March 3, 2018

It's March—we've turned a corner and are (we hope) heading for spring! We probably should have ended with this one, based on the old adage of March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb, but no one painted lions. So we offer Tony's idyllic Greek scene of a flock of lambs grazing in a field surrounded by cypress trees. Look closely to see the sweet sheep with their little faces and shadows.

Bill revisited an old painting of a building at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. He began with a study where he was happy with the foliage, but not so happy with the structure....

... so he moved to another painting where he lightened up the building. We still like Bill's treatment of the foliage and water, especially the diagonals in the pond that lead the eye.

Ken has gotten quite far with his latest painting in the tomato mosaic series. We like the way the mosaic patterns on the petals feel like realistic shadowing and are looking forward to the background.

Do you notice the diamond gridlines on Isa's roses? She's going in for one of her lovely backgrounds, but this time, she's been inspired by a visit to the Art Institute and by our own Ken's mosaics. The plan is to try for a mosaic background (but not nearly as tiny as Ken's!). We're eager to see how this progresses.

Lilith has finished her flower from last week. She's expanded the softly gradated petals outward across the page. This is even softer and lovelier in real life!

Not wanting to waste any paint, Lilith used the flower color for the misty background below and added tulips as harbingers of spring. Look closely at the leaves and stems where Lilith has done a beautiful job of blending colors.

Sarah is also ready for spring and summer. We especially like the composition and the giant X formed by the road, trees and sky. Doesn't this just cry out for a road trip?

And Sarah has finished the flamingo ballet painting she started last week. This is exquisite! We love the colors, the free brushwork and the texture that makes the feathers seem like tutus. This just makes us happy. Even the splatter makes it seem like a party.

Steve's been using up an old pad of paper doing studies for his next painting. Here's a study for a torso where the subject is lifting himself out of water. Yes! We can see the muscles at work.

And with a little time to spare, Steve painted this lovely white flower (without using any white, of course). We especially like the circular vignetted background and the colors he's chosen.

Yi finished the painting she started drawing last week and it's wonderful. It's hard to say what we like best about this.... the flowers; the misty, craggy mountains in the distance; the rocky foreground or the figure with softly flowing garments and hair. We also love the sophisticated composition and the masterful handling of shapes.

And if that weren't enough, Yi  began her next painting. So far, she's at sketching stage, but already we feel the action and see the happiness on the child's face. Come back to see how this turns out!

Madeleine painted a double portrait this week. We have it on good authority that the painting is very like the subjects, so it's a success already! Beyond the likeness, portrait is notable for its delicate, minimal palette and carefully chosen focal points.

Another double portrait—this time it's Sara starting another take on her sweet Daddy/daughter painting. Already we see the personalities of the sitters and again, this is an excellent likeness. Zoom in to see all the colors in the seemingly monolithic shapes (the chair, the shirt, etc.).  

We're all feeling brave today with the double portraits. Crazie attempted three for a postcard. First she moved from actual people to more symbolic and humorous versions with a frog prince. We kept them all together to better see the progression, but these are worth a closer look to see the fine details.

Well, this isn't quite a double portrait, even though there are two subjects. What's especially interesting is the paper. After years of using cold-pressed paper, Elaine moved back to rough and has found she's getting different edges. She's also adjusting her brushwork to take advantage of the surface; a drier brush gives a sparkly finish. 

Upcoming events and important announcements
We'll be off for the next two weeks, but there are plenty of things going on, no matter how your tastes run. Next week, we'll have a group show (and reception) at Ten Cat. The week after, you're invited to a free concert by Steve and the DePaul Community Chorus. Read on and mark your calendars!

The Ten Cat Group Watercolor Show.  We will be having a group show at Ten Cat! The paintings are already on display in the windows and you can stroll by and see them. But even better, why not come to the opening reception on March 10? You've heard how much fun they are, so here's your chance to join in the fun. See the postcard below for details.

      Where:
      Ten Cat Tavern

      3931 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL

     When:
     Exhibition: February 18–April 15, 2018
     Reception: March 10, 2018, 4pm

DePaul Community Chorus
Here's a chance to hear Steve and the DePaul Community Chorus—FREE! The music features Cherubini's Requiem in C Minor and Vivaldi's Credo. Click the thumbnail at right for more information and look for fundraising news below!

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

     When:
     Sunday, March 18, 3pm



Contribute to the DePaul Community Chorus. If you've ever attended one of the DePaul Community Chorus' concerts, you know how wonderful they are. This is the Community Chorus' premiere concert of the year, with a full orchestra (besides the 150 voice chorus). While you don't have to pay for the concert and the Chorus doesn't get paid, they do have to pay the orchestra. If you'd like to contribute, please click here to contribute to the DePaul Community Music Division. Gifts are tax deductible and anything is greatly appreciated.

We'll be back in two weeks!