ArtistsBillofRights.org reviews competitions and appeals seeking creative content, listing those that respect your copyrights and highlighting those that don't. Art Matters! publishes calls to artists, and not all of them may be compliant with ABoR's standards. Visit their site to learn more.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 356 contributed posts
View all Peggy Stermer-Cox's posts. About the author: I begin my watercolor paintings with an idea and a drawing. I build the painting layer by layer, drawing lines and shapes, looking for rhythm and feeling. My color sense is a reflection of my childhood in New Mexico fused with colors of my home in the Northwest. My goal is to go beyond the surface to find joy, wonder and a bit of mystery. I have shown my works in galleries, juried, group and solo shows in Washington, Oregon, Montana and New Mexico. My paintings are in private collections in the west, New York and Norway.
To view examples of Peggy's work or to make contact with the artist, please visit her listing at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource.
Hi! Over the past few months, I’ve been looking for articles on the topic of simplification. That is, I’ve been trying to find out what simplification is all about. You see, I figure that if I am to lead a class or workshop on the subject, I ought to have a solid foundation of knowledge.
Article Search.
It hasn’t been easy finding articles. Rather, the research process has been slow, especially at first. Sometimes, though, one article leads to another relevant article and, eventually, another. So, the idea, then, is to plod through and keep looking.
That being said, I have found several references that I like. In other cases, with books, for example, I can see “simplify” in the index. But, I have yet to read the all documents.
I Like Research!
And, the fun thing? Yes, research can be fun. One gets to expand one’s horizons and meet interesting people through their writings. Also, the artists represented include realism to abstraction; photography, drawing and painting!
Links To Articles.
One additional note. Several of these links have books, online classes, etc. The purpose is not to advocate or promote the books or classes. Rather, to share bits of insight on simplification.
So, in not any particular order, here are some links and references to articles on how to simplify.
1. Mitchell Albala.
Mr. Albala is an artist and instructor working in the Pacific Northwest.
Quote: The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. – Hans Hoffman
From Mitchell Albala’s book, Landscape Painting. Simplification and Massing: Learn to reduce nature’s complexity by looking beneath the surface of a subject to discover the form’s basic masses and shapes.
2. Website: Composition Study.
Though the purpose of this website is to be a resource for photographers, I think that the information is relevant to any visual artist. There is one article specifically on simplification: http://compositionstudy.com/simplification/
The author includes a wonderful example of simplification in a black and white photograph.
Mr. Wilson’s article “Design and Composition: Practical Advice for the Advanced Artist” is compilation of notes from the artist on design and composition. Embedded in the many of the notes are tips on how to enhance and simplify your design. And, you are rewarded as you read down the page where you find an entire paragraph titled “Simplify”. This might be an article you want to book mark and come back to!
An artist I admire from the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Hoffman has a book out plus teaches. I have not read his book, but I frequent a blog he uses for some of his watercolor classes. It seems to me that simplification and how to do it are topics imbedded in his instructions. I find the blog useful.
10. Frank Eber.
Artist Frank Eber, another fine artist whose work I admire has a blog with several excellent articles that include the subject of simplification. All are worthy reads and provide insight to the painting process and simplification in particular.
I like Mr. Anderson’s articles. To elaborate, I find the practical, accessible and useful. Its about the practice of drawing and sketching. So, I’ll list a couple of articles that apply directly to the topic of simplification.
The paintings shown in this article are part of my “KittyKitty” series started in 2009. One of my favorite ways of doing research, whether or not I want to simplify, is to do a “variation on a theme”. Put another way, working in series gives the artist an opportunity to see first hand how changes influence design. Plus, its great fun!
By Dana Feagin, 74 contributed posts
View all Dana Feagin's posts. About the author: I am an oil painter devoted to animal art, painting animals that I find interesting and amusing and commissioned pet portraits. My realistic style often uses solid colors or patterned backgrounds for a pop art feel, but I also love painting the faces of animals cropped very closely with no background at all. Many of my works feature animals from local rescue groups; 10% of my sales are donated to Sanctuary One in Jacksonville and Friends of the Animal Shelter in Phoenix. You can find my complete set of links and contact information in my listing at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource.
