellation) and for creating the handouts for us, too. This will be the first in many DVDs we will watch and learn from in the coming years.
The DVDs we purchase will be available to members to check out. A sign-up sheet and the DVDs will be kept in a cabinet in the kitchen. You may sign out a DVD for only a month so others have a chance to borrow them, too. Make sure you sign the DVD out and also sign it back in so you are not responsible for it after you’re returned it. If everyone keeps track of the DVDs, this system of loaning them out should be a great asset.
Upcoming Meetings and Guest Artist/Speakers
Joan Miley (Program Chair) announced that our guest artist/speaker in April will be artist and teacher, Sam Hollingsworth. Sam teaches at Baker-Hunt in Covington, KY. His paintings are bold and rich, and he has a wealth of information you will benefit from hearing. Sam will stay after his program to lead the paint-along lesson. These after-program lessons are only $10 per member, whether you paint or just watch and take notes. Don’t miss it!
Critique Session
Sharon Roeder led the critique session of six paintings, The various critiques were lively and led to discussions of how to paint reflections and cast shadows in a painting; how to add values for added drama; and how to make sure you started your painting with an accurate drawing.
For future critique sessions, members are asked to bring only one painting each month, and to have the paintings unframed. A framed painting is a finished painting and the critique session should be used for those paintings you are still working on and can change based on the help you’re given at the session. Also, glass changes the way a painting looks, and members don’t get an accurate view of the painting when it is already framed. We hope you continue to get the most out of these sessions and bring a painting in each month to participate. It is a valuable learning tool for all of us.
The DVDs we purchase will be available to members to check out. A sign-up sheet and the DVDs will be kept in a cabinet in the kitchen. You may sign out a DVD for only a month so others have a chance to borrow them, too. Make sure you sign the DVD out and also sign it back in so you are not responsible for it after you’re returned it. If everyone keeps track of the DVDs, this system of loaning them out should be a great asset.
Upcoming Meetings and Guest Artist/Speakers
Joan Miley (Program Chair) announced that our guest artist/speaker in April will be artist and teacher, Sam Hollingsworth. Sam teaches at Baker-Hunt in Covington, KY. His paintings are bold and rich, and he has a wealth of information you will benefit from hearing. Sam will stay after his program to lead the paint-along lesson. These after-program lessons are only $10 per member, whether you paint or just watch and take notes. Don’t miss it!
Critique Session
Sharon Roeder led the critique session of six paintings, The various critiques were lively and led to discussions of how to paint reflections and cast shadows in a painting; how to add values for added drama; and how to make sure you started your painting with an accurate drawing.
For future critique sessions, members are asked to bring only one painting each month, and to have the paintings unframed. A framed painting is a finished painting and the critique session should be used for those paintings you are still working on and can change based on the help you’re given at the session. Also, glass changes the way a painting looks, and members don’t get an accurate view of the painting when it is already framed. We hope you continue to get the most out of these sessions and bring a painting in each month to participate. It is a valuable learning tool for all of us.
Composed and submitted by R.H. (Rhonda) Carpenter. Thank you, Rhonda, for such a good report of our meeting!
Monday, February 25, 2008
MARCH MEETING - TOM LYNCH VIDEO
Our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, March 5, will feature a video with TOM LYNCH teaching his unique techniques. His watercolors absolutely glow, and he uses a lot of sprayed on paint, too. The video will be stopped occassionally to allow for discussion.
Tom Lynch has been teaching for over 30 years, and his paintings are filled with excitement and vibrant color. He'll lead us on an watercolor adventure in color, contrast, and light, as we learn new techniques from this master watercolorist.
If you have them, bring along extra spray bottles to be filled with paint and stay for the afternoon painting session to experiment with the processes learned from the video. You'll need a half sheet of Arches 140# or similar and your watercolor supplies, too. During the afternoon painting session, Marilyn Bishop will be helping artists as they delve into the processes Tom's shown via the video.
Our meeting starts at 10, with a short business meeting, followed by critiques. Tables will be set up for the afternoon painting session. Don't miss it.
