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By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 361 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.
Fun: Something that brings pleasure, enjoyment or entertainment (noun).
Happy New Year!
Hi! I realized a couple of days ago that I had yet to post to my blog this 2019! Goodness gracious and happy new year! And, why am I so slow?
Drawing Too Important To Be Fun?
I also had a thought that one of the reasons I’ve slowed down is that everything seems to be so important. Or rather, I attach such a sense of importance to things like writing, drawing and painting, that I rarely allow myself a moment of fun.
Doodle For The Fun Of It.
And, then, I thought, why not just doodle around for fun. You know, like I did as a child. How about you, did you ever just spend an afternoon drawing or painting just for the sheer pleasure?
Draw Like You Did When You Were 10 Years Old!
You see, when I was a kid, I used to draw for fun. It was one of my main things to do. That includes weekends, summers and whenever, I was usually drawing. Even in school, from grade school on to college, I always drew in my notebooks.
Give Yourself Five Minutes or Five Hours!
So, why not just doodle sometimes? That is, take five minutes and play with a pencil on paper. I am often delighted at the funny characters that dance across the page.
You Might Be Surprised!
And, then, go back to doing the hard work of developing skills and vision. Now, the harder work of drawing and painting is more enjoyable. My mind and heart are happy and ready to go!
Drawings From My Sketchbooks.
I thought I’d share some of my recent little doodle type drawings from a couple of my sketchbooks. So, I selected a few of my favorites and posted them here. Thanks!
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 361 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.
Fun: Something that brings pleasure, enjoyment or entertainment (noun).
Happy New Year!
Hi! I realized a couple of days ago that I had yet to post to my blog this 2019! Goodness gracious and happy new year! And, why am I so slow?
Drawing Too Important To Be Fun?
I also had a thought that one of the reasons I’ve slowed down is that everything seems to be so important. Or rather, I attach such a sense of importance to things like writing, drawing and painting, that I rarely allow myself a moment of fun.
Doodle For The Fun Of It.
And, then, I thought, why not just doodle around for fun. You know, like I did as a child. How about you, did you ever just spend an afternoon drawing or painting just for the sheer pleasure?
Draw Like You Did When You Were 10 Years Old!
You see, when I was a kid, I used to draw for fun. It was one of my main things to do. That includes weekends, summers and whenever, I was usually drawing. Even in school, from grade school on to college, I always drew in my notebooks.
Give Yourself Five Minutes or Five Hours!
So, why not just doodle sometimes? That is, take five minutes and play with a pencil on paper. I am often delighted at the funny characters that dance across the page.
You Might Be Surprised!
And, then, go back to doing the hard work of developing skills and vision. Now, the harder work of drawing and painting is more enjoyable. My mind and heart are happy and ready to go!
Drawings From My Sketchbooks.
I thought I’d share some of my recent little doodle type drawings from a couple of my sketchbooks. So, I selected a few of my favorites and posted them here. Thanks!
By Brooke Nuckles, 269 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Visitors to Medford’s Art du Jour Gallery will find a warm and friendly atmosphere on the third Friday of each month. -Roy Musitelli photo 2/19/16
Art du Jour Gallery, 213 E. Main Street in Medford is exhibiting the watercolor work of Bruce Barnes as guest artist in the Salon through January, while outgoing AdJ member Linda Meerten is graciously fulfilling a commitment to being our January featured artist. Join us for our Third Friday reception 1/18/19, 5:00-8:00 pm. Musical entertainment will be announced on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ArtduJourGallery).
Calling All Artists!!!
As one of downtown Medford’s premiere art galleries, we are now actively seeking new artists living in the Rogue Valley region who would like to join our cooperative and display their work to the Medford community. Membership includes an active role the Art in Bloom festival in May, as well as our monthly Third Friday event. Media to be juried for membership includes pottery, sculpture, photography and jewelry. Contact the gallery by email at [email protected], or log into our website: www.artdujourgallery.com for full membership information.
