“Just Add Water”
Clockwise from top left: “El Rincon Adobe” by Chuck Crotser, “Fog Rising in Mystic” by Pamela Haste, “Gone Fishing” by Shirley Horacek, “Water Buffalo and Friends” by Leslie Parsons, “Foggy Valley” by Sarah Delong, and “View From Green Valley Road” by Larry Kappen
Though subject and style vary, this exhibition celebrates six accomplished local watercolorists and their devotion to this time-honored tradition. Come and experience the ethereal qualities of this immersive medium in our upcoming show… “Just Add Water”
Exhibit runs through November 28th
Artists’ Statements:
Chuck Crotser
“My paintings begin with a rather preliminary sketch of an idea, taking into account basic composition, shapes and values. However, when painting with watercolor, I enjoy letting the watercolors lead the way. Because I usually mix most of my colors on the paper, I continually enjoy the unexpected. Painting for me is ‘experimental play’.”
Pamela Haste
“The six paintings […] I painted from sketches. Many of the sketches were completed on plein-air paint outs and at least one painting was painted plein-air. I try to capture my feelings about the subjects, the story, the light, and atmosphere of the day. I like the wet, transparent vibrant quality of watercolor and prefer to wet the paper before I start and hope to work with the spontaneous nature of watercolors to express my feelings about the scene and beauty around us. I sometimes use sticks, old credit cards or other implements when painting.”
Shirley Horacek
“This exhibit represents three types of my explorations with watercolor. Each painting emphasizes my love of texture and color as well as pushing the boundaries with the addition of collage.”
Leslie Parsons
“I do almost all of my watercolors on Yupo. Yupo is like ‘hot press’ paper, only more so. It’s extremely slick, and it’s not paper at all. It’s polypropylene plastic. When you paint on it, it has no ‘tooth’ so it doesn’t absorb the paint. The paint dries only by evaporation. Because of the way the paint flows on the surface, Yupo lends itself to subjects that are organic or have movement such as florals or trees or animals. It also works well for portraits, surprisingly!”
Sarah Delong
“I have worked in watercolors for over 35 years, and I am in my element painting outside near a rushing Colorado stream or sitting on a dock in a harbor. I’m mainly a landscape painter but have painted people, animals, and flowers. Watercolor has allowed me to have a loose realistic interpretation of a subject. I love the transparent and glowing colors one can create with watercolor when they are mixed on paper.”
Larry Kappen
“I have always equated painting in watercolor with creating and playing my own game. While building each image within the whole, I contemplate each move, each decision, carefully selecting each exact value, texture and color that will result in a successfully finished work. I began this series this summer while revisiting locations around San Luis Obispo where I had painted before, but in acrylic. This time, working in watercolor, I hoped to see the places again, but in a fresh new way, and I did.”
The artist reception is this Saturday from 2-4pm. Come meet the artists behind these aqueous works!
Holiday Treasure Stroll – Call for Artists
We are looking for artists to participate in an Art Walk with the businesses of Monterey Street! Our goal is to draw a crowd to our section of Monterey SLO, while highlighting local artists and craftspeople to sell local handmade gifts for the holidays. The event will be held on Saturday, December 3rd from 4pm -7pm. Please contact us if you are interested and we will try to match you with a business.
Some of the businesses are looking for a “pop-up” display, where you will sell your art just for that evening, and other businesses are looking for art to hang on their walls for the month of December. Please e-mail us at artcentralSLO@yahoo.com and let us know which option you prefer. Please be sure to include images of your art and write “TREASURE STROLL” in the subject line. Please also let us know if you are willing to be outside (if you’re doing a pop-up), as not all businesses have room inside their establishments.
Upcoming Classes & Workshops
Please remember that we have a small parking lot. If you are attending one of our demonstrations or workshops, and it is not a physical hardship for you, please park on one of the nearby side streets. We appreciate your consideration.
For more info on each class, click on “click here” button for more info about each class, or click on the class title which will take you to our calendar!
R&F Pigment Stick FREE Demo with Caryl St. Ama
Explore traditional and alternative ways to paint with oil with R&F Pigment Sticks! In this free demo with Caryl St. Ama, you’ll learn what pigment sticks are, ways to use them, health and safety considerations and more.
This is a free demo; however you MUST reserve your spot in advance by sending us an email (artcentralslo@yahoo.com)
When: Today! 11am-1pm
Fun Frames with the Family, Halloween! with Spencer Collins
When: Sunday, October 30th, 1pm-2pm
Ages: 5-11
Journey into Making Journals with Ardella Swanberg
When: Saturday, November 5th, 1:30pm-4pm
Ages: 16+
Homeschool Art Sessions with ArtSocial805
Know anyone that homeschools? Help us spread the word about these awesome classes offered in our studio by ArtSocial805!
Segment 2 is now in session!
K-4th grade meets 11am-12:30pm
5th-12th grade meets 1pm-2:30pm
Recurring Classes
Beyond the Basics Watercolor with Virginia Mack
When: Wednesdays, 10:30am-12:30pm
Ages: 16-100
Watercolor Without Fear with Virginia Mack
When: Wednesdays, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Ages: 16-100
Intro to Oil Painting with Spencer Collins
When: Thursdays, 10am-1pm
Ages: 16+
Art Exploration for Kids with Spencer Collins
When: Thursdays, 2pm-3pm
Ages: 5-11
Beginning Drawing for Kids with Spencer Collins
When: Thursdays, 3:30pm-5pm
Ages: 8-13
Are you participating in Inktober? We’d love to see your ink!
Please send images to us to include in our next blog post! Email them to artcentralSLO@yahoo.com
Local Art News
Trick-Or-Treat Kids‘ Craft Corner – Art Center Morro Bay
Head down to Morro Bay on Saturday, October 29th for some trick-or-treat fun!
Art Center Morro Bay will be participating in this fun downtown event with a kids’ craft corner on their patio, organized by Shannon Larson with plenty of treats. Bring the family to this safe and fun filled event!
Plein Air Coastal Artists – Art Center Morro Bay
Join Art Center Morro Bay’s casual group of plein air painters on Wednesdays! This is a self-directed fun group of dynamic artists who enjoy painting and sketching outdoors. The group meets at pre-determined locations each week.
Next meeting is Wednesday, November 2nd
For more information, contact: Kirsti Wothe, Director of Adult Education at Art Center Morro Bay
(805) 996-0937 or mrswothe@yahoo.com
Winter Faire and Crafts – Call for Artists – Art Center Morro Bay
This special holiday event is open to all artists, providing an opportunity to exhibit paintings, photography, sculpture, and fine crafts.
This fine art exhibit is designed for customers who are holiday shopping and looking for special gift ideas!
Take-In: November 8th, 10am – 2pm
