Agile Arts journal by www.TriciaRatliff.com

Seth Haverkamp Demo

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:13:00 +0000

Seth Haverkamp gave one of his great demos the other day at the warehouse atelier in Arlington. Seth will be teaching there beginning in February. He is offering another free demo next Wednesday night at 7pm. Visit Seth's website and give him a call (his number is on the contact page) if you'd like to attend the demo , the class or both!

http://sethhaverkamp.com/

My notes from the demo. (I hope Seth or someone will send me a photo of the finished demo because I totally forgot to take one after the stopped painting!)

1. Started with a transparent brown oxide block in sketch to decide how big he wanted to make the image and where he wanted to place it.

2. Used cad orange and white to make a generic lit area color and started sculpting in the lit area shapes. To start to warm up some area, he used cad yellow/white and permanent rose to shift the temperature slightly.

4. One important aspect of this step was that he want back to make the shadow *shapes* more precise but simplified the variation of values within the shadows. He's working with such a small brush because this portrait is tiny. The head is actually smaller than the size of his hand.

5. The first 4 steps were finished in about 20 minutes so it didn't take long before he was happy with his "drawing" and started to work some of the transitions. In many cases he just thinned the paint and let some of the grey show through because many turning edges are cooler as they move away from the light.

Before getting too far, he threw in the highest chroma areas and the highlights. For example some bright red on the upper lip, a little richness in the cheeks and nose, eventually the eyes etc. He only put these in as they were needed to establish color/value ranges to make sure everything was on track. But, the simple additions he made were added and kept that way until the end of the portrait.

Sign up for my newsletter at http://tricia.fineartstudioonline.com/email-newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:23:00 +0000

I've started a new newsletter. If you're interested in my artwork and seeing what's going on in the studio, please follow the link below to subscribe.

Please pass this along to friends who enjoy new artwork!

Anyone can unsubscribe at any time and addresses will never be shared. The purpose of the newsletter is to allow me to give followers the first peek into studio happenings so that this blog can be more oriented toward outside news.

http://tricia.fineartstudioonline.com/email-newsletter

Meet the Artist: Terry Strickland

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:27:00 +0000

If Terry Strickland went incognito ... now we would know how to find her ... peering through blinds with her spy camera "on a stakeout as a voyeur ... an observer of humans". When envisioning this portrait, she saw clearly that "If you were on a real stakeout, you've got to have cigarettes and coffee".

An observer has to forgo personal interests and comforts sometimes to get the real story. So, although the Incognito Project can be described as part of her personal journey (we'll talk about that shortly) Strickland takes the spotlight off herself and sheds it on the thrill of exploring the inner life of her models, her subjects ... her willing friends. The "Incognito Project has sparked some really interesting conversations and I'm enjoying it".

With 14 paintings finished and at least 11 or 12 (probably more) to come, Terry's energy hasn't wained. Instead the content sustains her drive to continue a project that requires a lot of work, planning and dedication: "I'm having fun, and I don't seem to be getting bored with it."

Read here about the exciting day when she opened her studio for a photo shoot of the insightful souls who agreed to participate. "I was fortunate to know so many people who really got it". She also had a strong team. Her daughter Carly as key grip, her son interviewing people on tape, her daughter in-law Amy did makeup and her husband Dan was handling paperwork like model releases. Models received T-shirt's confessing "I revealed myself at the Incognito Project". "It was exhausting and fun".

The participants had their own fun as they stuck around to talk to each other about the stories behind their personas. At the time of that shoot, Terry thought the Incognito Project would take a year but it naturally grew into a 2 year effort which she says will definitely be done in 2012 when the project will culminate in a book and as show.

Although the shoot marked an important starting point, Terry recognizes an even earlier genesis. "I was doing Incognito like pieces long before I started the project ... my superman pieces" showed early signs of what eventually evolved into Incognito.

Make Way - 42x58 oil on canvas
(c) Terry Strickland

A little investigation into her early work shows that she has worked in series before. Until recent history, Terry didn't give full voice to her painting life. She had an art career but her "Awakening" series marks a time when she most deeply recognized that she really needed to embrace the day, forgo some other efforts and focus her daily work on painting. Not just putting brush to canvas ... but painting realistic, narrative figure paintings! At that time her pre and early teen children were going through their own transitions and she naturally had the urge to capture them in paint.

