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By Brooke Nuckles, 196 contributed posts
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Open Studios
September 29 & 30
Our third annual Open Studios: How Art is Made tour starts in just over 2 weeks. We are looking forward to an art-filled weekend and have 13 artists in 10 studio locations.
This year the tour showcases studios that are north of the Rogue River. Next year we will feature studios that are south of the river.
Can you do us a favor? Help us spread the word! Even if you aren’t participating as an artist this year, we still want your help. Buy a ticket, tell a friend (or ten). Post to Facebook, email your art loving pals. Help support our growing art community in the Josephine County by spreading the word about this event.
Open Studios
September 29 & 30, 11 am – 4 pm
$20 ticket – includes an artist guide with map for the first 200 tickets sold.
Our Preview Exhibition will be open from September 18 – 27. We will also have art books for sale during the preview! Great chance to pick up some fascinating books.
Click on any picture to reach our website class signup page.
Color Theory – Still Life
with Bobbi Baldwin
Friday, 9/21 & Sat. 9/22
10:30 am – 4 pm
This class will work from a still life. We will study the effects of light and shadow, exploring the temperatures of light and how lights influence what we paint. It is a must have class for all artists. Bobbi will describe and demonstrate the anatomy of light and shadow.
All mediums are welcome (except oil paint).
$150.
3D Zentangle
with Cindy Hernandez
Saturday, Oct. 6
1 – 4 pm
Learn Zentangle designs with certified Zentangle instructor, Cindy Hernandez. Then create fun and flexible 3D art with them.
Zentangle is a creative doodling process where there are no mistakes, and fantastic looking designs are easily repeatable.
$35. All materials included.
Color Mixing
with Kristen O’Neill
Saturday, Oct. 13
1 – 4 pm
The color theory class you’ve been asking for! This class is all about learning the color wheel, and we will create mixing charge so that you can learn how to explore color on your own.
$30. All materials provided.
Paint like Emily Carr
with Kristen O’Neill
Saturday, Oct. 20
1 – 4 pm
One of Canada’s most loved artists. Emily Carr has been compared to Georgia O’Keeffe, Edvard Munch, and Vincent van Gogh. She dedicated her life to painting powerful landscapes of British Colombia.
We will learn about her life, artwork, and style and copy one of her work’s (of your choice). Class is taught with Golden’s Heavy Body acrylics.
$30. All materials included.
Dragons & Dinos – Oh my!
with Corbin Brashear
Sat. 10/27
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
A needlefelting workshop where you can create a dragon or dinosaur. We will create whimsical dragons or real beasts as we explore working with armatures in this workshop. Some experience needlefelting is recommended by not required. Adults and kids 8 and up are welcome. Preregistration is required.
$75. All materials provided.
Paint like Diego Rivera
with Kristen O’Neill
Sat. Nov. 17
1 – 4 pm
Learn about the life, and paintings and murals of Mexican artist Diego Rivera. We will copy one of his work’s onto a 8″ x 10″ canvas. Class is taught with Golden’s Heavy Body acrylics.
$30. All materials provided
Portrait Painting
with Bobbi Baldwin
Fri. 11/30 and Sat. 12/1
10:30 am – 4 pm
This class is designed for the student who wants to excel at portraiture. This class is filled with many lectures and demonstrations on becoming a fine art portrait artist, including and not limited to: eyes, noses, mouths, ears, skin color, bone structure, hair, hands, limbs, torsos, clothing, and backgrounds.
Bobbi works individually with all students on the level they are as well as working with the group on areas that I see are needed for everyone. It is a great class for whoever you are and at whatever level you are at. This is going to be from a live model.
All mediums are welcome (except oil paint).
$150.
How to Paint Clouds
with Kristen O’Neill
Sat. 12/8
1 – 4 pm
Learn techniques to create realistic clouds, in a variety of lighting circumstances.
We will explore how to use clouds to show what time of day it is, and how to create consistent light within a painting or drawing. Class is taught in acrylic.
$30. All materials provided.
SPECIAL NOTE:
The Museum will have a book sale during our Open Studios Preview exhibition from Sept 18 – 27. We highly encourage you to come see our event preview, get a ticket to explore artist studios, and pick up a few books. We have many art how-to books along with other art books for sale.
Open Studios: Sat. 9/29 & Sun 9/30. $20 ticket. See 13 artists in 10 locations and see how they create their art.
By Anna Elkins, 134 contributed posts
View all Anna Elkins's posts. About the author: art + word + spirit: A painter and poet, I play in the crossroads of art & spirit. My paintings are visual stanzas of a poem I will spend my life writing - with brush & pen. I've had the honor to create and exhibit art in the United States, Europe & Micronesia. "As with poetry, painting is either a battle or a dance. Given the choice between music & a sword, I choose music." See Anna's listing at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource.