Guest Artist Bruce Barnes
Bruce Barnes guest exhibit at Art du Jour Gallery in Medford, OR. -Image courtesy of the artist
Bruce Barnes has traveled and painted in Oregon, California, Canada, and across Europe. His sketchbook, paints, and brushes are always part of his pack.
Bruce moved to the Rogue Valley in 2002, where he quickly joined the Rogue Valley art scene. He now paints en plein air with The Artists’ Workshop in Jacksonville, Ashland’s Urban Sketchers, The Rogue River Artists Group, and the OLLI watercolor SIG. He has attended numerous painting workshops, and is guided by his painting icons James Fletcher Watson, David Howell, and Virgil Harton, all Englishmen.
Bruce is a past member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon, was featured in Ashland Magazine, and has been voted one of the favorite artists in Ashland. Dozens of his paintings are now displayed in homes and businesses across the country, with a few in Europe. He created and conducted popular OLLI classes at SOU focusing on plein air sketching and watercolor painting. He has been featured in a dozen or more one-artist showings at Valley galleries and wineries. For more information on this artist he may be reached at his Ashland studio at 541-201-1947.
Featured Artist Linda Meerten
Coastal scene by Linda Meerten. Image provided by the artist
Photographer Linda Meerten loves the beauty that surrounds us and tries to show that in her work. As an opportunistic photographer she is seldom without her camera for stopping along the roadside to capture what she sees. She lives in the mountains of Southern Oregon where wildlife and scenery is abundant. Also a sculptor and oil painter, Linda studied art and art history in Europe.
Born in the Netherlands, Linda came to America as an infant and proudly became an American citizen in 2013 at a swearing-in ceremony held at Crater Lake National Park, part of a special event held across the country. She loves hiking the many trails in the area, fishing the Rogue River and spending time with family.
New Members at Art du Jour
We extend a warm welcome to potter Susan Paul-Williams, as well the return of painter Connie Fribance as newest members of our cooperative. Stop by the gallery to see the works of these two magnificent artists.
By Brooke Nuckles, 269 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Just a heads-up! Due to library availability, Southern Oregon Society of Artists first meeting of 2019 will be the THIRD Monday.
Don’t forget this will be a juried critique and the President’s challenge will be black and white drawings for the 2019 directory. All SOSA members are invited to submit entries and all attendees will be asked to vote for their favorite. Number one drawing will be used for the front of the directory and number two will be used for the back.
SOSA invites all two-dimensional visual artists to attend meetings held on the fourth* Monday of each month, January – October at the Medford Public Library at 7:00 pm. Be early – library doors lock at 7:00 pm!
*Due to library availability, Southern Oregon Society of Arts January 2019 meeting will be the THIRD Monday.
By Brooke Nuckles, 269 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Ashland Gallery Association Art Exhibit Openings & Artist Receptions
First Friday Art Walk, January 4th 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 January Gallery Tour map, please visit: www.ashlandgalleries.com
Thank you for your support of the Visual Arts in our communities!
AGA January Spotlight Exhibits
Gallerie Karon
East Meets East
There are two major events at Gallerie Karon this month. Join us for the First Friday Art Walk January 4, 2019. We’ll be opening our traditional show East Meets East celebrating the start of the New Year in so many Asian countries. (It’s The Year of the Boar!) There are a multitude of new things to explore, some from exotic Afghanistan and Tibet.
The main thing we are excited about is the Grand Opening of our new addition –
“The Feathered Wing.” This area features two rooms – one filled with small versatile pieces of furniture and art. The second room is a striking mix of Oriental furniture, antiques and icons. (The 41/2 ft. Thai Buddha in our ads is only one of the outstanding pieces.) We’re planning live music, munchies and many surprises – come help us celebrate!
