April With Audrey

Welcome back to the new year of blogging. We have had a nice winter of Tuesday Painters, and our first meeting of 2019 is under our belts. Lots of news to tell, so lets get started.

Our April 9 meeting was held at Arts Center East. It was called to order at 6:58 p.m. Ronnie Klukas, our president and treasurer, updated us on our current balance. The current balance is available if you are interested. Contact Ronnie via email if you are interested - cyanronnie@aol.com

We added a new member on Tuesday night. Laura Kinlock of Quiet Corner Musings is our newest member. She is from Stafford Springs, and is currently working with pastels. You may like her page on Facebook to view her work at Laura Kinlock Art. Welcome, Laura. We are glad you have joined us.

We are gearing up for our members show in June at Hall Memorial Library in Ellington. Each paid member can enter 3 pieces. The applications were given out to members at the meeting, and the rest will be sent out via snail mail. Drop off will be May 31 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Ronnie will be sending out all the information in future emails. Just a heads up so you can get ready for our favorite time of year, our annual members show. All media is accepted, including photography.

Susan Bosworth is looking for help on procuring guest artists for future meetings. Please keep your eyes and ears open for possibilities. You can email Susan if you stumble upon a guest artist that you would like to hear more about. Her email is bosworths@gmail.com     

Our next meeting will be May 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. This is our annual critique meeting. You may bring 2 pieces for critique. I believe it will also be held at Arts Center East. 

ARTIST OF THE MONTH          

We have lost our place at Stafford Library temporarily so there are now only three locations to display our art. This month, the three artists chosen will display their work at their choice of locations, Monet's Table, Hall Memorial Library and Tolland library. Here are the winners for April.

                            1st place Emilie Beckwith, South Windsor Barn. Monet's Table
                            2nd place Jane Burr, Toucan, Tolland Library
                            3rd place Cathy Worcester, Milk Can, Hall Memorial Library. 

Congrats to all our winners. If I messed up with spellings, please let me know and I will correct.

MEMBERS CORNER             

Arts of Tolland is running its annual juried art show at the Arts of Tolland building on the green in Tolland. The show runs until April 28, and the center will be open on weekends. Refer to their calendar for times the gallery will be open.

We are pleased that several of our members were accepted into the show. Susan Bosworth won the Pat Scholz Memorial Award for her pastel entitled Migs Ride. She also has one other pastel in the show.

Other members who had accepted works included
  Emilie Beckwith, watercolor Hubble Light.
  Bonnie Massey, pastel, Down East Sunset
  Dee Volkert, acrylic , Carnival Dahlias
  Jeff Blazejovsky (did not write down)

If I missed anyone I am sorry. I did not have an updated members list. Please support our members by stopping in to the gallery to view their wonderful work, as well as all the other pieces on display. As usual, the gallery is filled with some of our best local artists work, and is well worth a visit.


New member Kathy Bagioni, a fiber artist, has created a show of 14 pieces called Celebrating Women in the Arts. She has created pieces representing Georgia O'Keefe and many others. Her show will be at the Windham Textile and History Museum for May, June and July. Stop in to view these wonderful textile paintings.

TUESDAY PAINTERS        

We have been meeting throughout the winter every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It was a great
way to stay in touch with the group, and to chase away the winter blues. We will continue meeting Tuesdays from 10 to 12:30 p.m at Hall Memorial Library in Ellington, CT. We usually meet in the children's program room on the second floor.

The indoor painters will be meeting for only a few more weeks. We will finish out April, and then we will be moving outside for our Plein Air Artists group. Our first outdoor Tuesday will be May 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please refer to my other blog, TCAA Plein Air Artists for updates on places, times and photos of each outing. No decisions have been made yet as to where we are goin for our first outing so no new entries will be made until we get there.

                     
                        GUEST ARTIST      

We were in for quite a treat at our meeting. Our guest artist was multi-talented Audrey Carroll Prucnal. She focused on her watercolor work, and introduced us to her method of creating watercolor paintings.

