PORTRAIT WORKSHOP REPORT - Jacklin Art & Cultural Center

Well, the five day Portrait Workshop at the Jacklin Art and Cultural Center in Post Falls, ID (next door to Coeur d'Alene) is over and my feeling is that it went well.........Thanks to all who helped and especially to those who saw fit to attend.  Everyone worked hard for the duration, and I'll be surprised if the intense study doesn't bear fruit in your own work - and please give it some time, portrait painting from life is difficult stuff.

I thought that I would post a few pics from my demos.....Take note of the pic descriptions, and I'll put up more shortly if time allows.  Thanks again.....M

  

I wish that I had a pic of the portrait as it looked after my initial start on Wed morning - I took it home and spent another 45 minutes on it in my studio.  I had her a bit too long in the face, and I needed to make adjustments to the facial width, the placement of the nose, the eyebrows and I shortened the chin.  I think it really looks like Claudia now.....If you have a pic from the workshop of my first stage, compare the changes. 

 Here is the final version of my portrait of Ellie (from Sunday afternoon).  I also spent time on this in the studio (about another 60 minutes).  I added another layer of paint to the background, the hair, and the neck/throat area.  I also darkened the eyes slightly and repainted the green in the eyes.  Note the splash of warmth along the cheek edge in the shadow area...I felt it needed the color.

I will post more pics shortly - I'm working on the "Lawman" oil wash demo portrait.  It's receiving new layers of opaque paint - I couldn't resist!

Monday nights at Terry Lee's Studio, Coeur d'Alene

So far the move to Idaho has been going smoothly and work for me hasn't slowed down a bit!  Just got back from Colorado where I attended the opening of the Stampede Western Show in Greeley, CO.  A fun night - lots of great art and fellowship.  Then onto the Saks Gallery in Cherry Creek for the opening of the America The Beautiful Show....also a fun night and more great artwork!  I checkedout the OPA show in Evergreen as well....etc, etc.  Back in Idaho now - What I want to let you is that I have been going to a local artists studio (Terry Lee) on Monday nights and been having a blast drawing and painting from life with several other artists  - all whom are great folks.  Thanks especially to Terry for opening up his space and being such a gracious host.....I will be posting some of my work from these sessions shortly.  I also have added the Coeur d'Alene Art Gallery to my gallery outlets.  I will be sending the gallery new work in the months ahead.  That's all for now.......CMD

MY RELOCATION TO THE COEUR D'ALENE, ID AREA!

Well the move to Idaho has happened, and I am in the process of setting up a new studio and home - a big job, but the hardest part is over........It was long drive of over 2100 miles (and 4 days) across the beautiful northern plains and Montana landscape, across the continental divide and Lookout Pass.  If you have ever been to the Coeur d'Alene area, you know how gorgeous the landscape is......Val and I are grateful for all of the support and help from our friends and family - we couldn't have done it without you, for sure.  I'll be posting some new updates and pics shortly.

CMD 

Scottsdale Artists School Class in October

I'm finally getting around to posting a short blog in regards to my week long class in Scottsdale, AZ at the Scottsdale Artists School from Oct 24-28.  Teaching as always is alot of work, but I want to say to all of the "students" that spending time with you was alot of fun as well - and I am always jazzed up and inspired by "hanging out" with other artists.  I hope that the class was a worthwhile investment for each of you and that it was a help to your art/painting - especially in the long run.  I meant it when I said that you can send me a Jpeg once in awhile of your new work.........I also want to say thanks to the staff at the school.  They were great, and I look forward to a return trip in the future to teach another class.

If any of you have any pics of me teaching, feel free to send them to me in an email.  I always appreciate seeing a workshop in action.  Below is the Portrait demo that I did of Dan in the class.....thought you might enjoy seeing a good repro of it.  I have also added a Jpeg of the landscape demo - the painting is in the Holiday Small Works Show at The Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale (opening Dec 8).  I hope some of you take the time to add a comment or two to this post......Happy painting and keep your brushes loaded.  Michael

The Gathering of Artisans, Asheville, NC

I just got back from the Gathering of Artisans in Asheville, NC where I was teaching an oil painting workshop along with many other fine artisans.  It was a terrific conference, with great teaching, music , worship and fellowship.  I recommend to all 2 great books that will inspire you and help you have a deeper understanding of how God wants you to see yourself in regards to your creative call in life.  "Unlocking the Heart of the Artist" by Matt Tommey is one.  Go to: http://www.theworshipstudio.org/resources.html  to read about his book, and order one.  I highly endorse this book......

Another book I recommend is called "Finding Divine Inspiration" by J. Scott McElroy.  Go to: http://www.findingdivineinspiration.com/ to read more about this great book.  I must confess I am only reading it now, but am very impressed and I'm enjoying it immensely.  Both of these books capture the spirit of what the Gathering was all about. 

I will be posting more about the weekend when I have a chance.  Thanks to all of the organizers (Matt, Claire and others) and the YMCA at Blue Ridge.  Also to Ken Modak for his help and the chicken/mushroom/onion dinner!  Blessings - M