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

WORKSHOP AT LITTLE BROOK MEADOWS, LANCASTER, OH

I just returned from a workshop that I held in Lancaster, OH (south of Columbus by about 25 miles) at a beautiful farm called Little Brook Meadows.  There were 14 of us, some familiar old friends, and some new faces - Jeff Risner, the head of the Ohio Plein Air Society was there - he even tried painting a portrait indoors!  The converted barn has a beautiful new floor, bathrooms and kitchen facilities, and a new pond out back.  Several of us also stayed in the beautiful 8 bedroom, 6 bath house.....The owners, the Ryckman family, hope to continue to upgrade the barn - this is my 2nd workshop there and it worked out beautifully!

Below are a few shots of the workshop on day 3, and a portrait demo from life that I did on Sunday.  "Bill Carson Portrait Demo", Oil on Linen Panel, 20"h x 16"w.  Actual painting time was about 2 hours......

More to come later on the workshop.........Michael

  

    

 

NEW PAINTING FOR A CHRISTIAN COLLECTOR

I just complete a commission for a collector of mine that is putting together a collection of Christian Art.  Its called "The Master Teacher", Oil on Linen Panel 30"h x 40"w.  He had wanted a painting of Jesus teaching some of his disciples, children and women (in the background) around a campfire in the early evening.  Jesus is also pictured wearing a traditional kippah headcovering, which is unusual for a painting.  The collector now owns 3 of my paintings, with more to come........I may make this available as a print.

SCOTTSDALE SALON OF FINE ART SHOW

I have been fortunate to have had both of my entries for the Scottsdale Salon of Fine Art show accepted.  They are "GOSPEL STORIES" 24"h x 36"w, and "GARDEN GAL" 24"h x 18"w (see post below).
The show will open on April 21 and run through May 19, 2011.  The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday April 22 from 6-9 pm.  I will do my best to attend the show....Go to http://www.scottsdalesalonoffineart.com/ for more information and to see all of the accepted entries.