Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Post 494: Artists Gotta Art

Artists Gotta Art

Most months, I like to ask the Prince William Art Society artists what they are working on, sometimes in various ways. What's on your easel isn't always the right thing for every artist as they work in various mediums. Nonetheless, let's see what the artists are doing at the moment and what might be on their radars.

PWAS Member Mark Murphy

Below are two quick paintings from my sketchbook.  One is of the Kinderdijk windmills outside of Rotterdam (definitely worth the visit) and the other shows a man that I met on the Rotterdam water taxi with his bike and dog.  I'm trying to get in the habit of quickly documenting recent events with a loose ink sketch and watercolor washes.  Many artists recommend adopting the practice of quick, daily sketches so I'm giving it a try.  It certainly takes the pressure off of trying to always produce the next "masterpiece" and they help me see what I need to do differently if I choose to develop these into larger paintings.

Also below, is a black and white image of my reference photo modified with Notanizer.  Side by side, you can see that my quick, freehand rendering strays from the original image and I might do another version that is truer to the values of the photo.  There are many ways to produce a simplified "value study" like this but the Notanizer app (only $1.99) lets you choose how many levels you want between black and white and providers sliders to adjust the threshold or sensitivity of each level.  It is a convenient way to quickly visualize the range of values.  I learned about this in the watercolor class taught by Gwen Bragg at the Workhouse.  She is an excellent instructor.


PWAS Artist Zee Berrios

What is on the easel...an acrylic on canvas 36" X 48". In the Original Natives" series to be exposed next year.

What's on the radar: a solo show at the FCCA (Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts) next year.  (presently showing 8 paintings at the Open Arts space (in Stone Bridge)

PWAS Member Donna Liguria

Although I recently had this painting in the artist reveal video at our last PWAS meeting, it wasn't quite complete. I believe it is now as of TODAY, less the varnishing. So sitting upon my easel is "Lincoln Memorial in the Fall", which is the 3rd commission from a fellow that resides in Washington DC. I've previously painted Spring "Cherry Blossoms, an Annual DC Event" (the Washington Monument), and Winter "White House Having a White Christmas", so I have a whole DC seasons series going. The final Summer season painting is yet to be determined but it just seems like it should be fireworks, don't you think?

I ended up throwing more Fall at it. 

And we have Arts Alive this Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas from 12 to 5. Come on out and support the arts!


PWAS Member Elena Jochum

The painting I am currently working on is for my small business, Tidewater Trove. It is a depiction of riverglass and pottery artifacts from the Potomac River. Some of the artifacts date back to 1800s.

This is a watercolor painting where I am focusing on light, reflections, textures, man-made objects - and the fleeting of time. The composition is also representing negative space. I am challenging myself with abstracting realism. 



PWAS Member Pierre George

I'm back in town and was able to get back on the canvas again. What's on my easel? A 30 x 48 painting, I have just completed this weekend. I am currently in the sketching phase of another very, very large painting called "Wash Day".

Inspiration: J.C. Leyendecker, Michelangelo and a host of other artist who has come and gone.

PWAS Member Otis Stanley

Here's what I'm working on; Morning Cast, acrylic,  24" x 36'

PWAS Member Mandy Powell

I’ve been working tremendously and have a solo show that just opened this weekend at Sunshine Ridge Winery! It will be there until November 17 with the reception on Sat Nov 16th! I’m so excited!! Please share.




Drop a comment below and let them know what you think.


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.

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!

Monday, September 9, 2024

Post 493: Learning to Gild with Bettie Sperty

Learning to Gild with Bettie Sperty

The Prince William Art Society has been sponsoring various art workshops for the last few months around the area on various art topics. The classes have all been very well attended - and enjoyed. The latest in our workshop series was Gilding (Metallic Leafing) with Bettie Sperty on Saturday, September 7, 2024. What a fun, creative tool to add to our artist skill sets!

Bettie Sperty with some samples of Gilding with Metallic Leafing

Learning About Leafing

Bettie Sperty is a Prince William Art Society member and the current Secretary of the art group. She is an outstanding self-taught artist of often whimsical and fantastic subjects. And she loves adding a bit of sparkle to her art pieces, hence making gilding right up her alley.

