It was a dark and stormy...afternoon.

Hello all. Yes, it's been awhile since I've posted...things have been busy at The Gallery, and with life in general.

It's always good to see you in sketch class; Stephanie was our model du jour this past Monday, and either Kristin or Tina will join us on the 31st.

Here's an interesting Atlanta art venue you may wish to check out:

HENRY ASENCIO One-Man Show (see image above)

Vinings Gallery celebrates the return of contemporary painter

Henry Asencio for an exciting One-Man Show. They will feature Henry's latest

body of original paintings as well as a retrospective collection of limited edition works.

"Abstract expressionism" or "abstract realism", Asencio's work cannot be pigeonholed

by style or semantics. His open brushwork, sweeping color, use of texture and precise

drawing skills have resulted in a body of work that has earned him international accolades.

Friday, April 11, 20086:00pm - 9:00pm

Featuring a Live Model Charcoal Drawing Performance

Saturday, April 12, 20081:00pm - 4:00pm

Featuring a Live Model Oil Painting Performance

Salsa music will be playing to help give Henry Asencio a true welcome.

Please RSVP ~ call the gallery at 404-794-7762.

Gary Handler ~ Vinings Gallery

Here's an interesting website to check out for all your sketch artist ideas and inspirations.
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=39
Lots of interesting things to see; there are chat groups, forums, classes, more.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend ~ see you on Monday if you join us, and talk to you soon.

Left or Right?

Something interesting for the brain on Palm Sunday, then it's time to think about making art, and enjoying the great outdoors!

http://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm

Right Brain vs. Left Brain

Definition

This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.

Discussion

Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:

Left Brain

Logical, Sequential, Rational, Analytical, , ObjectiveLooks at parts

Right Brain

Random, Intuitive, Holistic, Synthesizing, Subjective, Looks at wholes

Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more whole-brained and equally adept at both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of thinking, while downplaying the right-brain ones. Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.

How Right-Brain vs. Left-Brain Thinking Impacts Learning

Curriculum--In order to be more "whole-brained" in their orientation, schools need to give equal weight to the arts, creativity, and the skills of imagination and synthesis.

Instruction--To foster a more whole-brained scholastic experience, teachers should use instruction techniques that connect with both sides of the brain. They can increase their classroom's right-brain learning activities by incorporating more patterning, metaphors, analogies, role playing, visuals, and movement into their reading, calculation, and analytical activities.

Assessment--For a more accurate whole-brained evaluation of student learning, educators must develop new forms of assessment that honor right-brained talents and skills.

Reading ~ Bernice McCarthy, The 4-MAT System: Teaching to Learning Styles with Right/Left Mode Techniques.

Now, this is wonderful information for someone who is striving to teach a particular subject to a diverse group of individuals. The sketch group has a leader, but not necessarily someone teaching. What is the best approach, and based on past applications, does it occur "by example", the leadership, or because one is chosen, or ...? Your thoughts are welcome.

Go outside and enjoy this wonderful blessing of a day. The sun is shining, the air is fresh and clean after the storms of Friday and Saturday, and it's warm...spring is on it's way. How about a hike, or a bike ride on the Silver Comet Trail, or walking in the park, or sketching there?
The choices are yours. Pick one and do it!

The point is, enjoy yourself, and your life.

Spring

Hopefully we all set our clocks forward this past weekend...an extra hour of daylight to give us art opportunities.





Here's a belated news flash ~ This evening The Gallery at Limetree is hosting local Intown Atlanta artist TJ Tucker. TJ's work is an interesting blend of carpentry and collage. Using found wooden objects like cigar boxes, cabinet doors, organizers and louvered shutters, he creates unique artwork. The pieces depict figures, mostly male, in various activities, mostly outdoors. There are usually animals, mostly birds, included in the images as well. Each piece offers interesting perspective, reflected mood and facial expression. If you are looking for a unique gift for a guy, this might be just the thing. Anyone interested in collecting unusual art pieces will appreciate the interesting use of paper, texture, carved wood, reflective or matte surfaces. Stop in and see...the artist will be here from 6:30pm until 8:00pm for a meet and greet, and there are always snacks and beverages to ease the flow of conversation.
Located at 2840 LaVista Road in Decatur, just north of Clairmont, inside Limetree.
Call for directions or details: 404-633-0982

TJ's show will be available for viewing through Tuesday, March 25th.




Did you see the snow on Saturday? Of course you did. It was quite a flurry, and the wind was not very friendly! I had the opportunity to spend time at Lake Lanier with a groups of friends; we watched the flakes swirl from the dining room and kitchen and marveled...spring is so close, and yet...!
It seems that here in Georgia we always get at least one more cold snap before Easter, and often on Easter weekend. Brrr. I am not a cold weather person, at all.

I wanted to share a website with all of you if you are ever searching for used books:

Addall.com

All you need is the book title, or author's name, or best of all, an ISBN number, and this site will pull the best pricing from ALL used book internet vendors. It's great! I found it invaluable when working on my business degree, and it is a great way to find art books for the very best price. Hardbound, paperbacks, your choice, this place will find it for you. Fast.

Speaking of fast...have you filled up your gas tank today? OUCH!
Nearly a $1.00 more than this time last year. I am really considering ways to invest in a motorcycle or skooter: riding a bike would be great, but far more dangerous for commuting since the majority of our great city of Atlanta is not biker-friendly.
Check out http://www.atlantagasprices.com/ to find the best deals.
I'm so glad I invested in a 4-cylinder engine the last time I purchased a new vehicle.

