Steven T

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see

Edgar Degas

If you are not familiar with this quote from Degas, I urge you to read it again…and think about it.  Whether you are a realist painter or an abstract painter, or somewhere between the two, it’s an important concept.  Sometimes we’ll create a drawing or painting that fulfills that space inside us and says “This is why I create!”  We may even feel that something else has guided us to that creation.  It’s so strong that we want to share it with others and take them on our journey–help them open up to new feelings and possibilities whether it’s an appreciation of beauty, love or to notice something important.  So how do we reach that creative outlet?  It’s sort of like asking how do you know “love” really exists? It’s in that unexplainable essence of life that can only be reached by preparing the soil of your creative abilities and lifetime experience so that your art talents and purpose can thrive. 

Art is not just about technical expertise, following the rules and copying reality.  That’s only the preparation of the soil of your artistic purpose, which is about emotional impact and wanting to let others see what moves and excites you.  How does it shape the experience of the viewer?  What does it teach you and how does it reveal what is important to you?  Your choices of composition, emphasis, medium, style, etc. are your tools for tilling that soil.  Nourishing that soil is more intuitive.  Do you cultivate empathy?  Feelings of love?  Anger?  Anxiety or energy?  Desire to create change in society?  Or an overwhelming sense of peace in the reflection of beauty?  How amazing that art can address every emotion a human being can feel!

I hope this provides you with a little thought the next time you pursue your wonderful art.  Even though you may be hesitant to believe in your talent, know that if you approach it with sincerity and truth, you will open your own soul and communicate with someone else’s soul.  What a marvelous gift to share this!

IMPORTANT!  Reminding you that our Annual Art Show is quickly approaching…a great time to share that art.  The last time to sign up is next month (July 25).  ALL ART SHOW CONTRIBUTORS:  You are required to attend an online Zoom meeting to review the online image/information process.  Available dates are Sunday, August 2 at 2pm or Saturday, August 8 at 2 pm.  I will be sending a Zoom invite to all art show contributors sometime after the July 25^th art signup deadline.  Make sure your correct email address is on our Guild Membership Roster.   

Looking forward to seeing some amazing artwork at our monthly meeting!

Respectfully submitted by Diann Klink, President

Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things.

Edgar Degas

As artists, we all have a favorite medium(s) to work with.  When a kid, I started out with charcoal and graphite—mainly because that was what I could afford.  But I did like getting my fingers into the charcoal and blending to create different shadows and effects.  Eventually I was able to learn how to use student-grade oil paints.  But they were never my favorite as I did not have the patience for their drying time.  Oil pastels were my first big love.  Again, I could get my hands into the process.  The only problem was that oil pastels never dry.  I did experiment with some spray fixatives, but that did not negate the issue that underneath that fixative it still was not dry.  Again, I could not afford to frame all the work I was creating at the time.  I was never a fan of “stick” pastels but did enjoy using pastel pencils as they more often rewarded my need for working with detail.  I needed a change to inspire me.

That change for me occurred when I started painting abstracts which led to working with acrylics.  As in the quote by Degas above, I didn’t know what I was doing at first.  It took me awhile to appreciate the versatility of acrylic paint, but I certainly have become a “believer”.  Watched a lot of videos, got some books, and eventually I fell in love with acrylics.  When it comes to my painting habits, I absolutely love to create multiple layers, working with transparency and how the paints retain their vibrancy.  Lately I’ve begun experimenting with different textures using various acrylic mediums, even adding small items to my paintings or creating collages.  Having a material that encourages experimentation makes the process even more exciting and rewarding.  I also appreciate the quick drying time of acrylics so that I don’t have to walk away from my painting to wait for a long drying time.  Another plus—the ability to use gallery-wrapped canvas takes away the need for framing!  

I still have a 120-count Sennelier oil pastel collection and decided to try them out again this week.  I enjoyed working with them—they have such a beautiful creamy substance.  However, I decided the need for framing is not something I want to deal with.  This collection currently sells for over $400 but I am willing to let it go for very cheap if any of you are interested. 

Whatever medium you have chosen, don’t be afraid to try something different.  It might unlock a “good thing” inside you!  Hope you are all finding joy and solace with your artwork.  

Looking forward to seeing some amazing artwork at our monthly meeting!

Respectfully submitted by Diann Klink, President

Diann Klink – President

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Do not fear mistakes – there are none.

Miles Davis

Artists of the Month

Thank you to our talented artists for participating in the March 28 competitions for Artist of the Month and Blue Ribbon Gallery. The first place ribbon recipient in Artist of the Month is now eligible to enter into the Blue Ribbon Gallery.

Abstract art was the equivalent of poetic expression;
I didn’t need to use words, but colors and lines.
I didn’t need to belong to a language-oriented culture,
but to an open form of expression.

Etel Adnan

We had a great start to the year during our January 24 Membership Meeting. Members brought amazing artwork, some of which you can view in this newsletter. It’s such a delight to see so many different artistic styles and watch members’ artwork develop over the years, sometimes going in surprising new directions. Archana Jain did exactly that with her demonstration of a technique to add painting “sculpture” to her artwork. The Spring Group Art Project will be exciting when we view your inspirational pieces in April, reflecting one or more of the three subjects: Insects, Cosmic, and Landscape. Quite a creative choice!

During the last month I’ve been viewing different abstract painting demos on YouTube. One of the artists I found particularly interesting is Chris Loud. He’s an excellent communicator who has an easy-to-understand process with intuitive abstract painting, primarily using acrylic paint. I love the way he illustrates his approach to paintings without a focus on the outcome, more as an ongoing exploration through layering and revision.
He embraces the unknown and allows the painting to reveal itself through his use of line, form and color – not trying to create a realistic depiction. I encourage you to check out these two of his videos on YouTube: Layers and Nature Inspired. In Layers, he demonstrates putting down some paint lines and then uses acrylics, alcohol markers, silicone brushes to scrape paint, and creates transparent overlays. In Nature Inspired, he uses acrylics, wax pastels, a catalyst wedge, palette knife, brushes, and his fingers while creating shapes and lines. I think you’ll enjoy these video demos as well as his others. I’ll review additional abstract artists you may not be familiar with in future Guild newsletters. Have fun!

Looking forward to seeing some amazing artwork at our monthly meeting!

Diann Klink • President

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