Post 454: Inside the Studio of Zee Berrios

Inside the Studio of Zee Berrios

A new feature for our PWAS Artistry Spin Blog is "Inside the Studio of..." which will feature the Prince William Art Society member's studios. For our second studio in this series of blog posts, this studio belongs to Prince William Art Society member, Zee Berrios who gives us a view into his creative space.

Prince William Art Society Member, Zee

Zee has been in PWAS a little over 2 years, since about 2022. Because of the size of most of his paintings he says, "I have not been able to participate in most of PWAS activities." In general, most of the PWAS art shows are "pop-up"shows using the gridwall display systems that are at most, about 36 inches wide. Zee's canvases are typically much larger than that.

Here are a couple of shots of the "Z" studio, and he says about his space:

"The studio is in the basement, so the light is not a desired "natural" one. The lighting is a combination of Blue-ish (neon) + yellow (bulbs) and white (halogen) lights which provide a near to "natural" light.

To the right of the second photo is the table that is used for watercolors, drawings and other non canvas items.

It is a tiny studio. Most of the paintings are stored in a separate room.

The photos are one with a small and one with a large painting in progress. (the one with the large one is the current one)."

The web page with samples of some of the artwork is: https://www.facebook.com/ARTEDEZORRI

 

Thank you Zee for sharing your studio with us!

Who is the next in the studio tours?

Hey PWAS Members! If you want your studio to be featured on a similar blog post, please send me several photos of your studio space, a little about you, how long you've been a PWAS member, and what you would like to say about your creative space, no matter the size. I enjoy these "Inside the Studio of..." series, don't you? Say so in the comments below and let the studio owners know!

Previous Studio: Inside the Studio of Sandra McClelland Lewin

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Author: Zee Berrios

 

Author: Donna Liguria
Artistry Spin Blogmaster and an artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

Photography/Video Credits: Zee Berrios

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 50+-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia. Visit us at any of our local art shows or join us for our monthly meetings - held on the 4th Monday of the month at the Tall Oaks Community Center at 12298 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA at 7:30pm

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Post 391: What Are the PWAS Members Working on Now?

What Are the PWAS Members Working on Now?

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS) is a group of artists and art lovers located in Prince William County, Woodbridge, Virginia. The group has been meeting and creating art for over 50 years. While this blog has only been in operation for a couple of years, we have a lot of artists that we like to show off occasionally and share what they do and think about art.

On Our Easels, Laptops, Tablets, and Work Tables

For this blog post, I asked the PWAS members what they are currently working on along with 2 other questions/opinions.

1. What are you currently working on?

2. What art tip is the BEST thing, best advice ever given to you as an artist?

AND/OR

3. What is your opinion on an art education?

Let's see what the responders say....and click on the picture to see a larger image.

PWAS Artist: Leora LaGraffe

Here are two recent (this past week) works of mine in soft pastel on UArt pastel paper. Both are 12x9 inch 

The best advice I’ve received from other artists is to never get discouraged from comparing your own work to other art. Just keep trying to be the best you that you can be, and if you must compare, compare your own work to work you did years ago. There is a good chance you will see improvement in your work over the years, and this will help you remain encouraged and hopeful about your work.

Thank you for this opportunity to share, and for all you do. - Leora LaGraffe

PWAS Artist: Jeffrey Holman

“Art Appreciation”. I was at the OSA desk one evening and saw this young girl playing games on her mom’s phone while surrounded by art. I was struck and amused by her focus on the little screen, ignoring all the creativity around her. We ALL need to LOOK at the world around us more often.

Art Education…a complicated topic. Having a ‘teacher’ is important, whether it’s in school, workshops or teaching yourself. For some people going through a structured curriculum is very important (or essential): Being shown/told which way to go, these are the rules, ‘how it’s done’, ‘how it should/must look’. I think too many artists get trapped in standard approaches and their teacher’s ‘style’. Some are better off self-taught, sometimes called “Un-taught”; exploring things on their own without rules, traditions and preconceptions. Being your own teacher can help you see and do things in a different way…not a bad thing. Classes and mentors can save lots of time, perhaps years, getting to a ‘professional level’, but we run the risk of our work looking too mainstream or standard.