Stop in and see me, and the other amazing artist spaces, during the Ashland Open Studio Tour from 11AM-5PM this Saturday and Sunday. I will be painting, chatting with visitors, and showing off my mini studio remodel which reclaimed a storage space to make room for my expanded bunny family. Yes, I am a frequent foster failure and now share my space with five lagomorphs! Original artwork, prints, cards and Kat’s and my book “Love Rhymes with Everything; animal ruminations through poetry and paintings” will be available for purchase with all proceeds benefitting Sanctuary One. Maps of all artist locations are available online and at all Ashland galleries. This event is free to the public and a fun way to spend the day – even if you just visit a couple studios.If you complete an attendance card and leave it at the last studio you visit, you will be entered to win a raffle for 2 free tickets to A Taste of Ashland in the spring or $100 off local art!
By Brooke Nuckles, 213 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Riding Beyond
Healing HeArts – Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser
Riding Beyond is a non-profit organization that opens doors to the future for breast cancer survivors through in-depth experiences in the horse/human connection. In support of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local businesses will participate in this fundraiser by providing gifts for a raffle on First Friday and cash donation jars throughout October.
Ashland Art Center Collage Making Event
Ashland Art Center will host a collage making event: Horses and the HumanHeart, conducted by Riding Beyond participants and volunteers during October First Friday Art Walk. Find out how horses provide life-changing benefits for the many after-effects of breast cancer treatment, often lingering for years. Hear stories from participants of their enthusiasm for the “miracles” that unfold for them. See videos of interactions with the horses. Create your own collage to take home the power of the horse to benefit your own life. Find more information at ridingbeyond.org. This event is part of Riding Beyond’s city-wide public awareness campaign on October First Friday: Healing HeArts.
Participating Galleries and Businesses:
American Trails: Gifting a$50 gift certificate
Ashland Art Center: Artists Gifts Basket; plus they are hosting the Collage Event
Ashland Art Works: $50 gift certificate
*Be Cherished Salon: Gift Basket
*Imani Institute of Cosmetology: Gift Basket
*KIXX : $50 gift certificate
Manzanita: Barnwood framed Giclee by Texas artist Mary Gregory
Melanie Macinnes: 20% of all her art sold that evening
Platt-Anderson Cellars: 20% of sales October 5th; Gift Bag of Wine for raffle
Pony Expresso: Coffee Gift Basket (needs a sign); plus donating 10% of their sales on Oct. 5th
POSH Organics: Skincare Boutique Spa: Gift Basket
*Sew Creative: $50 gift card, includinga private shopping experience after store hours for up to 5
*Strands Salon: Gift Basket
The Crown Jewel: a $35 gift certificate
Three Penny Mercantile: $50gift certificate
*Umpqua Bank: wine and treats gift basket
Walton Art House: silver and gold ring with a moonstone (valued at $100) handcrafted by Denver artist, featured for the month of October
*These galleries/businesses are supporting the Healing HeArts event with a donation to be raffled off the evening of October 5th, although they will not be open for business during the hours of the First Friday Art Walk.
By Brooke Nuckles, 213 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
The 12th Annual Empty Bowls event in Grants Pass, Oregon will again be held at Parkway Christian Center located at 229 NE Beacon Drive in Grants Pass on Monday, October 8th at 6:00 PM.Guests choose a handcrafted bowl and then fill their bowl with gourmet soup and bread. The handmade bowl is theirs to take home as a reminder of hunger in our community.
“Empty Bowls is a powerful reminder that, even amid the prosperity of our nation and our community, there are many people who struggle to feed themselves and their families,” says Kevin Widdison, director of the Josephine County Food Bank. “Join us as we reflect on our own good fortune even as we work toward helping those in need.”