Tom Lynch has been teaching for over 30 years, and his paintings are filled with excitement and vibrant color. He'll lead us on an watercolor adventure in color, contrast, and light, as we learn new techniques from this master watercolorist.
If you have them, bring along extra spray bottles to be filled with paint and stay for the afternoon painting session to experiment with the processes learned from the video. You'll need a half sheet of Arches 140# or similar and your watercolor supplies, too. During the afternoon painting session, Marilyn Bishop will be helping artists as they delve into the processes Tom's shown via the video.
Our meeting starts at 10, with a short business meeting, followed by critiques. Tables will be set up for the afternoon painting session. Don't miss it.
Friday, February 22, 2008
HONORS
One of Carol Steurer's paintings has been accepted into the Redtree Gallery's February show. Redtree Gallery is in Oakley on Brazee Street just off Madison (near the Boca Restraurant.) Congratulations, Carol!
Friday, February 15, 2008
ART SHOW
Opening Saturday, Feb. 16th is an excellent art show in Cincinnati with 27 GCWS members taking part. The show is at the Sharon Centre in Sharon Woods and will be open daily from 10 to 5 through Sunday, Feb. 24.
If you like art, this is a show you will want to see. The variety of subjects, the unique techniques, and the expertise of the artists involved all make this show an eye stopper! Almost all of the art is watermedia, too, including many exquisite transparent watercolor paintings.
There are a total of 46 artists in the show, and the ARTISTS' Reception will be this Sunday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 4. All in the show are presently taking watercolor classes from Sandy Maudlin.
GCWS members exhibiting include the following:
Jean Soller
Kathy Lawrence
Mary Jane Noe
Rhonda Carpenter
Joan Miley
Carol Rekow
Valerie Bernardino
Shirley Knollman
Susan Grogan
Bob Nowicki
Lorri Miller
Kathy Wirth
Sam Allen
Lydia Rittinger
Linda Schuler
Sandy Palmer
Ritzie Junker
Bonnie Rupe
Deborah Krantz
Barbara Pryor
Mary Moore
Lynn Murray
Carl Rekow
Louise Allen
Lois Schaich
Carol Schmidt
Sandy Maudlin
Be sure to make time to see this show with over 160 framed original works of art on display.
If you like art, this is a show you will want to see. The variety of subjects, the unique techniques, and the expertise of the artists involved all make this show an eye stopper! Almost all of the art is watermedia, too, including many exquisite transparent watercolor paintings.
There are a total of 46 artists in the show, and the ARTISTS' Reception will be this Sunday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 4. All in the show are presently taking watercolor classes from Sandy Maudlin.
GCWS members exhibiting include the following:
Jean Soller
Kathy Lawrence
Mary Jane Noe
Rhonda Carpenter
Joan Miley
Carol Rekow
Valerie Bernardino
Shirley Knollman
Susan Grogan
Bob Nowicki
Lorri Miller
Kathy Wirth
Sam Allen
Lydia Rittinger
Linda Schuler
Sandy Palmer
Ritzie Junker
Bonnie Rupe
Deborah Krantz
Barbara Pryor
Mary Moore
Lynn Murray
Carl Rekow
Louise Allen
Lois Schaich
Carol Schmidt
Sandy Maudlin
Be sure to make time to see this show with over 160 framed original works of art on display.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
February 2008 GCWS Meeting
Artist and this month's Speaker Curtis Heuser's client sketches ---
Minutes of Meeting Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cincinnati Art Club, 1021 Parkside Place in Mt. Adams.
President: Sandy Maudlin Treasurer: Carol Rekow Program Chair: Joan Miley Facilities Manager: Kay Worz
Membership Chair: Mary Jane Noe Recording Secretary: R.H. (Rhonda) Carpenter
NOTE: Winter Weather Closings!!!
In the event of inclement weather, the GCWS will be closed and the closing announced on WLW radio (700 on your AM dial) or WLW-TV. Please check both or call someone if you are unsure.
Administration Reports
Bonnie Rupe filled in for Sandy Maudlin (President), who was ill. Bonnie announced that we have a blog for the GCWS and it can be found at http://gcws.blogspot.com/. Sandy Maudlin created the blog and you can contact Sandy about adding information about new paintings, shows, awards, and anything else related to art and GCWS.
