Alan Basting's Creative Writing Workshop

Write a poem in one sentence with simple syntax and a minimum of rhetorical flourish.  Add a parenthetical phrase and an independent clause utilizing semi-colons or em-dashes.  Keep the poem going: employ comma splices to extend your narrative, description or rhythm.  Trust the sentence.  These were the instructions for yesterday’s discussion at Alan Basting’s Creative Writing Workshop held at the LAC Community Center and Gallery.  Marvin, Ken, Kathleen, Anita, Barb and Jean enjoyed a morning taking turns listening to each others’ efforts at poetry, commenting and discussing the content and mechanics.

Ken was the first to read his poem about wind chimes and their “murderous cacophony”.  Apparently he or someone he knows has an aversion to their “dingle dangle” sounds!  Jean read her poem about finding her muse and Marvin read his about growing old.  Everyone had positive and constructive comments for each other.  Marvin commented that “poems are a response to an experience – if done honestly—it’s a good poem.”  Alan, a retired university professor of writing headed up the discussions,  pointing out technical details such as how shorter lines in a poem demand attention, build tension and add surprises.  Unpredictability is fun for a reader.  Longer lines of poetry can be more melodic.  His newest book of poetry, Nothing Very Sudden Happens Here, was available for purchase at the workshop.  Two more sessions remain, free of charge, but rsvps are appreciated.

Notan, simple as black and white.

Have you heard of Notan?

Teaching an introductory drawing class required me to reeducate myself in the basic design elements of artistic expression.  As a watercolorist, line and mark making may not take on much importance, but composition is always part of the planning stages of a successful watercolor painting.  First using a thumbnail sketch to plan value, movement and provide a center of focus, I then have a guideline to use for the final painting.  These thumbnail sketches are valuable tools for artists of all 2D mediums.

I came across a mention of Notan in looking for exercises in simplifying composition.  The Japanese term, Notan, is defined as dark-light harmony, according to Mitchell Albala, in his painting and composition workshop at www.mitchalbala.com.  Any artwork described as having a strong or beautiful composition has as its foundation, a strong and balanced Notan.  The Notan reveals the underlying structure of a composition, the essential spirit, taking a value study to its most simplistic form, a strict black and white, dark-light arrangement. If a composition has a soul, then the Notan is the doorway to that soul.  Learning about the Notan teaches us to be better composers, to  make better choices in the preliminary stages of a work to bring greater order and power to those works.

It’s always interesting to come across a new idea in the art world, or at least new to me!  Even though  value studies are a common and necessary step in composition planning, defining the Notan takes it one step further.  Any help in creating a stronger painting is a step in the right direction.  More information about Notan can be found on Albala’s website, or at other sites about Notan.  Learn something new – it’s as simple as black and white.

Gallery Goings-on

What's going on at the gallery in this cold and snowy weather?  Well, plenty!  On display in the lower gallery is the Small Works Exhibit, pieces smaller than 8x10 (image size) submitted by Colorado artists.  Over 70 pieces grace the walls.  The opening reception is this Thursday, February 6 from 6:30 - 8 pm.

While enjoying refreshments and viewing the art, venture upstairs to find some great deals on new and near new art supplies.  Donated by our members and members of the community, funds raised from these sales help keep the LAC Art Center and Gallery open and offering all the opportunities to learn, socialize and appreciate art.

And even on this snowy day, many turned out for Lynnette Kupferer's mosaic workshop.  They enjoyed learning a new art form, and took home a beautiful handmade mosaic.

Murals by Allen Tupper True

Twice now, I’ve seen the name Allen Tupper True mentioned in the media alongside photos of some quite spectacular murals and it’s caught my attention.  True was a local artist, born in Colorado Springs, and painted a number of murals in the area, but the latest of interest are the works of art located in what once was the Colorado National Bank building downtown.  This structure has been transformed into the new Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel and is due to open in February.  Much of the original architecture and bank vaults have been preserved, along with 16 original murals painted by True.