Options has partnered with the Josephine County Food Bank for many years to serve people with poverty and hunger issues in our community. Josephine County is one of the most food insecure counties in all of Oregon. In fact, more than 16% of all Josephine County residents, and 25% of children don’t have adequate access to food.
The 2017 Empty Bowls Project was hugely successful with approximately 300 individuals in attendance. The event raised approximately $11,000…enough to make 55,000 meals! Local restaurants, numerous ceramic artists, and many volunteers help to make this annual event possible.
Our 2018 soup sponsors include Casa Amiga, The Laughing Clam, Twisted Cork, Wild River Brewing & Pizza, Ma Mosa’s, The Vine, Taprock Northwest Grill, Climate City Brewing Company, Powderhorn Café, Vinfarm, The Train Depot, and River’s Edge. Clayfolk, Rogue Community College Ceramics, and other local artists have generously donated their time and talent to make more than 250 beautifully handcrafted bowls for this year’s event.
Event sponsors are AllCare CCO, J. D. Fulwiler Insurance Company, First Interstate Bank, Banner Bank, and Evergreen Federal Bank.Please join us for the 12th Empty Bowls event and help alleviate food insecurity in Josephine County. Learn more about how to keep our community healthy and see how YOU are making a difference!
EMPTY BOWLS EVENT
WHEN:Monday, October 8, 2018, 6:00 PM
WHERE: Parkway Christian Center’s Hull Center, 229 NE Beacon Drive, Grants Pass, OR (across from Fred Meyer).
TICKETS:Available at Options for Southern Oregon, 1215 SW ‘G’ Street, Grants Pass or purchase online at www.optionsonline.org. Tickets are $30 each and should be purchased in advance. Ticket price includes a beautiful handmade bowl to take home. There will also be a silent auction of unique pottery during the event, including a Glass Forge bowl. Donations are gratefully accepted. Checks can be made out to Options and mailed to 1215 SW G Street, Grants Pass, OR97526.
FUNDRAISER BENEFICIARY:Options for Southern Oregon and Josephine County Food Bank. Proceeds will help food insecure adults, children and families in our community access food.
CONTACT PERSON:Sarah Small, Development Associate at (541) 476-2373 or email at [email protected]
By Brooke Nuckles, 213 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
ART REVEALING THE GUNFIRE EPIDEMIC.
MAKE A BOX. SEND IT IN. IT COUNTS.
Back to School with The Soul Box Project
Nobody likes to hear school and gun in the same sentence. Schools spent a lot of time and energy preparing for the worst. Like teaching new words to Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star:
“Lockdown. Lockdown. Lock the door. Shut the lights off, say no more. Go behind the desk and hide. Wait until it’s safe inside. Lockdown. Lockdown. It’s all done. Now it’s time to have some fun…”
Or what this teacher says in a note accompanying a delivery of Soul Boxes:
Of course, the stories that haunt us most are about the heartbreaking
shootings that actually happen. But there are also stories about action. For instance, over the past eight months we’ve watched the Parkland, FL students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School build a movement out of their tragedy. Educators, students and parents are also taking action with Soul Boxes. Each is a page in our Soul Box story. Here are some of the ways Soul Boxes are going back to school.
A Day of Courage and Compassion
Last April, Da Vinci Middle School in Portland, OR spent the day making Soul Boxes. The activities were part of the arts magnet school’s full-day exploration of courage and compassion. Soul Box Project founder Leslie Lee visited as the school’s HeArt Learning guest artist.
She started the day speaking to an auditorium of middle schoolers about art, activism, courage and Soul Boxes. Guided by peer leaders, the students then spent their morning classes learning to fold Soul Boxes. Leslie visited classrooms to meet students and answer questions in the afternoon. In their last class of the day, students wrote about their experiences. The feedback from the students and faculty was overwhelmingly positive! If you would like Leslie to visit your school, pleasecontact her here.
Students Explore Their Power for Good
Woodrow Wilson High School students in Portland, OR carried Soul Boxes as part of their activism against gun violence, recorded here on their yearbook page.
