Kevin Macpherson Plein air convention 2018
In April, I traveled with 2 friends to the Plein Air convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I enrolled in a 1 1/2 day pre-convention workshop, taught by landscape artist, Kevin Macpherson. He helped me become aware of aspects of painting, that were in the back of my mind, but he was able to put my thoughts, into words. Kevin emphasized that color, value, line and shape are the essential elements of a good painting.
He said, landscapes can be complex. Try to simplify your paintings to a few shapes, then paint those shapes, not things.
In addition he said, plein air painting is being connected to the scene in front of you and being in the present moment…Challenge yourself to see things differently than you have in the past because change is important…Think about what inspires you the most and put that in your work….. Create a style for yourself….Know what you like to paint and…Push yourself to do what you fear most.
Reflective light can be colorful but it is still dark. Don’t change the values drastically, in the light or the darks. Do not get too dark in lights or too light in the darks. Keep your lights, light, and notice the warm and cool grays. He ended by advising us to approach every painting anew.
It was a great experience and I look forward to challenging myself and putting some of these ideas into my future paintings.
These are the thoughts that I didn’t know where to put.
“Simplify light or dark same Turn on the light in your painting.
value comlementry colors”
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Yana Golikova
We had the privilege to have Yana as our demonstrator on Friday. Yana specializes in representational painting with her primary subject Still Lifes. Her work includes figure, portraits and landscapes. Her formal training is from the Art Students League in New York.
Visit www.yanagolikova.com for more information. She is a member of the American Artists Professional League and the National Art League. Her work can be found in numerous private collections. Among her awards are the Joan Tait Scholarship, Art Students League; the Mastery & Artistry Award, International Festival at the High Line Gallery, New York; and the Copper Beech Foundation Award, 36th Annual Open Juried Show.
Below are photos of the still life finished and in progress also some of her paintings that she brought to the demo.
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30-DAY CHALLENGE
The end is near. The challenge has been met and answered. Three of our members- me, Donna Rollins, and Louise DeFazio, took up the gauntlet and did the Art League and ourselves proud. I must say, for me it was harder than I expected, but that was my own fault. I did not follow my advice—be prepared! My prep-time slipped away from me (easily done) as I was in Hawaii the two weeks before the start, returning October 1st.
The idea was to do a piece of art everyday for thirty days. It would take a bit of pre-planning: choosing and preparing sizes of paper/canvas, setting out some ideas of what to create, having supplies on hand for a 15 minute sketch or a 2 hour work. I needed to make some of these decisions beforehand. Naturally, I planned to get everything ready before I left for vacation, but didn’t.
Every few days Donna, Louise and I would email each other the paintings we had done the days before. Sometimes we told the backstory to the painting, other times the difficulties we faced or the solutions we found. Our fellow challenge-compatriots gave praise, encouragement, and the proverbial pat-on-the-back.
For me, while not having a theme or photos at the ready, I did finish a number of paintings that were sitting in a pile calling out to me. I cheated a bit and used my class work on challenge days. “I am creating art today,” I cried as I lamely excused myself. By the last two weeks I was scrambling for time and a subject to paint.
My unrealistic goal was to paint every morning upon getting dressed. Reality was that too many other responsibilities got in the way, not every day, but often enough. Not having a subject planned ahead of time each day created a barrier that was often too high to get over. Not preparing paper and having everything ready in my art space did not add to success but gave me another obstacle to overcome each day. Foolish me, not to have followed my own advice when throwing out the challenge.
Next time—and there will be a next time, I will be prepared and ready. Just having to think about what to paint everyday gave me the impetus to get in there. Knowing I was letting down my mates made the most difference. Thank you, ladies. Come Spring I’ll be challenging the rest of you and picking up the glove, too.
Suzanne McVetty
Suzanne McVetty’s Paintings
Louise DeFazio
Donna Rollins
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Fall Workshop,Written by Suzanne McVetty
Forget the high winds, torrential rain, and street floodings, the attendees were in another world at the ALNC Fall Workshop with Jessica Henry. Thirteen artists faced the rain and joined together at the Clinton G. Martin Recreation Center on Sunday, October 29th.
