December Demonstrator Jo Ellen Reinhardt

Our delightful December demonstration was Portrait and Still Life Artist Jo Ellen Reinhardt.  Her demonstration was to draw a charcoal portrait of her daughter as a live model. She gave the following guidelines as she drew her portrait:

 First, determine your composition: bust vs. full figure, skin vs. clothes, and the background. Positioning is also important.  For portraits, a frontal view is easier than a profile or ¾ view, which is the most challenging.  A helpful hint: Assume every line or mark is wrong, and you won’t be opposed to altering it. This helps you to let go, allowing you to erase and redraw instead of stubbornly trying to make it work.  Another mistake is not using (and keeping) a fine point. (Jo Ellen uses sandpaper affixed to a cutting board to sharpen her vine charcoal as she worked.)

Charcoal, chalk, and erasers are not the only tools.  Your brain is one too.  Artists tend to use the “Creative” right side of the brain versus the “Logical” or “Analytical” left side.  But with Portrait or Still Life, you should use both and try to see the math in the science of art. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by trying to capture the image as a whole, break the image down into patterns, shapes, geometry.  See the triangle shadow under the nose, while the shadow along cheekbone and jawline is a rhombus. To get the angles right: compare to a clock face or measure by the actual degree of the angle. Not a math fan? Use the alphabet instead:  pull out “S” shaped highlights in hair, recreate the “M” shape for lips.

Always start by measuring! Three methods are (1) relational measuring (using x & y axis), (2) comparative measuring (compare one part to another), and (3) proportional measuring (compare height to width).  Begin by marking where top and bottom line of head will be.  These give you reference marks with which to line up features. You may use a grid or cross to help map out the portrait. Using pencil and thumb as a measuring guide, extend your arm in front of you to “measure” the subject and to double check your progress on canvas.  Use other objects to measure the subject.  For example, the eye is width of eraser, or the nose is the length of thumbnail.  Mark the rough position of the top of head, bottom of chin, brow, eye, nose, and mouth.  . Placement of ears is crucial because that shows the viewer the position of head.  The top of the ear usually lines up with the top of the eyelid.  The bottom of the ear lines up with the bottom of mouth.  Faces break down into equal parts and measurements.  Helpful Hint: Lips are shaped like the letter “M”.  Mouth opening is horizontal with some curve. Also there is a shadow under the nose and bottoms of both upper and lower lip. Highlight the top of lower lip to help it “jut out”, giving it fullness and dimension. Area at the bottom and corners of the mouth has same value as skin underneath.

Symmetry is an essential factor for the beauty and accuracy of the portrait. The bottom of nose, middle line of lips, and the bottom of the chin are equal thirds.  The bottom of nose is about half way from eyebrow to chin. There is a similar amount of space from brow to hairline. As a general rule: Putting your thumb to your chin, the span of hand will reach hairline. A common mistake is to start the nose equal to iris or pupil.  It should actually be slightly higher. Eyes are generally in center of head.  Young and elderly subjects may be exceptions.  For very young children, the eyes are the largest and most noted feature. The average adult human eyeball has a 1 inch diameter, with a child’s being about 2/3 that size.  Measurement hint: the width of face is 5 “eyes” wide, with one “eye” between the eyes.  A common mistake is making too eyes too big. Eyebrows are uniquely shaped and help add definition to face/portrait.

A typical error is to use a circle for the head.  The human skull is rounded, but not perfectly round. Other common errors include using a hard outline around mouth, lips, and jaw.  Similarly the hair: no hard outline or it will look fake - like a bad wig.  These lines should be soft, especially around the temple.  Break curves down into points and connect the dots to create the proper slope for head, hairline, and jaw. Drop a plumb line to see how features line up and where.  Find the angles by simulating a clock face, e.g., 1 vs. 2 o’clock

Lighting can help define features or create effects.  You want strong lights and darks because shadow adds depth and fullness. The core of the shadow, the line where light meets dark, is incredibly important to still life and portrait art. First put in the darks, then add the highlights. Don’t  overuse white. And don’t use white for highlights in the hair. Instead use values of dark. You can use a kneaded eraser to lighten or pull out tones to create natural looking highlights. Typical highlights are bridge of nose, top of bottom lip and round of chin, and over eyebrow. There is order to how the light falls: where it hits first is lightest, everything will be a darker value. Determine which highlights are more important…too much and the face looks shiny.  And don’t use white for eyes or teeth. The “whites of the eyes” are not truly white.  Making eyes or teeth white is unnatural and will look it. Often the tint of the paper is sufficient for the middle tone.  Use the charcoal to shade or add curves, shadows, and depth. Use white for highlights – sparingly.  Keep charcoal and white chalk separate…don’t blend or mix the two because it will create a gray/muddy mess.   