Using the Soul Box Project in a service role provides an opportunity for students to engage, act and reflect while fulfilling their state’s high school graduation requirements or credit allowed toward graduation for service-learning/community service. Folding Soul Boxes can be tailored to a one-day project or an ongoing endeavor engaging other students over a set period of time. The individual act of folding a Soul Box, honoring a life lost or affected by gunfire, is meditative and healing. Group folding provides a nonthreatening opportunity for dialogue about gun sense and activism. Working towards a goal tied to a statistic – such as representing the 733 children, 11 and under, shot in 2017 – illustrates the gunfire epidemic, as well as the power of art activism.
Schools wishing to further extend student comprehension on the issue of gun violence can also order a curriculum toolkit from Vision Quilt .
Hannah Taylor and Graham Yotsuya lead a Soul Box workshop on Unity Day at West Linn High School in Oregon. Full story here.
Cheerleaders at Parkrose High School in Portland, OR folded 69 Soul Boxes at the first session of their community service.
School-based activism doesn’t stop when the class bell rings.
A retired teacher sent a set of Soul Boxes. Her note touched on the comfort that can be found, just by folding. “Thank you for letting me express my hurt, anger and frustration with what is happening in our country in a way that’s visual and creative.”
Betty Reynolds, Mark Mandel and other members of Woodrow Wilson High School’s class of ’66 in Portland, OR not only folded 87 Soul Boxes, but raised over $900 for the Project, as well. You can make a donation here.
Even pre-schoolers can contribute to Soul Box making. Here’s an idea to help the littlest hands contribute: Use a cardstocktemplate to outline the area that will show once the Soul Box is folded. Let them decorate the flat paper, then you do the folding. Cynthia Towle DeVore, on our Facebook Soul Box Community group, shared this insight: “For the very youngest we chose to simply call them boxes and not to go into the background. We felt that at 4 years of age it was developmentally too young to go into gun violence..,”
That said, any child who has experienced a lockdown at school deserves a positive, empowering way to respond. This second-grader not only comprehends the issue but shows an innocent compassion for the shooter that few adults would extend.
After the Las Vegas shooting in Oct. 2017 a seven year old boy talks about the SOUL BOX he made.
2 views
And, finally, parents. Soul Box volunteer Stephanie Bugge Wilson – the person who keeps our social media interesting – penned this blog about her experience as a parent with children in lockdown, and how it led her to the Project.
If you’d like to join the Soul Box team, we could use your help! Specifically, we need to hire an Outreach Coordinator in the Portland, OR area. More information here.
On to Salem!
Even with the help of teachers, parents and students we still need thousands of Soul Boxes for our first major installation.
On February 15, 2019 — coincidentally the day after the first anniversary of the Parkland shooting — we’ll fill the Gallery West in the Oregon State Capitol lobby with 36,000 Soul Boxes!
That’s one Soul Box to represent every person shot in the US during a typical year. Legislators and staff will be in session. We will invite them to stop by and add their own Soul Box. This exhibit is also a chance to attract media attention with a parade of 72 volunteers each carrying a clear bag of 500 Soul Boxes in and out of the Capitol. If you want to participate let us know.
With an incredible 22,000 Soul Boxes already contributed, we are over halfway to this first goal — with more exhibitions to come! Gather your friends and family to fold, personalize and send in your Boxes (instructions here). If you’re part of a community, from a book club to a congregation, we have tools to get you organized here. Watch our Facebook page to find weekly Box-folding gatherings around the Portland, OR area. Better yet, start your own, especially if you are in a different state. However you do it:
Make a Box. Send it in. It counts.
Now, more than ever.
Help us spread the word!
Use #soulboxproject and @soulboxproject
when you post to your own media feeds.
By Brooke Nuckles, 213 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Ashland Gallery Association Art Exhibit Openings & Artist Receptions
First Friday Art Walk, October 5th from 5 to 8 pm
Stroll the galleries and take in the visual delights in downtown Ashland and the Historic Railroad District. Enjoy this free year-round community event, filled with a diverse array of artwork, live music, artist demonstrations, refreshments and lively conversation!