Bonnie also said a Happy Birthday to Us for the GCWS turning 6 year’s old! She then displayed our new logo, created by Bill Duebber. Thanks go to Robert Nowicki for his initial work with Bill, and to Bonnie for the very successful finish. We paid for full rights to the logo, which can be used on the scholarship award form, the minutes, the blog, and even future items for sale.
Carol Rekow (Treasurer) gave her report, indicating that our current balance is $6,991.15 and asked that membership dues of $45 should be mailed to her by March 1st. After income and expenses were determined for 2007, we finished the year with $1,259.24.
Mary Jane Noe (Membership) acknowledged Joan Abdon, a guest who came with Mary Moore. Joan learned watercolor from Don Dennis, and has been teaching watercolor for four years. She is also the president of the Southeast Indiana Art Guild.
Evergreen Spring Show
Deb Ward is coordinating the spring show at Evergreen Retirement Community. She asked everyone to pick up an information sheet from the back table. She will mail out those sheets that did not get picked up. The show runs from May 4 – June 15, and the registration form will be distributed closer to the show date. Deb passed around a sign-up sheet for those willing to be on any of the committees (hanging, sitting, refreshments). She also mentioned that Evergreen staff has suggested pricing your paintings from $35-$500 (Evergreen said the majority of paintings sold last year were in the $100-$150 range). Claw hooks on the back of the paintings are not acceptable. Please have wire hangers for all of your paintings.
Bonnie read a statement from Sandy Maudlin on what constitutes “watercolor.” Based on the accepted mediums of the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society, any water soluble paint is, technically, watercolor. This includes watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, inks, and watercolor with collage, if the watercolor is the predominant characteristic. Surfaces acceptable are paper, yupo and canvas. We will accept no oil paintings for any of the shows.
We will need a few large pieces for the living room and dining room. Instructors can bring their students to tour the facility while our show is up, if arrangements are made with Sharon Cranston at 513-948-2308.
Rhonda Carpenter will be creating the postcards for the show,. She took photos of paintings brought today for that purpose. Anyone who still wants to include work in the selection process should email a photo of the painting to rhondac2@fuse.net. The paintings will be chosen by the Evergreen committee, and the postcards must be ready by April 1st so time is short.
Scholarship
Bonnie Rupe is working on the scholarship award and asked that anyone with suggestions for high schools to contact or students to interview contact her. She will gather student portfolios. Les Miley suggested that we look at students who are more in need of the $500 scholarship, rather than just the best artist of the bunch who may not need the money to help them in school.
Art Shows and Other Art News
The Taft Museum will be showing watercolor works of masters from the 18th century through 1945, including Homer, Sargent, Pendergrast, and Hopper. The collection is on loan from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum of Art from February 22 – May 11. The fee is $8 per person, $6 for seniors, but there is no fee on Wednesdays. The museum is open 11-5 daily except for Mondays
Sandy Maudlin is coordinating a show for her students at Sharon Woods from February 16 – 24 (reception Sunday, February 17 from 1:00 – 4:00). Sandy has over 40 students, and there will be over 100 paintings in the show.
Jane Hittinger has gotten involved with a group that is donating art supplies to a village in Guatemala and asked that we bring in some gently used or new supplies for the kids in the village who would greatly appreciate anything. She will collect them and take care of shipping them to Guatemala if we would bring in items at the March meeting.
Penny Dinsmore at the Cincinnati Nature Center has asked for anyone interested in showing their work there to contact her. The Nature Center is in Milford, OH. The number can be found in the phone book.
Internationally known watercolor instructor, Don Andrews, is coming to Dayton, OH March 24-28. This workshop will be about “Interpreting the Figure in Watercolor” and there are still several spots open. Please contact Leonard Williams at brokenantlerstudio@earthlink.net or 513-897-5222 for further information about registration.