Thai Buddha statue
Art and Soul Gallery
“Small Works” Paintings by Art and Soul Gallery Artists
Brighten your winter days and celebrate the beginning of a New Year with us at Art & Soul Gallery with our “Small Works” show. These small treasures will showcase the artistic talents of Art & Soul Gallery’s Artists, as we present original art in a variety of genre and media. The “Small Works” show will open with a festive reception on January 4, 2019, 5 – 8 PM, music will be by Beth & Craig Martin with Todd Ragland. The “Small Works” show will be exhibited from January 2 – January 27, 2019. This show will continue into February as part of our “Small Works Plus One” show, where Art & Soul Gallery Artists invite another Artist to join them in the exhibit during February.
Pam Haunschild, “Cascading,” watermedia
Creekside Pizza
Paula Fong – Watercolor and Pen & Ink
Paula R. Fong received her B.S. in Biology from Denison University and her M.S. in Forest Ecology from the College of Forestry, Oregon State University. Her twelve years as a soil scientist and ecologist with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service gives her a unique perspective of the art in nature.Paula’s primary medium is watercolor with pen and ink. She has illustrated numerous scientific publications, plant and wildlife posters, trail guides, and interpretative trail signs. She lives on a mountaintop in rural Southern Oregon.
“I have been fortunate to spend much of my career and recreation time exploring nature. It is fascinating to examine all the details, above and below ground, up close and from a landscape perspective. Every square inch of our natural world contains something artistically beautiful and scientifically interesting. I like to pick out one aspect of the environment and hold it up for inspection, with all its imperfections and variation. By changing perspective, focus, season and habitat, I have an infinite palette, and an unlimited source of inspiration.”Paula Fong
Paula Fong, “Snowscape” watercolor with pen and ink
Ashland Art Center
Darlene Southworth – Travel Journaling with Watercolor
A journal is my personal response to travels — it expresses what I see, experience, feel, and reflect. Small paintings with words and attachments enhance the experience and evoke memories.
A botanist by training, Darlene Southworth travels and hikes in southwestern deserts and in the Pacific Northwest. She paints with watercolor in small bound journals working with minimal materials. In 2017 she was Artist-in-Residence at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
First Friday Musical Guest:
Hollis Peach
Hollis Peach, an Indie Songwriting & Vocal Duo, creates not only exceptional music, but also an extended community of artists, students, & performers. Their musical arrangements and harmonies are lush, intricate, and often hypnotic in their elegance. Daniel has been performing (guitar & banjo) with world-renowned theatre company Oregon Shakespeare Festival, in their production of OKLAHOMA! Which has gotten reviews in the New York Times, PBS NEWS HOUR, NPR’s Here & Now etc…After theatre season they will be touring in promotion of their second release, “Sun Sits Low,” with crowd favorites Yukon River & St. Jude’s Fire. Eager to give back and be of service to the larger community Daniel also teaches at Southern Oregon University.
Darlene Southworth, watercolor
Please see the attached “Spotlight Exhibits” and January Gallery Tour Map:
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 361 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.
Pattern: it is about repeating lines, colors, shapes, values and sizes in a painting.
Reviewing Work For A Portfolio.
I have been preparing a portfolio of my work for submission to the online literary magazine Cascadia Subduction Zone. In the process, I was looking at some of my works that I haven’t thought about in awhile.
It’s Like Looking At Pictures Of Friends.
Take, for instance, the watercolor Lighthouse D9 (or Design 9). I am delighted to reacquaint myself with this painting. The Grays Harbor Lighthouse, Point Chehalis, West Port, WA, inspired me to create this series of work. You see, for a time I lived nearby and have always loved lighthouses.
Playing With Pattern.
When I created the design for Lighthouse D9 I was interested in exploring pattern. When I say pattern, I am referring to a specific use of the term. That is, I repeated and clustered smaller shapes in such a way that they “read” visually as one larger shape.
Examples: Grass & Clouds.
