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By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 349 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.
Award, that is to say a special recognition of achievement.
Good News!
Greetings! I am pleased to say that my painting Three Minute Egg V11earned the Fourth Place “High Desert” award in the Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) Spring Experimental Exhibition, Florence OR. (Yay!). The exhibition opened on Saturday, April 7th at the Florence Events Center, (715 Quince St) and you may view the show during business hours through the 23rd of April.
Award Donors.
I would like to send my deepest thanks to the sponsors of the Fourth Place “High Desert” Award: Jack Richeson & Co and the WSO 100 Club, Inc.
Jack Richeson & Co is one of the few family run art supply manufacturing companies remaining. Located in Wisconsin, their company “is based on a belief in the Importance of Art, its relevence, its necessity in life”, (quote from their Facebook page). I think its wonderful that they have nine full time working family members and the occasional seasonal member. Thank you Jack Richeson & Co!
The WSO 100 Club is a non-profit corporation established by WSO in 1984 as an endowment fund. The purpose of the fund is to subsidize member education and the WSO Awards Program. Thank you WSO 100 Club!
Award-Winning Paintings.
My watercolor is one of twenty award-winning paintings. The paintings will continue on in a traveling show through the end of September, including galleries in Florence, Newport and Carlton, (please see the schedule below).
WSO Spring Juried Exhibition.
The Watercolor Society of Oregon (WSO) hosts two juried exhibitions per year: one in the fall and one in the spring. To explain the process for the show, artists submit paintings for consideration into a juried show. The submitted painting must past an initial jury to be accepted into the show. Then a juror (or jurors) selects award winners.
In the case of this particular juried show, the juror accepted 80 paintings from 279 entered by 163 artists. And, from the shows 80 paintings, she selected 20 award winners.
This spring’s Juror was artist Ms. Fran Larsen of Santa Fe NM. She is a nationally recognized artist and instructor.
What’s special about the Spring show is that artists can be experimental. That is to say, while the paintings are primarily water media, they may incorporate elements of other media, like colored pencil, ink, pastel, etc.
About the Watercolor Society of Oregon.
The Watercolor Society of Oregon was started in 1966. The society currently has over 800 members from around the state. Its purpose is to promote the interest of watercolor paintings. The Spring Experimental Exhibition is one of two shows held annually in the state of Oregon.
About the Painting, Three Minute Egg V11.
This is the eleventh painting in a series of works exploring a still life setup. For background information, the set up includes eggs, egg cup, timer, spoon and napkin. With each new painting, I allow myself the freedom to explore composition, color, meaning and whatever else strikes my fancy. Incidentally, you may notice that in this painting I was playing with angles.
So, what’s the meaning, you might ask. Well, three minute eggs were one of my favorite childhood breakfasts. Strangely enough, I didn’t particularly enjoy the taste of eggs. Instead, what I liked was being able to dunk my toast into the egg. Plus, we had egg cups from Spain which made the eggs ever more exotic.
With that in mind, you might say this painting is about the memory of exotic breakfasts. Or, the breakfast where Peggy was allowed to play with eggs and toast!
Exhibition Details.
April 7 – 23. Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., Florence OR. Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am to 4:30pm.
April 24 – May 31. Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street, Florence OR. Opening reception Saturday, May 12 from 3-5 pm. Hours: 10am to 6pm daily.
May 31st – July 31st. Newport Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Dr., Newport OR. Hours: Tue – Sun: 12 noon to 4pm.
August 1st – September 31st. Wallow Gallery, 125 W Main St., Carlton OR. Hours: Fri – Sun: 12 noon to 5pm.
By Brooke Nuckles, 117 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Art du Jour Gallery
213 E. Main Street
Medford, OR 97501
(541) 770-3190 (Tues – Sat., 10-4)
Nancy Graham exhibit at Art du Jour. Roy Musitelli photo 4/9/18
Advance Release for May 2018:
During the month of May Nancy Graham’s work will again be featured in the Salon and Bee Bantug will be the featured artist on the feature wall at Art du Jour Gallery, 213 E. Main in Medford.
