May 14, 2016

While we didn't have a full house today for the last day of class, those of us who came were glad we braved the cold. It was Sara's birthday and she brought delicious muffins to celebrate. Happy birthday, Sara (the name, by the way, means Princess)!  As for the rest of us, we happily chatted and painted. Tony finished his castle. Notice the small snowdrifts? We hope that's the last snow we'll see for awhile!

In a different vein, here is a plein air painting Tony did while sitting on a beach early one morning in Mexico. The lighting in our solarium seems to throw an unfortunate color cast when there isn't any sun and all our paintings are a bit off this week. But it's especially evident in a minimalist painting like this one. Still, look closely to see the sea, sand and sky—and the small figure of the fisherman casting his net. His cap is the only touch of color in this subtle masterpiece. And despite the subject's small size, it immediately draws focus. We love this painting!

Tony used his time in Mexico well. Here is another plein air sketch from his trip.

Sara finished her tree in preparation for her annual self-portrait. She's removed all the visible bud points and strengthened the contrast between the trunk and branches and everything else. We love how the changes really emphasize the halo of greenish light at the edge of the leafy canopy.

Ken is also into green plants... although his latest subject is corn. This is going to be one of our favorite series yet, judging by this abstract of a corn field. Actually, this isn't Ken's first foray into the world of corn. He went back into the "Ken archives" and found some early watercolors of corn. Still, we can't wait to see how this series progresses.

Rosemary is also dipping into the green area of the spectrum, but she's adding birds (her new series). Here, you can only see the initial washes on the ground and some of the new leaves, but we are looking forward to seeing this develop.

Madeleine is also painting winged harbingers of spring. Here are two butterflies on a feeder at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center. That's not pen and ink, by the way. Madeleine is using paint with her new magic liner brush. We admire her control and her skill in capturing textures—from the metallic feeder to the soft wings.

Susan couldn't be with us today, but she stopped by for muffins (smart girl!)...and to show us what she painted during the week. The colors perfectly describe the iridescent surface of the shell.

Bill is doing another study for his dual portrait. Here he's concentrated on the background and on bringing the feel of the background and clothing to the level of the faces. Each study is better than the last and he's certainly achieved what he set out to do! In the process, he's discovered that this particular brand of watercolor paper can't withstand scrubbing well. It's best used for the watercolor version of alla prima painting. 

Another lesson he learned? For a portrait, it's a good idea to zero in on the faces. His brushwork  perfectly captures his subjects. We love the man's hair and eyebrows. And we like the looser background which doesn't distract from the focus of the painting.

How's this for a portrait? It's Ellen and friends. No, they aren't clubbing; they're at the Adler Planetarium and it's a heat map. And yes, Ellen is texting. We're sure you recognized the classic pose. Despite the unusual coloration, this is immediately recognizable as a portrait... and immediately recognizable as a portrait of particular people. What fun!

Elaine is also having fun with color... and with her subject matter. This is a Chicago business sign (now gone) that she wants to remember. She's trying for a retro feel in her color selection and it certainly looks like she's having fun with this one. 

And now for some invitations!

We will be off until June 11, but you don't have to miss us. We'll be meeting to sketch on Saturday mornings and you're invited. We'll keep you apprised of the dates and times, starting with St. Gregory's next week. And if you're more interested in looking at art than in sketching, drop by the library where Susan is part of the show.

You're invited.... Open Sketch date
We won't have class next week, but we'll all be meeting for an open sketching/photography session on Saturday, May 21 from 11:30–2:30pm at St. Gregory the Great Church—and you are invited! Bring your cameras, sketch pads, pens and pencils. A docent will also be on hand to answer questions.

     Where:
     St. Gregory the Great Church
     5545 N. Paulina
     Church entrance is on the corner of Gregory and Paulina;
     one block west of Ashland and one block south of Bryn Mawr

     When:
     Saturday, May 21
     11:30–2:30pm

You're invited.... Art exhibit
 If you are near the Harold Washington Library in downtown Chicago, go to the third floor, where Susan is one of the exhibitors in the Asian Pacific Heritage Art Exhibit. She has eight watercolors on display.

 

 Where:
     Harold Washington Library
     400 S. State Street

     3rd Floor Exhibit Cases

     When:
     May 1–July 31, 2016

 We'll be back on June 11 and hope to see you then.... unless we see you at our Sketching Saturdays!