Take, for example, the cloud shapes or the “v” grass clump shapes. Together, the smaller “v” shapes and the greenish color add up visually to tell you that I’m describing a grassy area. The same goes for cloud shapes against a blue background on the upper portions of the painting. I’m signaling “sky”.
OH! A Way To Simplify!
Put another way, I’m using pattern to simplify my design. Plus, add meaning. And, it was fun!
What About Meaning?
The meaning? For me, I’ve always liked lighthouses. I grew up looking at lighthouse paintings by my father, artist John Stermer. My feelings were pretty simple; I liked them. They looked like remote places, but also beacons to the traveler.
This painting, with its festive colors and simple patterns, alludes to the brighter side of lighthouse symbolism. That is the beacon that guides the navigator through rough seas.
Enjoy!
In closing, I hope that you enjoy my Lighthouse, D9. Furthermore, you might want to keep a look out for pattern next time you go to an art show.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 361 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.
Pattern: it is about repeating lines, colors, shapes, values and sizes in a painting.
Reviewing Work For A Portfolio.
I have been preparing a portfolio of my work for submission to the print literary magazine Cascadia Subduction Zone. In the process, I was looking at some of my works that I haven’t thought about in awhile.
It’s Like Looking At Pictures Of Friends.
Take, for instance, the watercolor Lighthouse D9 (or Design 9). I am delighted to reacquaint myself with this painting. The Grays Harbor Lighthouse, Point Chehalis, West Port, WA, inspired me to create this series of work. You see, for a time I lived nearby and have always loved lighthouses.
Playing With Pattern.
When I created the design for Lighthouse D9 I was interested in exploring pattern. When I say pattern, I am referring to a specific use of the term. That is, I repeated and clustered smaller shapes in such a way that they “read” visually as one larger shape.
Examples: Grass & Clouds.
Take, for example, the cloud shapes or the “v” grass clump shapes. Together, the smaller “v” shapes and the greenish color add up visually to tell you that I’m describing a grassy area. The same goes for cloud shapes against a blue background on the upper portions of the painting. I’m signaling “sky”.
OH! A Way To Simplify!
Put another way, I’m using pattern to simplify my design. Plus, add meaning. And, it was fun!
What About Meaning?
The meaning? For me, I’ve always liked lighthouses. I grew up looking at lighthouse paintings by my father, artist John Stermer. My feelings were pretty simple; I liked them. They looked like remote places, but also beacons to the traveler.
This painting, with its festive colors and simple patterns, alludes to the brighter side of lighthouse symbolism. That is the beacon that guides the navigator through rough seas.
Enjoy!
In closing, I hope that you enjoy my Lighthouse, D9. Furthermore, you might want to keep a look out for pattern next time you go to an art show.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 361 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.
The “Meaning” Question.
A fellow artist, Sandra Neary, asked me about the meaning of this still life composition. In particular, why is the egg larger than the rabbit?
Dinosaur Egg & Pygmy Rabbit?
Well, all sorts of silly responses bounced around my head. For instance, what if the egg were a dinosaur egg and the rabbit was a pygmy rabbit? All birds are dinosaurs so it could be true. Alright; it is a chicken egg and a replica of a rabbit netsuke.
Short Term Answer.
However, the question was put forward. And, I thought I’d quote part of the answer I gave.
“I chose them because they were all white objects..I was studying light and form. But, the incongruity of the rabbit and egg amused me. However, the narrative is sending me places I don’t want to go. It was the form that I was after. Sometimes you can’t escape narrative. Though, I like the ambiguity.”
However, I did start thinking about the meaning of this composition and, perhaps two dimensional art in general.
And, I came to the conclusion that it is reasonable to ask about the meaning of a painting or drawing. After all, the arts, including the visual arts, are a means of communication. Therefore, it would be natural to want to understand a piece of art.
How I Select Items For This Still Life.
That being said, this artist, (ahem, yes, I mean me), is prone to selecting subjects for reasons other than symbolic or iconic meaning.
