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By Brooke Nuckles, 409 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Homeward Bound by Marilyn Zupan. Image courtesy of the artist
Advance Release for December 2019:
Art du Jour Gallery, 213 E. Main Street in Medford will continue it’s seasonal exhibit with a transition to winter. For Third Friday (December 20th, 5pm-8pm) we are planning a special Christmas event presented by harpist Kathy Yeoman. Please go to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ArtduJourGallery) for any further updates.
Guest Artist Nancy Graham Returns to Help Art du Jour Usher in a New Year
Nancy Graham has always been passionate about art in all its 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. She paints only with watercolor these days and her current passion is teaching watercolor at Scrappy Craft in Phoenix, where her classes remain full year around. She tells us that the real thrill comes from the delight her students find when the composition comes together and there’s 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”.
While teaching that there is more to a successful piece of art than the basic fundamentals of art theory, she likes to experiment with a variety of styles and approaches as evidenced by the selection of pieces that will be showing during December and January. Florals, landscapes, abstracts, still lifes and even a motorcycle 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’d probably reply that she loves to paint the “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 the Southern Oregon Society of Artists, the Rogue Gallery, a past President of the Josephine County Artists Association and a juried member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon.
Nancy Graham exhibit at Art du Jour December 2019. Image courtesy of the artist.
Featured Wall to Transition to a Winter Themed Exhibit
In the interest of keeping with our theme “Always Something New“, for December a combined exhibit by participating AdJ members will be offering a visual representation of “Winter Wonderland”. Several of our members are anxious and ready to showcase their creative talents in recognition of this special time of year.
Calling All Rogue Valley Artists!!!
We continue actively seeking new artists living in the Rogue Valley region who would like to join our co-operative and display their work to the Medford community. Membership includes an active role in 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.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 368 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.
What Is Your Approach?
One of my nieces recently asked me the following question (and I paraphrase): “Do you draw the subject first or rather, do you paint first?” The question was addressing how one approaches watercolor painting in particular.
Easy Answer, Or Is It?
My immediate answer was that my approach is to draw first. And, that is what I usually do because it suits my way of working with watercolor.
An example of drawing first.
It Is About How You Solve Composition Problems.
To clarify, what we are talking about here is drawing out the composition on your watercolor paper, then painting over top of the drawing. Or, the other option, painting first and working out the composition as you go.
And, to reiterate, it is generally my practice to draw out major portions of my design before I start painting.
Trying A Different Start Can Enhance Skills.
However, that doesn’t mean that I am against the “just go for it” approach. That is, painting without an under-drawing or plan. Besides being fun and challenging, you see, sometimes one needs to do things differently. Painting first and composing as you go can stretch your skills. For one thing, you might have to focus intently on what you’re doing in order for the composition to work.
So, from time to time, I have experimented with the more intuitive, un-planned approach to watercolor painting.
Risk Of Failure.
However, I discovered that I have to be prepared for the “failures”. That is, the paintings that I can not resolve and therefore never finish. And that is because transparent watercolor paint offers few options for corrections. So, at least for me, a successful intuitive painting is a challenge. To put it another way, the difference between the sublime success and stunning not-so-good painting can be a small mis-judgement.
Example Of Artist Who Paints First.
I once took a workshop with the artist and experimental watercolor painter Barbara Nechis. To explain, I was and still am intrigued by her paintings. Her approach seems intuitive and natural. But, and this is the big point for me, she has had years of experience. And, it was she who helped me understand that you need to be prepared for the failures.
Example of a “just go for it” watercolor painting.
“Bad Paintings” Are Part Of Learning.
On the other hand, one could state that failures are how we learn and a regular part of painting. As such, I like to remind myself that one has to get through the “bad” ones to get to the successful paintings. And, that is true for those of us who pre-plan and draw as well as for those of us who just go for it with the paint.
The Answer? Yes.
So, back to the original question, how ought one start a watercolor painting? Should one draw first (preplan) or paint first? Hmmm, the more I think about it, the more my answer is, “Yes!” And “if you want to and it depends on you”. Also, why not try both approaches?
About the Paintings.
I selected to watercolor paintings that I created in the same year: 2007. “Rocket Flowers” I pre-planned and drew the layout of the painting first. Then, I continued with the watercolor paint. However, the approach for “November Chapel” was done without a preplanning or an underdrawing.
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 368 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.
Yes, do you remember me?
Remember Me.
As I logged into my website in preparation to write this blog post, I noticed the small remark at the bottom of the page. It read “Remember Me”. Though the statement was about my password, it made me wonder, will you remember me?
Blog Slow Down.
This past year has not been one of my better blogging years. As I remember, things were slow to begin with and, then, I practically stopped writing for the month of August and September. Not surprising, these two months coincide with our move. That is to say, my husband and I have left Talent, OR and moved to Ilwaco, WA.
