Saturday, April 20, 2013

Evert Ploeg, Kurt Sutton, Casey Baugh all coming up at Studio 81

This past week, the weather here in Georgia finally allowed us to throw open the windows and enjoy the spring temperatures.  Of course, this was followed my intensive amounts of dusting and vacuuming brought on my the 1/4" of yellow pollen that covered every floor, piece of furniture, the dog (I did NOT vacuum the dog...although I was tempted) and window blind.  The next day, it went right from spring to summer, and instead of opening the windows we turned on the A/C.  Just as we were getting out the shorts from last year and sandals switched places with boots, we had to switch back over to the heater as temps dipped back into the forties.

I think this crazy weather pattern is throwing me off.  Spring is usually my favorite time of year.  I clean out my flower beds, organize the kid's closets, try out some new recipes...it's an energetic and hopeful time of year.

In spite of my issues with the weather, this spring does bring forth some great potential.   I have been working hard on some new paintings, and there are several exciting events coming up for me and the studio.

First off, I'm so excited to be attending my first Portrait Society of America conference.  I visited the conference briefly two years ago when it was in Atlanta, but this year I get to stay the entire time.   I'm looking forward to a lunch with Rose Franzen, Demos by David Kassan and Michelle Dunaway, and numerous other lectures and workshop opportunities 

What is most thrilling is the events that will take place right after the conference.   Casey Baugh will be teaching for two full weeks at my studio in Woodstock.  I got so much out of the class that I attended in Chattanooga, and my work has grown in the months since.


Casey's Demo from Day One of Class

The day after the portrait conference, the incredibly talented Mr. Evert Ploeg will be painting a portrait live on stage at the Elm Street Theater in Woodstock, just one block away from my studio.

Evert will be painting the acclaimed actor Kurt Sutton, who travels the country performing his one man show, "An Evening with Mark Twain".

This one-night-only event is exactly the kind of Cultural Arts event that will benefit the growing Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.  I am hoping for a packed house - and looking forward to inviting more artists to teach and share their talents here in Woodstock.


General admission for this event is $40.00.  It's a huge bargain to get these two amazingly talented men together on one stage!  

Monday, April 29th
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Elm Street Theater
Main Street, Woodstock





Tuesday, April 9, 2013

New Drawings and Paintings of the Figure

Hey! Remember me?!? The lady who paints and draws every once in a while between posting on my blog?  Here are a few new pieces...

Charcoal drawing on white Canson paper, 14" x 17"



Charcoal portrait drawing from the live model, about 90 minutes


White and black charcoal sketch from the live model, grey paper, about 25 minutes


A small study that I did, thinking I may turn it into a larger painting.  This is actually a self-portrait.  Oil on textured panel, 11" x 14".  Working title is "A Simple Fix"


Oil on canvas painting, 9" x 12", live model, about 90 minutes.  I'm particularly happy with her hair.  "Lounging Nude on Purple"



And finally this oil painting of my little girl Arianna, who just turned six, and I got all weepy that she was getting so big, and had to paint this picture of her from when she was two...

Monday, April 8, 2013

CFUMC Festival of the Arts 2013

This is the third year that I am proud to be a part of the Cumming First United Methodist Church Arts Festival.  The festival takes place for a full two weeks this year, and I am thrilled to have two of my recent paintings in the show.


The Orange Shirt


The festival includes a full music program as well.   I highly recommend visiting this beautiful church and enjoying the program.  The show is massive, a huge undertaking, and the staff does an amazing job of bringing it all together.

2013 Concerts & Special Events

The 2013 Festival of Arts will be expanding to cover a two week period.  There will be multiple concert options available during that time.  Concert dates are still being finalized.  Check back often to view updates on the concert schedule.

Saturday, April 13, 7-9 p.m. - Artist & Patron Gala Reception and Gallery Preview.  BY INVITATION ONLY
Sunday, April 14, 2:30 p.m. - Elysium Chamber Orchestra.  FREE
Monday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. - University of North Georgia Symphonic Band.  FREE
Tuesday, April 16, 7 p.m. - 'mIfilm' Student Film Festival held at the AMC Avenue Forsyth Theatre.  $5 GENERAL ADMISSION
Wednesday, April 17, 6-7 p.m. - Student Reception for Visions Art Show.  FREE
Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society - guest choir at 8:45 and 11 a.m. worship.
Sunday, April 21, 2:30 p.m. Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society in Concert.  FREE
Wednesday, April 24, 7 p.m. Rising Stars concert competition.  (Classically trained young musicians high school age and younger.)  FREE
Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. - North Georgia Symphony Orchestra.  $10 general admission.  $5 students.
Sunday, April 28, 11 a.m. - Cumming FUMC Chancel Choir - providing special music at 11 a.m. worship.


BACH'S LUNCH CONCERTS
All concerts take place at Noon and are free followed by a light lunch available for $5.  Week one features the performing fine arts departs of the five Forsyth County high schools.  Week two features performances by professionals from the Atlanta metro area.

Monday, April 15 - Lambert High School
Tuesday, April 16 - North Forsyth High School
Wednesday, April 17 - Forsyth Central High School
Thursday, April 18 South Forsyth High School
Friday, April 19 - West Forsyth High School
Monday, April 22 -  City Gate Dance Company (contemporary dance and ballet)
Tuesday, April 23 - Nathan Munson & Amy Little, Tenor & Soprano soloists/duetists
Wednesday, April 24 - David Bros. Jazz Quartet
Thursday, April 25 - Atlanta Saxophone Quartet
Friday, April 26 - Trey Clegg, organist