Sunset in Moulay Idriss, Morocco from the terrace of Scorpion House
If you use a hardcopy calendar, you’ve probably already begun to write down events for 2019. If you’re digital, some of those pixel squares are likely filling. As you plan your coming year, consider penciling in (or typing in!) a Deep Travel adventure or two. Imagine an afternoon beneath a seaside palapa in Mexico, watching a flamenco puro performance in a Spanish cave, or watching the sun set over the Fez Medina and the mountain village of Moulay Idriss in Morocco. DeepTravel not only gets you to these places, we also introduce you to the artists, writers, and change-makers who live there. As one of our alumni said of her time in Morocco, “I fell a bit in love with everyone I met.” We invite you to do the same.
Deep Travel Mexico: The Art of Tranquilo
January 3-7: Yelapa, Mexico
Come enjoy a writing retreat in the rugged-and-wonderful, car-free village of Yelapa on Mexico’s Bay of Banderas.Beloved travel writer Tim Cahill will be our instructor, inspiring us in this unpolished paradiso fueled by sun, cerveza, and seafood. After waking in your open-air casita, amble down the beach for a session of guided writing with Tim, and then enjoy the day sketching, swimming, hiking, boating—or all of the above! This trip will balance rest and adventure. Want to sip margaritas in a hammock? Want to salsa dance in the moonlight? Want to enjoy Huichol art? How about fishing? Whatever your interests, you will find plenty of inspiration for your journal. Register here.
Deep Travel Andalusia: In Search of Duende
March 22-28: Granada, Spain
What is duende and where do we find it? The great Spanish poet Federico García Lorca defined it as the dark beauty found in Andalusian art: the bullfight, the fierce flamenco dancing, and the strains of a guitar. You might recognize it closer to home in the haunting chords of your favorite Leonard Cohen song. Wherever we find it, duende can transform struggle into art and sorrow into revelation. This spring, Deep Travel will journey to Lorca’s hometown of Granada, Spain to explore duende at its source. We will visit the gitano caves, hold readings by candlelight, marvel at the Alhambra, and enjoy a sunset paella party with local flamenco dancers in the Sacromonte. Along the way, author and musician Nick Jaina will spark your writing with the cante jondo—the deep song at the heart of duende. Register here.
Deep Travel Morocco: The Art of Adventure
March 31-April 8: Fez & Moulay Idriss, Morocco
Can writing about the world make it a better place? It can, insists Lavinia Spalding, author of Writing Away and series editor of The Best Women’s Travel Writing. For this immersive workshop, Lavinia helps us to explore how writing the stories of people and places can seed change—both in others and in ourselves. Our eight-day journey takes us inside the mesmerizing Fez Medina with its 9,000 byways and into Morocco’s holiest city, Moulay Idriss, in the Middle Atlas mountains. We’ll gather with Sufis, listen to the tales of traditional storytellers, connect with inspired artists, and dine with local friends who will invite us deeply into their culture. In daily sessions, we’ll articulate the places behind the headlines and the individuals behind the stereotypes. This trip is for anyone who wants to see inside the heart and soul of Morocco. Join us! Register here. Bonus: if you come on both the Spain and Morocco trips, we cover the days in between: accommodation and transit from Granada, Spain, a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar, a night in Tangier, the train to Fez, and the night in Fez before the workshop begins. Contact us with any questions.
By Brooke Nuckles, 196 contributed posts
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Art Explorations Mini Workshop:
Leather Painting with Angelus
When: Saturday, September 22, 2018
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where: Central Art classroom
Fee: $7Take Central Art’s NEW Angelus leather paints for a test drive, and paint a leather coaster with our own Lara Strazdas!
Angelus Paint can be used on any leather surface, as well as many other surfaces as long as they are prepped properly. Some of these other surfaces include: Canvas, Fabrics, Mesh, & more! Come try them out at this fun mini-workshop, and get inspired for future projects!
Sign up NOW to reserve your spot!
Pre-registration is required for this workshop. Pay in advance to reserve as space is limited. Visit Central Art or call 541-773-1444 to register.
By Brooke Nuckles, 196 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
Portland General Electric’s float highlighting the Work For Art program at the annual festival they sponsor.
Webinar: Creativity at Work
Are you looking to offer more creative experiences to your staff? Or interested in learning how your arts organizations can make new connections to the business community? Join Kregg Arnston from Portland General Electric and Aaron Nicholson from Opera San Jose for a conversation on creativity in the workplace on Sept. 17 from 12:30p.m. – 1:30p.m. CT.