Audrey began by showing us the different affects you can get with the same piece. There is the traditional watercolor painting, and she also does them with lots of color. These pieces are more bold and defined. The difference is quite noticeable in these two painting of a barn.

Her palette is made up primarily of Holbein watercolors, which are more saturated and hold their liquid state much better.







Audrey begins by first sketching her subject, then traces it with tracing paper. She then transfers it to another paper which she used for a value study. Once she has her values she then transfers the lines to her watercolor paper. Her preferred paper is Arches 140 pound cold press.

Looking at her tones, she decides where the light is coming from, then uses masking fluid to mask out where the highlights are located.

Some tips when using your water. Audrey keeps her brush over to the edge when she dips it in, so the paint will drop to the bottom. She also likes to use something called a dot bottle, which sprays a few dots onto the paper for blending and softening. You can also feather your edges where you spray the dot bottle.




Her wash is very light initially and she uses a 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 color combination, dark, medium and light on as much of the painting as she can. She avoids doing details or separating the parts. In order to bleed the paints together she uses a small brush and taps the area with water. Her first wash uses color sparingly, but she still tries to use her three colors even in the wash.

Using a hair dryer to quickly dry the wash is an absolute no no. Audrey has
found that the hair dryer destroys the natural luminosity of the watercolor, so take a break after the first wash, have some tea, do a few loads of laundry, take a walk. Let the paint dry naturally.




With the second wash, she begins to add much more saturated color, focusing much more dramatically on the 1/3 ratio of your colors. This is where you can get creative. Perhaps you want to add some contrasting and complimentary colors with each section. This is also when you separate your colors by darkening colors over the first wash.

To transition within each section, take a fine brush, fill with water, and let it do the work of mixing. Smoosh over any ridges to soften the lines. Another technique Audrey demonstrated was what she called rocking the baby to remove puddles. This is just holding the painting flat, then moving it in a wave, up and down, left to right, to let the watercolor flow from one section to another and flatten and level.

Once again you need to let the second wash dry, and then you can add your details and darker darks. First, remove your masking fluid by rubbing with your hand. You can lightly work in some color so that the masked areas are not as white. A rigger brush is very useful to add fine lines and a filbert is great to soften edges. For areas that are too dark, you can use a stiff angle brush to scrub some of the paint out and also to soften where the masking was removed.

Audrey did not get to finish the painting, but her explanation made things very clear. She also demonstrated the techniques on a second piece, a fish, which seemed to show more or her technique, especially the 1/3 ratio. The process of the fish follows at the end of the blog.

It was a great demonstration. Many of our members are avid watercolor painters, so interest was high, and I am sure everybody got something out of the discussion on Tuesday.

Now get out there and try some new watercolor techniques. We might see some of our watercolorists utilizing some of Audrey's techniques at our Tuesday painting group.

Next evening meeting is the critique of May 14. Hope to see you there.

Update April 28. Audrey has finished her sunflower and sent us a photo of it. She says she needs to examine it a bit more to add more details, but here is the almost finished painting. Personally, I think it came out beautifully, and really shows how color can be used to add drama to a watercolor. Thanks Audrey for the finished art. It was a great demo.

Photo courtesy of Audrey Carroll Prucnal

                     AUDREY'S FISH  

Ronnie Klukas

Ronnie Klukas

Ronnie Klukas

Ronnie Klukas

Happy 2019

It was a busy 2018 for TCAA. We launched a new web page, had some wonderful guest speakers, and had some of our best member shows ever. Our November open show had numerous comments about the quality of the artwork, and many said it was the best ever. Our small group has wonderful artists in many different disciplines, and in 2019 we may add even more diversity.

We ended our active gatherings with our annual Christmas luncheon at Arts of Tolland. What a tasty collection of appetizers, hardy entrees, and really awesome desserts. There was a little bit of something for everyone, and none left hungry.

Bonnie did the table decorations, and at the end of the luncheon we auctioned off each table's poinsettias and accompanying greenery. Thanks to Bonnie for such a great job.