Painting from a live model rather than by a photo yields a better result.  It helps capture the character or “essence” of your model.  An exception to this rule: when models, such as children or animals, tend to move.  It is also important to set up your own light source, because with natural light, the intensity and direction of the light changes and with it, the shadows. 

Composition is the key to a strong painting. Use of strong lights and darks in background, clothes, and subject will create a more dramatic and lifelike result.  For the demonstration, part of the dark shirt on the right side of the portrait was used to balance the dark length of her hair on the other. Keep in mind, too much detail can detract from the portrait, especially with patterns in backgrounds or clothes.  Knowing when the piece is done depends on the type of portrait…but don’t burn out or overwork it. Keep it simple.  Rather than draw each individual eyelash…sometimes a fuzzy line is better (for time management as well as artistic effect).

Jo Ellen Reinhardt is available for commissions and specializes in Adults, Children, Pets, Memorial, and Corporate Portraits.  Visit her website: www. JoEllenReinhardt.com or email her at joellenreinhardt@gmail.com for more information on Jo Ellen, her art, and workshops she offers.
-Meridith Whalen

November Demonstrator Lavonne Suwalski

Author: Meridith Whalen
I will admit…watercolors are not my forte…not even close.  That is why I was looking forward to our November Association meeting, featuring a watercolor demonstration by Copley Artist Lavonne Suwalski.  I was hoping to learn some tips and techniques, anything, to help improve my pitiful watercolor attempts.

Although I am a watercolor novice, I was relieved to note that mine was not the only jaw that dropped during the demonstration.  I knew to start out by wetting the watercolor paper, but Lavonne shocked us by completely soaking the page! She says she generally wets the page three times before she starts a watercolor painting.  I’m sensing a trend in these demos… the wetter the better! Recommended tip if you follow Lavonne’s very wet technique: place a towel under easel to catch the excess that drips from the paper, or use a plastic/rubber chair mat to protect a carpeted floor.

Lavonne’s favorite starting trick is to use blue painter’s tape to mask off a neat border for her painting, laying tape to completely cover the paper from the taped border out to the edge of the paper. This will protect the edges from errant strokes or drips and create a nice clean border for the piece, which then aids in framing.

Ms. Suwalski continued to stun the audience when she estimated that she paints approximately 500 pieces a year! The number seemed unrealistic until she explained that she frequently works on several paintings at once. Given her penchant for using an extremely wet page, she will stop several times while working on a piece.  Allowing time for the piece to dry helps to “control the chaos” and keep the paint from running too much or colors becoming muddy. She moves to a second, sometimes a third piece, then back to the first (and now) dry piece.

Watercolor artists can have a rather varied toolkit.  In addition to brushes, plastic cards or palette knives can be used to scrape and move the paint to create branches, fallen trees, rocks, or grasses. Sponges or tissue can be used to strategically lift color from the paper.  Be sure to turn the tissue to expose a clean section each time you touch it to paper, or you will smear the paint on the paper rather than lift it off.

The brushes themselves do not need to be limited to specific sizes, brands, or uses.  One of Lavonne’s favorites is the “Beste” One Stroke by Creative Mark available at Jerry’s Art-A-Rama.  A simple brush technique she applied to a beautiful wooded winter scene had numerous association members asking questions and taking pictures. Lavonne would tap her brush to speckle the paper with paint or water to create interesting (and totally envied!) effects for flowers, berries, rain, and snow.