Residents of Grand Rapids, MI collaborated to transform the physical spaces that connect them. In the end they transformed so much more.
LOOKING FOR MARKETING INSPIRATION?
An interview with Suzanne Weeldreyer of Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra on the impact Creating Connection has had on the orchestra’s messaging and programming.
ART + HEALTH
Good news for the dancers among us: The dynamic Argentine Tango improves your social life and can protect your brain from dementia.
Back to school blues?
Many of us are kicking off a new season of performances, exhibitions, and programs. For those star students looking to load up your backpack with some new supplies, check out the Creating Connection toolkit. Bring on the new season, we’re here to help.
By Southern Oregon Artists Resource, 1580 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.
The Golden Ratio in Art
Struggling to find balance in the composition of your artworks? Luckily for you, nature and the old masters show us a handy rule of thumb that can help you create visually stunning work.
Enter the golden ratio. Learn more about the formula in use for centuries, yet still unknown to many artists.
What is the Golden Ratio?
The golden ratio is a unique irrational number that can be found throughout nature and art. The golden ratio, also known as the golden mean or the Fibonacci ratio, is roughly 1 to 1.618.
Now, before I scare you off at the prospect of mathematics, let me explain why this number can be handy to your artworks.
This ratio is found in everything from shells to plants to human bone structure. Due to its prevalence in nature, designers and artists often use the golden ratio, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Use it to provide harmony, cohesion and stability in your art and design.
How Can You Use the Golden Ratio in Art?
The golden ratio is an excellent tool to help any budding artist create compelling pieces. It can take the guesswork out of subject placement, and proportions within your work.
There are many ways to do this. One example is to use the ratio to design a compelling composition around which your artwork will evolve. The use of the golden rectangle or spiral can help you determine the layout and focal point of your artwork.
The golden rectangle, which is shown above alongside the golden spiral, is based on the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, …). These numbers make up the length of the sides of each square. As the squares get larger, you can place them beside the collection of smaller squares to create a rectangle. The ratio of the sides of this rectangle is equal to the golden ratio.
Use this rectangle to design your composition and also to highlight points of interest. For example, if you have visually appealing areas, like a landmark in a landscape or someone’s eye in a portrait, using the golden ratio in art can help you strategically place these landmarks to improve the overall composition and draw the viewers eye.
You can also use the ratio when designing the layout of your piece. Web and graphic designers will often use the golden ratio to divide up a web page or construct a logo. Thus, the proportions of the different elements are all related, based on the golden ratio.
How Will You Use the Golden Ratio in Art?
As you can see, there are many different ways to include the golden ratio in art. From composition and design to breaking down the proportions of the human body, the way you use it can be as simple or as complex as you want. Consequently, it is the perfect way to add an extra layer of balance and harmony to your composition.
Southern Oregon Artists Resource thanks Nathan Hughes of ArtIgnition.com for contributing this post! For an in-depth article with tips, tricks and tools, please visit their post by Chelsea here: https://artignition.com/golden-ratio-in-art/
By Brooke Nuckles, 196 contributed posts
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Focus On Design In Pastel Painting
Instructor: Janis Ellison
Where: Central Art classroom
When: September 10, 24, October 1, 8, 2018 (Four Monday sessions)
Time: 9:30-1:00
Fee: $125.00
Learn how shape, color, value, texture and line can influence your choices in composing a painting with good design elements. Join me for ongoing 4-week session classes that include demonstration and individual instruction time at your easel.
Tomorrow, August 31, is the last day to turn in your Flowers of Hope panels.
These projects can be done during our regularly scheduled workshops on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10 – 12n. Please call or email ahead to reserve your space.
Painting With Frit
October 6th
10a-12pm
Lunch
1-4pm
Learn to use frit, hand pulled stringers, 96 glass and glass enamels to quickly add dimension and a painterly quality to your fused glass art.
We’ll explore different techniques through 3 small panels, focusing on clouds, trees, water and layering backgrounds. We’ll also address combining colors and picture composition.
Find out how easy it is to develop your sketches from photos and other inspiration. These panels can be a great reference guide for future projects.
All frit, stringers, glass, glass enamels and lunch are included.
Glass fusing: Basics or equivalent is required.
$145
Morning Workshops:
Come join our morning workshops on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10a – Noon. Use our tools and workshop space. $10 for 2 hours! Call to reserve your space. You can do a Flowers of Hope panel during any of our workshops…or a “Try Fusing” panel to get you started in fusing. You can also schedule bigger projects. Contact us for more information.
