Rekindle your creative spirit by taking a class or workshop.  RAA has a lineup of terrific teachers who are knowledgeable, creative and very people oriented.  They truly care about their students and give attention to individual needs.  I hear such good comments about our teachers.

Check out the schedule.  It was in last month’s newsletter, is on the RAA website and is in the RAA Gallery in flyer form.  Sign-up by calling or visiting the RAA Gallery.  You’ll be glad you did!

Lori Powell, Adult Education

Join Us all at Art in the Park

Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 & 26, 9am – 5pm

Browse through the park to see all the new art by RAA members and other local artists…70+ artists!    I’m sure some treasures will be found!!  Refreshments by Sigma Phi Sorority, as usual.

Art-in-the-Park at Smiley Park, just off the corner of Citrus and Orange Streets, downtown next to the Police Annex (Old City Hall- oh yeah, check out this building – handsome craftsmanship!)

Also in Smiley Park, behind the Smiley Library, will be the Redlands Festival of Arts, a celebration of the arts for the 125th Anniversary of the City of Redlands.  Indoor and outdoor music performances, excerpts of theatrical works, children’s art fun, food trucks, beer garden and more artists!

Make the weekend full of art!

Sandy Davies

Annual Potluck Dinner

The RAA annual pot luck dinner will be Wednesday, June 5, at 6:00 PM. Members bring the most amazing food; family members and friends are welcome. We will install our officers and committee heads for next year, meet members of our Board of Directors. Our Historian will display some of our collections of newspaper articles and photos.

Wednesday, June 5, at 6:00 PM

Redlands United Church of Christ
168 Bellevue (Bellevue at Olive)
Redlands

Don’t forget to register for this event so we know how many people to expect. You can do this by calling the gallery. Your Operating Committee and your Board of Directors hope to see you there.

Artist Bios

Dear Fellow Artists,

We are well into the new year and our annual meeting and pot luck dinner are just around the corner and it would be good to have our bio book out on display for the event.

For new members and old members alike, the artist’s bio has a simple format -

• Page 1: ONE SIDE ONLY: a small photograph, some details about yourself and your art, plus contact details. ie. email address, website ( if you have one).
• Page 2:  ONE SIDE ONLY: 2 or 3 photographic examples of your work. Make sure your name is on the page and perhaps your email & website address.

Either :email them to me at bizzilizzi7@gmail.com or print them and put them in my box in the office.

Many thanks

Liz Coviello, Historian in the cupboard.

Executive Director Leaves RAA

Randy Hill, Executive Director since September 2011, has left our organization.

Randy’s responsibilities will be covered by the Chair, Board of Directors, President, and Vice President. We wish him the best in his future endeavors. If anyone has any questions about this, please call me 909-793-8889.

Gail Brownfield, RAA President

MCAEEF’S “Redlands Cinema Classic” Film Series: Special Screening of Disneynature’s Newest Film “Wings of Life”

On Sunday April 21st we presented a special screening of “Wings of Life” the newest film from Disneynature to a packed audience. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to present this beautiful film narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep and directed by Louie Schwartzberg through the generosity of Disneynature and Mr. George Krikorian at his beautiful 14 plex theatre . An added bonus was the attendance of director Schwartzberg and Mr. Krikorian.

Director Schwartzberg described his inspiration for this film as “the joy of doing this film is to be able to explore worlds that humans can’t easily experience-bats sipping nectar in the middle of the desert at night, orchid bees expertly manipulated by a bucket orchid, exotic hummingbirds flying like airborne dancers and a clustering monarch colony with millions of butterflies. I hope to share the spectacle of nature and to spark in others the sense of wonder I have about the natural world.”

“Disneynature to celebrate the debut of this film has made a contribution to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect pollinators worldwide. They have already supported 20 projects across North America focused on protecting pollinators and their habitats. Grants have helped conservationists save endangered butterflies, expand habitat for honeybees and educate children about the importance of pollinators and how they can help protect them.”

In a Q & A after the screening Mr. Schwartzberg emphasized the importance of our awareness of this and encouraged the audience to plant milkweeds to help save the Monarch butterflies. There were many children in the audience some of whom stayed for the Q & A and asked very intelligent questions. Mr. Schwartzberg also recommended to learn more go to http://nature.disney.com/wings-of-life

“Wings of Life” is available in DVD Blu-ray Combo pack at local stores as well as online. It is definitely a gift worth giving to anyone who loves nature including yourself.

