A Look at Andy McKelvy's Art by Cindy Haase



Botanical in Black and White

Solar Power

I was at the Art Center on the 8th for our January LAC Board meeting.  A painting caught my eye, and I knew immediately it was the work of Andy McKelvy.   She's one of the artists at LAC whose work I greatly admire. 

Why do I admire her art?  Of all the art concepts: value, shape, color, texture and line....Andy uses shapes and values expertly.  If you look at her "Botanical in Black and White" piece, I think you will see that her composition was well thought out to take advantage of the contrast of shapes and the values to make her drawing come alive.  She didn't have color as a tool, and while texture and line are used they are not her major tools in this piece.  It's the shapes, some small and delicate, some large and solid.

Looking at "Solar Power",  again she has used shapes and value to her advantage.  The white shapes virtually pop out of the painting when contrasted against the dark negative shapes. This time she did employ the tool of color, texture and line, but the painting is really not about the color...its' about the glorious shapes.  If I look at the painting and then close my eyes.....my memory of the painting is about the shapes and value/contrast. 

Notice I haven't talked about the media at all....here it's not really important.  It just goes to prove a point I believe.  Good art is good art no matter what the medium.  These pieces would work in any media.  They are very strong.  Well done Andy!!

Postscript...If you want to see some fabulous line work take a look at Katy Haas' wire sculptures.

Artists Statement

Who has taken the time to write a really super artist statement? Let's see the hands...anyone? Anyone? I was asked to write one in less than a day for the Randy Higbee Fall 6" Squared Exhibit in Costa Mesa. What I submitted was a concoction on the fly of a past interview and how I was feeling that day.

Here is what I sheepishly submitted:
Artist Statement: In my approach the work comes first then the concepts. I don't wait for inspiration, my inspiration comes from just painting. Working mostly in still life I start by arranging objects, classically lighting them (from the left), and moving them about until the lighting creates an abstract structure. It's not about the objects for me, it's about how the light reveals the form, separating the scene into light and dark structures. It's the drama of the scene I crave, not so much to render an apple (or any object) correctly.

I've been sleepless at night since then thinking about artists statements...and have been reading artists statements. I'm not talking about a bio, or a CV (resume), or testimonials....just a good old solid, true and real artist statement.

Here are a couple of really good articles I found on the internet and will be tackling a new artist statement in the next week. I'll share some of my thoughts and work as I go along. Hopefully this will inspire you to take a look at yours or even think about having one.

How to Write an Artist Statement by ArtBusiness.com

How to Write and Use an Artist Statement by Molly Gordon

HolidayParty

...Oh the weather outside was frightful
But our party was still delightful
We decked the halls - ho! ho! ho!
Way to go! Way to go! Way to go!

Our end of the year party was great fun! Despite cold temperatures and snowflakes, a nice group of members and friends gathered on Saturday for our annual holiday party. Everyone was in a holiday mood and all dressed up for the season (loved Susan Gordon's beautiful holiday coat - and Melinda Fiscus found a perfect pair of earrings to match her outfit). We all enjoyed the yummy chili made by Jan Casper, Loraine Miller, Barbara Tobiska and Marje Walsh. Top that off with a glass of wine, some flavored coffee and lots of delicious cookies and you have a perfect holiday treat. The afternoon was filled with laughter, good conversation and some fun shopping.

Happy Holidays everyone! Be sure to stop by the LAC Art Center before we say goodbye to 2011.

Afternoon Critique by Ann Quinn

Once again, Kathy Berls led a fun critique session at the gallery, where twelve artists presented over 21 works of art for review. The comments by Kathy and the attendees were upbeat and well taken. Many of the art pieces were still works in progress. Comments about composition, color, framing, and “where does this line lead your eye? “were all clues about how to improve. Some artists were trying new approaches (Barb Tobiska and her intriguing abstract), while others had older works that they just wanted to make better.


The LAC provides a great place to learn in a supporting atmosphere. Critique comments are suggestions and meant to be taken in a positive light, so watch for the next critique session and bring in your work! Everyone is welcome!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

The holidays have definitely arrived at the LAC Art Center & Gallery! From the glittering jewelry downstairs to the completely transformed upstairs, the place is colorful, fun and full of wonderful treasures ...judging by the early bird shoppers who were there on Monday, it's definitely not to soon to get started with your holiday shopping! Kay Alexander and Barbara Mantei got first pick at the popular gift baskets which are still priced at $15 each.  Susan Gordon and Lynnette Kupferer also stopped in, saying they like to "support the local artists".  It seemed busy through out the day, with people in a happy and festive mood - good to see all the familiar faces such as Barb Tobiska, Jean Barringer and Mary Elgandour. 
 
Of course all this is the result of almost five days of intense preparation - getting the old exhibit out, moving the display panels and bringing in tables and other props to get things ready.  Extra big thank you to all the helpers, including Gene Smith, Gail Firmin, Jan Casper, Beverly Zeromsky, Rosalie Metzker, Barb Benik and Marcia Nowak.
 

Tell your friends about us - we're looking forward to seeing all of you over the holidays.

Election Results for LAC Board

Congratulations to our new LAC Board for 2012!

Thank you to everyone who sent in their ballots - and to the volunteers who have agreed to serve.
(not pictured - Warner Reeser and Shizuko Barbara Hanson)

Member at Large, Marcia Brill (left)
New President, Barbara Benik

New Vice President, Ann Quinn
Founder, Barbara Tobiska
Member at Large, Marge Walsh

Member at Large, Cindy Haase
Member at Large, Charlie Casper
Treasurer, Loraine Miller

Member at Large, June Davis
Member at Large, J Bisant
Secretary, Karen Hoff

Planning Meeting for 2012

They're HERE!

Small works now in the LAC Member's Gallery

A special section of black and white work.
 Pictured are drawings by Barbara Benik and digital by Charlie Casper.

A wonderful pastel rendering by Lynnette Kupferer.

A very special collection of small works created by the members of the LAC Co-Op Gallery are now on display at the LAC Art Center. Priced from $15-$125, it's the perfect time to purchase an original work by one of your favorite artists. Included in the collection are works by Cindy Ahrenkiel, Kay Alexander, Barbara Benik, Charlie Casper, Jane Dorsey, Gail Firmin, Katy Haas, Lynnette Kupferer, Anita Lamprell, Loraine Miller, Ann Quinn, Gene Smith and Barbara Tobiska.
 

The Red Hat Cats by Jane McFadden Dorsey

A lovely pastel by Gene Smith