Art League Workshop with Robert Liberace

So I had blast in Virginia this past weekend studying with Robert Liberace.  He's a fantastic teacher and a warm personality.  The three day workshop focused on portraits of children and young people.  We had the pleasure of painting is 5 nieces (sisters all with names starting with the letter V), and they were wonderful models!  I'd love to share some of the workshop demo pictures, but I didn't catch whether I was allowed to or not, so to be on the safe side I'll just send you to Rob's site to see his work.  I wish I had a better set up for photographing my work, but here's here's a look at the pieces I saved from the three days (I wiped away a few paintings as I only had 4 canvases with me :-()

Day 1 -- Vonya

On day one we watched Rob do a demo on drawing, massing in the shadow shapes, and then using just a few pigments to create the form.  Then we did a few quick 20 minute sessions of just drawing the form and massing in the shadow shapes with burnt umber.  Next we worked on a "complete" piece using the limited palette.  My painting of Vonya consists of 5 pigments -- burnt umber, terra rosa, yellow ocher, titianium white, and the tiniest touch of cad red light in the lips.

Day 2 -- Vayla

So on day two I missed the most important 1st hour of class because I was stuck in Virginia/DC traffic!  I played  catch up for the rest of the session, but it still turned out okay!   I wiped away my first Day 2 painting and forgot to take a picture -- goldfish brain induced by two children and much stress :-)  So this is my afternoon painting with a full palette.  This is a different way for me to paint because my initial training is much more color based than value based, so I really learned a lot and now have multiple approaches to draw from.

Day 3 -- Valeria

On day three we got right to work, so this painting of Valeria has another hour or so of work put into it than the other two.  We had the option to watch paint individual features during some of the twenty minute sessions instead of working on our own pieces, and I definately took advantage.  He demo'd an eye, a nose, and a mouth -- it was pretty amazing to watch -- I took pictures, and I'm hoping I remember everything he talked about as he worked.  I was struck by the ease with which he painted and the precision of his brushstroke. 

I also had a wonderful time talking to fellow artists and was encouraged by a number of them who make a living as artists.   And the Art League in VA -- whoa what a place!

NYS Artist Resources

I had attended a wonderful one-on-one business consultation last night sponsered by NYFA at Hallwalls.  I had the pleasure of learning more about the art business from Bruce Adams and Adam Weekly.  I also met Amy Greenan, whose work I greatly admire.  I feel like I had a million other questions I could have asked so I really hope they offer this opportunity again!  The meeting also encouraged me to continue on with a more conceptual line of paintings I've been working on... look for more to come on that!

Chimneys in the Cobblestone District

I painted this on site after reading about the possible demolition of this building.  It is 120 South Park Ave.  and dates back to the end of the Canal Era in Buffalo  It would really be a shame to see it come down seeing as Buffalo is trying to recreate the "Erie Canal days" just 3 blocks away.  For more read http://www.buffalorising.com/2010/09/urgent-opportunities-the-list.html.  I have painted Illinois Street around the corner as well, and if my research is correct, this area used to be a very modern steam bakery back in 1871.  I'm really hoping we don't loose this one!

Chimneys in the Cobblestone District
Acrylic on Canvas
20x20

Store at the Corner of High and Genesse

 Store at the Corner of High and Genesee
Oil on Canvas
30 x 40

I've been working on this studio piece for the last month or so.  It's a little bit tighter than how I usually work, but overall I'm please with the result.  The history of 630 High Street in Buffalo is really cool.  It was rebuilt in 1911 after the original J.M. Brecker and Compay burned down.  The new store on the East Side purported to be thoroughly modern.  As an interesting side note - the silent partner in this store was a bowling on the greens world champion and had a popular song about the sport.  The building is currently on the city's demoliton list.  This painting will be on display at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society October - December 2010 along with some great historical articles and pictures related to the site.

Tracks at Standard Elevator; Red Pepper, White Asparagus, and Artichoke Hearts

I've been busy this week.  Along with figure drawing and plein air painting, I finished up two pieces.  I apologize in advance for the quality of the photos -- a new camera is on my wish list as is the money to pay a professional to shoot the finished pieces.

Tracks at Standard Elevator

Oil on Canvas

30x24

(Going to auction at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society for Paint the Town on September 23rd)

Red Pepper, White Asparagus, and Articoke Hearts

Oil on Ampersand Gessoboard

7x5

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Welcome!

Hello.  The purpose of this blog is to document both my work and, very occasionally, my thoughts on art.  I'm an emerging artist in the Buffalo/Niagara region of New York and am looking forward to sharing my work with you.  My goal is to present a new painting at least once a week.  We'll see if my two kiddos will allow me this ambitious feat.