Annette Weis, co-ordinator

Redlands Cinema Classic photographs by Kent Fogleman

Edwards Show at Redlands First United Methodist Church

Janet and Fred Edwards are currently showing a selection of art work at the Redlands First United Methodist Church at Olive and Cajon in Redlands.  The show will be on display during May and June and will be available for viewing after Sunday church services  and through contact in the church office during the week.  There will be a reception with the artists on  Sunday June 23rd from 2-4 p.m., the week before it closes.

New Etching to Benefit Smiley Library

Janet has created a new etching design in honor of the 125th celebration of the city of Redlands.  The title is “The Lincoln Shrine, A Jewel In Redlands’ Crown”  The edition number is to be 125 and 12 artist proofs.  Number 1/125 has been presented to the Library for their permanent collection as well as reserving a/p #1 and #2 to be auctioned off for the library’s profit during their special celebration in the spring of 2014.  In addition, $25 will be donated to a project of their choosing for each print in the edition that is sold.  The AK Smiley Public Library is indeed worth supporting and preserving and it brings great pleasure to do it in this way.

Janet and Fred Edwards

Losses in the Art Community

The art community has recently lost two men, both who supported/encouraged visual arts and one, who practiced art and mentored it in his students as well.

Dr. Ken Ghormley, was sharp as ever when he was in the gallery just a few weeks before his death. He was instrumental in starting the Redlands Community Hospital art program along with Marianne Finley in the 70′s, while Chief of Staff there. The hospital now has more than 700 pieces in its collection, that bring comfort and soothe patients and families. Dr. Ghormley received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, performing his residency in Urology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He practiced medicine at the Beaver Medical Clinic for 33 years. He was actively involved in supporting the A.K. Smiley Library and the Fortnightly Club. He loved the arts and was a kind and gentle man.

Leon Moburg, a world-renowned artist, had a stint in the U.S. Navy, then attended Monmouth College and graduated Cum Laude from Wesleyan College of Fine Arts, Macon, GA. He then achieved a MFA from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, a doctorate at Ohio State University. While teaching ceramics at UR, he was known as a master teacher, who is remembered by teacher/artist, John Fisher as a “master ceramist, who was responsible for many other ceramists being known today for their own work.

John Brownfield, artist and Emeritus Professor of Art from the University of Redlands was there at the same time as Moburg. He remembers Moburg’s “infectious cackle.” “Leon knew how to enjoy life and was a great cook.”

After UR, Moburg began teaching at Redlands High School and taught more students who became as “cherished” as each person he mentored. He was noted for his unusual techniques in glaze and form.

Tomi Olson

Highlights from the MCAEEF Committee Meeting

The MCAEEF meeting was called to order by Jerry Meeker on Tuesday, April 9, at 3:00 PM.  The trailer for Walt Disney’s “Wings of Life” was shown Wednesday at the Krikorian Theatre  The entire film was shown at 5PM, Sunday April 21.  Annette Weis negotiated with Disneynature to bring the film to Redlands.

RAA needs an electric kiln for firing student’s clay projects.  A grant will be written for financial aid.  Two kilns were donated. Unfortunately,they are not useful for this purpose.

Money is available for grants to elementary schools in Redlands. Applications are at RAA MCAEEF  The possibility of including Junior high level was discussed and is being considered.

Smiley Elementary and Kimberly Elementary have been awarded grants by MCAEEF for after school art classes.

Ed Sotello

Sandy Davies

Our next featured artist is our beloved Joan Wiley. Joan’s work will be in our gallery beginning May 18. I know that I speak for all of us when I say that we miss her deeply.

Our Board of Directors recently approved funding of the full-time position of Gallery Coordinator. Beginning July 1, Sandy Davies, Judith Sparhawk and Jillian O’Dwyer will be filling this position while we discover how it works within our current structure. This position will be responsible for all POS transactions, managing, training and scheduling docents, matching volunteers to the appropriate volunteer work available, maintenance of forms and inventory, and finally and very importantly, for disseminating accurate information to members, customers and parents. Docents will be responsible for interacting with the general public and assisting the gallery coordinators as needed. In the Strategic Plan study this position was identified as necessary to move the gallery toward becoming more professional. This is a major change for us and you may have some questions that are not answered here. Sandy, Judith or Jillian would be happy to discuss this in more detail with you.

Memorial Day weekend, May 25th and 26th is the first Redlands Festival of Arts. This event will be held in Smiley Park and will include a large variety of things to do: our Art in the Park with over 70 artists, kids activities, food trucks, juried art show, live performances and a beer and wine garden. A fun weekend with something for everyone. See you there!