One more thing ~ Atlanta was named number 4 in the nation as the best place to find a job. That means our local economy is strong, and growing. Good news for anyone with a product or service to offer (that would include all artists!).

Have a great afternoon; it's beautiful again today, go make art!

Beauty All Around

A Hundred Times More Beautiful
Jalai ed-Din Rumi

That which God said to the rose,
and caused it to laugh in full-blown beauty,
he said to my heart,
and made it a hundred times more beautiful.


What a beautiful day we've had today!
This weekend I will spend time with a group of old friends at Lake Lanier. A time to remember, laugh, share stories, read, and sketch or paint. A mini retreat to offer renewal and time for relaxation and reflection. Perfect for inspiring the muse.

On sketching ~
Mechanics' Institute Library, San Francisco
The act of sketching defines and redefines boundaries. Everyone who makes sketches, whether on paper, in software or, increasingly, in hardware. Sketching may begin with an idea, but the process fundamentally changes that idea. Sketches identify both what an idea is, and what it is not. They serve as histories and illustrations. Sketching tools simultaneously help and constrain the possibilities of sketching. Make a new sketching tool and new boundaries appear, while old ones dissolve.

Some poetic meanderings for this afternoon ~

Landscape with the Fall of Icarus
William Carlos Williams

According to Brueghel
when Icarus fell
it was spring

a farmer was ploughing
his field
the whole pageantry

of the year was
awake tingling
with itself

sweating in the sun
that melted
the wings' wax

unsignificantly
off the coast
there was

a splash quite unnoticed
this was
Icarus drowning



How about sketching in the south of France?
http://www.sketching.com/

More poetry ~
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5927


Something new to read ~
Tiepolo's Hound By Derek WalcottWith twenty-six of Derek Walcott's own paintings, Tiepolo's Hound is a spiritual biography and a history in verse.

March Madness

Good afternoon all...

Hope you are outside enjoying this gorgeous weather, before the pollen descends.

It seems we have finally identified challenges with email, and if everyone takes a moment to accept the invitation to be a part of our group, then we will all stay up to date.

Atlanta area artists participated in the Peachtree Presbyterian Art Sale on Roswell Road last weekend; I hope the event was successful for all involved. There were over 300 pieces to be inventoried and hung for display...so much talent!

AAC Chairperson and President Lisa Moore is very involved, and we should be seeing good things happening to improve our ability to pursue artistic endeavor through this organization. She will be helping us with the ongoing challenge of members wanting to tour the gallery or drop off artwork on Mondays. The Atlanta Artists Center is actually closed on Monday, and the Monday Sketch Group is not and should not be responsible for accepting or releasing artwork, or entertaining visitors during our scheduled class times. These guidelines are in the AAC member handbook, but our busy lifestyles often mean passing up the opportunity to read. Please pass the word to fellow members so that we can focus on what we are there for on Mondays...Sketch group time!

Don't forget, starting this evening through March 8th, "Hanging Out With Art", Grandview Gallery gets underway. This is the AAC's big yearly artwork sale and we expect great results!

This is a perfect time to remind everyone that our next member meeting is Monday March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. Bring your ideas, and be ready for our guest speaker.

A reminder: Charles Y. Walls is leading an oil painting workshop at the AAC, "Painting the Concept, A Direct Approach" at the end of March (Friday demonstration from 7-9, $20 if not enrolled in weekend workshop; Saturday and Sunday workshop, March 29-30, $230 members, 9am-4pm) This course will challenge those who wish to develop a painting using a logical and progressive approach by painting directly onto the canvas without first drawing. Gain control of the rich medium of oil colors with confidence and new understanding.

http://www.atlantaartistscenter.org/

http://www.charlesyoungwalls.com/

Monday Sketch Group will be visited by model "Barefoot Bill" Pacer on March 10th. Bring your pencils, charcoal, paper and colors to capture the human form.

Music to consider:

Gabriel Fauré's Requiem ~ 17th Century French Composer

Listen to parts at http://www.cyberbass.com/, click on major works, then Gariel Fauré

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Faur%C3%A9

http://www.last.fm/music/Gabriel+Faur%C3%A9

Introit et Kyrie and more...beautiful sounds sung in Latin with rapturous melodies and movement.

Creativity and Attracting The Muse

A grey and rainy day in Vista Grove. We need the rain, need the watershed for our reservoirs and for this summer.

What have you been doing today? This is a great day for art. Go to your studio and do art, as they say. Are you inspired, and if not, why?



We should be aware of each and every moment, and the opportunity each moment provides to us. A dear man once said to me, "I do not want to live my life peering out over the ruts of existence". How many of us find ourselves in just that sort of place? ...every day?

There is no real reason...expecially when inspiration and beauty lie all around us. In every smile, every precious face, every kind word, every action...we are full of inspiration and boundless reason for creativity and the exploration of our imaginations.



What will you do with your opportunity today? Will you create something beautiful; a pastel figure, an oil landscape, a poem? Will you capture a lovely moment in the rain with your digital camera, or sketch a figure waiting at the bus stop near work?



What will you do today? Will you be an artist, or will you simply watch as life goes by...?