For Strickland, these were "Breakthrough Pieces" personally and professionally. "I was going through the same restlessness I saw my kids going through as they were transitioning into early teenagers". Her son Kyle is depicted in On the Wing and Make Way and her daughter Carly is captured below in The Quickening and Pin-up.

Pin-up - 42x58 oil on canvas
(c) Terry Strickland

Prior to these pieces "I had ideas but felt like I needed to get more technical skills." Those ideas motivated her to hone her skills. Then "Eventually, you get to the point where you have confidence in your skills and get down to the quick of what you really want to say and go for it".

This sheds some light on the advice she would give to new, emerging artists: "You have to want it bad, do the work, don't let a few, (hundreds, truth be told) rejections or failures keep you from making the work you want to make. Actually rejoice in them as they are stepping stones to where you want to be. Don't settle for a style because the real work you want to make isn't in your capabilities yet." Supporting this point Terry explained that she's "taking a workshop with David Kassan, whose work I greatly admire, because I know that my skills can always be improved. I can learn things from him that will help me be better at making my own work."

This point about focusing on the work you want to make is best illustrated in a story of one of her early paintings. "It's very rewarding, I have cried along with people looking at my work" listing to them talk about it. "I did a painting called "Home" of an African American man holding an empty nest. He was strong but had a tender look on his face. I finished it the week my daughter went to college. The woman who bought it stood with me and told me her story. She had been mugged a few months earlier by an African American man (her purse was taken but she was luckily not physically hurt) and told me that seeing that painting called "Home" healed her. She said the experience healed her!" Terry and the woman stood in the gallery together looking at it through tears of understanding. Ms. Strickland explains that sometimes as an artist, in addition to focusing on what you need to say, you also accept what the viewer brings to the piece.

Getting a public glimpse of these Breakthrough Paintings in person will be rare for those of us who came late to this scene. Strickland has sold many of them but has since decided not to let go of selected early pieces that are special to her.

Nonetheless we are lucky in other ways. We ourselves have become voyeurs to this story as it unfolds. My phone interrogation of Terry has revealed that this scenario like any unfolding mystery is complex with multiple beginnings. And now, I leave it to you to stake out Terry's website and blog ... investigate the scene at her upcoming shows to see where this subject is ultimately headed.

Seth Havercamp Classes in Falls Church

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Seth Havercamp is teaching again beginning in January / February 2012. I'll be going to his starter sessions in January. Hope to see some of you there!

Portrait in Pencil

Class description: This first session is 4 weeks long. For the first 3 weeks we will work

on one portrait in pencil -- same person, same pose. By allowing ourselves to spend

ample time on one drawing, we will start with a simple block-in of features, to develop

the likeness, then proceed to place in the subtle nuances and details that make a portrait

complete. There is no prerequisite for this class.

When: Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 pm. Starts February 7th

Materials: Fine drawing paper; pencils: 2h, 2b, 4b, kneaded eraser

Where: The “Warehouse Atelier”, located in the strip center corner of route 7 and Carlin

Springs Rd, Falls Church 22041 ( Behind REI on Carlin Springs and behind Blinds to

Go on Route 7, ground level)

Cost: $185

*Space is limited to 8 people per class*

This class leads us directly into the next 4 week session. We will transfer the drawing

to canvas and proceed to paint it in oil. By having the drawing already complete we will

be able to paint the portrait in full color with less difficulty, not having to “chase the

drawing.” While the 2nd session is set up as a continuation of the 1st, anyone may enroll

in the 2nd session.

Figure in Pencil

Class description: Same as above, except learning to draw a full nude figure.

When: Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:30 pm. Starts February 8th, 4 weeks.

Materials: Fine drawing paper, pencils, 2h to 4b, kneaded eraser

Where: The “Warehouse Atelier”

Cost: $185

*Space is limited to 8 people per class*

Free Classes!

As an incentive to continuing enrollment I will be offering 2 free classes at the end of January. The first will be on Tuesday the 24th of January. The 2nd will be on Wednesday February 1st. They will be figure painting classes. All are welcome! I will ask for a 10 dollar contribution to pay for the model.