Shape and Value. For example, when I selected items for this particular still life set up, I chose them for their shapes and tonal value. To explain, I was interested in studying form free from the distracting influence of color. So, I selected the items because they were a neutral, light or white color.
Geometry. Furthermore, I was interested in the basic geometric shapes depicted here. The egg cup, for example, is a modified column. The egg is like an elongated sphere. The rabbit has similar rounded forms.
Personal Interest. And, I liked each of the items. They’re from my personal collection of knick-knacks.
Still Life Set Up.
So, once I selected the items for my still life study, I had to arrange them. Keeping in mind composition, I set about placing my knick-knacks. You will notice that clustered the three together in a sort of triangular shape. It is like they are in huddle over to the left.
By clustering the items to the left, I set up a problem of how to balance the right side. My response was to see if line and small shifts in tone will be enough to achieve balance.
I am including a photo of the still life set up so that you may get an idea of what I was studying. However, I drew and painted from the life; not the photo.
Academic; No Spontaneity?
Hmmm, you might think, this all sounds academic. Well, I think it is at this stage of the process. That is to say, I am purposeful in my set up; not spontaneous. In other words, I’m experimenting and teaching myself by doing. I take the rules and principles of composition, apply them and then see what happens. The process is like an informed trial and error.
Learn By Studying & Doing.
You see, one reads the books, studies the demos, and takes the workshops, in an effort to learn how to draw and paint. But, along the way, one needs to do the work. So, I start with the principles and then go about the process of learning how to use them.
That is, I need to try out ideas using pencil or brush on paper. At such times, I feel compelled to ask the “what if” questions and see what happens. In other words, I’m studying the art of drawing and painting by doing.
The Concept of “Meaning” Deserves More Study.
So, let us go back to this idea of meaning in drawing and painting. As I am writing and considering this question, I realize that meaning might need to be studied just as form, value or color. So, with that, I think I will close with the thought that this ought to be the beginning of a series of articles about meaning in paintings.
What Does It Mean To You?
And, a final word about this particular still life. Could it mean more than my intentions? Well, as the viewer or receiver of the visual message, you bring your own experience to the conversation. So, yes, it could mean something entirely different to you. And, that is just fine with me!
PS. Note with the variation below, I changed a couple of things. Does meaning change as well? What do you think?
By Brooke Nuckles, 269 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
The Annual Members’ exhibit in the Main Gallery is a favorite for many. You are invited to bring in one piece for this year’s theme “Don’t Fence Me In”. For this year, break through whatever boundaries you like as the title “Don’t Fence Me In” implies. (Though within our constraints of being a current member, and framing and dimensions requirements listed HERE>>) This is one of the few exhibits you can submit a piece that is not for sale.
Annual Members Exhibit – Don’t Fence Me In
Drop-off one piece on the theme “Don’t Fence Me In” on Friday, November 2,10am-5pm and Saturday, November 3, 11:00-3:00 pm. The exhibit runs November 9-December 21, 2018. The reception is Friday, November 16, 2018, 5-8pm. Pick-up is Saturday, December 22, 2018 11am-3pm and Wednesday, January 2, 2019, 10am-5pm.
ELIGIBILITY
•Artists must be current members of the Rogue Gallery & Art Center. They may become a member at the time of drop-off.
• Work is your original art (no reproductions) created within the last two years.
• Photographs and hand-pulled prints are signed.
• Work is in excellent condition (clean mats and frames).
• Work is properly framed and wired for hanging. For safety of artwork, we do not allow saw tooth hangers.
• Watercolors and works on paper must be covered by glass or Plexiglas with no exposed edges (closed frames only). Wrapped canvas is ok.
• Outer dimensions (including frame) are 40” x 40”.
• Please do not submit work that has previously been display in any of our galleries.
• Artist receives 60% of sale price: Rogue Gallery receives a 40% commission of retail sale.