The Cincinnati Art Club is sponsoring the Evendale, OH show, and entries are due March 4. Contact Martha Carmody of the Cincinnati Art Club, if you are interested. There is no commission taken, you can enter photos rather than slides, and the judge for the show is Carin Hebenstreit, a well-known portrait and figurative painter who teaches through the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
The GCWS will have a fall show at the Sharon Center from September 20-28. Kay Worz will be in charge of this. More discussion will come later in the year.
Deb Ward is teaching a watercolor class at Dunham Recreation Center on Tuesdays, March 4 – April 8. The fee for the class is $48. Please contact Deb at mslucky2@yahoo.com, for more information.
Marilyn Bishop is teaching a watercolor class at the Mt. Washington Recreation Center on Tuesdays, March 25 – April 29. The fee for the class is $48. Class size is limited to 12 people. There is an additional fee that goes to the Senior Center but $48 will hold your spot in the class. Contact Marilyn at 513-528-2088 for more information.
Upcoming Meetings and Guest Artist/Speakers
In March, we have rescheduled the DVD showing of Tom Lynch’s watercolor style. The DVD will be shown in place of any other program that day and Marilyn Bishop will facilitate the showing and answer any questions. She has also agreed to stay after the program for a painting session in the Tom Lynch style and further explanation of his style of painting. Bring your paints and paper!
New President and Facilities Manager
As a reminder, our new President, Shirley Knollman and Facilities Manager, Susan Grogan, will take their positions in March for two years. We extend our thanks Sandy Maudlin (past President), and Kay Worz (past Facilities Manager) for their past service to the GCWS.
Critique Session
Joyce Friedeman led the critique session.
Joan Ammerman shared her painting of a beach. The beach and grasses were painted in a muted palette with greys instead of browns and it was quite lovely and unique.
Howard Krauss shared 2 of his paintings: a shrimp shack and boat in Myrtle Beach, which needed just a bit of adjustment to the building perspective; and a beautiful winter scene in a muted palette that needed nothing but a signature to complete it.
Guest Speaker/Artist and Demo
Joan Miley introduced our guest speaker, Curtis Heuser. Curt is a local decorative painter and author who takes “faux finishing” and other decorative painting techniques to another level! He has a studio in Newport, KY (The Galleries Together, a co-op on the corner of 7th and Park Streets), as well as an historical home in Newport (734 Park Avenue) that has become his showplace.
Curt graduated with an art degree from Northern Kentucky University in 1985 and got into painting murals by accident while working in a photography shop. Overhearing a woman ask if the owner knew of anyone who could paint a mural in her home, Curt volunteered his talents and has been working ever since. He uses basic latex house paint on a satin finish base coat to create his imaginative and creative works of art on the walls of many of the homes in the Tri-State and throughout the U.S. Using brushes, rags, fingers, rollers, and “whatever works,” Curt has created Italian-themed dining rooms, playful children’s nurseries full of whimsical animals and trees, and even a few aquariums on walls to keep a relocated Florida native from being so homesick.
A mural can take anywhere from one week to three months, depending on the size and detail involved, and Curt works on his murals like they are watercolor, using lots of water to keep everything flowing and blending. He sometimes does a scale rendering on tracing paper and then transfers the rendering with carbon paper, but most of the time he likes to work free hand, giving himself the freedom to add or subtract small elements. A pretty little bird is often found in his murals and has become a much-asked-for “signature” element in his work.
Curt often does a mock-up of the site in watercolor to show the client before the work begins. His artistic background in watercolors, acrylics, printmaking and even ceramics shows in the way he details items, bringing them to life in a true trompe l’oil fashion in the homes.
While Curt shared slides of his many works ranging from his first paintings to the work he has done in his own home, he talked about the process of mural painting, how it’s done, how he learned, and how he has now reached a point where he’d like to teach others. He will demonstrate many of his techniques on Saturday, March 15 from 10:00 am – noon at Suder’s Art Store. The cost is $20 and you should call Suder’s at 513-241-0800 to register for this very informative talk and demo.