Guest Artist
Nancy Graham featured Salon artist at Art du Jour Gallery for the months of April and May.
Nancy has always been passionate about art in all forms and styles, as evidenced by the variety of subjects she likes to paint, and the varied approach to each. She was always encouraged by her mother, who was a well-known artist in California and an art instructor at Dominican College in San Rafael a number of years ago.
Although her background is painting with oils and acrylic, her current passion is teaching watercolor at Scrappy Craft in Phoenix, where her classes remain full year-round. She tells us that the real thrill comes from the delight her students find when the composition comes together and there is a sudden spurt of confidence. She pushes strong value shifts of light and dark, telling her students over and over, “The deeper the shadows, the stronger the light will be.”
She teaches that there is more to a successful piece of art than the basic fundamentals of art theory, and she likes to experiment with a variety of styles and approaches as evidenced by the selection of pieces that will be showing at Art du Jour. Florals, landscapes, abstracts, still life’s and even a motorcycles engine are the subjects she’s chosen to show. She’s always excited to try something new and is challenged by the possibilities that watercolor brings to her artwork. However, if one were to ask her what she likes to do best, she would probably reply that she likes to paint “close-ups” where she can use her small brushes to bring out the finest details of her subjects.
Nancy holds a secondary teaching credential and art degree from UC Davis, and is a member of Southern Oregon Society of Artists, the Rogue Gallery, a past President of Josephine County Artists Association and a juried member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon.
Featured Artist for May
As the featured artist for the month of May at Art Du Jour Gallery, Bee Bantug presents “As the bee flies’’. Not quite enigmatically titled, this body of work is part of a series celebrating the beauty and boundless bounty of Mother Earth. And, in seemingly synchronistic timing, through this work Bee pays homage to her beloved mother and all mothers.
Technically and conceptually, her intention is to create evocative imagery using her camera as her brush and the objects and world around her as her palette. And then, pointedly never manipulating her images after the moment of creation. Aesthetically, she likes abstracting the real and manifesting ideas that intimate at the dynamics between expressionism and impressionism to deliver a distinctly different perspective.
When asked to share how she feels about her artwork, Bee in a poetic stanza shared how “art-making lights up her inner fire: becoming, being a part of her true essence.” Completely self-taught, her work has been jury-selected at international art competitions, exhibitions and auctions the past 5 years since she began sharing her artwork publicly
Recently, Bee Bantug was featured as a Selected Artist at Artrooms Fair 2018 London, one of only two US artists among 70 international others. Please come and enjoy creative imagery paying homage to all mothers!
Photography Contest
Art du Jour will begin accepting entries for our second “Peoples Choice” Photography Contest during the last week in April. Prospective participants should take special note that the contest will be part of our Art in Bloom exhibit, as visitors to the gallery vote for their favorite art work. Top vote getter will win $50 and a prize ribbon. The contest artists will also be honored at our Medford Third Friday Art Walk and Reception on May 18. There is a $20.00 entry fee. Call the gallery to register or come by to pick up an entry form. Space will be limited. Like our Facebook page for more info or contact us at (541) 944-1933.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 349 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 daffodil: an early flower and symbol of hope; a nice way to end the month of March and start the month of April.
Intentions.
Greetings! I would like to share with you an announcement about my latest art show. Plus, I have a couple of daffodil drawings to show you. You see, I thought they would be a nice way to close out the month of March and greet the month of April.
New Show: Linda Vista (Ashland OR).
First up, I am pleased to announce that I have 18 paintings now hanging at Linda Vista Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ashland, OR. The wonderful people at Linda Vista will show my work through the month of June.
Displayed in the nursing facility’s lobby hallway, you may view the paintings during normal business visiting hours. Linda Vista’s address is 135 Maple St., Ashland OR.
Some of you may recall, I displayed my artwork here before in late 2015 to early 2016.
Art2Business.