Meet the Artist: David Cheifetz

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Meet the Artist: David Cheifetz

Melding realism and intense color with abstraction and soft atmosphere is a rare combination of abilities. David Cheifetz is one artist who can pull it off. I recently called him about coming to Northern Virginia to teach a workshop on this luscious approach to still life painting and handling edges.

If you are interested in the Northern Virginia workshop - drop me a line
(contact info is on my website).

David is generous with his knowledge and we talked about everything from his most current work to advice for emerging artists. David has so many useful things to share that I'll need to do additional posts on his paintings in the future - but here are some important points of our conversation that I'm eager to share with you right away.

Q. Tell us about your most recent work.
A. "I just finished a painting called "Spool" that I'm pleased with. I love painting with bright color, but lately I've been experimenting with the concept that you can make "colorful" painting my restricting intense color to small areas. It's the contrast with the surrounding neutral tones that makes the painting seem colorful. One of the main problems that took some time to solve was deciding how to push back the pitcher. I love to make my darks as dark as possible and my lights as light as possible, so it took some concerted effort to restrain that instinct in the pitcher. This allowed the spool to pop out and dominate a bit more. I had fun with the loose edge-work in the pitcher and onion, which hopefully allows the eye to focus on the harder edges of the red glass, tube of paint, and the wire spool."

The artist also explained that he originally wasn't that interested in still life until his teacher introduced him to the work of Leffel. "That's when I realized the potential of still life". David became fascinated with Edges and that fascination shows up in his current work. "I like the idea of chaos contrasted with sharpness" to establish a strong focal point. While David explained the way he also uses contrast and color to create a focal point, he emphasizes that "edges and composition are kind of the final frontier for a painter because there are no rules ... there are guidelines but no one can really tell you exactly how to do it ... so the possibilities are limitless. Edges have so much potential to make or break a painting. It's really exhilarating to keep experimenting with them."

It's clear that that David sums things up beautifully and without ceremony which would be an obvious asset to his students. If you live in the Francisco bay area, visit his website for more info about the upcoming class in his studio. He has limited the class to a small group which will focus on direct "Alla Prima" painting because starts are so important to the quality of an artist's work. Not surprisingly that class is almost full.

In addition to technique, David shared some tips for emerging artists.

Q. What is the most important thing you've learned and would like to pass along to others?
A.

Just begin things that are important to you, don't put them off. Thinking about beginning is the hardest part....once you start, it's not so bad.
Sit down and do the work, even if you don't feel like it. Inspiration will come AFTER you start working.
Be a student of art forever, willing to purge ego and keep learning. I think talent is mostly the will to learn.
Don't be precious with your art, take chances. The worst thing that could happen is a bad painting--you can always make another one. Wipe out bad paintings, it's good for your health.
Read "The War of Art" by Stephen Pressfield. In my opinion, this is the most important book about how to be an artist. (This book is a fast, fun read)

Q. What do you think are some of the most exciting things happening in the art world today?
A. "It's exciting that students interested in pursuing careers in illustration and concept art are seeing the value in classical/representational training. I think many universities will (hopefully) begin to abandon the practice of using theory talk as the basis of art education and will embrace skill-based and classical training. It's great that there are more and more ateliers offering training at the fraction of the cost of an art school. I think aspiring artists are recognizing that the content of a portfolio is much more valuable than a certifiable degree. To make a living as an artist is challenging enough without the huge loan debts that could be incurred at an art school."

David is an example of the way art education is changing now that so many options are at the fingertips of emerging artists today. He found Schuler through the atelier search page on the Art Renewal Center website. Add google searches, blog posts like this one about artistic influences, artshow.com and various other ways to find out what's going on all over the world and it appears that we have a new reality emerging.

I keep an eye on artists like David to see where this exciting explosion of skill is headed.

--------------
Readers can look forward to other upcoming articles about David (specifically his cityscapes) and other artists ... but first ... watch for a post in January featuring an illuminating conversation with Terry Strickland.

A Little Inspiration for Shadow Patterns - John Singer Sargent

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:07:00 +0000

As a little aside from my painting research today I just e-mailed a student to inspire her with these lovely examples of shadow patterns ... and thought you might enjoy them too. All by John Singer Sargent.

