February 11, 2017

Happy Valentines Day! Yes, we know we're a little late, but seriously, what better way to spend the day than looking at lovely watercolors and marking your calendar for all the upcoming events you're invited to? Okay, we'll make it quick—we'll view our paintings alphabetically so we can get to the events and then  back to your champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries!

We begin with Bill's romantic super moon...

... before moving to Bill's abstractions in black and white....

 ...and beautifully subtle primaries.

Ellen has finished her lovely elephant family. And yes, she's still using only two colors.

Moving along to a landscape, Ellen continues her masterful color blending.

Hector is also painting a landscape, but concentrating on a single tree. He's also using a limited palette and focusing on energetic brushwork.

Ken's corn painting may look monochromatic, but there are worlds of colors in those greens. Look closely and see.

Madeleine adds some finishing touches to define the subject's eyes squinting against the sun.

And then, she moves on to add pen and ink to her painting of her grandson.... enjoying some books on vacation.

Rommel is still intrigued by complementary colors, as you can see here. This is one exercise sheet that will prove invaluable in the future!

Sara is tackling that most difficult of subjects.... the portrait. And since her subjects are familiar, she is doing quick studies of the faces here...

 ... and here. Look at how natural the faces look. And then look at the colors she's used to achieve it.

Here is Sara's final painting. No wonder she wants to get the faces perfect. Not only is it a wedding self-portrait, but the rest of the painting is already beautifully romantic.

What's more romantic than a gondola ride in Venice? Steve has added the gondolas in the foreground, contrasting with the misty morning light in the sky.

Tony's distinctive palette leaves no doubt as to who painted this picturesque Greek church.

Vivianne is also exploring complementary colors and we love them! Look closely as she combines rich deep reds and greens before moving to the blue/orange and yellow/violet pairs. So many lovely colors!

It's our favorite exercise.... the paper towel and skin. Vivianne has some wonderful swatches here—and once you've mastered this exercise, it's a piece of cake!

Vivianne does one final exploration of complementary colors. Notice the pairs? Yet, notice how she uses hard architectural forms to contrast with the soft, delicate colors.

Come join us!

Here are some ongoing exhibitions you don't want to miss. And mark your calendar for February 25. St. Gregory the Great Church is having its quarterly "Open Sketch." You're invited—so bring a pencil and paper and join us.

The Corn Exhibit.  Ken will be having a show 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
  

Orange.  Bill and Madeleine are having an exhibit at Orange. Bill has watercolors; Madeleine has oils. Drop by for some food and some art.

      Where:
      Orange

      2431 N. Clark (north of Fullerton)
      Chicago, IL

     When:
     Ongoing through the end of February
 

Open Sketch date
It's an open sketching/photography session at St. Gregory the Great Church and we 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, February 25
     12:00–3:00pm

 

12 Notes/12 Artists
Erika is part of a group show where 12 artists paint their visual response to music. Click the thumbnail at left for more information.

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

     When:
     February 9–March 27

See you next week!