WOW

Yes Works of Wyoming, WOW. http://www.worksofwyoming.org/  They opened a retail store last week. It was a fun day trip to wander that way, overland from Cheyenne.  We jumped in the Tundra around 9 AM and arrived before lunch.  Amazing scnery on the southside of I80.  We drove through the Remount Ranch and dropped down through the Hermosa tunnel and then emerged at Tie Siding and on to Laramie.  Ron and Wyn Ratz were also over for the grand opening so after making our mark on the canvas cloth had lunch next door with them.   

Wyn Ratz and Vanda Edington at WOW opening

We came back via Happy Jack road and Don photographed some scenery.  I loved the truck and may try it in pastel.  It is marking the entrance of the Bunkhouse Bar. 

Chek out WOW next trip to Laramie and don't forget our amazing little jewel at the Univerasity... The Art Museum.
http://www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum/

Terry Ludwig Pastels Garage Sale

Jeanne and Geoff sanding pastel sticks and Deb on quality

We visited Terry Ludwig Pastels Monday. http://www.terryludwig.com/terry-ludwig-bio
We were in Denver so needed to make the trip count.  Deb was zooming around keeping the entire organization in sync.  Terry's pastels are so lucious and velvety smooth.  We discovered some extra personnel and had a fun chat about the last step in creating the handmade pastels.  After the mold and drying, the sticks are gently sanded over a bucket of water.  Crisps up the edges and holds down the bit of dust.  Terry's son Geoff was helping out along with Mike and artist Jeanne Smith.  She had finished her workshop and stayed an extra day to volunteer in the backroom.  http://www.jeannesmithart.com/gallery.htm 

So the exciting news, this Saturday the 28th of July and if supplies last Monday the 30th, is the Garage Sale.  The seconds, with minor flaws, are on sale at less than half price.   Sure a good way to feed a pastel addiciton.   See the website for directions to the store. 

Workshops

Terri with the group critique 

Ten of us gathered at the Cheyenne Artist Guild to learn from Terrie Lombardi, her technique of under painting the pigment of pastel with turp along with using pastel in loose, juicy marks to create The Art of the Flower.   Terrie is from Denver and teaches in several venues so we are fortunate to have her make the trip to Cheyenne.

http://cheyenneartistsguild.blogspot.com/

The first day was a demo along with discussion of the elements of a good painting, a check list before a painting is finished and "Terrie Tips" to complement the lecture.  We all started a painting the first day.  The second day we painted the same reference photo three times.  First in two colors one for positive and one for negative space.  The second was a color for negative space and four values for the primary image.  The fourth painting was full color.  Great exercise to practice just seeing shapes and values.

Terrie's style is unique and exciting.  This piece is Governor's Mansion Turquoise Guard  You can see her work at Abend in Denver and Evergreen Fine Art.  She will also do a demo of her unique style at the Purely Pastel show in September at Laramie County Community College.  Save  the date, September 12, in the Fine Arts Theater.  She will show several pieces along with mine in the  Easter and John Clay Fine Art Gallery.

I Should Be Painting

Cesil Burnett

It is July 4th, Rebellion Day as my DIL puts it.  And I really should have stayed home to paint with the show at LCCC just two months away.  Instead we traveled through the smoky haze to Saratoga to see Art In the Valley, by Blackhawk Gallery.   The Rocky Mountains are burning all around us.  Blessed rain is in the forecast.  Cesil Burnett was there with her oil paintings.. the newest you may see next week as she will be at the Nagel Warren Mansion for Art Design & Dine.  http://artdesigndine.org/2012/06/22/cesil-bs-something-special-show/

I also met Karen Henneck, a pastel artist from Casper.  Her palette is glorious, and inspiring.  She shared tips on software and prints and we plan to meet again.  http://www.karenhenneck.com/index.html

Karen & Vanda at the Saratoga Art In The Valley

And to make the day complete shopped at Laura M's as she has an amazing little designer boutique next to the Blackhawk gallery. http://lauram.com/  


http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2012/07/02/news/20local_07-02-12.txt    for more about Laura and her charm.   All in all and inspiring day and I will paint tomorrow!  

Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition

Your are invited to see 70 pieces of art of Wyoming artists June 30 and July 1 at the Hynds building 1602 Capitol from 10 to 4:30.  The reception is at 5 PM on the 30th.   I am honored to be part of this show with my pastel.  There will be additional pieces for sale in the Artist's Alley.



http://wyomuseum.state.wy.us/cac/pdf/2012GCAEFinalShow.pdf

Autumn Again Pastel 9x12

Click the link to see a preview of all the art.

You may also vote for your favorite six pieces by email to David Newell  david.newell@wyo.gov

Tis the Season for Plein Air

Luscious Iris 9x12

Oh my gosh the gardens at Diane's home near Longmont, Colorado were magnificent.   She and her husband Ken moved here from Connecticut in their retirement and have created a colorful retreat.  The iris and poppies were every where!   Peonies abound and all against the backdrop of the Rockies to the west of their home.  She shared her gardens with seven of us to paint along with Terrie Lombardi, leading a Plein Workshop.  http://www.terrielombardi.com/ Some are dedicated to Plein Air all year round but late Spring is an ideal season to begin seeking the colors and textures in the open air.

Poppies Reign 9x12

These are two of my paintings from the workshop.  I have enough reference photos to do several more... Now for the time to create.