Notice how the a rich or deep color wash creates the feeling of life within the shadow without detail. On one of these you can see the sketch underneath. Notice in the architectural painting that the quality of the light shows volume and is defined almost exclusively by the shadow patterns.

Principle Gallery Show: Small Works

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:31:00 +0000

Principle Gallery is opening their "Holiday Small Works" show this Saturday December 3rd with a reception from 1:00 - 4:00.

I'm a fan of Terry Strickland's work so I'm specifically going to see this painting in person:

Fire Dance - Terry Strickland.

Speaking of Terry ... watch my blog for an upcoming article about an interview with Terry!

I am also hoping that Martin Poole and Hans Peter Szameit both have something new on view. I was *this* close to buying a beautiful Martin Poole landscape recently when we took a hard left and fell in love with a painting of wild horses for the intended spot on our walls. This decision was largely influenced by the fact that I've hung so many "fruit and floral" paintings on our walls that my poor husband was feeling the need for a dash of masculinity. But ... I digress ... the point is Martin's work is so soothing that it appeals to both of us.

Then there is Hans ... I'll let the picture do the talking here:

Let me know if you are going to the show! Hope to see you there.

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:22:00 +0000

I'm always surprised by how often I run across something useful like this while looking for something completely different. I was researching which sponges work well with charcoal and stumbled onto this nice pictorial drawing demo (he just happened to have sponges in another drawing). The approach in the demo bears some similarities to the "light touch" drawing approach I enjoy. Then the artist adds a little chalk/pastel for hot color and highlights at the end.

http://newberryworkshop.com/Tutorial/charcoal/charcoal1.html

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:08:00 +0000

Hoping you'll take a moment to read these articles from the July 2011 issue of Cape Arts Review and American Artist, a moving biography of Timothy R. Thies on the West Wind Fine Art gallery website. It beautifully describes his appreciation of the lineage of his learning - and how he produced his own beautiful work as a result.

http://www.westwindfineart.com/tim/timpaintingpage2.htm

http://www.westwindfineart.com/tim/aaOct10%20Timothy%20Thies.pdf

Antique Painting - help solve the mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:02:00 +0000

Need a fun puzzler to get your mind going after the holiday weekend?

Help solve the mystery of this painting ... and learn something along the way just for fun!

Here is an antique painting, unsigned and in great condition of an adulteress woman being presented to Jesus. The current owner (a new acquaintance of mine) was told by the dealer she bought it from in London many years ago that it was probably 17th century, Genovese school. The dealer mentioned the names Domenico Fetti or Mattia Preti (Naples). I couldn't find similar works by those two artists but if you read to the end of this post, you'll see some amazingly similar works by earlier artists. The value and actual provenance are a mystery to be solved. Some crackling starting in the varnish which is common in old paintings.

I want to hear your guesses and thoughts this painting.

Here's what I've figured out so far. It's clearly a copy - but when? The earliest version of this composition I could find was by Dario Varotari. His son Padovanino (Alessandro Verotari) did two versions of this painting including a reverse version of his father's painting. Then, Padovanino's student Pietro Muttoni copied that version.

Can you find an earlier version of this composition? A later version? A closer copy?
Does anyone know how to date and identify paintings like this?

Things to look for: Even though the copy above is reversed again (possibly through a drawing transfer), notice that the spacing of the figures and the tilt of the woman's head are more similar to the Padovanino than the painting by Dario Varatari the senior. A lot of information is lost when making a copy of a copy (clothing, expressions etc.) which explains my friend's simplified version.

Given that copying old masters was and still is a great way to learn, I thought this would be a very cool blog post ... and I want to see if anyone out there can help find an even closer version or share any insight as to the age based on the style (modified from the originals) and use of red.

Here is the Dario Varotari version

Here is his son Alessandro Varatari's version (photo credited to Lessing Archive) - does the fact that it's inverted indicate use of a Camera Obscura? If so, then why isn't it an exact copy? The spacing between the figures and position of the heads are completely different. (I think I know the answer ... but don't want to slant anyone's opinion)

Then, finally Alessandro Varatori's student created the version above which looks to me like his copy of his master's painting because it shares more similarities with that painting.

New Paintings at Broadway Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:23:00 +0000

My newest paintings have been delivered to Broadway Gallery in Alexandria Virginia (near Edsall road ... not old town) and uploaded to their website. Visit the gallery to see all of the paintings because only a fraction are on the website.