According to Wikipedia, Allen True was born in 1881, lived in Texas and Mexico before he moved to Denver.  He graduated from Manual High School, then went on to Denver University.  Studying at Pyle School, he learned the art of illustration along with alumni such as N.C. Wyeth.  In addition to the Colorado National Bank building murals, he also painted in many other locations in Colorado, such as the Colorado State Capitol, South High School, the Qwest building and Greek Theatre.  He became know as an authority of Native American costume and artifacts.  The series of 16 murals in the new Renaissance Hotel include 5 triptychs of different aspects of native life, titled “Indian Memories”.  These depict the days of Indians before contact with the white race.  Allen Tupper True died in 1955, but his murals live on.   The hotel is located at 918 17^th St in Denver, and includes the restaurant, Range, offering local, Rocky Mountain-inspired fare, according to Denver Life Magazine.

photos from wikipedia

Adventures in Literature

The Lakewood Arts Council’s mission is to increase awareness of the arts and art activities in Lakewood and the surrounding community.  “Arts” not only refers to “visual” arts, it also includes other art forms such as music, theater and of course the literary arts.  In the past, the LAC has included an emphasis on literature by offering poetry contests and space to display creative writings by our members for all to enjoy.  Many of these contributions were also included in past Focus magazines – the LAC’s quarterly publication.

An effort to expand our visibility in the literary arts has resulted in some exciting new events planned for our community gallery and art center and we would love to have our members and their guests participate in many of these selections, most which will be offered at no cost.

First off, one of our newest co-op gallery members, Laurey Patten, we’ve come to find out, is a published author and owner of a small publishing house.  She has edited for many years and also has articles and short stories in print.  Her recent book is called The Talent Sinistral.  In late March she will perform a reading from this fantasy novel and have books available for signing and purchase.

Alan Basting, a retired professor of writing will be conducting a writer’s workshop over a series of days, and his book of poetry will be available in the gallery.

Poetry teacher Curry McMurray (even his name is lyrical) works with special needs adults in crafting the written word.  He and his students have had their poems on display in the gallery in the past and we look forward to the current works his students have penned.  In talking with him, he has indicated that one of his students has a particular interest in reading her poetry to a group and is able to express herself clearly when reading out loud, while having difficulty with normal speech.  Perhaps we can also arrange for a poetry reading from these students.  Look for details to come.

Remember the “One Book, One Denver” program? Well, the Lighthouse Writers Group has been given an NEA grant to promote “The Big Read”, in which the Lakewood Arts Council is happy to become a part of.  The chosen book is Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson; the objective is to promote readership and discussion.  Free books and reader guides will be available early February in the gallery, followed by a Lighthouse Writer Group volunteer-led discussion group in April.  I hope all you prolific readers out there will pick up a free book, tell your friends about the program and join in the lively discussion.

And one for the kids, and kids at heart: a story-telling adventure with the Jeffco Spellbinders group.  Set for August, during our Children’s Art Exhibit, storytellers will engage the audience with tales of dragons and adventures. If our art exhibit is anything like last year with papier mache and painted dragons, we could be in for quite the fantasy!

Escape and lose yourself in a book, in a poem or write your own, and come join the LAC for adventures in literature.  Check your mail, our website or give us a call for further details.

Contemporary Visions

The current Lakewood Arts Council’s exhibit, Contemporary Visions, showcases the work of 23 local artists, working in many different mediums.  The theme, Contemporary Visions, asked for digital art, cartooning, Anime, but also included photography and traditional art. 

 Of particular interest was a googly-eye studded amorphous shape called “Eye-Pod”  by Katherine Ross, a fun take on the theme. 

 Marcia Nowak’s clay horses and Anne Marie Butler’s pastel, “Her Rodeo”, were a nice addition,

 as was Lynnette Kupferer’s mirrored mosaic and 2^nd place prizewinner, “Visions”.

  Other prizewinners were, Jane Dorsey’s 1^st place “Moon Frost”,

 Ellen Masters’ 3^rd place, "Winter Lace",

 

 and Andy Dubois’ Merit Award winner, “Trees”. 

 Susan Gordon, award winning painter, signature member of the Colorado Watercolor Society and member of the National Watercolor Society,  was juror for this show.  A public reception was held Thursday, January 9 where monetary prizes were handed out to the talented winners.

In addition to the loft show, the Lakewood Arts Council Members’ Gallery hosted an open themed show which attracted many works of various mediums and subjects.  Landscapes, florals, animals, still lifes  will be on display through the end of the month.

Changes are always bringing in new, exciting artwork and people at the Art Center.  A look around the Co-op Gallery shows a number of new members.  Joining the group this year are Pat Martin, with her lovely pottery, Laurey Patten, Peggy Schey and Myrlynne Sjogren.   Look for their artwork on the walls next time you’re in the gallery.