In the end we are all, more-or-less, self-guided in our journey through artistic expression. We make choices, whether it be college, workshops or the trial and error of being ‘un-taught’ (my personal choice). There are myriad directions to choose, and we can change course, or not, whenever inspiration prods us. Probably the most difficult part of art education is knowing how to recognize when, or if, to chart a unique individual course deeper into art that only you can explore and experience so you can create YOUR art, not reflections of someone else’s.

PWAS Artist: Sheri Herrick

I'm almost finished with this painting of Raglan Castle in Wales.  One of my  ancestors married Sir William Thomas who did the major building of the Castle in central Wales in the early 15th century. Fortunately, a distant cousin did all the hard work of  finding our origins in Brecon, Wales and the history of my 10X great-grandfather who came to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in the early 1600's.

PWAS Artist: Zee Berrios

1. Currently working on: (attached) It is 48" X 48" acrylic on canvas. It will be titled "Grateful Company". It is based on a photograph by Irwin Penn in the 60's. 

2. Best art advice ever given was by the late Artist/professor Félix Bonilla. He said that the potential for a masterpiece was a creation of "something that was never done before, universally understood and that would teach something"; also that the best pieces of art will always include a "dominant, a subdominant and a subordinate"...

   3. Art education is a wonderful opportunity to progress and go beyond the normal, nevertheless, there are extraordinary, wonderful and amazing artists that have never had an Art Education.

PWAS Artist: Otis Stanley

16x20 Acrylic Working on black stretched canvas.

Best art tip given to me was "free your mind and your art will follow".

PWAS Artist: Donna Liguria

Painting miniatures almost feel like a painting frenzy. The 3x4 mini canvases that I show come with a mini easel and are quick works in acrylic and markers, that I hope are enjoyed by all that see them. This week I have so far done 24 of them. Yep, 24. And started another painting called "The Marshes of Harkers Island, North Carolina" 16x20 Acrylic on canvas. Maybe it could have an AKA as "Morning Glory".

I am a mostly self-taught artist but I can certainly see the value in an art education...but is it needed? An absolute must? No, I don't believe so. If you have a creative soul and the desire to learn, see the absolute need to practice, I think an artist can do wonderfully well.

As I am the writer of a LOT of my weekly art tips, I can just point you to the entire series and you can find them listed on this page: https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/p/art.html

It will be wonderful to see the finished artwork once these artists are done, won't it?

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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Donna's Etsy site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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Local Art: The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.
Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Have an idea for a blog post? Are you a writer and want to help with the blog? Let me know! Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Post 324: PWAS, What's On Your Easel?

PWAS, What's On Your Easel?

Creative folk nearly always have something they are working on. So my often asked question of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) members is what are they working on now (what's on your easel)? Here are the answers from some of the members.

Javier Silvio

The title of my work is called a little bit of everything it is oil the size is 18x20

Evelyn Chatters

Valley Vibes, 12X12 

Otis Stanley

In the early stages. 11" x 14" Acrylic "Wash Day"

 

Bruce Fasick

“Ponder”medium watercolours paper Strathmore 22x30

 

Michelle Baker

Earth Day Project - I am moving into the direction of industrial art lately. These Earth Day Wire Flowers were made from leftover material when my husband replaced our smoke detectors. He cut off the connectors. I stripped off the plastic coating and designed them. Love the lightness of the look. 

 

Zorri Berrios (Zee)

This is what is on the easel. It is acrylic on canvas 48” X 48”. To be titled: “Slava Ukraini”.

Donna Liguria

I've got a double thing going on here - Two 5x7 waterfalls in acrylic. I've been doing that a few times lately, several similar paintings of the same size, different versions. Also, a tip to take note of if you haven't already discovered it yourself, is that taking a picture of your painting in progress helps you to SEE it better. For some reason, the image clarifies the view of the painting and helps you to see problem areas that don't seem right and then you can make alterations for improvement.

