March 4, 2017

It's the last class of the term and we had a smallish turnout today. But what we painted was choice! We even had a new theme. See if you can guess it from Madeleine's painting below. We've done vacation paintings before, and urban landscapes, and even gold paint—so it's not that. But do you notice the perspective? This is an incredible view, looking sharply up at the dome. Besides the skilled drawing, Madeleine has painted the lower part of the buildings with less detail than the dome itself. And then the tops open up into sky. This is from Prague and it's beautifully done.

Another scene from Madeleine, with more perspective drawing. We're impressed with the details of the windows and can't wait for next term to see how this comes out.

Tony's Mediterranean scene is another fine example of perspective drawing. Notice how the vanishing point is almost centered, causing the lines to form a classic "x."

Can you see what we meant about perspective? Steve has finished his incredible painting of Venice awakening. The gondoliers are readying their gondolas in the foreground as the city stretches back, lit by the early morning sun.

Another  city on water and more perspective. This was one Bill started last week and wanted to ponder. He started again and concentrated on shapes and their relationships. He also used ink to outline the shapes before overpainting some of the lines to soften them. In the process, he's managed to define the building and add a great sense of depth.

Bill also uses ink as one of the three layers in his abstract below. The first layer uses a water soluble marker to define the framework. Then, Bill adds watercolor, both to create shapes and to define them, followed with a web of ink lines.

More perspective! Bill paints a Turkish landscape as seen from a boat on the river. In a fine example of aerial perspective, we see the shore and the hills recede before the distant background mountains.

Ken finished his painting from last week. Just by adding the rich, deep background, he's added depth and perspective to this corn abstract.

Even an abstraction can have perspective. Ken's corn leaves have a distinct hierarchy in space and the stripes blend to add a sense of depth. Can this truly be Ken's "farewell to stripes?" Come back and see for yourself.

Sara takes her perspective drawing indoors in this deep view through a room, a hallway, another room and a porch. Besides the precise drawing, we love the color choices. Be sure to come back to see the sunlight spilling down the length of this house. You'll love it.

Apparently, Elaine didn't get the perspective memo. So she continued her portrait series of People I Don't Know, in which she paints interesting faces from newspapers and magazines. Because she doesn't know the people, she's less invested in the outcome and free to have fun. She's obviously had fun with texture here.

Ellen didn't get the memo either. She did finish her Machu Picchu painting, reducing the value contrast between the llama and the background. And then, she started a painting of an Art Nouveau woman from a flat US coin. Unfortunately, we didn't get photos of either of her paintings, so you'll have to come back in two weeks when we begin our next session. Meanwhile, here are some places you can keep up with us and with our art....

Come join us!

Here are some upcoming exhibitions and concerts you don't want to miss.

 
The Corn Exhibit.  Ken's exhibit continues at Ten Cat. Drop by to see the art...and maybe play some pool. 

      Where:
      Ten Cat Tavern

      3931 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL

     When:
     January 22–March 15, 2017

DePaul Community Chorus
Here's a chance to hear Steve and the DePaul Community Chorus—FREE! The music celebrates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Click the thumbnail at right for more information and watch for fundraising news below!

     Where:
     DePaul Concert Hall
     800 West Belden, Chicago, IL

     When:
     Sunday, March 19, 3pm





This is the Community Chorus' premiere concert of the year, with a soloist and full orchestra, besides the 150 voice chorus. While you don't have to pay for the concert, the Chorus does have to pay the soloist and the orchestra. If you'd like to contribute, please sent your contribution to the DePaul Community Music Division. Gifts are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

12 Notes/12 Artists
Erika is part of a group show featuring 12 artists' visual response to music. Click the thumbnail at right for more information.

     Where:
     Perkolator
     6032 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL

     When:
     February 9–March 27




We'll be on break for two weeks, returning on March 25. See you then.... if we don't see you at Steve's concert or at Perkolator or the Ten Cat first.