Halloween ghoulishness is behind us, and now we’re thinking about all the wonderful things that go hand-in-hand with crisp air and falling leaves… Crackling fires, hot mulled cider, pumpkin pies, jingle bells? Cozy up in your studio, find your zen and paint!
Need inspiration?
Please check out all the wonderful ways to get inspired in this week’s blog…
Stroll around our gallery and enjoy our current exhibit “Just Add Water”! Maybe check out one of our workshops for a bit of creative stimulation? If that doesn’t motivate you, maybe one of our yummy clearance items will strike a chord with your creative heartstrings? Or how about the thought of exhibiting in either our “Little Treasures” show or participating in the Monterey Street “Holiday Treasure Stroll”? Or… just paint because it makes you feel good!
“Just Add Water”
Clockwise from top left: “Tyger, Tyger” by Leslie Parsons, “Laguna Lake Springtime” by Chuck Crotser, “Let’s Fish” by Pamela Haste, “Gone Fishing” by Shirley Horacek,”View From Green Valley Road” by Larry Kappen, and “Foggy Valley” by Sarah Delong
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.”
Get ‘Em Before They’re Gone!
Our clearance selection is SO enticing! Stock up – Awesome deals on NuPastel individual sticks, Signet Natural Hog Bristle brushes, and select 4oz Piñata inks. We also just got in another BIG delivery of closeout pads – some great stuff, check it out!
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 area of Monterey Street in 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.
Virtual Gallery
by: Roxanne Rogoway
Mixed media collage (watercolor, pen, acrylic, charcoal) on watercolor paper
It was a great demo!
Last Friday we hosted Caryl St. Ama for a demo on R&F pigment sticks. Attendees had a blast learning all the different uses for pigment sticks and experimenting with the product themselves!
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!
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!
Remaining classes for segment 2: Monday Nov 7th, 14th 1pm-2:30pm
(Segment 3 begins January 9th)
Recurring Classes
Watercolor Without Fear with Virginia Mack
When: Wednesdays, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Ages: 16-100
Local Art News
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
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 9th
For more information, contact: Kirsti Wothe, Director of Adult Education at Art Center Morro Bay
(805) 996-0937 or mrswothe@yahoo.com
Storage for Large Paper Sheets for Sale!
3’9″ width x 34″ depth x 3′ height
Asking price is $350
Contact Karen at (805) 801-8702