Another technique Lavonne incorporates is to paint with water, drop the color in and rock the paper back and forth. This creates interesting results for backgrounds, especially for water, sky, and mountains.  “Dauby, dauby, dauby…” Lavonne wasn’t sure of the spelling of the fun (and catchy) little phrase, but used it throughout her demonstration.  “Dauby, dauby, dauby…” with the tissue here and we have nice puffy clouds. “Dauby, dauby, dauby…” with some dark paint on the brush and a line of trees appears.

Suwalski briefly discussed and described a transfer painting technique. In some of her classes, Lavonne employed a great technique to make creating the watercolors fun, quick, and easy!  To start, place the inspiration photo under/behind a piece of clear acrylic. Using watercolors, paint directly onto the acrylic to reproduce the image from your inspiration photo.  Once your image is ready for transfer, wet your watercolor paper, lay it over the painted acrylic, and press down firmly. Gently rub with your hand or roll a burnishing tool over it to be sure of the best transfer of color.  Gently peel paper from acrylic then let dry.  Both beginners and more experienced artists can apply and enjoy this simple technique!

Feeling intimidated? Lavonne suggests we “don’t look at it as painting a scene or object…see it as the movement of color across the page”.  She reminded us all that, in art and life, it’s usually best to just “keep it simple”.  Remove the pressure and the expectation, and just see what happens. For a really eye catching finishing technique use a polymer based gloss to add shine to (dry) watercolor paintings.

Thank you Lavonne, for a great demonstration - witty and inspiring! With your tips and techniques, I am actually looking forward to working with watercolors for the first time ever!

Visit her website for information about Lavonne herself, classes and workshops that she offers, and art for sale.  Links to view videos of Lavonne demonstrating her techniques are available on her website www.lavonnesuwalksi.com and also on the Holliston Cable Access Television website www.hcattv.org .

Contact Information for Lavonne Suwalski :

50 Walnut Road, Holliston, MA 01746 (Phone: 774-217-8718)

Email: suwalski@verizon.net   Website: www.lavonnesuwalksi.com

Franklin Art Show & Sale Nov. 24 & 25

The Franklin Art Association is holding it annual Art Show & Sale the weekend after Thanksgiving at Dean College's Student Center, Main Street, Franklin. Free Admission, Saturday Nov. 24, 11am-9pm, and Sunday, Nov. 25, 12pm-6pm. This is the perfect time to buy that special holiday gift.

Norwood Holiday Art Sale Nov. 10

The Norwood Art Assn will hold its Holiday Art Sale Saturday, Nov. 10, 10am - 2pm at the Civic Center, 165 Nahatan Street, Norwood. A wide selection of original art work, prints, photographs, and cards will be available for purchase as holiday gifts.

Saturday Reception at Walpole Library

Three members of the Foxboro Art Association are showing their work at the new Walpole Library, one block from the center of town, at the intersection of Stone and School Streets . The artists are pictured here, right to left, Kathy Hutchinson, Diane Scotti and Frank Quinn. More than 60 of their pieces are on display. The artists will host a reception this Saturday, Oct. 27, 12 - 2 pm. The public is invited to come and meet the artists. Light refreshments will be served.
By the way, the newly constructed Walpole Library, pictured to the left, offers a lovely exhibit space for local artists and/or members of the Foxboro Art Association, individuals or groups. Anyone interested in exhibiting there should contact Diane Scotti at lowercased@hotmail.com.

October 10 Demonstrator - Kim Weineck

Our originally scheduled demonstrator for October 10 meeting was Deb Friedman, color pencil artist.  Since the association did not have access to power point equipment, we were unable to accommodate Ms. Friedman’s power point based presentation.

Fortunately, our own Kim Morin Weineck was able step up at the last minute to provide an entertaining and educational presentation.  While possessing a talent for watercolors, when asked if she had a preferred medium Kim claimed oil paints and pastels.  Her humble admission of moving between the two mediums when she feels “stuck” got quite a few knowing chuckles. For our October meeting, Kim introduced us to the hybrid: using pastels on an oil underpainting.