Thank you to everyone of you who came to the exhibit opening. Thank you also to Broadway Gallery for your wonderful hospitality. Here is a photo taken during my drawing demonstration on November 12th. I had a *great* time visiting with everyone.

https://plus.google.com/104436865008086871738

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:07:00 +0000

Dash of Red 14x14 oil on canvas - (c) Tricia Ratliff

Soft tones

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:46:00 +0000

I'm thinking of taking a little painting break during the holidays but had to work on this first. It's a painting in soft, muted tones - very low chroma - some of those who attended my art guild drawing demo might recognize the setup.

The idea here was that I wanted to experiment with all of this white just to focus on the light coming through the almond extract and the corresponding orange on the bag tie. This setup (created later) was one of those ideas that developed out of something I saw in the kitchen when the light coming through the window hit a bottle of extract on the table. Interestingly, as I was putting the composition together, I started reading the directions on the bag of wheat about growing sprouts ... now I can't wait to grow some of those seeds into sprouts for another one of my paintings about the stages of life.

11x14
oil on canvas
Almond extract and wheat seed.

Enjoy!

Oh those wonderful realists.

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:06:00 +0000

It's always a pleasure to peruse the websites and work of artists creating beautiful work. Cultural movement happens through conversation and I am constantly seeking to be involved in the wider conversation of how we artists may use our work to communicate powerful ideas and values. I write this blog based on my own belief that the things that entertain us in a larger community of conversation are the things that help us learn ... so here some of the sites I'm visiting today for entertainment. Enjoy. Terry Stickland kindly gave me permission to include some of her images here!

Voice of the Tiger by Terry Strickland - 33x32 oil on canvas

Detail of Terry Stickland's Drawing "Oracle".

Terry Strickland's blog.

Jacob Pfeiffer

Ken Marlow

Warren Chang

David Cheifitz

Patt Baldino

Ode to Melancholy by Terry Strickland - oil on panel 24"x36

Vicki Blum Exhibit at Bella Luce in Clifton TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

I'm going to the Vicki Blum exhibit at Bella Luce today! Vicki rarely exhibits her amazingly lush paintings so this is a rare opportunity to see them in person one place and visit with her.

- Tricia
http://vickiblum.blogspot.com/2011/08/exhibit-at-la-bella-luce.html

Cedrus Amplexu - new painting of juniper branches with beautiful antique German crock pot

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:24:00 +0000

Cedrus Amplexu by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

In process

This was fun to paint. I fell in love with the dark glaze on this wonderful antique german pot upon discovering it near a packing crate in a specialty antique store.

Cedrus Amplexu
(Cedar/Juniper's Embrace)
oil on linen
by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff
16x20
Available soon at Broadway Gallery

Hidden Meaning: The Juniper here represents fresh new life - juxtaposed with this crock found in Germany that is believed to be at least 200-250 years old. A subtle reminder for the young to protect and cherish for the old for many reasons; not the least of which is that they are the vessels of collected wisdom that can be gained only through experience. During the Renaissance, Juniper represented not only youth but also purity and protection. I became interested in the meaning of Juniper upon seeing a portrait of Ginevra De' Benci by Leonardo Da Vinci in the National Gallery (Washington DC). Later research revealed that at Christmas, the Juniper branches used in advent wreaths (around the candles) represent the protection of Jesus, Mary and Joseph during their flight to Egypt from Harod in Bethlehem. Notice the series of triangles crossing over each other. The base of the larger Juniper branch is pointing upward and backward while it's newest leaves and berries point slightly forward into the future.

EXHIBIT OPENING THIS SATURDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Hello Everyone,

Instinct by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff 24x18

I'm so excited about the exhibit opening this Saturday! My work is taking a new turn which shows up most obviously in some of the recent pieces I've delivered to this exhibit of over 30 paintings! A few sold but during my drawing demonstration at 3:00, I'll talk about the ones that are still available and on display.