I would like to acknowledge that this is an Art2Business show. Let me elaborate. Art2Business acts somewhat like an agent or go-between. They facilitate the meeting of artists, art and venues. In other words, Linda Vista has an arrangement with Art2Business. And they selected me, as one of the Art2Business artists, to show in their venue for approximately three months!
So, thank you Art2Business and Linda Vista!
Artist Statement.
I thought I’d share my artist statement with you. First, though, it might be helpful to know that I curated my paintings to ensure a bright and cheerful collection. In other words, I wanted to create a joyful display to greet patients, family members, visitors and staff.
I like to paint the joy of life and do so by including people, cats, ponies and coffee cups. Drawn from imagination, these are the characters through which I like to show the wonderful, humorous side of life.
Naturally, bright colors and fun shapes help support the message of joy.
Daffodils In Bloom.
To begin with, the daffodils are in bloom these days in our Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. They have been blooming for a couple of weeks. And, coincidentally, I have a few in my garden. Such festive bright flowers in early spring.
On Drawing A Daffodil.
So, naturally, I thought I’d draw and paint them while they are still in bloom. To my surprise, they are challenging to draw from life. Their are a couple of issues, you see. For one thing, there is the perspective of the corona or cup. I chose to draw the flower with the cup in a nearly frontal position. Its like looking down at a tube head on.
Take the point of view and add on the fact that the flower is yellow and, then, you have an interesting challenge. To explain, what color are the shadows of yellow flowers? As I look at the flower, the colors look greenish or gray. Hmmm, my mind does not want to paint a yellow flower greenish gray. I will have to persuade it, that is my mind, to do so.
Also, parts of the yellow tend toward orange, and others, again, toward green. In any case, its sometimes amazing to note that a seemingly simple subject like a daffodil has its challenges!
I did draw a different point of view on my iPadPro using the app Procreate.
Daffodil As Floral Symbol.
Sometimes when I’m drawing or painting a subject, I like to look up symbology, history and other small cultural “gee whiz” type facts. For example, daffodils are a national flower for Wales.
The symbology and meaning of daffodils is complicated. For example, one daffodil, like in my artworks, implies misfortune; OOPS! I ought to add more! Because, you see, multiple daffodils mean joy and happiness! I guess one daffodil just looks lonely.
And, as you might gather, meaning and symbology varies with country, culture and history. If you are intrigued by such floral messages, you might want to check The Daffodil Society of Great Britain. Their blog has an interesting article about the language of flowers and the daffodil in particular.
So, with that, I leave you with two drawings of a single daffodil. I hope that since there are two drawings then that counts as multiple daffodil. Its about being joyful and happy!
By Brooke Nuckles, 117 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Bureau of Land Management Medford District are co-sponsoring a series of free guided educational hikes at the Table Rocks weekends in April and May.
Sunday, April 15, 9:00 a.m., LOWER TABLE ROCK
Nature Sketching & Journaling: Join a scientist turned artist for a hike and exploration of art in nature.
Darlene Southworth, SOU professor emerita of biology and watercolor journalist, will share her perspective on the landscapes you see and the natural history you encounter along the trail.
Bring a sketchpad and pencils or pens; watercolors are optional but welcome.
By Brooke Nuckles, 117 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Free! FOURTH FRIDAY FILMS
March 23, 2018 7:00 p.m.
Local artists turned film-makers Bruce Bayard, Larry Lewis and Greeley Wells present the third installment of their Fourth Friday Films series. This Friday’s airing will highlight filrms by Bruce Bayard. In addition there will be short films by Freeley Wells, and works by Larry Lewis. Films will be shown in the Rogue Studio. Attendance is free.
CELTIC CELEBRATION CONTEST WINNERS
Another Sell-Out Crowd has a fabulous time!
It was a wonderful night, abley MC’ed by volunteer Tom Hearon and graced by the songs of the Blarney Tones and a spirited Irish band, the Roaring Rogues.
From an incredibly talented group of singers, Jena Harris won the “Danny Boy” singing contest as judged by the enthusiastic audience.