Curt’s book, Your Home: A Living Canvas, followed him as he created his masterpiece – his own home in Newport, KY. It took him 1 ½ years to renovate the 3-story historic home located at 734 Park Avenue. It then took another 9 months to apply the paint finishes and murals throughout the home while having photos taken for the book. It was an exhausting labor of love, and he offers tours of the home regularly. If you are interested in touring the home, please contact Curt at 859-491-1121 or cheuser1@fuse.net to make arrangements. Group tours are limited to 20 guests and private tours are already scheduled for Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24 at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 pm daily.
If you want a sneak peek of the home and more information about Curt Heuser, visit:
http://www.myspace.com/yourhomealivingcanvas or http://www.livingmurals.com/
Your Home: A Living Canvas is currently No. 1 on Amazon in its category and No. 3 in all categories! Curt had books at the meeting that were signed and several were scooped up after being poured over. I think many of the members went home with new ideas about their living space!
The talk was informative and the slides were inspiring. This was not your mother’s faux finish painting style at all. We thoroughly enjoyed Curt’s presentation – his very first – and we came away with a great appreciation of this art form.
Respectfully submitted by Rhonda Carpenter.
Minutes of Meeting Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cincinnati Art Club, 1021 Parkside Place in Mt. Adams.President: Sandy Maudlin Treasurer: Carol Rekow Program Chair: Joan Miley Facilities Manager: Kay Worz
Membership Chair: Mary Jane Noe Recording Secretary: R.H. (Rhonda) Carpenter
NOTE: Winter Weather Closings!!!
In the event of inclement weather, the GCWS will be closed and the closing announced on WLW radio (700 on your AM dial) or WLW-TV. Please check both or call someone if you are unsure.
Administration Reports
Bonnie Rupe filled in for Sandy Maudlin (President), who was ill. Bonnie announced that we have a blog for the GCWS and it can be found at http://gcws.blogspot.com/. Sandy Maudlin created the blog and you can contact Sandy about adding information about new paintings, shows, awards, and anything else related to art and GCWS.
Bonnie also said a Happy Birthday to Us for the GCWS turning 6 year’s old! She then displayed our new logo, created by Bill Duebber. Thanks go to Robert Nowicki for his initial work with Bill, and to Bonnie for the very successful finish. We paid for full rights to the logo, which can be used on the scholarship award form, the minutes, the blog, and even future items for sale.
Carol Rekow (Treasurer) gave her report, indicating that our current balance is $6,991.15 and asked that membership dues of $45 should be mailed to her by March 1st. After income and expenses were determined for 2007, we finished the year with $1,259.24.
Mary Jane Noe (Membership) acknowledged Joan Abdon, a guest who came with Mary Moore. Joan learned watercolor from Don Dennis, and has been teaching watercolor for four years. She is also the president of the Southeast Indiana Art Guild.
Evergreen Spring Show
Deb Ward is coordinating the spring show at Evergreen Retirement Community. She asked everyone to pick up an information sheet from the back table. She will mail out those sheets that did not get picked up. The show runs from May 4 – June 15, and the registration form will be distributed closer to the show date. Deb passed around a sign-up sheet for those willing to be on any of the committees (hanging, sitting, refreshments). She also mentioned that Evergreen staff has suggested pricing your paintings from $35-$500 (Evergreen said the majority of paintings sold last year were in the $100-$150 range). Claw hooks on the back of the paintings are not acceptable. Please have wire hangers for all of your paintings.
Bonnie read a statement from Sandy Maudlin on what constitutes “watercolor.” Based on the accepted mediums of the American Watercolor Society and National Watercolor Society, any water soluble paint is, technically, watercolor. This includes watercolor, acrylic, casein, gouache, inks, and watercolor with collage, if the watercolor is the predominant characteristic. Surfaces acceptable are paper, yupo and canvas. We will accept no oil paintings for any of the shows.
We will need a few large pieces for the living room and dining room. Instructors can bring their students to tour the facility while our show is up, if arrangements are made with Sharon Cranston at 513-948-2308.
Rhonda Carpenter will be creating the postcards for the show,. She took photos of paintings brought today for that purpose. Anyone who still wants to include work in the selection process should email a photo of the painting to rhondac2@fuse.net. The paintings will be chosen by the Evergreen committee, and the postcards must be ready by April 1st so time is short.
