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

Fun events at the LAC Art Center today!

Loraine works with student Jan Kitchell

Saturday watercolor class hard at work

It was a lively day at the gallery today with a couple of different activities going on.  Loraine Miller's watercolor class was having a great time painting florals and landscapes.  She is a patient teacher who emphasizes the fun of working in watercolor.  Each of her students gets special attention as she helps them find their own style of painting.

As soon as the class ended, the classroom was reorganized to get ready for a calligraphy demonstration presented by Wendy Wham Mills.  Wendy is a co-owner of pARTiculars co-op gallery in Old Town Lafayette where she teaches and exhibits her calligraphy, oil painting and jewelry.  She had lots of interesting and helpful information to pass on to the group about the art of creative lettering and manuscript illumination. She is a warm and friendly person who speaks with enthusiasm and knowledge.  The group enjoyed the afternoon which included refreshments of pumpkin muffins and cinnamon flavored coffee. Yum! Visit Wendy's website at www.WendyWhamMills.com.

Wendy Wham Mills visits with LAC member Lynnette Kupferer following the program.

Throughout the day, several visitors came in to see what is new at the gallery as well as view the "Spotlight on Colorado Artists" show upstairs.  This is the last week for this exhibit so be sure to stop by before it closes.  There is also a lot of new work in the Co-Op gallery on the main floor. A new exhibit of small works arrives in the LAC Member's Gallery on Monday - just in time for the big Holiday Arts and Crafts Show coming on November 8th.