Gail Brownfield, President

TO register for the popular workshop, please call the gallery.

When: June 8, 10 – 5:30 pm

Fee: Members: $65/Non-members $70

Raul Acero, professor of art at the University of Redlands will be giving a ceramics workshop this summer.

Dates are: May 13 to May 20th.

Beginners welcome, wheel throwing, Handbuilding and glazing techniques are taught.

For more information visit www.raulacero.net

Upcoming classes

Creative expression enlivens us and keeps us growing at any age. Stimulate your creative soul, by taking a class or workshop that will teach you new skills, while motivating your expressive self. Check out our upcoming classes here: http://redlands-art.org/education/adult-classes/

Lori Powell, Adult Ed Chair

Program and Workshop Reminder:  Abby Cameron

April Program:  The Spirit of Art and Color w/ Abby Cameron:  Tuesday, April 23 @ 7 pm

Abby will share with us her love of creating art that is infused with rich, dynamic color.  Her creative spirit has enticed her to successfully explore many media, (watercolor, oil, pastels, colored pencils, glass, silk, etc.).  Most recently, she has discovered drawing with colored pencils on Colourfix Paper offers wonderful possibilities for gorgeous color in her art.  She will discuss and demonstrate her methods of making drawings sing with amazing color, using colored pencils and other media.

April Workshop: Saturday, April 27, 10 am – 3 pm

Join Abby and learn to infuse your artwork with color, using colored pencils, pastels and more on Colourfix Paper.  You will experience the joy and fun of experimentation and a new look to your drawings, making them sing with amazing color.

Program & Workshop Reminder: Charlie Ciali

Put Tuesday, May 14th, at 7:00 PM on your calendar now. Charlie Ciali, a well known and admired Palm Springs artist and teacher, will be our guest artist, speaking on and demonstrating methods and techniques he uses to create an Encaustic Painting. He has won many awards and is represented in many private and corporate collections. You won’t want to miss this program!

Charlie will give a follow up workshop, Encaustic Experience, on Saturday, May 18, from 9 AM – 4pm. Sign up in the RAA Gallery now.

Workshop Fee: $70 members / $75 nonmembers, with a $16 materials fee paid to the artist at workshop.

Lori Powell, Programs & Workshops

New Class Offered:

Disjointed, Juxtaposition, Transformation: Making  book with Ann Binghamfreeman

Wednesdays, May 8, 15, 22, & 29; 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Well-known and beloved artist, Ann Binghamfreeman will lead this class.  Ann, a true-to-herself, free spirited artist, whose personal work is never contrite, should be a great inspiration to all participants.

The focus of the class will be on the process of making a book.  Participants will incorporate their own art and self-portraits, made in class, using gesture and contour drawings and more.  The class will look at the Surrealists for inspiration on linking introspection, creativity and finding a new prospective on one’s art.  If you join this class, Ann will guide you, encourage you and inspire you to let your creative juices flow, in the process of creating a book of your own, introspective self-journey.

Class Fee:  $85 members / $90 non-members

Lori Powell, Programs & Workshops

Tony Radcliffe in RCH Show

Redlands Community Hospital Foundation invites you to an “Evening With the Artists”, which will present the work of six local artists, including Tony Radcliffe and Dennis Hare. This event is scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2013; 5:30 – 7:30 PM; at the Weisser Education Pavilion, 350 Terracina Blvd., Redlands. RSVP by April 15 – (909) 335-5540; $20 entrance fee payable at the door. Artists’ works will be available for purchase.

Gail Brownfield

An “au revoir” to “Off the Shelf”

Joanna Mersereau, A.W.S.

My “red flyer” (walker) is an amazing convenience, but limited in helping gain access to the RAA library. So I’m sad to say I will no longer be writing a column on the RAA art books.

It’s been a fun ride, and I have learned so much just in reviewing. (Having a deadline kept me prompt and on course.)

So thanks to whoever has read my ramblings—I now turn the RAA books over to you!

Fabric Dyeing Patio Classes

I’ve been teaching small fabric dyeing classes on my patio, and wanted share this info with interested RAA folk.

Scheduled at the convenience of both myself and the participants, a small group of fabric lovers can join me in an exploration of adding color and texture to fabric.  If you don’t have a group of people you’d like to dye with, that’s fine, I’ll assemble groups of like minded color lovers.