Saturday November 12th
"Back to Nature, Paintings from Life"
Broadway Gallery
5641-B General Washington Drive Alexandria Virginia 22312 (google map )

works by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff and Christine Lashley

Demonstrations: 3:00-4:30
Reception: 4:00 - 7:00pm
Wine Tasting 4:00 - 7:00pm (by Paradise Springs)
Show continues Nov 12th - Dec 15th

On a more personal note, I've been surprised by the two different directions my work is taking simultaneously. First, recent life events have caused me to work on paintings that are more personally meaningful. But some (not all) of these paintings take many weeks or months to complete with time to dry between layers. Between layers, I enjoy painting quick sketch "alla prima" works inspired simply by a beautiful or interesting object that captures the light before me. The result: a small set of slow, carefully rendered emotional paintings juxtaposed by many light hearted little oil sketches for each slow painting. Read more about my themes on my website here.

For example, the painting above "Instinct" expresses what my husband tells me it is like to be a man today. Inspired by the wild but solid adventurer, the bronze elk sculpture stands as a symbol of the passionate heart hidden inside many men. Even in our modern world, my husband feels an obligation to provide a nest and protection (the feather) for their families. This feather was given to me by my father during a camping trip the year before he passed away so it has a particularly strong masculine connection for me. My husband is a writer so the ink well with no ink reminds us of the evolution of the writing tradition and how so many things including roles and expectations have changed or not changed over time. It along with the marble transfer a bright light from their environment onto the table which is my standard symbol for a person hoping or trying to leave something positive in the world. Notice finally, the closed journal which calls us ideas of privacy and quiet wisdom for me. This painting is dedicated to my loving and supportive husband Walter - a man I adore and respect deeply.

The Official Invitation:

BROADWAYGALLERY

Invites You to the Opening of

Back to Nature~Paintings from Life

and a Special Wine Tasting Event with

Paradise Springs Winery

on Saturday, Nov. 12th, 3 - 7 pm

Dear Tricia,

Please join us on November 12th for free Art Demonstrations and an Opening Reception for artists,

Tricia Ratliff and Christine Lashley.

Painting and Drawing

Demonstrations: 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Opening Reception: 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Wine Tasting: 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Local artists and instructors, Christine Lashley andTricia Cherrington Ratliff, return to their love of nature with an exhibition of still life and landscape paintings that range from displays of fresh fruit and flowers to beautiful landscapes of Virginia and the Potomac River.

Join us for an afternoon of art demonstrations followed by a reception to meet the artists. Wines from Paradise Springs Winery located in Clifton, Virginia will be featured during our reception.

Broadway Gallery is family owned and operated.

We have provided original fine art and quality custom framing to the metro area since 1978. Other services include art and frame restoration, art appraisals, delivery and installation.

Conveniently located inside the capital beltway off

I-395 at Edsall Road in Alexandria.

5641-B General Washington Drive

Alexandria, VA 22312

Phone: 703-354-2905

Visit us online at www.BroadwayGalleries.net

Sincerely,

Caron Broadway
Broadway Gallery

Gallery Hours:

Monday - Friday 9:00-5:30Saturday 10:00-5:00

Sunday 12:00-5:00

Trisha Adams Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:36:00 +0000

On Saturday, I stopped by Trisha Adams' workshop in Herndon on Color, Composition and Clarity. The students, having braved the freezing rain benefited from their dedication to art. In addition to a short painting demo, Trisha also gave a wonderful powerpoint supported talk on color handling to create a pleasing and harmonious effect in your paintings.

She suggested an exercise that any one of us would find beneficial: Spend time mixing complements of unusual colors. For example, if you find a lovely but muted grey violet, figure out how to mix that color's complement in the same value.

Trisha explained that this not only helps you to create pleasing images by pulling together colors that love each other but also helps artists create vibration in a painting when complements of the same value are juxtoposed in a painting.

Another great tip was to play around with this tool if you are trying to come up with a color scheme for a painting - ColorSchemeDesigner

http://colorschemedesigner.com/

Trisha is full of useful advice ... for more, take her next workshop.

Expressions Portrait Competition 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:43:00 +0000

The finalists have been selected for this year's expressions portrait competition sponsored by the Council for the Arts of Herndon.

The exhibit opening reception will be held on November 5th 2011 7:00 at ArtSpace Herndon. I look forward to being there to hear the Judge talk about his decision process.

www.ArtSpaceHerndon.org

Sold

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 01:45:00 +0000

Sold

Thanks to Broadway Gallery for finding a loving home for this painting.