Scholarship
Bonnie Rupe is working on the scholarship award and asked that anyone with suggestions for high schools to contact or students to interview contact her. She will gather student portfolios. Les Miley suggested that we look at students who are more in need of the $500 scholarship, rather than just the best artist of the bunch who may not need the money to help them in school.
Art Shows and Other Art News
The Taft Museum will be showing watercolor works of masters from the 18th century through 1945, including Homer, Sargent, Pendergrast, and Hopper. The collection is on loan from the collection of the Brooklyn Museum of Art from February 22 – May 11. The fee is $8 per person, $6 for seniors, but there is no fee on Wednesdays. The museum is open 11-5 daily except for Mondays
Sandy Maudlin is coordinating a show for her students at Sharon Woods from February 16 – 24 (reception Sunday, February 17 from 1:00 – 4:00). Sandy has over 40 students, and there will be over 100 paintings in the show.
Jane Hittinger has gotten involved with a group that is donating art supplies to a village in Guatemala and asked that we bring in some gently used or new supplies for the kids in the village who would greatly appreciate anything. She will collect them and take care of shipping them to Guatemala if we would bring in items at the March meeting.
Penny Dinsmore at the Cincinnati Nature Center has asked for anyone interested in showing their work there to contact her. The Nature Center is in Milford, OH. The number can be found in the phone book.
Internationally known watercolor instructor, Don Andrews, is coming to Dayton, OH March 24-28. This workshop will be about “Interpreting the Figure in Watercolor” and there are still several spots open. Please contact Leonard Williams at brokenantlerstudio@earthlink.net or 513-897-5222 for further information about registration.
The Cincinnati Art Club is sponsoring the Evendale, OH show, and entries are due March 4. Contact Martha Carmody of the Cincinnati Art Club, if you are interested. There is no commission taken, you can enter photos rather than slides, and the judge for the show is Carin Hebenstreit, a well-known portrait and figurative painter who teaches through the Art Academy of Cincinnati.
The GCWS will have a fall show at the Sharon Center from September 20-28. Kay Worz will be in charge of this. More discussion will come later in the year.
Deb Ward is teaching a watercolor class at Dunham Recreation Center on Tuesdays, March 4 – April 8. The fee for the class is $48. Please contact Deb at mslucky2@yahoo.com, for more information.
Marilyn Bishop is teaching a watercolor class at the Mt. Washington Recreation Center on Tuesdays, March 25 – April 29. The fee for the class is $48. Class size is limited to 12 people. There is an additional fee that goes to the Senior Center but $48 will hold your spot in the class. Contact Marilyn at 513-528-2088 for more information.
Upcoming Meetings and Guest Artist/Speakers
In March, we have rescheduled the DVD showing of Tom Lynch’s watercolor style. The DVD will be shown in place of any other program that day and Marilyn Bishop will facilitate the showing and answer any questions. She has also agreed to stay after the program for a painting session in the Tom Lynch style and further explanation of his style of painting. Bring your paints and paper!
New President and Facilities Manager
As a reminder, our new President, Shirley Knollman and Facilities Manager, Susan Grogan, will take their positions in March for two years. We extend our thanks Sandy Maudlin (past President), and Kay Worz (past Facilities Manager) for their past service to the GCWS.
Critique Session
Joyce Friedeman led the critique session.
Joan Ammerman shared her painting of a beach. The beach and grasses were painted in a muted palette with greys instead of browns and it was quite lovely and unique.
Howard Krauss shared 2 of his paintings: a shrimp shack and boat in Myrtle Beach, which needed just a bit of adjustment to the building perspective; and a beautiful winter scene in a muted palette that needed nothing but a signature to complete it.
Guest Speaker/Artist and Demo
Joan Miley introduced our guest speaker, Curtis Heuser. Curt is a local decorative painter and author who takes “faux finishing” and other decorative painting techniques to another level! He has a studio in Newport, KY (The Galleries Together, a co-op on the corner of 7th and Park Streets), as well as an historical home in Newport (734 Park Avenue) that has become his showplace.