Before she began, Kim recommended that the paper be pre-mounted on acid free foam core.  This step helps by not only providing a more stable “canvas” for the artist but also makes it an easier piece for the framer to manage.  Mrs. Weineck then demonstrated creating the oil underpainting from scratch.  As she painted, one association member asked if she always used a reference photo, or worked right out of her head.  Kim immediately waved her hands and replied, “Oh! I never do it out of my head!  I have such bad imagination!”  While this statement got quite a few laughs, it was surprising since her finished pieces show such beauty, talent and creativity.  The reference photo itself became another part of the night’s lesson. Kim, an artist as well as instructor, admitted it likely in the past that she’d recommend always using a high quality reference photo.  However, we all know rules were meant to be broken! For this demonstration Kim used a “lousy” reference photo with typical “errors” like poor lighting, low resolution, and cheap paper. She said she found that this actually helped her more, since it forced her “to be more creative, to take more risks”.

Mrs. Weineck provided numerous tips including diluting the oil paint with thinner.  This helps it to dry faster and can also create interesting effects as the paint runs and blends. However, we were reminded that the more thinner we use, the runnier –and therefore messier – the paint can become.  This technique could create wonderful results…or it can go horribly wrong!

 Kim finished her oil underpainting in time for intermission, allowing members to come up close to view and discuss.  After the break, Kim continued with pastel sticks on a “pre-baked” oil underpainting she had prepared ahead of time in order to have a dry base for the pastels.  Kim provided numerous helpful tips as she worked the various colors onto the painting in small, slashing, or broad strokes:

*Wearing disposable rubber gloves while working with pastels will keep hands clean.

*Using an alcohol based fixative helps keep the pastels from “dusting” or flaking

*While any alcohol will work, including vodka and gin, don’t waste “the good stuff” on fixative.

*Always test said fixative on scrap paper, not the work in progress, to see how it affects the color and consistency of the pastels.

A sincere thanks to Kim Weineck for her amusing, clever, and informative demonstration.  Her last minute save turned into quite a delight for us.  It is easy to see why her classes and art have such a loyal following! 

Kim Morin Weineck, artist and instructor, is the founder of Neponset Valley Artists.  Mrs. Weineck is a member of the Foxboro Art Association, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, and the Marion Art Center.  She is also a Juried Member of the Pastel Society of America. You can visit her website: http://kimmorinweineck.blogspot.com to find more information about Kim, including classes she offers and artwork for sale.

(Thanks to Meredith Whalen for this article.)

Ribbon Winners

Pictured above with Donna Maclure's watercolor painting "Tangled" is Judge Carole Berren and Show Coordinator Vera Cross. Ms. Berren awarded Donna's painting the "Best in Show" ribbon. Ms. Berren found it very difficult choosing among 111 beautiful pieces of art. Neverteheless, her are her final choices in each of the 4 media categories:

Watercolor: 1^st Daydre Hamilton, “Hog Heaven “

                        2^nd Leslie Berman, “Rocky Bottom “

                        3^rd  Brenda Hutchinson, “Strawberries in Crystal “

HM  Jerry Aissis, “Runners”

                        HM Karen Gordon, “Pears Reflecting “

                        HM Antonia Marshall, “Forgotten Dinghy” 

Oil/Acrylic:   1^st Vania Noverca-Viveiros, “Giving Thanks”

                        2^nd Laura Zanghetti, “Shoe Shopping”

                        3^rd Tony Donovan “Spanish Mission“

                        HM Lisa Bloom, “Radiant Peach”

                        HM Marilyn Healey, “Rainbow Bottles”

                        HM Ann Gorbett, “Summer Tans, 1950” 

Pastel:            1^st Kathy Hutchinson, “End of the Day “

                        2^nd Kim Weineck, “Summer Sky “

                        3^rd  Betty Brenton, “Swan River Sunset “

                        HM Diane Scotti, “Freeman’s Alley” 

Mixed Media: 1^st Christine Ravesi-Weinstein, “Ribbon”

                           2^nd Jack Gannon “Charleston Charm”

                           3^rd Nancy Antico “Wake Up Newport”

                          HM Rebecca Skinner “The Golden Hour “ 

BEST IN SHOW:  Donna MacLure, “Tangled”  (w.c.)

Last weekend, 194 ballots were cast by members of the public for their favorite pieces. As it turned out, the choice was clear and there were no hanging chads. The PEOPLE’S CHOICE was awarded to Laura Zanghetti's “Shoe Shopping”, shown above.

