Creative Catalyst Newsletter - August 7, 2007
JOHN SALMINEN ON DESIGN
John Salminen’s
A DESIGNED APPROACH TO ABSTRACTION is one of the best workshops CCP has ever produced. It is a tour-de-force of a nationally honored artist at the top of his form. John demonstrates principles key to strengthening composition. He elected to use a non-objective painting as the basis on which to discuss design in order to separate the design options of a painting from the ‘things’ in a painting.
Whether you are interested in painting portraits or abstract art, A DESIGNED APPROACH TO ABSTRACTION will help you wrap your mind around the design process. John presents an exercise that permits you to apply what he teaches to a painting of your own. It is a complete seminar in a box!
I heartily recommend this DVD to EVERY serious artist, or student. - Jan Kunz
Sullivan’s MIXED MEDIA Workshop
Join JACQUELINE SULLIVAN in ACRYLICS: TEXTURES, LAYERS AND METALLICS as she demonstrates the unlimited possibilities of collage. Learn the proper way to layer tissue, cheesecloth, aluminum and which medium to use for each texture for durability. Jacqueline clearly explains the differences between Golden mediums. In addition to stencils and metallics, she incorporates everyday household items and discusses how to analyze your design for a better composition. This DVD is perfect for collage artists of any level and style.
THE COURAGE OF TO TRUST OUR OWN VISION
One of the major contrasts between the folks we film and the folks I paint with is CONFIDENCE. This is expressed in a variety of ways. The primary and most glaring is in what people CHOOSE to paint.
The scenario goes like this. I hear someone say, “I love that barn! Look at that wonderful color!” When I see the finished painting it is about everything except the color of the barn…A lot of farmyard ’stuff’ and a little muted barn. What causes us to swerve away from painting our unique experience? I would just love it if we could all somehow permit ourselves to recognize that it is OUR PAINTING! We can paint whatever the heck we want, even if it is just color, and it’s no skin off anyone’s nose! And furthermore (excuse me while I pull up my soap box…), odds are we won’t be satisfied with the painting if we don’t at least TRY to paint what attracted us to the subject in the first place. Even if we get lucky and end up with a ‘nice painting’, it won’t be a full-spirited reflection of our experience or of our unique view of the world.
There is a saying I love, and I’m sorry I don’t know who said it, but it’s something like this: “Art is the expression of our authentic uniqueness.” Let’s permit ourselves to be ourselves, with confidence!
- Lynn -
Betty Carr Watercolor
Betty Carr’s free and flowing style is perfect for summer’s outdoor painting. With her upright easel and full arm strokes, Betty attacks watercolor like an oil painter. She places her darks first and sculpts out shapes! Enjoy Betty’s newly remastered DVD watercolor workshop.
Learn more.
“The artist begins with a vision — a creative operation requiring an effort. Creativity takes courage.”
~ Henri Matisse
1869-1954
From Artist to Artist
Compiled by Clint Brown