A Call for Art is coming out TOMORROW, April 2 for "April Showers Bring May Flowers" the Open Space Arts gallery at Stonebridge for their May art show. The Call will be open for about 2 weeks so if you are not already on the Prince William Art Society's email list, get on it quick! See info below.

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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA and Artistry Spin Blog Admin, specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at DonnaLiguriaArt.com, her Esty site and her Blog at Donna’s Cave Paintings.

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 #140 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 52-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Post 238: What's On Your Easel Right Now?

What's On Your Easel Right Now?

I do love seeing (and showing) what artists are working on in studio. Whether its on my easel or for one of my fellow PWAS member's easels - as artists, we just can't help ourselves. We are happy to "show it off" (most of us at least!) So, to help show off what the artist members are currently conquering in their art spaces, here is a peek before it hits the regular air waves. 

I suppose I outgrew my mom's refrigerator a long, long time ago...Looks like some folks art outgrew the refrigerator too.

Let's See Who is Working on the What

Zee Berrios

This is what is on the easel right now.. it is 4’ X 3’, acrylic on canvas

Donna Liguria

What's on my easel right now? A couple of projects besides LOTS of new mini paintings.

 

Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC, acrylic 16x20 in progress

 

The Corniche of Monaco Inspired by Claude Monet, acrylic  8x10 in progress

https://donnaliguriaart.com @DonnaLiguria https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/

I'm glad these minis are easy to store, they are EVERYWHERE! AND I have a couple of pieces started for Paint Manassas with pARTners.

Linda S. Nedilsky

I always enjoyed Albrecht Dürer,'s drawings,  so I decided to go back to my younger days when I drew more than I painted. Lately, I have been doing about 50% of both. 

I had not used toned paper in over 40 years, and thought I would give it a shot again with the subject being a white horse I met a few weeks back. He was a "pistol" of a personality and what better way to show his feisty attitude, toned paper with graphite and white pastel pencil. I am thinking I will do a few more of these in the near future. 

Title? "White horse" I don't really title most of my work, but since you asked.. 

Facebook art page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2560728537572205&type=3

CJ Davis

Since it is domestic violence awareness month, I am doing a series about the feelings of being in that situation. It is acrylic on canvas, both are 30”x40”. I am going to add an acrylic gloss finish to the first one, and the second one is in progress. It is a subject very important to me, and I believe that making art about it helps people to know they are not alone in healing or trying to get out.

 

 

Katherine Owens

In response to the post by CJ Davis post here is a portrait of a domestic violence abuser, a subject also important to me.  Just off the easel. 

The title is John: A Fractured Soul. 

He tried to fracture the souls of those around him, sometimes with success sometimes not when he encountered a more resilient soul.

Bruce Fasick

Just started “Dupa” - Part of my upcoming Duets show … a mix of mediums and a common subject. (ie watercolor and a sculpture)

 John Hartt

www.jortt.com

https://www.facebook.com/Jortt.Art

https://www.instagram.com/jo.rtt/

Shannon Seaberg

Commission piece for someone who recently lost a close family member. She wanted something that empowered her everyday to be strong for the rest of her family and of course herself. This piece is so special and so is the other one I am working on which is her daughter!! Art can be such an impactful way to brighten peoples lives and give them endless joy every time they look at it. Giving others a piece from the heart is beyond rewarding!!! 

 

 

Instagram: @The_Seaberg_Gallery

Website: www.shannonseaberg.com

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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.

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Local Art: Visit us at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
The Prince William Art Society is a 50-year-old non-profit art group in PWC for the appreciation of fine art throughout the county and Northern Virginia.

Want to know how to get involved at OSA? If you are an artist (18 or older) living in Prince William County, or a are a member of a PWC art group, you are welcome to get on our next art show's emailing list. Send it to us, OR come by the gallery to find out more.

Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership

Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!