By Anna Elkins, 134 contributed posts
View all Anna Elkins's posts. About the author: art + word + spirit: A painter and poet, I play in the crossroads of art & spirit. My paintings are visual stanzas of a poem I will spend my life writing - with brush & pen. I've had the honor to create and exhibit art in the United States, Europe & Micronesia. "As with poetry, painting is either a battle or a dance. Given the choice between music & a sword, I choose music." See Anna's listing at the Southern Oregon Artists Resource.
I found a shiny penny on the ground last week—a penny so bright it looked fake. As I picked it up, I noticed it’s a new one: 2018.
Yes, I pick up pennies. They remind me to not take little things for granted—to instead be grateful for them. As I pocketed the penny, I thought of the phrase, “both sides of the same coin” and wondered if a coin might work as a metaphor for gratitude.
At first I didn’t like the coin comparison—it implies commodification. But then again, maybe gratitude is a kind of currency.
As I’ve shared most everywhere, on the first of August, I was accepted for a writing residency at the Vermont Studio Center. Delight! Heel-clicking glee! Small problem: even though VSC awarded me a partial grant, the balance due was still big. Since my residency was awarded at the start of their season, I only had two weeks to pay in full, and that wasn’t enough time to apply for more grants. So I swallowed my pride and asked for help. Art orders, book orders, and donations poured in. (PS: Thanks for your patience on commissioned paintings!)
My Gratitude-O-Meter entered the stratosphere. It was a whirlwind of what Anne Lamott calls the three main prayers: Help! Thanks! Wow!(The exclamation marks are my addition!)
What I didn’t mention when I shared my news was that I had been accepted to VSC almost ten years before. But that heel-clicking glee tripped on the curb of lack. Or perceived lack. I told myself a residency was too expensive. I invested more heavily in limitation than in gratitude, and I got what I “bought.”
Aside #1: I’ve turned down many opportunities I couldn’t afford. But for those, I didn’t feel a powerful “yes!” followed by a self-imposed, hope-killing “no.”I’ve learned that though I can’t do everything, I canlisten for the things I am meant to do. Aside #2: I practice gratitude daily, for mostly mundane things. Some days, my gratitude journal is filled with uninspired entries like, “I’m grateful for a roof over my head.” But then, in wildfire season when friends have lost homes, I write that like I mean it, because I do. I believe that consistent gratefulness in the littles leads to exponential gratefulness in the bigs.
In other words: investing in gratitude yields many happy returns—for ourselves and for others.
One of my many freelance jobs is working with my dear friend, Christina Ammon, for her company, Deep Travel Workshops. We take people on writing adventures around the world. This year, Deep Travel was able to do a pretty marvelous thing: at Book Passage’s annual Travel Writers and Photographers Conference, it offered a free international trip as the award for the conference’s essay contest winner. More glee! More bubbly! We were as happy as the recipient.
Within days of receiving big good, I was able to help give big good. Even though one event didn’t cause the other, they were linked by hefty prayers of Thanks!
Some days, we get the chance to up our own gratitude, and some days we get to give that chance—and not necessarily in that order. Gratitude works whichever way the coin is facing when we reach for it.
To get punny, I could say that this year has minted a new coin of gratitude in my life. But I won’t (winky face here).
Speaking of winking, perhaps the coin of gratitude is doing that right now, as if it knows its multifaceted power and is waiting for us to discover it in new ways. Perhaps the rest of 2018 is gleaming with shiny new ways to give thanks—if we’re willing to look for them. If gratitude is currency, then we have bottomless treasuries.
By Brooke Nuckles, 196 contributed posts
View all Brooke Nuckles's posts. About the author:
The Southern Oregon Society of Artists will be hosting it’s regular meeting on
August 27,2018 at 7 pm
at the Medford Public Library.
Our Speaker is illustrator Judith Karen, known locally as Judy Grillo.
Judy is the ‘Artist-in Charge” of the 180 foot-long BEE MURAL at Exit-24/ Phoenix, off the I-5.Judy has Illustrated 13 children’ books, created over 1,000 fliers, posters,program covers & signs. Her street signsfor the Rist Canyon Fire Dept are 18 years old, and her art for the EugeneSymphony Guild Annual Garden Tours brochure has been in use since 2009.
Judith Karen (Judy Grillo) has painted and designed theatre sets and signs, 15 murals, 11 in the L.A. Basin both indoor and out and 1 in Las Vegas (Vegas paid better).She is currently working on an indoor mural at Wamba’s Mediterranean Diner in Medford and completing the Bee Mural in Phoenix. The evening will be dedicated to, “So you want to illustrate a book?”
For more information call B.J Mathis at 541-414-4993.