I’ve got several classes designed for beginners, and would be happy to design one that meets the interests of a particular group. For more information, see this page on my website: http://www.candiedfabrics.com/patio-classes/

Candy Glendening

Interested in Solar Power?

Attention to all RAA members who might have an interest in adding solar power to their homes or businesses.

On April 28, 2013, at 2 PM, The Redlands Art Association is hosting an informational meeting on incorporating solar energy in your home or business. This workshop will be presented by ElectriCare Solar based in Murietta, CA. This presentation will cover:

• How solar energy works
• Benefits of solar energy
• Choices: leasing or purchasing
• Why solar now

Free, but limited seating. The Redlands Art Association is located at 215 E. State Street.

Larry Harvill

Gilman Wild West Days | Western Art Festival

June 1st & 2nd, 2013

Celebrate the return of Banning’s Stage Coach and experience the Wild West Frontier. Enjoy Art, Food, Beer Garden, Western Re-enactments, Demonstrations, and Vendors. Plus, enjoy a free ride on the Stage Coach.

Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, 10am-4pm

$3/Walk-in adult $2/walk-in child $6/car $1/leashed dog

For complete details, visit www.Banning100Birthday.com
Western Art Show Contact: Chuck (951) 324-9701

Look Who’’s Talking

A Series of Lectures Exploring the Art of Cooking, Travel, and the Human Spirit

 The Art Alliance of the Riverside Art Museum presents four lectures by four extraordinary women

The Art Alliance of the Riverside Art Museum presents “Look Who’s Talking,” a series of four fascinating speakers on four diverse topics, April 8, 15, 29, and May 6 at the Riverside Art Museum. Lectures range from topics such as competitive cooking to heroines of the French Resistance in World War II. The public can purchase the series of four lectures for $100 or an individual lecture for $30. All events begin at 6:00 PM at the Riverside Art Museum (3425 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside). Refreshments are provided at no additional cost.

The series kicks off on Monday, April 8 with a look at the world of competitive cooking by Laureen Pittman, a chef who has participated in over 40 competitions, won over $40,000 in prizes and has published recipes in numerous magazines and cookbooks. Laureen’s lecture, entitled “Everything I Need to Know I Learned From Cooking (Competitions)” will inspire both amateur and professional cooks, and give us a glimpse into the fast-paced world of competitive cooking.

On Monday, April 15 we are honored to have acclaimed National Geographic photographer and documentarian Karin Muller visit us. Her discussion will be about “Perilous Journeys” that she has taken in her extensive world-wide travels, from Peru to Kenya, Japan to Cuba. She has been featured on National Public Radio and has many important documentaries to her name. In addition, she has founded Take 2: The Students Point of View, a program to help students create their own documentaries and develop global citizenship. Approximately 40 schools (including RUSD) have joined the project thus far.

On Monday, April 29 we will be treated to the wit and wisdom of Monica Holloway, whose lecture entitled “Strong in Broken Places” will make us feel encouraged by her life story. Ms. Holloway’s experiences with her lovable, brilliant autistic son, Wills, and the life lessons she has learned from these adventures, will help everyone who discovers bumps along life’s road. She is a bestselling author whose memoir Driving with Dead People uses humor to connect us with the issues she cares deeply about.

On Monday, May 6, we will get a rare glimpse into France during World War II and explore the world of hidden children and French heroines who were instrumental in the French resistance against Nazi occupation. “Hidden Child and Clandestine Activities of French Women during WW” by Monique Saigal, Professor Emeritus of Romance Languages and Literature from Pomona College, will speak to us about these extraordinary people whose stories have been largely overlooked through the years. Professor Saigal has interviewed dozens of women to put together her tales of courage. She herself was a “hidden child” whose life depended on the kindness of a Catholic family during the war. It is against this backdrop that she will share a fascinating look back to a painful yet inspirational page of history.

The lecture series is a fundraiser for the Riverside Art Museum. For more information about the lecture series, or to purchase tickets, please contact the Art Alliance of the Riverside Art Museum at pcrabtree2@ gmail.com .

 Ai M. Kelley, Riverside Art Museum Communications

www.riversideartmuseum.org 

Well, for this article, I have good news and bad news to report.  First the bad news; after twenty years of dedicated service as the Treasurer of the RAA, Winnie Stephany has decided to step down.  For all these years Winnie has religiously completed and filed with the proper authorities all our required federal, state, county, and city tax and business reports.  All this was done on a pro bono basis.  Fortunately we have been able to retain the services of a local CPA to take over the official paperwork for a very reasonable fee.  However, we are still looking for someone to be the official treasurer who holds a seat on the Board of Directors and chairs the Finance and Investment of the Board.  Anyone interested in volunteering, please contact me.