Jessica taught and demonstrated how to create a good still life composition. She came to each participant and helped them individually build a still life from the myriad choices of objects, fruits, and vegetables available. Suzanne McVetty, workshop coordinator, gathered seasonal gourds and squashes; the more traditional lemons, limes, apples, and peppers; along with beets, radishes and carrots in full leaf. Keeping an eye out for texture, color, shape, and size, Suzanne scoured her home and surprised herself with how many objects she collected for the workshop and can now use for her own future still lifes.
Engrossed in painting, the artists hardly stopped for lunch, let alone noticed it was pouring rain outside. Jessica was impressed with their dedication, overall artistic abilities, and enthusiasm. After the demonstration and set ups, Jessica spent the day coming to each person, offering suggestions, making the rounds six or seven times.
Mother Nature showed her true stripes again on the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. While not quite the same strength, it was the first winter-ish storm heralding colder temperatures. The Fall Workshop was the ideal place to spend quality time together doing what they love.
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Five members of the Art League will be exhibiting their work at the beautiful gallery of the Shelter Rock Unitarian Church
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Fall Artists’ Retreat
Spending a few days away from chores and responsibilities at home and at work to be immersed in art is rejuvenating. Just ask any of the seven artists and two non-artist spouses who came together at the Greenvile Arms in the Catskills this past September week. Owners and hosts Kim and Mark ____ made it easy for us. The group gathered in the parlor before our home-cooked dinner to get to know each other and find out what each had in mind for our stay. Kim offered a post-dinner slide show on the porch so we could see what the many different plein air sites nearby offered. No matter where we chose to go, Kim had large printed directions ready for us the following morning. The grounds of Olana, Frederick Church’s home, was an easy first choice. High a top a hill, Church built a beautiful Byzantine mansion and we painted his spectacular view of the Hudson River and the distant blue mountains.
We were not the only visitors to Greenville during Retreat Week. Artists came from Florida, from Texas, and the northeast to take a respite from life-as-usual and enjoy the amenities at the Inn. For some having access to an excellent studio 24/7 was all they needed, others painted en plein air as we did. On day two I canvassed our comrades for their favorite site and our group then drove through rolling farm land to Rensselaerville and Huyck Preserve and Falls. This cascading waterfall is three- levels high. Most sat at the base to paint the moving waters as the sunlight glittered through the trees. Others chose to paint at the lake in town, a watershed and reserve for the local water supply, with a rocky shore surrounded by maples and birch trees.
On day three, a few of us stopped on the ride home to visit another Hudson River School Painter’s home, that of Thomas Cole. Cole came to the region early in his career, married a local girl, and never left. This was her families’ home in Catskill, built in 1815. From the deep porch you can see a long vista of mountains, and at one time Catskill Lake, now hidden by trees. Cole’s original studio is filled with his painting instruments and easels where he created huge masterpieces using the surrounding countryside to place his subjects. Bringing things full circle, Frederick Church was one of his students and Cole was his mentor.
Sights, sounds, history and the Catskill countryside made this Retreat into something more than an escape. It was a true appreciation for our nearby Catskill Mountain Region from the eyes of an artist past and present. Those attending: Tim and Lila Chui, Don and Joan Huber, Janis Weissman, Virginia Edele, Margo Vignola, Grace Su, and Suzanne McVetty.
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Linda Ruden will have 3 shows coming up, below, is the information.
The Colors Of Cuba
April 7 may 17
Opening reception Thursday April 14 6-8
Creative Arts Center
256 Sea Cliff Avenue
Sea Cliff ny 11579
Works on Paper
The Paper Trail
May1 - May 17
Reception
May 1 12-4
Roslyn Village Gallery
21 Main Street
Roslyn Ny 11576
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One of our members,Lisa Argentieri gets her painting on the cover of Dan’s Paper
Dan’s Papers saw her website and selected this acrylic painting. It’s actually small, 7″x7″ canvas! She painted it without using any preliminary drawing, using a palette knife.
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Four of our Members will be having a group show at the Barnes Gallery. Located at 2 Nassau Blvd., Garden City South, NY 11530
The members are Grace Su, Virginia Edele, Vivian Hershfield and Suzanne McVetty.
The reception is 4/2/2016 from 5:30-7:30, there will be refreshments and live entertainment.