For more information about all of our exhibits and to download the October Gallery Tour map, please visit: www.ashlandgalleries. com
Art & Soul Gallery
Mountains and More, Paintings by Carla Griffin
“It is my desire to awaken in the viewer the delight that arises from careful observation.”Carla J Griffin, PSO
Carla presents her exquisite, realistic Oil and Pastel paintings. Her expressive landscapes depict the world through her observations and vision. Carla’s works will be exhibited through the month of October. Please join us for a festive opening on First Friday, October 5, from 5-8 PM.
Carla has won numerous local awards for her art including Painting of the Year from Southern Oregon Society of Artists and Best of Show from the Josephine County Artists Association. Griffin has also been accepted into four Pastel Society of Oregon’s judged shows with awards in two of them and is now a Signature member. The Pastel Society of the West Coast also accepted an entry from Griffin.
Carla Griffin, “Smith Rock”, painting
Art & Soul 20th Birthday Celebration
We will celebrate bringing Fine Art to Ashland and the surrounding communities on Friday, October 26, from 5-8 PM. Join us for birthday cake, wine, music and of course fine art!
Schneider Museum of Art
Fall Exhibitions
September 28th, 2018 – January 5th, 2019
Opening Thursday, September 27th, Museum Members and Volunteers VIP reception 4-5pm, General Public, 5-7pm
Entry Gallery:
Terrain: The Space Betweenfrom the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. Featuring work by Vija Celmins, Judy Pfaff and Ed Ruscha
Main Gallery:
Field Burns, a solo exhibition by Patrick Collier
Heiter and Treehaven Galleries:
Outland About, a two-person exhibition featuring Carl Diehl and Susan Murrell. Curated by Patrick Collier
The exhibitions will be complemented with First Fridays, FREE Family Days and Tuesday Tours – drop in docent-led tours of the exhibition held every Tuesday at 12:30 PM.
Patrick Collier, “Gate Burn”, digital print
Ashland Art Works
Rogue Valley Views: Woodworking, Furniture, and Paintings
Visit us this month to see new offerings by painter Michael Gibson, who took inspiration from Oregon’s Bear Creek Wine Trail, and furniture maker John Weston, who uses woods found and sourced in the Rogue Valley. Come by and meet the artists at First Friday on October 5.
Michael’s style is unique and at the same time inspired by works of post-impressionist artists. For this show, he traveled Oregon’s Southernmost Bear Creek Wine Trail and painted views from the wineries. The oil paintings are on particleboard, which provides an interesting texture. Michael received his BFA from Houston Museum of Fine Arts. He has worked as a designer, art director and taught life drawing, illustration, painting, graphic design and photography at Art Institute of Houston and the Art Institute of Seattle.
Becoming a part of a cooperative of artists has inspired John Weston to stretch his woodworking and to combine form with function. His work is intended to provide generations of use and enjoyment. Mortise and tenon joinery, mitred splines, dowels, dovetails. and floating tenons are a few of his favorite construction techniques. John’s work consistently attempts to highlight the natural beauty found in selected pieces of lumber. He collects unique pieces of lumber and finds enjoyment in sharing their beauty with others. When using exotic woods, he tries to purchase certified lumber that is harvested from tree farms. John’s greatest satisfaction comes from using woods native to Oregon.
Michael Gibson, oil painting
Gallerie Karon
Faces, Hidden and Revealed
Masks, Puppets and Portraits
There are a couple of twists to the annual mask and puppet show this year at Gallerie Karon. We’ve added portraits to the mix that will include work by Robert Paulmenn, Pam Danielle, Brooks Garden Hauschild and Richard LeVitt among others.
The most unusual offering is from a private collection of vintage ventriloquist dummies. It’s rare to see a grouping like this and all for sale! Hand puppets are also in the evidence and many, many animals are represented.We even have stringed marionettes! Our extensive mask collection comes from all over the world. It includes helmet, face and shoulder masks. (We have a few fun ones for Halloween wearing too!)