Now, for the good news.  Besides winding down her CPA business, Winnie’s primary reason for stepping down is to get back to her artwork on an active basis.  She, “graduated from college with a fine arts degree, studied sculpture in Paris, briefly taught art in public schools, and for several years produced art for street fairs.”  As she stated, “she now wants to tilt more to her original calling,” as well as a variety of other things she and husband Ron are considering.  I, as well as some of you, have seen her sculpture works and they are exceptionally fine.  I am anxious to see her forthcoming submissions in our gallery and various shows.

The Board of Directors will certainly miss Winnie’s participation and hard work producing the monthly financial reports as well as all the required official paperwork.  However I am sure all of us are excited to see her get back to practicing her art and continued participation in RAA.  Our sincerest thanks Winnie!!

Larry Harvill, Chair, Board of Directors

present a special screening of

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 at 5 PM Krikorian Redlands Cinema 14
340 N. Eureka St., Redlands, CA 92373

TICKETS – adults: $12 children 17 & under: $7

Special Q & A with director Louie Schwartzberg directly following the screening

All proceeds benefit art education programs throughout the city of Redlands

Redlands Art Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization

The public is welcome to enjoy the change of the season … browse through the Gallery at 215 E. State St, downtown, Redlands.  Hours: Mon-Sat 10am – 5pm.

ART ALIVE in Redlands! is in conjunction with the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society’s Flower competition and Garden Tour that weekend.  RAA gives the Petite Award for the adult miniature arrangement at the flower show at the ESRI Cafe.  Garden Tour tickets and maps can be purchased at ESRI, 404 New York St, Redlands, April 20 & 21. 

Open both May 25 & 26, from 9 am to 4 pm, this is Redlands Art Association’s semi-annual outdoor sale.   About 70 Southland artists and craftsmen will exhibit and sell their work at downtown’s Smiley Park, the beginning of the park situated beside the Police Annex on the corner of Vine and Orange Streets, Redlands.

A Refreshment booth will offer light snacks and a variety of beverages.  Sponsored by the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, the proceeds of their booth fund their community projects.

All artists are invited to participate – no membership required.  Sign up sheet and artist instructions are at the Gallery, 215 E. State St, downtown, Redlands.  For more information, call the Gallery, 909-792-8435.

The 44th Annual Multi-Media Mini Show, hosted by the Redlands Art Association, is on display at the Gallery and Art Center, downtown, 215 E. State St, Redlands.

The Multi Media Mini Show (MMM) is unique to Redlands.  What makes it different is, 1) the limitation of the art piece to 14.5″ including base or frame and 2) that all media is accepted.  For example, artists can submit photography, digital (computer) work, fiber art, drawings, glass, sculptures in wood- stone- and metal, as well as the traditional fine arts.  The MMM Show is still the only one of this scale in Southern California.

The MMM Show is open to all California artists, which brings in art from Murrieta to Pasadena to 29 Palms.  84 artists submitted 230 pieces ~ but only 145 pieces were chosen to show.  Our jurist was Robin St. Louis from Palm Desert.

The artists competed for over $2000 in cash prizes and gift certificates.

• First Place, $400, was presented to r. mike nichols from Riverside;
• Second Place, $300, to Tony Radcliffe, Redlands;
• Third Place, $200, to Chick Curtis, Riverside;
• Juror’s Choice awards, $ 50 each, to Emily Corbin and Caroline McAllister;
• Excellence Awards, $ 50 each,  to John Mayer and Janet Edwards.
• Past President’s Award, $100, given by past RAA presidents to Elizabeth Carr;
• the Joan Wiley Memorial Watercolor $ 100 Award to Chris Young;
• Watercolor West’s Best in Watercolor to Karen Clark.
• Four Honorable Mentions were awarded to Joanna Mersereau, Judith Sparhawk, Jeff Owens and Martha Cowan.
• Tony Radcliffe and Won Madeline Koh won the Gift Certificates from Jack Richeson School of Art & Gallery,
• Emily Corbin and Elizabeth Carr won gift certificates from Guerrilla Painter,
•  Martha Cowan the certificate from Wilson’s Frame-up,
• Judith Sparhawk the certificate from Aaron Brothers and
• Brandon Evans won the gift products from Bud Rickert’s Art Supply.