Hard Getting Started Again.
I thought that when we moved into our new place, it would be easy to pick up the keyboard and start blogging again. Silly me; there is a lot of work to setting up a household. And, my studio space, for example, is only about a third of the way unpacked. I do have my drawing table unpacked. Pencil and paper are always at the ready, so things are looking up.
All that being said, I have wanted to start writing again. Here we go then and, I do hope that you remember me.
Farewell Talent, Oregon.
So, I’d like to say a fond farewell to Talent, OR. I thoroughly enjoyed our seven years there. And, while there, I did some sketches of some of the places around town. I have included a few just for fun.
Rail Depot.
One of my favorite buildings in town is the old rail depot. I did a few sketches and here is my favorite watercolor and ink version. The forward part of the building as space for a cafe. Currently, it is the home of “Sweet Beet Station”.
“Funky Fashions”.
The old building that used to be the home of “Funky Fashions” is also a favorite. “Funky Fashions” was owned by our neighbor when we moved in to Talent back in 2012. Since then it has changed businesses a couple of times. Now, it’s the home of “Biscuits and Vinyl”.
“Downtowne Coffee”
One business that did not change while we were there was “Downtowne Coffee”. It is situated in what was once a gasoline station. I recommend the espresso at “Downtowne Coffee”; it tastes so good!
Gas Station.
Come to think of it, I did do a sketch of one of the gas stations that is still a gas station. The employees were nice and this is one of my favorites.
Fond Memories.
I will remember Talent and the people who live there with fondness.
By Brooke Nuckles, 409 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
JOSEPHINE COUNTY ARTISTS ASSOCIATION
presents
A Workshop With Deborah Dawson
October 21 9:30 – 3:30
October 22 9:30 – 1:30
Location:
The Bear Hotel
2101 Spalding Ave Grants Pass, OR
Cost: $75 for both days
( non-refundable after October 3 )
**There is a minimum of 10 participants needed to hold the
workshop.
The focus of the workshop will be helping you improve your landscape paintings. All media is welcome, except oil, which is not permitted at the Bear Hotel. Join us for a fun 2 days of painting with Deborah.
To register:
Send a check for the full amount of the workshop to:
Josephine County Artists Association PO Box 1275
Grants Pass, OR 97528
You can also register at the September and October JCAA meetings.
By Brooke Nuckles, 409 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Watercolor Exploration Workshop Series –
“Great Blue Heron” with Katrina Meister
When: Thursday, September 19, 2019
Where: Central Art
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Fee: $45*Space is limited. Pre-registration required. Payment is required at time of registration.
Katrina has teamed up with Central Art to create the Watercolor Exploration Workshop Series! Each class is focused on supplies or techniques, all materials are included in the cost of the class, and you will have some to take home to continue on your own!
Our next will be using some of Daniel Smith’s Primatek colors, paints made from ground stones and minerals, they have a great granular quality! We’ll be painting a beautiful Great Blue Heron in this workshop!
Contact Katrina 541-601-7221 for more information, and call or stop by
Roni Marsh and Cheryl Magellen join together once again to bring you a new one-day workshop guaranteed to keep you excited about creating art!
With an emphasis on design and composition, participants will learn to create unique surfaces using numerous textures and painting techniques. Work in pastel, oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, graphite, or all of the above. Whether you have painted before or are an accomplished artist, this workshop will keep you inspired to produce more and more art!
By Brooke Nuckles, 409 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
NEW! “Take The Plunge” Watercolor Sampler Thursday, July 25th
with Instructor Katrina Meister
When: Thursday, July 25
Where: Central Art
Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Fee: $45 (includes supplies)
Attention watercolor enthusiasts and newcomers! As part of World Watercolor Month, local watercolorist Katrina Meister will be presenting an exciting new Watercolor Sampler Thursday, July 25th from 2pm – 5pm at Central Art, starting with a beautiful Koi painting featuring 5 new Winsor Newton colors and 8 new Cad-Free colors! Take the plunge and give these gorgeous new colors a whirl!
Pre-registration is required. Payment required at time of reservation, no multiple reservations accepted. 15 person max.
Sign up by contacting us at 541-773-1444, or stop by Central Art today!
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 368 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.
Greetings! I’m pleased to say that my watercolor painting Hang Up & Read Me A Story was juried into the Rogue Valley Biennial Art Exhibit!
Details About the Exhibit.
The exhibition is hosted by the Rogue Gallery and Art Center in Medford OR. It opened Friday, June 28th and runs through to August 2nd, 2019. There will be an artist’s reception on Friday, July 19th from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. The art center is located at 40 South Bartlett St. in Medford.