Healing HeArts – Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser
Riding Beyond is a non-profit organization that opens doors to the future for breast cancer survivors through in-depth experiences in the horse/human connection.In support of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local businesses will participate in this fundraiser by providing gifts for a raffle on First Friday and cash donation jars throughout October.
Ashland Art Center Collage Making Event
Ashland Art Center will host a collage making event: Horses and the HumanHeart, conducted by Riding Beyond participants and volunteers during October First Friday Art Walk.Find out how horses provide life-changing benefits for the many after-effects of breast cancer treatment, often lingering for years. Hear stories from participants of their enthusiasm for the “miracles” that unfold for them. See videos of interactions with the horses. Create your own collage to take home the power of the horse to benefit your own life. Find more information at ridingbeyond.org. This event is part of Riding Beyond’s city-wide public awareness campaign on October First Friday: Healing HeArts.
Participating Galleries and Businesses:
American Trails: Gifting a$50 gift certificate
Ashland Art Center: Artists Gifts Basket; plus they are hosting the Collage Event
Ashland Art Works:$50 gift certificate
*Be Cherished Salon: Gift Basket
*Imani Institute of Cosmetology: Gift Basket
*KIXX : $50 gift certificate
Manzanita: Barnwood framed Giclee by Texas artist Mary Gregory
Melanie Macinnes: 20% of all her art sold that evening
Platt-Anderson Cellars: 20% of sales October 5th; Gift Bag of Wine for raffle
Pony Expresso:Coffee Gift Basket (needs a sign); plus donating 10% of their sales on Oct. 5th
POSH Organics: Skincare Boutique Spa: Gift Basket
*Sew Creative: $50 gift card, includinga private shopping experience after store hours for up to 5
*Strands Salon: Gift Basket
The Crown Jewel: a $35 gift certificate
Three Penny Mercantile: $50gift certificate
*Umpqua Bank: wine and treats gift basket
Walton Art House: silver and gold ring with a moonstone (valued at $100) handcrafted by Denver artist, featured for the month of October
*These galleries/businesses are supporting the Healing HeArts event with a donation to be raffled off the evening of October 5th, although they will not be open for business during the hours of the First Friday Art Walk.
5th Annual Ashland Open Studio Tour
Come Into Our Studios…
October 13th &14th, 11 AM-5 PM
Free to the public
During the second weekend in October a group of local artists will open their studio doors to the public for the Fifth Annual Ashland Open Studio Tour.
The Ashland Open Studio Tour is an inspiring self-guided arts tour brought to you by the Ashland Gallery Association. This free community event will guide visitors to a diverse array of artist studios in Ashland and the surrounding communities of Talent and Phoenix, while journeying through the beauty of the fall season.
We invite you to come see the creative processes behind our talented arts community. There will be a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to ceramics, metal and fiber arts, as well as demonstrations, presentations, and screenings to reveal each individual’s unique methods.
The Ashland Open Studio Tour is part of the Ashland Gallery Association’s efforts to promote the visual arts in our communities and is made possible in part by grants from the City of Ashland and the Oregon Community Foundation
Tour Maps are available at AGA member galleries or visit www.ashlandost.com to download a brochure and read more information about participating artists.
Visit: www.ashlandost.com for more information and a map of the participating studios.
By Southern Oregon Artists Resource, 1582 contributed posts
View all Southern Oregon Artists Resource's posts. About the author: SOAR: The Southern Oregon Artist's Resource is a directory of Southern Oregon artists, artisans and those who serve them and calendar of their art events, and Art Matters!, our blog posting Southern Oregon art events and matters of interest to artists, enthusiasts and patrons of the arts near and far. SOAR was created and is maintained by art advocate and web designer Hannah West in Jacksonville, Oregon to promote our diverse and talented arts community to our visitors and the rest of the world.
Charter for Compassion Offers $25 Poetry Course
Poetry For Inspiration and Wellbeing