The show will be at the Barnes Gallery from 4/1/2016 to 4/29/2016.
All are welcome.
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ALNC Spring Show Locust Valley Library 2016
Yesterday was the reception at the Locust Valley Library. As usual we had our talented artists put excellent paintings in the show. We all had wonderful chats with our friends and then Suzanne gave out the awards.
For more information about the winners and photos, click here.
Winners
Margo Vignola - Best In Show
Nancy Wernersbach - Award of Excellence
Shawn Sullivan Merit
Virginia Uvino Merit
laura Stevens Special Award
Vivian Hershfield Special Award
Carol Bruder - Merit Honorable Mention
Tony LaMarca - Merit Honorable Mention
Gustavo Rodriguez - Merit Honorable Mention
Below are a few photos taken by Lisa, thank you.
From top to bottom, Vivian, Nancy, Gia, Carol, Nancy and Raymond and group shot of Carol, Vivian, Arlene and Pat.
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Space is available, if you are interested, in joining a few like minded people for one week of art and culture in southwestern France, near Toulouse and Bordeaux. ALNC Member Anny Lamister, a French native, has the place to stay, but needs others to share the cost. ASAP Contact Anny Lamisfer : [email protected]
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One of our members will be having a solo exhibition.
Dr. Norma Jabin will have a solo exhibit of her paintings at the Seaford Library for the month of December.
2234 Jackson,Seaford
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Art Exhibition and Reception at the
Barnes Gallery, Garden City
The Art League of Nassau County and the Barnes Gallery of Garden City joined in an exhibition and sale of fine art in the galley. Over 50 artists are represented. The exhibition and sale will run through August 29th. On July 11th the Gallery hosted a gala catered reception.
The mission of the Art League is support for our members’ art activities. And in addition, we like to have fun together. Thanks to the Barnes Gallery for showing our work, making sales possible and hosting a lovely reception. We had a great time.
PLEIN AIR EVENT OLD WESTBURY GARDENS
The Old Westbury Gardens “Paint Out” artists faced some rough weather conditions this past weekend but created many outstanding paintings depicting the beautiful scenery and flowers of the Gardens. Those paintings done “en plein air” as well as many other works by our members will be on display near the gift shop in the mansion for the month of July.
Old Westbury Gardens is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most beautiful places on Long Island.
For location, visiting hours and other information on Old Westbury Gardens, please visit: www.oldwestburygardens.org
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Members News
Arlene Fiorella, Nancy Fabrizio, Vivian Hershfield, Nancy Wernersbach and Margo Vignola will exhibit their paintings at the Rockville Centre Library, from June 2-June 29. The Reception is Saturday June 6, from 1:15 to 3:15. All are invited. 221North Village Ave., Rockville Centre NY. 11570 516-766-6257.
Grace Su, R.Linda Levy and Julius Grill are exhibiting at the Barnes Gallery from May 1-May31. Reception is Saturday May 9, from 5:30-7:30PM. 2Nassau Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530. 516-538-3503.
Carol Bruder, Mun Hee Park and Rosanne Kaloustian will exhibit at the Locust Valley Library for the month of June. 170 Buckram Rd., Locust Valley,NY 11560. 516-671-1837
Nancy Wernersbach and Lisa Argentieri have their work on display as part of the May Flowers 2015 show at Campari Restaurant from May 6-May16. Reception May 16, from 8-11pm. 225 Main St., Northport, NY 11768. 631-757-6700
Suzie Alvey and Thea Zavala will exhibit at the Merrick Library for July and August. Reception Saturday June 13, from 1-3pm. http://www.merricklibrary.org
Lisa Argentieri’s painting “Waiting” previously exhibited and won award at ALNC was selected for the BWAC international show: May 9-June 14. Reception: May 17th at 1pm. 499 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231. She was also featured in Anton Newspapers in May.
Suburban Art League co sponsored with the Town of Oyster Bay, will be holding an open show with over $1,000.00 in cash and prizes.