The artworks are hung in the Main Gallery of the art center. The exhibition is free to the public and all are invited to come view the works during gallery business hours. Hours are as follows:
10am to 5pm Tuesday thru Friday
11am to 3pm Saturdays
5pm to 8pm Third Fridays
Show Statement for “A Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Art”
Per the Gallery, “this biennial exhibit features juried artwork from local and regional artists in various media. These new works present innovative, insightful and thoughtful expressions of current events, art movements or political issues”.
The Painting and Current Culture.
This painting is one of a series of paintings our cell phone culture. I attempt to make a gentle statement about how pervasive the cell phones are. So much so, that we forget to do without the constant companion on the other end of the phone. It’s like an extra person is invited to so many of our personal encounters.
As such, this particular painting was inspired by a conversation I had with one of my second cousins, Anne Shelton. She happens to be a librarian. Anne mentioned the distractions caused by the mobile phones in the libraries. And, thus, an idea was born. Within a short time, I had a concept drawing.
On Experimentation.
For me, creating a painting it is a process of experimentation from start to finish. And, the start point is the concept drawing. This is one of two drawings I created using this idea of cell phones in the library.
In any case, the value of starting out with a concept drawing is that I start to realize my idea. That being said, though, I give myself room to change.
As I start to build the painting, layer by layer, I allow myself to change the design. This may be a risky approach. However, I find that a small 5×7 inch drawing is quite a bit different from a 14×21 inch watercolor painting. That is, what looks good in graphite might not work just right for me in watercolor. Also, I like how the act of painting itself generates ideas.
I did say “risky approach”, though, you might notice. Such practices can go so wrong. But, it’s just a piece of paper with some paint on it. At least, that is what I tell myself when I am creating the artworks!
So, to reiterate then, I see my approach as being “experimental” in that I allow myself to explore or experiment the “what if” ideas that pop into my head.
Invitation To See The Exhibition!
To summarize, then, I am pleased to announce that I have been included in the Rogue Valley Biennial Art Exhibit this summer. If you are in the area, please do stop by and see the wonderful art works by my fellow local and regional artists!
This class we will explore traditional painting techniques. We will start our paintings with an underpainting, then learn how to block in your painting, and add texture. Then we can use glazing, scumbling, and sgraffito. These will be taught in acrylic. Students will leave with a painting that uses all these techniques. We will be using a Renaissance palette of color. All levels are welcome!
$30/Members,
$35/Non-Members.
All materials provided.
Basics of Watercolor
with Terri Regotti
Saturday, July 6
1 – 4 pm
The transparent quality and the illusion of light created by the artist with watercolors makes it a seductive and popular medium to work with. There are very specific techniques that one must learn and practice to become proficient with them. Through exploring watercolor exercises this class will introduce the student to the various techniques and possibilities of this versatile and beloved medium. At a later date, this workshop will have a follow up class in which students will paint a landscape of their choosing. Come and explore the delicate dance between paper, water and pigment.
$50/Members,
$55/Non-Members.
All materials provided.
More summer classes coming soon!
All class sign ups are considered final and refunds are not given. The Museum will give a full refund in the case of a class being cancelled.
Unsure if your membership is active? Check in with the Museum staff by calling 541-479-3290, or email [email protected].
By Peggy Stermer-Cox, 368 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.
Making pictures, as in to form, shape, bring about or create a picture.
Though, truthfully, I am working on a medium size watercolor painting in my “Three Minute Egg” series. However it is taking a while. And, when it is drying between layers, I work on other things.
Back to the small studies. I can get so much enjoyment out of doing the small studies. Plus, although it may not look it, I do feel as though I’m getting somewhere. Put a different way, I am making progress on my drawing skills and how I like to compose and think about my art.
And, you might notice, I am using different media: ink on paper; colored pencil on toned paper; and Procreate App with my iPadPro.
The Beauty Of Making Something.
I was recently reminded that when you ask four year olds see things differently. To explain, when you ask them what they’re doing when they are drawing or painting, more than likely they’ll say they are making something.
And, a child making a picture will probably not be worrying about whether or not their painting will get into a juried show, or sell, or be in a museum, or the myriad of other things grown up artists worry about.
Making Or Creating.
I think the distinction between “making something” and “creating art” is interesting and revealing. Think about it. Sometimes it is just nice to make a picture rather than worry about painting a piece of art. “Art”, at least to me, is loaded with expectations of creativity, skill and meaning. Oddly enough, it can be an onerous challenge.
Just making a picture of a broken seashell is more liberating. I can investigate, play and stop when I want to. It can come out good or terrible; who cares? The time spent making the picture is a worthwhile and enjoyable endeavor.
Patience And Practice.
Recently, I also remembered that getting good at making something takes practice and patience. So, these small studies are my way of learning and practicing my craft.
In any case, I hope you enjoy my broken seashells.