The art contest was judged by Georgeanna Happel who chose Best in Show and the Honorable Mention pieces. The Celtic Celebration attendees voted by ballot for Peoples Choice. The entire exhibit is on display until this Friday, March 23rd. The winning pieces will be on view until April 6th.
Best in Show: Joan Kennedy for “The Singing Goddess” watercolor/gauche
People’s Choice: Kristen Beck for “Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands” photography
Honorable Mention:
Silvia Kelly for “Ireland on my Mind” acrylic for most whimsical
Charlotte L. Wirfs for “Celtic Charm” textile
Kristen Beck for “Eilean Donan Castle, Scottish Highlands” photo
Rachel Barrett for “Luck of the Irish” watercolor
IN THE ROGUE STUDIO
For Teens
Teen Painting Workshop for ages 13–17 with Linda Dixon
April Series: Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, 4:00-6:00 pm
Local artist Linda Dixon will guide students through the process of painting, explaining the importance of color and the principles of design. All materials are provided register now!
For Adults Mixed Media 3 with Linda Dixon
Saturday and Sunday, March 24 & 25,1:00–4:00pm
Construct an assemblage by adding unique found objects on your mixed media piece. Completion of Mixed Media I and/or II is not required to attend this class. Register now!
20 Most Important Lessons with Judy Morris
Saturday, Sunday, & Monday, April 7, 8 & 9,10:00 am–4:00 pm
Join professional art instructor Judy Morris in this inspiring painting workshop about the most important lessons in watercolor. Judy will share her techniques, knowledge, and experiences with painting from her 50 years in the art world that will inspire you to create fantastic pieces of your own. Register now!
Life Drawing Tuesdays, 6-8:30 pm, Next Session, March 27th. $10 per session. Register or pay at time of drop in.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 349 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.
Symbols, in my case, images or colors representing ideas, thoughts or emotions.
St. Patrick’s Day.
Hi! Its “St. Patrick’s Day” weekend! I have always understood this day to be one in which people of certain cultural descent honor St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Of Celtic Descent.
Even though I am a descendent of Irish, Welsh and Scottish ancestors, I am not versed in the ins and outs of St. Patty’s Day. Its been a couple hundred years since my ancestors left the isles, you see.
Memories Of St. Patty’s Day.
So, instead, I grew up with St. Patty’s Day being the day I dressed up in one of my many favorite colors: green.
Do you remember being pinched on St. Patrick’s Day if you didn’t wear green? And, drawing endless shamrocks as part of grade school class projects? I liked the drawing shamrock part. However, I was sure to display lots of green to avoid getting pinched.
Celtic Celebration.
That being said, lets get back to more recent events. To explain, about three years ago the local Rogue Gallery and Art Center started having a “Celtic Celebration Art Show”. The show sparked my imagination and I started thinking about creating a painting. But what subject and how?
Tea cups and Celtic mythical goddesses came to mind. However, as you might imagine, its quite a road from idea to reality!
Internet Research.
Thank goodness for research and the tons of information available on the internet. My favorite Celtic things include the wonderful knots and symbols. So, I looked them up and went to work.
Sidebar: Irish and Celts.
I think a quick sidebar is necessary here. To explain, the Irish are considered to be one of the Celtic cultures. So, while the symbols I use may have an Irish meaning, they may be used by other peoples as well. Furthermore, since the Celts have been around for a couple of millennia or so, the symbols may be found in many different countries.
Symbol Meanings Are Complicated.
In the two paintings shown here, I have included some Celtic symbols. I’d like to share their meaning with you, however, please note, the descriptions are simplified. Apparently, meaning for many Celtic symbols is complex.
Symbols Used in “Irish Breakfast Tea
For more, I invite you to look at the references listed at the bottom of this page.
What’s the Point? Meaning!
So, what’s the point to all this discussion about symbols? I wanted to incorporate symbols to give an extra layer of meaning to my painting. True, the titles, plus the green color indicate that the paintings are about something or someone Irish. The symbols just add another layer of meaning to discover. Think of it this way, we get to share something like private messages together through the painting.
Green Is Complicated Too!