Reception Awards and Critique, Tuesday June 23, 2015, 7pm
For more information contact Tony LaMarca 516-334-2551 or check the website http://www.suburbanart.org
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Queen of Angels Church,
Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside
Art Fair sponsored by Sunnyside Artist league
June 7, from 12-5PM
One of our members will be there, Arlene Fiorella
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Artists and Art Lovers
We invite you to join
The Art League of Nassau County
“Paint Out”
at
Old Westbury Gardens
71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY 516-333-0048 www.oldwestburygardens.org
Artists please email: [email protected] for information & entry form
Deadline for entry: June 19th, 2015
Free OWG Entry for participating ALNC Members & Associates-Become one Today! www.artleagueofnc.org
Saturday June 27th, 10am-4pm Raindate Sunday, June 28th
Reception & Silent Auction: Sunday, June 28th, 3 to 5pm
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Friday night 3/27, the Art League of Nassau was very privliged to have Ron Silverman as our demonstrator. Ron is a very accomplished artist, he showed us how he starts his painting. He takes great care in viewing his subjects and measuring their precise features.
Ron gives portrait classes at National Art League on Monday Evening.
Photos by Suzie Alvey
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Barnes Gallery
2 Nassau Blvd, Garden City South, NY 11530
(516) 538-4503
APRIL 1 - APRIL 30, 2015
Carol Bruder, Julius Grill and Linda Shedlock have come together to form this very talented group. Together they have 56 oil paintings from landscapes, seascapes, florals, commissioned portraits and so much more.
ARTIST’S OPENING RECEPTION
SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2015
from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
LIVE JAZZ by Tim Siciliano and Company
DELICIOUS FOOD by Prime Fine Catering
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The Golden Gallery of the Glen Cove Senior Center
Pressents
An Exhibit of Painting by Anthony LaMarca
Artist’s Reception Thursday, April 2, at 1PM
Glen Cove Senior Center, 130 Glen St., Glen Cove, NY 11542 516-759-9610
The Public is Cordially Invited
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ALNC is having there Spring members show at the beautiful community room at the Shelter Rock Library. The reception was last Sunday. If you missed the reception the paintings will still be up till the end of April. It is an outstanding show, many excellent paintings are displayed. Below are the winners of the show.
Best in Show-Shawn Sullivan
Award of Excellence- Vivian Hershfield
Award of Merit-Virginia Uvino and R. Michael Paisley
Special Award-Carol Bruder and Nancy Wernersbach
Honorable Mentions- Paul David Elsen
Gus Rodriguez
Charles Santopadre
Linda Shedlock
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Vivian Hershfield will have 1 painting at a gallery in Manhattan.
This show is called Immagini:Image of Italy
The gallery is located a 109 Norfolk St, New York
212-260-8110 Artists Reception at the gallery on Saturday afternoon, March 28, 4-7pm
The below painting was selected for the show.
Carol Bruder one of our past president has displayed her paintings at the Berger Gallery for the month of February.
Below is a little about Carol’s feeling about her painting and art.
I am moved more by color and movement of color and light in a painting,
than by anything else. My paintings are realistic and impressionistic with
lots of color. Painting landscapes is my favorite, but I will do a portrait or
still life and black and white drawings occasionally. I work in oils and
sometimes with acrylic.
Carol is a former president of the Art League of Nassau County.
We are very fortunate to call Carol one of our members as an artist and as a contributing board member
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Barnes Gallery is pleased to announce “A Brush With Nature”
A BENEFIT EXHIBITION FOR AUTISM by Long Island Artist Noel Darvie
This art show will benefit the NASSAU/SUFFOLK SERVICES FOR AUTISM.
This non-profit organization is dedicated to the education and treatment of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
“A Brush With Nature” will be on view from March 3rd through March 31st, 2015.
Noel Darvie’s original oil painting “Central Park Boat House” and custom frame donated by Barnes Gallery will be raffled off. All proceeds from this raffle will be donated to Nassau/Suffolk Services For Autism. Tickets are on sale.
Barnes Gallery will hold the Artist’s Opening Reception on Saturday March 7th, 2015 from 5:30 pm through 8:30 pm. Food and Refreshments will be served.
During the Opening Reception we will hold a 50/50 raffle in which 50% of the proceeds will be donated to NSSA and 50% will go to the winner.
Barnes Gallery is located at Two Nassau Blvd, Garden City South, New York 11530
For information please call 516-538-4503