The kitchen was busy as Penny, Susan and other members prepared to put the potluck feast out on the tables. From shrimp to casseroles to sandwiches, a big thanks to all who brought goodies and main dishes. All was absolutely delicious.

We had a good selection of items for the art tag sale table. Lots of
books, and some nice art supplies. Great deals for those who left with purchases. All proceeds went into the treasury. Without the generosity of our members, this would not have been possible. Thanks again to all.



ART NEWS:

June Mita has several of her oil pastels on display at the Manchester Town Hall. It is a group show of several pastel artists, and is definitely worth stopping in to view the artwork. The show is running until the first week of March.

Tolland library is looking for artists to display their work. If you are interested please contact the library at 860-871-3620. One of our newer members, Kathy Bagioni, will have her fiber art on display for the month of February.

TUESDAY PAINTERS

Our morning painting group took a break through the month of December. We will be back at Arts of Tolland on Tuesday Jan. 14. Ronnie will be updating the first January painters via email. This is a great group of folks that just love sharing their work. We have many different mediums done during our Tuesday morning gatherings. It is fun with lots of conversation and laughs. Please consider joining us in 2019.

OTHER

There will be a few more evening meetings in 2019. Our members have been working hard to attract new guest artists. I am sure that the new year will bring exciting demonstrations and opportunities for displaying our work. Watch for the emails that will announce all these upcoming events. Refer to our new webpage for dates, times and discussions. Tolland County Arts.

Consider joining our mailing list if you are not already on it. Hope to see some familiar faces in 2019.

TCAA 29th Annual Open Art Show

The South Windsor Library was all abuzz on Sunday, Nov. 4. The TCAA had its reception for the 29th annual art show, and many came out to see the artwork, for many the first time. There were 69 art pieces on display and as always, the art was top notch.

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas

A few of our drawing entries for the Doug
Gillette award

                                                                                     

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas - Some of the pastel work

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas - some of the drawing work

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas -  some of the watercolor work

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas - some of the oil and acrylic work

Those who participated dropped their work off on Oct. 31, and then our volunteers set to work to hang the works. There were three categories of work - Watercolor, Oil and Acrylic, and All Other Media. Then there was a special award this year just for drawing. Drawing falls into the category of All Other Media, but artist Doug Gillette donated funds specifically for drawing, in order to encourage all artists to draw.

Our judge for this year was Barbara Jenkins. She always felt that art was the path for her, starting her art studies in high school and then going on to receive a BFA and a Master’s Degree in Art. Having completed her own education, she began teaching art at Central Connecticut State University, as well as many art courses through various art associations. She worked as Assistant Curator at the La Jolla Art Center and as a staff member at the New Britain Museum of American Art, devoting herself to sharing her appreciation of fine art with others. Barbara has been a member of Glastonbury Arts Assoc. for 40 years. 

Barbara spent a good 2 or 3 hours perusing all the fine work this year, stating she wished she had more awards to give. She somehow whittled it down to the ribbon winners, and I think we can  agree with her choices. 

Many volunteered their prowess to offer a wonderful table of goodies and beverages. A hardy thankyou to all who helped provide refreshments for the crowds on Sunday. A very festive table awaited all who sampled the fare. It was lovely and shows the continued hospitality of the TCAA. We hope the participants who are not members of the TCAA felt welcomed by the warm smiles of 
                                                                                         our volunteers.

                                                                        

                                                                                             

We were also treated to special music, something new for the TCAA. Rich LaCoss, son of TCAA member Lynn LaCoss, played some lovely guitar compositions along with his daughter. If someone can send her name, I can change this paragraph to mention her name and age. She played the violin, and the harmony between the guitar and violin was delightful and soothing. 

Our Best of Show was won by Doug Gillette, for his "Amish Farm." The painting was done in silverpoint and casein. Doug explained a little of how the painting was done. The barn had a number of old vehicles and tractors around it, and Doug saw the farm in the fall. He removed all the ground clutter, and turned it into a winter scene. 