Speaking of green color. As I stated before, meaning in Celtic symbols seems to be complicated. And, apparently, so is the color green and its association with Ireland.
For example, when I was growing up, we all wore green on St. Patricks Day. My point of reference is dominated by how Americans celebrate. We wear green shamrocks or green hats, etc. So, I made the logic leap that green is some sort of national color.
Is Green Ireland’s National Color?
The national flag of Ireland has green, white and orange. Plus, I think of Ireland as the “Emerald Isles”.
And, yet, there is not an official national color apparently!
Blue?
Also, as I learned in my research on line, the constitution of Ireland is encased in blue. Even more, the Presidential standard is blue with a gold harp. So, I wonder, would blue be a more appropriate color?
Again, Meaning?
So, what does this all have to do with art? Well, if I’m using a particular color to convey meaning, I figure it helps to ensure a common understanding. Otherwise, meaning is lost or in error. So green it is because, as an American, that’s the color I link with Ireland.
I’m glad I started out someone simple with all this symbolism. I had an idea about doing a mythical Celtic goddess. Maybe next year or so. And, perhaps she’ll be blue!
Job Description: Acrylic Painting, Drawing and/or Watercolor Instructor wanted to teach art classes at the Michaels store in Roseburg and Medford, OR.
This is a part-time, permanent position. This is a great opportunity for an artist who would like to be able to offer classes, but does not have their own studio space to do so.
We are looking for instructors who:
-have the ability to paint and/or draw realistically
-have the ability to teach realistic acrylic painting, watercolor and/or drawing classes
-have the willingness to market their classes and build their own student base
Compensation:
FREE Basics: MAKE A Project Classes: Scheduledup to one time per month
o Hourly rate plus $3 per student
Instructor’s Choice: Acrylic Painting, Watercolor and Drawing Classes:
o Hourly rate plus $7 per student for 6 students in attendance or less
o Hourly rate plus $10 per student for 7 students in attendance or more
*All schedules to be determined between instructor and Michaels store management.
Duration: Classes are two hours in length.
The goal of each class is for students to leave with a finished painting or drawing.
Certification: All Grumbacher art instructors who teach classes at Michaels must become certified through Grumbacher.
TO APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION (free of charge): Visit jobs.grumbacher.com to start the process
o Find the store that you would like to apply for by choosing your state from the drop-down menu at the top of the page.
o Click on the store that you would like to apply for certification
o Read the official job description (at jobs.grumbacher.com)
o Submit your application
You will be contacted regarding the next step after we receive and review your online application. If you have questions or require assistance, please respond directly to this ad.
Please note: Certification through Grumbacher is completely independent of the Michaels hiring process. Once certified, you must complete the Michaels employment application
By Brooke Nuckles, 117 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
March Madness! Save BIG During Our 37th Anniversary Sale!
A New Year, A New Journey Begins…
No matter where the muse takes you in 2018 – from the familiar confines of the studio to the beauty of nature and beyond – let Central Art be your creative passport!
When fresh inspiration is needed, look no further than our wide selection of art instruction and technique books to give you a head start. Brushes on your bucket list? Choose just the right fit for your suitcase with a beautiful assortment of brushes in a variety of styles and travel options. If journaling is your jam, you can never have too many sketchbooks! Fortunately we have all sizes, formats and weights of paper to suit whatever medium makes you happiest. Adding a few words of wisdom to your work is an art form in itself – why not go “old-school” with some dip pens and a bit of ink and rediscover the lost art of calligraphy? Central Art is your Hand Lettering Headquarters!
The list goes on and on, and so does your drive to create! Nobody knows that better than us.
Now is the time to seize the canvas and voyage fearlessly into an artistic adventure, so what are you waiting for? Come see us and begin charting a course today!
In 1994, Ampersand Art Supply began their mission of reviving the time-honored tradition of panel painting with the creation of Claybord, the very first coated painting panel. Over the years, Ampersand has added many wonderful painting panels with unique surface coatings suitable for all media.