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:15:00 +0000

Congratulations to my friend Trisha Adams on her recent delivery of commission artworks to the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner Virginia. Trisha's work has been getting more recognition recently and I think she's an artist worth following.

http://trishaadams.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/ritz-triptych-web.jpg

In addition to this commission, recent awards and other exhibits, Trisha has also been invited to teach one of her workshops in Buck's County and is in good company among some wonderful Plein Air teachers. http://buckscountyartworkshops.com/weeklong.htm

Broadway Gallery Exhibit November 12th - December 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Broadway Gallery Presents, “Back To Nature – Paintings From Life”, An Exhibition And Artist Demonstration, Featuring The Landscape And Still Life Paintings Of Local Artists, Christine Lashley And Trisha Cherrington Ratliff.

Show dates: Saturday, November 12 - December 10, 2011
Address: 5641-B General Washington Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 Phone: 703-354-2905.

Phone: 703-354-2905

Website: www.BroadwayGalleries.net

www.christinelashley.com

www.triciaratliff.com

Reception: Saturday, November 12 from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Artists’ talk/demonstrations: Saturday, November 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. with drawing demo by Trisha Ratliff and painting demo by Christine Lashley. Artist reception will feature wines from Paradise Springs Winery located in Clifton, Virginia. Gallery

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia (October 11, 2011) - Don’t miss the opening of Broadway Gallery’s, “Back to Nature – Paintings from Life” exhibit featuring the new paintings of local artists and instructors, Christine Lashley and Tricia Cherrington Ratliff. This event is free and open to the public.

Both artists return to their love of nature with an exhibition of landscape and still life paintings that range from beautiful impressionistic landscapes of Virginia and the Potomac River to expressive compositions of fresh fruit and flowers. A common talent that both artists share is their keen ability to paint from life. Through the direct observation and study of their subjects, both artists capture a special “realness” in their paintings that leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Painting life’s memories and experiences are also uniting themes in this show which are conveyed through the artist’s choice of subject matter and painting techniques.

Working in oil and watercolor, Christine Lashley loves to paint outdoors capturing fleeting light patterns and atmospheric conditions on-site. “Mother Nature is the best teacher,” Christine says. “I like to paint on location, not only to observe the scene, but to convey the intangible elements that a camera cannot capture: my feelings and emotions. The painting process then becomes an interactive one with the subject, as the scene is always changing.” With bold color, Christine paints the immediacy of the moment, rendering her images with wet-on-wet painting techniques and flickering brushstrokes. Although realism is important in her work, creating the mood and atmosphere in a piece is essential.

As a still life oil painter, Tricia Ratliff is particularly interested in capturing the cycle of life. Therefore, painting from life not only means painting from the direct observation of the scene before her but also bringing themes from life experience to play. She says, “By combining fresh living items or organic objects with aged items, I use composition to contemplate the balance between embracing the present, remembering the past, and my own hope of leaving something for the future.” Her still life compositions are purposeful and inviting. By combining traditional painting methods with contemporary colorist techniques to capture intended moods, Tricia draws the viewer into quiet spaces that are satisfying and tangible.

Broadway Gallery is family owned and operated and is a complete art service that has been providing quality fine art and custom picture framing services to the Washington, D.C. area since 1978. The gallery is located inside the capitol beltway off Edsall Road.

Charcoal Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 23:29:00 +0000

A friend asked me to post this class drawing. Everyone ... enjoy!

Casey Baugh - another great on-line demo

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:50:00 +0000

Here's another great demo for on-line reference. Casey's work is so moody. Love it.

http://caseybaugh.blogspot.com/2011/10/dusk-step-by-step.html?spref=fb

Double Sneak Peek - Our Studios

noreply@blogger.com (Tricia Ratliff) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Christine Lashley and I are preparing for our upcoming exhibit which opens next month. We'll both be giving demonstrations at the reception on Saturday November 12th 4:00-7:00 PM at Broadway Gallery.

After a day of painting together outside, Christine was kind enough to host me for lunch, conversation and a studio visit to see what's "on the easel". Take a look. Here are photos of the work on her easel and mine! All of these paintings are unfinished. To see the finished paintings, come to the exhibit!

Christine Lashley's latest landscape in progress!

Landscape in process on Tricia Ratliff's Easel