Thanks to all 56 members of the Foxboro Art Association who participated in this wonderful show, and to those members who worked at the gallery during the 2 weekends of the show. And special thanks to Vera Cross, Paula DePierro, Meredith Whalen and Frank Quinn who helped put the show together.

Reception Saturday 2-5 pm

A reception will be held for the 2012 Fall Members Show at the Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place, this Saturday, Oct. 13, 2-5 pm. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited. 111 works of art by 56 local artists will be on display until 6 pm Sunday, Oct. 14. Ribbons were awarded by our judge, Carole Berren, AWS. In addition, the public's many ballots will be counted Saturday and the announcement of the "People's Choice" award will be made during the reception.

Paintout Successful

Thanks to the many members who showed up Saturday, the Paintout drew a steady crowd into the Gallery who frequently voted for the "People's Choice" award. The weather was mostly sunny, although a bit windy, and the public seemed most appreciative of the artists' efforts. The People's Choice will be announced during the reception at the Gallery next Saturday (Oct. 13) 2-5 pm, along with the other ribbons awarded by judge Carol Berren.

Paintout Saturday Oct 6 1-5 PM

Members' Art Show

Friday evening, Oct. 6, kicked off the 2-weekends of the Members' Fall Art Show at the Artist's Studio & Gallery at Patriot Place. Some of the artists are pictured above sitting at the gallery Friday evening. This year the public is invited to vote on their favorite piece of art for a ribbon to be awarded as the "People's Choice", in addition to the ribbons to be awarded by judge Carol Berren later in the week. And with 110 pieces of art on display, it won't be easy. The ribbon winners will be revealed at the reception to be held next Saturday, Oct. 13, 2-5 pm. Light refreshements will be served and the public is invited.

Foxboro Art Association TV interview!

Check out this great video interview with our very own Frank Quinn and Jack Gannon talking all about The Foxboro Art Association and The Artist's Studio and Gallery at Patriot Place.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm9UwYgiC3w

Jack and Frank on the set.

Fall Members' Show Now

The Fall Members' Show is on display at the Artist's Studio & Gallery at Patriot Place for the first 2 weekends in October. Over 110 pieces in all media are being exhibited and the public is invited to vote for its favorite work of art, be it a painting, a photograph, or mixed media. A reception will be held on the second Saturday, Oct. 13, from 2-5 pm. Ribbons will be awarded and the public is invited.

Paintout Postponed One Week

Due to the rainy weather forecast, the paintout scheduled for this Saturday, Sep. 29, has been postponed to the following Saturday, Oct. 6. Hope you can make it!

Time to plan your submissions for the Fall Members Show

Once again this year's Fall Members' Show will be displayed at the Artist's Studio & Gallery at Patriot Place and will be on display the first two weekends in October -- Oct. 5-7 and Oct. 12-14. Each member can submit two works for a fee of $5 for each entry. And if you haven’t paid your dues yet, now is the time to do so. The artist's reception is planned for the second Saturday, Oct. 13, from 2-5. A judge will award ribbons in each media sometime before the second weekend and, for the first time, the public will also be asked to vote for "The People's Choice Award". All the ribbon winners will be recognized during the reception on Oct. 13.  The drop off of entries will be at the gallery on Thursday, Oct. 4, 3-7 pm. And the pick-up will be Sunday Oct 14 at 6-7pm or Monday, Oct. 15 3-5 pm. And as we did last year, the members will be asked to help cover the gallery and greet the public for 4-hour shifts both weekends. The more the merrier!  And just so you know, the first Sunday of the exhibit (Oct. 7) will coincide with a 4:15 Patriots football game against the Denver Broncos. But no Patriot games are scheduled for Gillette Stadium the second weekend.  As usual, the forms are included with this newsletter and will also be available at the September 12 meeting. Feel free to e-mail Frank Quinn with any questions at fxquinn@yahoo.com.