Purchase Award Patrons pledged in advance to purchase art from the show.  Patrons had a private show to select their art. Purchase Award Patrons were:

• Harriet Talbot who purchased art from Andrea Beechko and Emily Corbin;
• Carolyn McHugh purchased art from Ruth Wood and Sally Wirth;
• Sandy Davies purchased an oil from Betty Francis,
• the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation bought a piece from Martha Cowan;
• David and Marjorie Olson purchased pieces from r. mike nichols and David Taylor, and
• Susan Sequeria purchased the watercolor by Joanna Mersereau.

Redlands Art Association member artists juried into the show are: Leah Balestieri, Andrea Beechko, William Breer, Gail Brownfield, John Brownfield, Elizabeth Carr, Helen Carson, Emily Corbin, Liz Coviello, Martha Cowan, Chick Curtis, Sandy Davies, Muriel Dolemieux, Janet Edwards, Tiffany Engeman, David Englebretson, Brandon Evans, Julie Evans, John Fisher, Betty Francis, Richard Freund, Tom Gillett, Jan Harvey, Patty Hayden, Evelyn Ifft, Won Madeline Koh, David Lawrence, Sheila LeBlanc, Michael LeBlanc, John Mayer, Caroline McAllister, Pat Meeker, Joanna Mersereau, Lynn Mudd, Joanne Ohnemus, Tomi Olson, Marjorie Olson, Jeff Owens, Ginger Pena, Sharon Rachal, Tony Radcliffe, Linda Richards, Maria Rossi, Lenore Roth, David Rudolph, Michelle Schoenmann, Harriet Singer, Dorie Solomon, Edward Sotello, Dan Soury, Judith Sparhawk, David Taylor, Marijke Terwisscha, Liam Van Loon, Vlad Voytilla, Sally Wirth, Roland Wissler, and Ruth Wood.

Other exhibiting artists are: Lyla Bendsen, Ann Binghamfreeman, Karen Clark, Pamela Downs, Jo Ann Formia, Barbara Garcia, Michiko Ikeda, Maxine Kenny, Michael Mazgai, Marna McCormick, Virginia Melton, r. mike nichols, Betty Pilley, Laura Ryan, Dean Spencer, Joyce Thomas, Jessica Weber and Chris Young.

The Multi-Media Mini Show will be in the Gallery through March 21.  Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.  The show is open to the public.

Sandy Davies

Janet Edwards Show in Mendocino

Show runs through March at the Highlight Gallery

•  45052 Main Street, Mendocino
• mail@thehighlightgallery.com
• Website:www.thehighlightgallery.com
• 707-937-3132

 Submitted by Janet Edwards

Yarn Bombing at the RAA

If you’ve been to the gallery in the past month or so, you’ve seen the “Yarn Bomb” installation, that’s the work of Marciella Powers:

It brings a smile to people’s faces!

Evelyn Ifft

“Off the Shelf” by Joanna Mersereau, A.W.S.

www.joannamersereau.com

This column will review books in the RAA library that I consider valuable art tools. In reading them I found my own imagination was stimulated. I hope it does the same for you.

“Abstraction in Art and Nature” by Nathan Cabot Hale 759.06 Ha1

This review covers the second half of this in-depth book. Hales discusses patterns in all forms: cosmic (galaxies), weather and atmosphere, water, earth and plants. He rounds out the discussion with living vertebrate creatures such as birds, fish and humans. He shows how the use of a grid can transform these subjects into fascinating cartoonish figures.

When he gets to space, proportion, scale and perspective, I paid attention. Many of these theories I have used without understanding the underlying principles (horizon line, vanishing points, foreshortening). While I think these principles have a place in an artist’s vocabulary and expertise, I believe they are not necessary to be understood to make an interesting painting. In fact, the reverse: Why not tweak them as Cezanne and Picasso did?

Hales’ discussion of light and dark is valuable, especially when talking about daylight, nightlight, firelight and electric light. In my opinion, that’s when an artist becomes a master at expressing the emotional quality of a scene. (Georges de la Tour’s firelight paintings.)

Important tips for drama are introduced in the text about shade and shadows and how they are created by the direction of light on different planes. I found the illustrations on lighting the scene—from front, back or overhead—to be particularly exciting. Each lighting carried a different emotion. By understanding these principles we can choose how to represent the scene without having to see it in real life!

I recommend you bypass the section on color. Each artist can obey or ignore the rules. Hales tells you the reason for the rules about color. I say, “Have fun and do your own thing.”

First published in 1972, “Abstraction in Art and Nature” is still a book to be digested slowly and with thought.