We had 8 students taking her workshop and all of us so enjoyed it. A really eye opening and inspirational workshop and the students asked some great questions about the process, things to try, and more.

Gilding Workshop Photos

Bettie going over the basics on the gilding supplies like types of adhesive, types of foils, many tips and techniques, some do's, some do nots, and some work-arounds. Plus, the bonus of you CAN gild almost anything.
We had 5 Prince William Art Society members, 6 including Bettie, and several others that weren't - but they found out about the gilding workshop on Facebook. The registration filled so fast! Hopefully, Bettie can do another class soon.

Sandra, me, Nicole and our new friend Dawn showing off our "Pizza Boxes" 
Our Pizza Box Gilding Supplies and artwork to take home!
Bettie's husband, Brian, Sandra McClelland Lewin, Nicole Fisher, and Penny Shaw
Staci Blanchard and I using the hair dryer to quick-dry the adhesive
Dawn trying gold leafing with water colors, and it worked!
Nicole experimenting with gilding on one of her artworks, and it ended up so cool! Note that her work is still in progress and many areas are still taped off.
I said at one point during the class, when have you ever had 9 women together in one room and it ever be so quiet? Everyone was so intently focused on their gilding projects that the silence was 'golden'. And oh my goodness, the artwork and the creativity that surfaced that was shown was outstanding! And for some of the gilding students, this was their first time doing the craft too!
 
Amazon, here we come for more gilding supplies! This stuff comes in lots of colors and variegated too. My little artist heart is gilded!
 
Leave a comment below about the class or if you would like to take a leafing class!

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: Bettie Sperty and Donna Liguria

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!

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Post 492: Inside the Studio of Bettie Sperty

Inside the Studio of Bettie Sperty

A newish 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 third studio in this series of blog posts, this studio belongs to Prince William Art Society member, Bettie Sperty who gives us a view into her creative space.

Prince William Art Society Member, Bettie Sperty

Bettie Sperty joined PWAS before COVID (BC) so she's been in the art group a number of years. We were thrilled at one meeting in October 2022 where she was our guest speaker and gave an exciting program on her tips and techniques of "adding a little sparkle to your art". Here are a few past posts with Betty:

After the Meeting with Bettie Sperty

Spotlight Artist Bettie Sperty

And she is giving a Metallic Foil Leafing class this weekend (Sept 7, 2024) that I was able to sign up for and am very much looking forward to. As a matter of fact, the registration for the class filled up so fast, I'm sure she will need to do a second one!

Gilding with Bettie Sperty

Let's Take a Peek into Bettie's Studio

“When my daughters left the nest, I took over the bedroom with the most windows to use as my art room. And I think I’ve done a great job of cramming as much as possible into the space! We have an “older house” with small bedrooms and even less closet space, so I store my artwork all over the walls of the house. This room has my small stuff covering the walls. I have a great view, good light and it’s all mine. My husband has taken over the lower family room as his music room, so I often get to listen to him work on his “art" as I work on something myself. It’s an ever changing mess in here (and somewhat like a big cartoon) but I love having the space to call my own.“

(click on images to enlarge)

My view from the front window. Nothing gets past me!!!
My security system in one window sill. These guys are on the ball!
Some of my friends hangin’ out.

Thank you Bettie 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 Studios: 

Author/Photography/Video Credits: Bettie Sperty
 
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.

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!

Monday, September 2, 2024

Post 491: PWAS at Fall Art at the Mill 2024

PWAS at Fall Art at the Mill 2024

Several members of the Prince William Art Society are once again trekking to Milwood, Virginia for the bi-annual Art at the Mill Fall Show once again. This is a fantastic show - one of the best I have seen. It pulls from artists all over the area and beyond each spring and fall.

PWAS Members at Art at the Mill

It's that time again. Every spring and fall, the call goes out for artists to submit their art to Art at the Mill. And several Prince William Art Society artists answered the call: Sandra McClelland Lewin, Bettie Sperty, Elena Jochum, and Donna Liguria. The show will begin on Saturday, September 21 until Sunday, October 6, 2024 - 7 days a week. Sundays through Fridays 12-5pm and Saturdays 10-5pm. The Artist Reception is Sunday, September 29 from 2-5pm.