Caran d’Ache is the pen name by which French illustrator, Emmanuel Poire’, achieved worldwide renown in the 19th century. The choice turned out to be a salient one, since “karandash” is the Russian term for “pencil” and in turn comes from the Turkish root “karat ash” which refers to black stone – the origins of graphite. In 1924, Arnold Schweitzer, the founder of a Swiss pencil factory, decided to use the name of the famous illustrator, Caran d’Ache for his business.
Crescent is headquartered in Wheeling, Illinois, and is a private, 5th generation family-owned company founded over 100 years ago. Crescent continues to innovate and develop new, on-trend products to meet the changing needs and interests of artists and framers globally. Crescent art material products have been selected by students and professionals alike for decades.
In Osaka Japan, the company was formed just before the turn of the last century, and took the name of European artist Hans Holbein in the 1930’s. From that time, Holbein’s presence has been significant in Southeast Asia, North America, Australia and Europe. Holbein is unique in the art material trade because they do not produce any entry student quality color products. Each of the color lines is adapted to meet the special requirements of the professional artist.
For over 70 years, Pentel has supplied the world with the highest quality products. Pentel is the only writing instrument company to receive the Deming Award for recognition of the highest standard of quality. Some of Pentel’s industry-leading products have been in production for many years, and remain in demand today, such as roller ball pens, graphite leads and mechanical pencils. Many new Pentel products will no doubt possess equally distinguished longevity.
Stabilo is a family run company that has been making writing products for more than 160 years creating pens that are trend-conscious, inspiring and visionary. The diverse products from Stabilo make the lives of people a little more colorful each and every day by delivering quality and implementing innovative designs into each and every pen.
3-Day UArt Pastels Workshop Starting Friday, April 27th, 2018!
Location: Central Art Supply, Medford, OR Date: Friday April 27 – Sunday April 29 2018 Time: Friday April 27 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Saturday April 28 10:00 am -4:00pm, Sunday April 29 10:00 am -4:00pm Price: $350.00 Students: 6-12There are many benefits of using an underpainting on UART Premium Sanded Pastel Paper. The type of underpainting depends on the subject and desired end effect. In this workshop we will explore several options.
There will be a demo each morning using a different medium as an underpainting. There will also be an option to ‘paint-a-long’ from the same reference photo as Susan to really get a step-by-step approach of her technique from beginning to end. You will receive individual instruction tailored to your specific needs, level and goals as well as a constructive critique of work done in the workshop as well as any work you bring along.
UART will provide you via email with a full list of materials before the beginning of the workshop. Check out Susan’s website at www.susankuznitsky.com
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 349 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.
Teachers, as in people who help others learn and acquire knowledge.
“If you could learn from, and paint with any artists in history, who would you choose?”
Hmmm. Oddly enough, I had to think a minute. And, you might say, I’m still thinking!
In any case, a list of my favorite artists scrolled through my head like Picasso, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, DaVinci, Velasquez, Miro, Singer Sargent, etc. Not as easy a question as it looks to be.
Me As Art Student.
And, then I started to think about my own experience as an art student. What do I value as an art student? That is to say, what kind of instructor do I respond to? Who has been most helpful?
Before I delve in to the issue of types of art instructors, I think I ought to say a word or two about being a student. To explain, we have a role to play in our own education. This is a point driven home to me by my father and artist John Stermer.
Story Time: Lesson From Dad.
You see once upon a time I was chattering on about going to school and the quality of teachers and on and on. And, I babbled about art instructors and asked my Dad how to know if instructors were any good. My father quietly reminded me that my role was to listen to the instructor and learn everything I could. It is only later, after I have gained experience, that I can gage the quality of the instruction.
You might imagine an “oops” bubble floating over my head; the type that happens when I notice I’ve been totally clueless. Dad was absolutely right. Furthermore, as a rank beginner, it was a bit misguided and ridiculous for me to worry about the quality of teachers.
Tip One. Be The Student!
That is to say, you, as the student, are there to learn from the teacher. For many people, that may not be a problem. However, if you’re like me, there are times when its helpful to remember!
