February 25, 2017

Did we just say Happy Spring last week? Well, you won't be surprised to learn that it was cold and snowy today. It's winter in Chicago, after all! Fortunately, we all got together to paint, solve some challenges, and have some fun. Sara finished her lovely wedding self-portrait. The faces are remarkably like the subjects and we are in love with the composition, the view through the curtains, the wedding outfits—just everything!

Elaine has added a background to the portrait she began last week but is unsure about her decision. On the one hand, it sets her subject in time; on the other, it may be a distraction from the subject. Time to put this on display and see what the painting says over the next few days.

Meanwhile, she begins another portrait. Elaine finds it easier to practice with portraits of people she doesn't know. That way, the face doesn't need to be perfect—it just needs to look like a person!

Portraits are certainly popular! Like Sara, Madeleine is painting someone she knows well, skillfully using a line and wash technique to impart a golden vacation glow. And here's an endorsement—the child's mother recognized her son immediately (and loves this).

In case you were wondering, the library above happens to be in Ireland. And so is the lovely landscape Madeleine painted below. Notice how high the horizon line is? We think it's a great choice; the water in the foreground is beautiful!

Madeleine is sketching more vacation memories below, preparatory to painting them. We love the orderly intricacy of this one....

... and the dynamic composition of this. Come back soon to see how these progress.

Yes, we love to paint our vacation memories. Steve has almost finished his painting of Venice in the morning. We love the atmosphere and sense of light he's captured, from the early morning sun in the background to the gondolas awakening in the foreground shade.

Tony is also painting a Mediterranean scene below. It's almost monochromatic, but highly detailed. And notice how he's already bringing in a touch of the complement of blue in the terra cotta pot accent.

We have a new catchphrase for the week, thanks to Ellen—just add a llama! That's right, when you don't know where to take your painting next, just add a llama. As you may recall, Ellen had previously painted a vacation memory of Machu Picchu, but was dissatisfied. Her solution? Just add a llama! However, now she's at a decision point—the llama makes it an entirely different painting. What to do? Change the color? the value? the texture? Come back and see what she decides!

Bill's painting of Bruges is also at a decision point. Everyone loves the building on the right, the soft sky, and the water. But Bill is vaguely dissatisfied with the main building to the left. Again, come back and see what happens after a few days of looking and thinking.

Closer to home is Bill's painting of the super moon over Chicago. The photo doesn't quite do it justice, but know that the sky is inkier, the moon glows and the buildings are perfectly illuminated by the lights of the city at night. It's gorgeous!

Hector continues on his series, exploring the use of wet-in-wet watercolor. Who would have thought his exploration below was based on a can of tea? Among other things, of course. We love the colors he's chosen and how he exploits the properties of water to achieve this rich, glowing painting.

And speaking about glowing things, Ken uses bright vibrant colors to achieve the effect. While this series may have been inspired by corn, it has moved to abstract shapes that glow and move and interact.

Rommel is doing one of our favorite exercises—the giant fruit—quite successfully, too. He's gotten the color and shape, not to mention the highlights!

Come join us!

Here are some ongoing exhibitions you don't want to miss.

Orange.  Bill and Madeleine are having an exhibit at Orange. Bill has watercolors; Madeleine has oils. Drop by for some food and some art, but hurry—February is ending soon!

      Where:
      Orange

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

     When:
     Ongoing through the end of February

 
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

DePaul Community Chorus
Here's a chance to hear Steve and the DePaul Community Chorus—FREE! The theme will be music celebrating the Protestant Reformation. Click the thumbnail at right for more information and watch for fundraising news—the concert is free, but the Chorus has to pay the orchestra!

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

     When:
     Sunday, March 19, 3pm

12 Notes/12 Artists
Erika is part of a group show where 12 artists paint their 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

See you next week!