Curt graduated with an art degree from Northern Kentucky University in 1985 and got into painting murals by accident while working in a photography shop. Overhearing a woman ask if the owner knew of anyone who could paint a mural in her home, Curt volunteered his talents and has been working ever since. He uses basic latex house paint on a satin finish base coat to create his imaginative and creative works of art on the walls of many of the homes in the Tri-State and throughout the U.S. Using brushes, rags, fingers, rollers, and “whatever works,” Curt has created Italian-themed dining rooms, playful children’s nurseries full of whimsical animals and trees, and even a few aquariums on walls to keep a relocated Florida native from being so homesick.A mural can take anywhere from one week to three months, depending on the size and detail involved, and Curt works on his murals like they are watercolor, using lots of water to keep everything flowing and blending. He sometimes does a scale rendering on tracing paper and then transfers the rendering with carbon paper, but most of the time he likes to work free hand, giving himself the freedom to add or subtract small elements. A pretty little bird is often found in his murals and has become a much-asked-for “signature” element in his work.
Curt often does a mock-up of the site in watercolor to show the client before the work begins. His artistic background in watercolors, acrylics, printmaking and even ceramics shows in the way he details items, bringing them to life in a true trompe l’oil fashion in the homes.
While Curt shared slides of his many works ranging from his first paintings to the work he has done in his own home, he talked about the process of mural painting, how it’s done, how he learned, and how he has now reached a point where he’d like to teach others. He will demonstrate many of his techniques on Saturday, March 15 from 10:00 am – noon at Suder’s Art Store. The cost is $20 and you should call Suder’s at 513-241-0800 to register for this very informative talk and demo.
Curt’s book, Your Home: A Living Canvas, followed him as he created his masterpiece – his own home in Newport, KY. It took him 1 ½ years to renovate the 3-story historic home located at 734 Park Avenue. It then took another 9 months to apply the paint finishes and murals throughout the home while having photos taken for the book. It was an exhausting labor of love, and he offers tours of the home regularly. If you are interested in touring the home, please contact Curt at 859-491-1121 or cheuser1@fuse.net to make arrangements. Group tours are limited to 20 guests and private tours are already scheduled for Saturday, February 23 and Sunday, February 24 at 1:00, 3:00 and 5:00 pm daily.
If you want a sneak peek of the home and more information about Curt Heuser, visit:
http://www.myspace.com/yourhomealivingcanvas or http://www.livingmurals.com/
Your Home: A Living Canvas is currently No. 1 on Amazon in its category and No. 3 in all categories! Curt had books at the meeting that were signed and several were scooped up after being poured over. I think many of the members went home with new ideas about their living space!
The talk was informative and the slides were inspiring. This was not your mother’s faux finish painting style at all. We thoroughly enjoyed Curt’s presentation – his very first – and we came away with a great appreciation of this art form.
Respectfully submitted by Rhonda Carpenter.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
FEBRUARY MEETING
February 6 is our next GCWS meeting. After a short business meeting, artist Curtis Heuser will be giving a very informative presentation on "How to Personalize Your Home with Faux Finishes and Murals." Curtis specializes in beautiful custom home interiors. His work can be seen at http://www.livingmurals.com/. He is also the author of a recently released book, YOUR HOME: A LIVING CANVAS.
Please click on 'COMMENTS' below and leave us a note if you would like to be contacted with more information about GCWS or about the upcoming meeting.
Note - Both December and January's meeting had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Please click on 'COMMENTS' below and leave us a note if you would like to be contacted with more information about GCWS or about the upcoming meeting.
Note - Both December and January's meeting had to be cancelled due to bad weather.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
GREETING CARDS
Our November meeting helped us prepare for the holidays with a special HOLIDAY GREETING CARD demonstration, given by GCWS President, Sandy Maudlin. Members and guests took the opportunity to create their own cards after the demo, using cards provided by the society. The three cards from the demo were also given away a special 'door' prizes. Hopefully, many people made time to create more hand painted greeting cards at home. Cards shown here are from Sandy's demo, and the top two are done on Arches 140# CP paper while the lower card was created on YUPO paper.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
