SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP

On September 18-19 I gave a workshop in fluid acrylics titled "Painting Silver and Lace" for the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild in Aurora, Indiana.  I know most of these ladies, some for years, so I knew they were all good painters, and suspected that the 3 I did not know were also good painters.  Turns out I was correct!

Since I was being photographed during the workshop, I just turned
the tables on "the photographer"!

Whenever I teach a workshop - unless I'm teaching beginners - I always think "what can I possibly teach these people?".   But it turns out that there is always something they didn't know.

I was asked to teach this painting in fluid acrylics, a medium some of the ladies had never used and some had used, but in a different way.  Since this was a project based workshop, we all painted the same painting for which I supplied the photo and tracing.

Long story short, a good time was had by all, and most were able to complete the painting in the two days allotted.  For those who did not complete the painting that weekend, they will be able to do so at home using what they have learned.

Here they are, all holding up their paintings for "show and tell".  (You may recognize this painting!)

Over all their response was positive, and I really enjoyed the experience.

PROGRAM DEMONSTRATION

I was asked to give a demonstration of fluid acrylics for the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild at their May meeting.  I took some paintings done with the fluid acrylics for "show and tell".

Since I had about 45-60 minutes to give the demo, rather than try and paint something quickly, I began a painting at home which I divided into 3 parts.

I put a piece of tape to divide the first 1/3 from the rest of the painting, and put a wash of paint on the flowers, leaves and background on the right 2/3.

When that was dry, I added more paint to begin bringing out the flowers and leaves.

Another layer onto the right side.

 A final layer on the right side.

At this point, my demo was ready for the meeting.

For my demo, I removed the blue tape and showed how I typically begin my paintings on the untouched left 1/3 of the painting.  Then I added more color to the middle portion - so that they could see the beginning, middle and end.

My hope is to complete the painting, tying it all together.  Stay tuned!

. . . and WIN SOME!!!

Our local art group, Southeastern Indiana Art Guild, had its annual spring show on Saturday evening, a very well attended show. I thought that this year the art was much better over all. I think that speaks to the group as a whole – the artists are taking their work more seriously and many are showing improvement.

My painting “Engine 5901” took first place in the watercolor division and 2nd place overall – not too shabby!
I was very pleased to see that a former student took several awards and honorable mentions – and she has been painting less than a year! Girl’s got talent!!!
PHOTOS BY MIKE: Once again my personal photographer, chauffer and taste tester did a fine job with the photos – and with sampling every available foodstuff on the buffet tables!

DEARBORN COUNTY REGISTER NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

I was pleased to see a feature newspaper article about me that ran in our local paper. You can click on the link here or on my sidebar if you are interested in reading it!

http://thedcregister.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4182&Itemid=106

A correction would be that I was in the Georgia Watercolor Society Member's Show and the Richeson International Still Life & Floral last year.

SIAG Art Show

Another show - last weekend! (This is my first chance to blog all week! - better late than never!) Those are my pears to the right of Steve in the photo above.

This is the Southeastern Indiana Art Guild show at the Lawrenceburg, IN library. The work is very good, overall, with a lot of mediums represented. This group has several shows a year and the local library always purchases at least one painting at each show. Unfortunately not mine!

If you live in the area get down to see this show - it is spread out on both levels of the library and will run through next Friday. And as a bonus - you can get a cup of "joe" at Hava Java coffee shop on the first level. Enjoy!

*Note - my work will only be there until sometime Wednesday - I have to take it down earlyTaking a rest - Sharon, Carolyn and friend (?) - 2 paintings behind chairs - Sharon's watercolor on left and Cindy's oil seascape on right.Paintings on main floor and 2nd floor - you can barely make out my trains upstairs!