The Joy of Painting

2019 Halloween Costume

Some of today's younger generation may not remember the soft spoken, fro-permed man who simplified the art of painting. Who else but Bob Ross should be remembered the week of his birthday.

He passed in 1995 but will live on, after coming into our homes for 10 years, through Public Broadcasting System channels. He would demo, teach and complete a full painting in one episode. Today's version of Sip and Paint, or Paint and Pour has taken over for new generations bringing confidence and camaraderie to creating art.

Did you know Bob Ross-

Was a former Sargent in the military
Received 3 Emmy's for his show
Never took a paycheck for his TV performance
Donated all painting to PBS

Have a Happy Halloween and Happy Painting

Iconography

Michael by Drazen Dupor

Iconography depicts scenes and saints from the bible, used for prayer and translating their faith.They say an icon is not painted with a brush but instead it is written.

St. Elias Church

So I learned, while participating in a workshop at the St. Elias Antiochain Orthodox Church in La Crosse. They hosted Drazen Dupor, www.duporikone.com, our instuctor for Byzantine Iconography. He has a studio in Madison and does workshops, retreats, restores and creates icons. Originally from Croatia, he studied in Greece.













 
There was a lot to take in during the two day workshop. From colors choices that represented certain aspects of religious garb, to a sylized form of shading and many subtle symbols and theological meanings.






Participants were stepped through the process making their own icon of the Angel Gabriel.















One of my favorite parts was the gold, which links the image to the divine energy.

Some areas are stylized and then some areas, like the face, are given more detail.

Here's my almost finished piece next to Eric's family samovar from Russia.

I now have a new appreciation for an ancient art form.

Nine, but I'd rate it a 10

"Nine" for the nine artists featured at the Marie Heider Center in West Salem.

All share a bond having taught in our area schools. Now retired from their day jobs they devote their creative energies to art.

Featured Artists-
Jeanne Arenz-Pertzsch
Lynne Burgess-Longfellow
Julie Chamberlain-Emerson
Pat Morse Gund-Northwoods
Lynn Hobart-Roosevelt & Franklin
Chris Hamilton Johnson-Longfellow
Pam Knutson-Hintgen, UWL &Viterbo
Marianne Stanke-West Salem Middle & UWL
Marcia G. Thompson-West Salem & UWL




Recent works may be viewed
Oct. 16 thru Nov. 25
Mon-Wed-Fri from 12-4,
at 405 E. Hamlin St. in West Salem.
You may need to check in at the office
since it's part of the school grounds.






They have a special one day only
reception and sale this Satuday,
Oct 26 from 1-5 pm

I have the opportunity to draw with them during the summer months and this is the first time to see their recent works. I'm impressed at the depth and variety of techniques these ladies have mastered.



These photos are just a few of the pieces on display, hope you make it to the show.

My Kinda Day

It was second Saturday at Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, Minnesota. For only $1 you can make art, watch art being created, look at outstanding artwork along with guided art tours.

Underwater Dogs artist Seth Casteel has a great sense of humor. He even has two books depicting his dog portraits, of course one is with puppies.

H2OH! is a traveling exhibit of quilts that depict the element of water. One of the prerequisites for artwork at this museum is the inclusion of water as part of the theme. 

Winona artist Julie Johnston demonstrates plein air techniques using pastels. It was a little too cold and sleety outside.

A quick stop in the craft room to make my own piece of art with pulled strings. It's something I've seen on the internet and the results are quite interesting.





My kind of day.