Tip Two. Be Open Minded.
Building on tip one, students ought to approach class with an open mind. Yes, even though this is supposed to be about the teacher, students need an open mind in order to learn.
Case in point. A few years ago I signed up for a workshop from one of my favorite watercolor artists. I had read his book and thought it was great. I could hardly wait for the class. Then, workshop day came and I had to force myself to stay in class.
You see, the workshop was not as I imagined it would be. That is to say, I had built up the class in my mind and there were things I expected to learn from the instructor. But, the workshop was something different. It took me a little while to let go and, then, open my mind to what the instructor was trying to say and do.
Tip Three. Go Local.
You can learn a ton from art classes in your local community. I have had several excellent instructors and they were just down the street. The instruction was first rate and just what I needed.
Later, if you want to go take a workshop from your favorite artist, you will be ready with a strong foundation.
And, you can always (still) go local!
Tip Four. Learn From Your Fellow Students.
Its kind of a “we are all in this together” attitude. We all have something to share, something we have learned that is useful. Think of it as a total learning experience.
Wait a minute, when am I going to get around to the teachers…what do I value?
Tip Five. Match Skill Level With Class Intention.
No, this is not about the teacher yet. However, when I thought of value I was reminded about one of the classes I took. I wanted to take the workshop because I loved the artist’s work. I wanted to learn how to do what she does. So, the workshop sponsor had an opening and I signed up.
But, there was a little qualification from the workshop teacher. She said her class was meant for intermediate and advanced watercolor artists. What does that mean? I had been painting for a year to 18 months. Was I an intermediate? Certainly, I wasn’t still a beginner. (Little did I know…and that’s the point!)
I asked – how do I know if I’m an intermediate or advanced student? Oddly enough, I never received an answer. Maybe its one of those cases where if you have to ask, maybe you’re a beginner.
In any case, it was probably not the best workshop for my skill level but I enjoyed it anyway.
Back To Art Teachers.
So, after five tips I’m no where near to what I value in an instructor…or am I?
I love to have teachers who are approachable and knowledgeable. Beyond that, I’m not certain there is such a thing as the perfect instructor. As I look back, I’ve learned something valuable from all my instructors!
Still, it would be fun and work to take a workshop from John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt Van Rijn. I just hope I could be a good enough student!
Acknowledgement.
Websites for two of my local art teachers. They are first class instructors.
By Brooke Nuckles, 117 contributed posts
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On St. Patrick’s Day, the Rogue Gallery will host a special evening event featuring Celtic art, music, and Irish food.
Musicians and choral groups will perform traditional Irish music. The evening also includes a singing competition of the best rendition of the song “Danny Boy”. A special Celtic themed art show by Rogue Gallery artists’ members will be on display from March 14 through March 22, 2018.
The Celtic culture has a long and rich tradition in music and art. The Rogue Gallery & Art Center celebrates the art of the Celts with music and art. Music performers include Pat O’Scannell and the choral group Blarney Tones. On display will be an Irish themed art show that includes acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings as well as photography and collages. Realistic interpretations and abstraction of Celtic themes are reflected in the diverse work. The evening also includes a singing competition to select the best rendition of the Irish classic, “Danny Boy” with the winner receiving a $100 award. Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and Irish soda bread will be served.
Tickets cost $35.00 and are limited. For tickets, please call 541-772-8118, visit the Rogue Gallery at 40 S. Bartlett St., or purchase online at www.roguegallery.org .
Margaret Stermer-Cox, Watercolor, Irish Breakfast Tea
The Rogue Gallery & Art Center is a non-profit community art center, founded in 1960 to promote and support the arts in the Rogue Valley. The center exhibits a wide range of artistic styles and mediums from local and national artists. Programming includes art educational opportunities for children and adults. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (541)772-8118 for more info or visit www.roguegallery.org.
It was a wonderful night, abley MC’ed by volunteer Tom Hearon and graced by the songs of the Blarney Tones and a spirited Irish band, the Roaring Rogues.