He began by first sketching the lines with silverpoint, which is a very old technique used by artists such as Rembrandt. After his sketch, he added casein paint, which is a milk based paint. Then he highlighted many of the branches on top of the casein with more silverpoint. This gave the scene a shiny glow, as if you were looking at icy branches on a winter morning. The silverpoint may be buffed to bring back the shine of the original strokes.

Awesome piece, Doug. Thanks for sharing it with the show. It is a beautiful testament to old fashioned techniques used in a very modern and contemporary looking piece. 

Each category had six ribbons given out. They were first, second, third and three honorable mentions. For a full list of all the winners, please send and email to Ronnie Klukas at cyanronnie@aol.com. For this update, I am only including the first place winners. All are important and worth mentioning, but then this entry would be a great deal longer. Keep it short and sweet.

Our first place winner in watercolor was Carolyn Emerson for her painting entitled "Ode to Mindy."
Her use of brilliant and bold colors make this piece very special. The wonderful execution of the highlights in this painting make it a real winner. Thanks to Carolyn for sharing her wonderful vision. 

Ode To Mindy - Carolyn Emerson

  Our first place winner in oil and acrylic was Scott Rhoades with his oil rendition entitled "My Grandfather's Glove." The incredible detail, right down to the Babe Ruth signature was amazing. The worn leather on the glove was depicted as if you could touch it. You could almost smell the old leather. Scott will be on the Artists Open Studio tour Nov. 23, 24, 25, and Dec. 1 and 2. I have been to Scott's home studio. It is a must see and very inspiring. Thanks Scott for joining our open show this year.

  
   

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas

Our first place winner for all other media was Helen Davis with her pastel entitled "Golden Light." It breathes with autumn light. It is as if you were taking a walk on a crisp autumn day. She used lovely earth tones for her painting, which enhanced the entire sense of a fall day during Indian summer. Thanks Helen for your inspiring piece. 

Our special awards winners are always a pleasure to talk to. The Beth and Doug Gillette award for drawing was given to Judith Goldstein for her colored pencil sketch called "Elias the Wonderful." Well, the portrait was wonderful. It is amazing what you can create with colored pencils. Thanks Judith. The award was well deserved.

The Peg Winther Award for most original was given to Adrianna Young for her collage entitled "Sunrise Hill." There was no paint on this piece. It was made up primarily of cut shapes taken     primarily from National Geographic magazines. The color choices harmonize very well, and to see the piece is a real treat. If you head to the library to take in the show, definitely look at this one and puzzle over how this was created. I am still stumped. Thankyou Adrianna for sharing your very creative artwork.











The June Linton Award for most expressive was given to Lorraine Funk for her oil entitled "Daisy."
When you look at the painting, you can see why it was chosen as most expressive. Lorraine captured an abstract look with her strokes and color choice. There are details which are obviously that of a cow, yet the almost cubist appearance gives it a very modern look. Thanks for sharing your gorgeous painting Lorraine.

Courtesy of Ronnie Klukas

Last but not least, the Victor J. Antanaitis Memorial Award was given to Bonnie Massey for her oil entitled "Lunch With a View." The memorial award is given every year as a memory of past TCAA members who have gone on their spirtitual journey. Bonnie's piece smacks of a relaxing view of a lake through the trees. One can enjoy this piece with a cup of coffee and just imagine they are there looking at this lovely lake. Thanks Bonnie. I am sure Victor would be pleased that you won this award in his name. 

Please stop in at the South Windsor Library to view all the hard work of our artists. The show will be up until the last week of November. It is worth seeing for sure. Enjoy, and we hope to see some of you at our annual Christmas dinner coming up in December. Details have not been released yet, but sharing our love of this time of year with each other is just a great way to personalize, reach out, and just meet those who support us artists at home. It is always a great time. 

P.S. I will be adding the gallery of works at the end of this blog as I edit them. Then you can see many of the other winners of the 2018 TCAA open show. Maybe by December they will all be up.