Adams Farm Paintout Sep. 8

On Saturday, September 8, a Plein Air Paint Out will take place at Adams Farm, 999 North Street, Walpole, MA. The raindate will be the following day, Sunday, Sep. 9. The event, coordinated by JT Harding, will run from 10 am to 5 pm and is open to all artists using any painting medium (pastel, oil, watercolor or acrylic) for an entry fee of $30, half of which will go to the Farm and half will go to that painting judged the Best in Show. With over 700 acres of beautiful farmland, artists are guaranteed to be inspired to create something special. At the end of the day, guest juror William St. George, a Walpole resident and renowned artist, will award the grand prize to the best in the show, including a one-year membership to the Friends of Adams Farm. As an additional bonus, half of the $30 entry fee will support the Friends of Adams Farm in their mission to preserve this bucolic farmland for future generations to enjoy. Bring your painting supplies, lunch, plenty of water and bug spray.

Due to parking restrictions, registration is limited to the first 40 artists who pre-register. For more information and to pre-register, visit www.adamsfarmpaintout.blogspot.com or contact JT Harding at 508-404-5883 or jt@jtharding.com. For information on guest juror William St. George, visit www.stgeorgegallery.com.

Paintout Saturday Sep. 29

We are having another Paint Out outside the Artist's Studio & Gallery at Patriot Place – maybe our last one until the Spring. If you missed our last Paint Out, you won't want to miss this one. Mark your calendar for Saturday September 29th 1pm to 5pm (rain date is Saturday October 6th same time). What is a Paint Out? A group of artists coming together to paint outdoors. It is free for both the artists and the spectators. At our last two Paint Outs (March & June) we had approximately 30 artists and hundreds of spectators. If you bring an easel you may want to bring an empty gallon jug too, which you can fill with water at the gallery, to weigh down your easel in case it gets windy. Our art gallery is located two doors down from Dunkin Donuts near Davio’s, Bar Louie’s, Skipjack’s, and Tastings. Spread the word and tell your friends about this fun event. And if it rains, we will do it the following Saturday.

Morini Gallery Photography Exhibit

The next art exhibit at the Morini Gallery in Mansfield, MA, Frame Of Mind, will run from September 8th to September 29th. MMAS invites photography for the exhibit from local photographers that “evokes emotions and may have faces that express visual emotions or tells a story with the use of light and shadows”. There is an entry fee of $7 per piece if not a member of MMAS or the Mansfield Artist Association. ($5 for members) A limit of three entries per artist. All works must be framed and have a wire on the back. Artists must submit entries September 4th & 5th.

Vera Cross at Patriot Place

Fresh off her cataract surgery, 87 year-old Vera Cross (pictured above) is displaying her exquisite watecolors at the Artist's Studio & Gallery at Patriot Place the first two weekends in August. If you haven't seen her work, you are in for a real treat. The Gallery is located behind the movie cinema, near Skipjack's, 2 doors down from Dunkin Donuts. It is open Thursday 3-6 pm (during the nearby Farmer's Market), Fridays 5-9 pm, Saturdays 1-9 pm, and Sundays 12-6 pm. Also appearing the first weekend in August is Giselle Gill, a Foxboro resident, known for her large and colorful Carribean paintings. Seven other members of the Foxboro Art Association also display their work every weekend. If you are in the neighborhood, drop by and meet Vera and Giselle and view some beautiful art, all created by members of the Foxboro Art Association.

Fall Members' Show

Once again this year's Fall Members' Show will be displayed at the Artist's Studio & Gallery at Patriot Place and will be on display for the first two weekends in October, Oct. 5-7 and Oct. 12-14. Each member is allowed to submit two works for a fee of $5/entry. The artist's reception is tentatively planned for the second Saturday, Oct. 13, from 2-5. A judge will award ribbons in each media some time between the first and second weekend and the public will be asked to vote for "The Peopl's Choice Award" which will then be announced during the reception on Oct. 13. The drop off will be Thursday, Oct. 4, 3-7 pm. And pick-up will be Sunday Oct 14 at 6-7pm or Monday, Oct. 15 3-5 pm. Members will be asked to help cover the gallery and greet the public for 4-hour shifts both weekends. The more the merrier! Just so you know, the first Sunday of the exhibit (Oct. 7) will coincide with a 4:15 Patriots football game against the Denver Broncos. But there are no football games scheduled for the second weekend. As usual, the forms will be mailed out with the September newsletter and made available at the September 12 meeting. Feel free to e-mail Frank Quinn with any questions at fxquinn@yahoo.com.