I asked how many entries they had this year and was told 1534 and juried in were 926 pieces. Let's take a look at the who has what in the show.

PWAS Member Sandra McClelland Lewin

Here's the three I have at the Mill:

Morning Coffee, acrylic, 20x16
Red Hybiscus, acrylic and gold metallic ink, 12x12
Fox in the Snow, Colored Pencil, 23x19 framed
 

I always enjoy taking part in the Art at the Mill show. There's a huge display of art that is awe-inspiring and they have a great reception for the artists!

PWAS Member Bettie Sperty

This is only my second time participating in the Art AT The Mill shows. When I first saw the number of artworks and the quality of every single piece, I can only say that I was blown away! (And a bit intimidated.) The Art at the Mill shows attract artists from all walks of life, all ages, from numerous regions, every medium you can imagine, and brings them together in a huge exhibit in this beautiful, historic rural setting. When you visit the show you not only get to gaze upon stunning artworks, but also get to drive and explore the areas nearby. 

When we picked up my artwork from the spring show, my husband and I spent the rest of the day exploring the area, stopping at historic markers, little shops, took winding roads and just made a day of it. It is well worth the trip to see the Mill - which is an actual working mill, to see the artwork and to experience the area. Go for it!

Row Your Boat by Bettie Sperty 20”x20”  Acrylic with iridescence

PWAS Member Elena Jochum

The first one is called “Tarp” and it’s 30”x48” acrylic on canvas. Tarp represents how not everything is what it looks like, facades can be deceiving. It’s a cautionary tale that there might be nothing underneath. I do believe it’s up to the viewer to interpret fine art, and I leave it to them to contemplate on the meaning of it as well.

The second one is “Spring Peonies” acrylic on canvas, 15.5”x19.5”. I painted it for my daughter. I bought fresh peonies and they really inspires me and filled me with joy, love, energy and spring. 


PWAS Member Donna Liguria

I'm just amazed at this art show in Milwood, VA. It has such a turn out of artists, seriously really great artists, and it sort of sits way out there in a tiny town at such a cool historic spot. A live, working mill! Who knew? These are the three pieces of mine that were accepted to be shown at this fall's show.

Spring at Merrimac Farm by Donna Liguria 16x20 Acrylic PWAS went to the Bluebell Festival back in April this year and I took LOTS of pictures, including pictures of some of the PWAS Plein Air Posse members painting pictures.
Blue Glass Vase on Table by Donna Liguria 9x12 Acrylic
Charcuterie Board by Donna Liguria 16x20 Acrylic This one makes me hungry

Art Incoming!

As the art is delivered by the artists, who have already registered on Signup Genius their delivery times, and ours was between 1 and 1:30pm on Friday, August 30, 2024, the artwork is logged into their computers and our tags are handed out. Sandra and Bettie are having their works labeled by Ann McCarty. In the meantime, emails are sent for each piece that is received. Art will be delivered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Then other volunteers scamper off with the art and hang it on the walls. Some pieces are tagged for reserve and go upstairs. As you can see, with 926 art pieces art of every conceivable size the walls are filled, floor to ceiling. I think if a volunteer stands still long enough, he or she will end up having to hold a piece of art for the duration of the show!







Although some artwork is held in reserve, that doesn't mean it will not be seen. Art at the Mill loads ALL of the artwork online and will open a link when the show opens and many collectors will purchase directly. One thing about the Mill's art show, art is ALWAYS coming back downstairs and being put up on the walls as space opens. The show is in constant motion and movement!

The show will end up on two floors of the 4 story building. Do check out the lowest floor where the mill grinds various flours that they have for sale. The main floor will have art in every nook and cranny and then up on the second floor will be the bulk of the art. And, by golly, the day of the artist's reception is a fun day of a great spread for everyone to enjoy and to meet other artists.

This is an art show at a whole different level and well worth the drive from here in Woodbridge. It will take a little over an hour from here - and if you're up for it, a few different wineries and breweries along the way!

See also Spring Art at the Mill 2024


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: Donna Liguria

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!