Friday, September 18, 2009

Art and Literature

I was amused and inspired this morning while driving my teenage son to composition writing class. One of his assignments today was to list ways men taught themselves to write. I kept asking him questions to his resistance about his assignment, thinking to my self, I wonder if I could do this class?

"Okay, Now read me everything!" Come ooooon Dad!!!! So he read about this English writer named Robert Louis Stevenson. Then I said wow, read that again! "Youuuu got to be kidding me!!!" No I'm serious!

This is how Stevenson attributes his great success as a writer. In his own words he says, "I was known and pointed out for the pattern of an idler; and yet I was always busy on my own private end, which was to learn to write. I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in. As I walked, my mind was busy fitting what I saw with appropriate words; when I sat by the roadside, I would either read, or a pencil and a penny version-book would be in my hand, to note down the features of the scene or commemorate some halting stanzas."

Doesn't this sound like a visual artist. Now you have it-the formula to become a great artist! It must become a burning passion that rarely ceases. Our minds should be always busy fitting what we see and experience into lines and paint strokes!

One thing I must point out about Robert Louis Stevenson, his greatest works of literature were completed during the last 10 years of his life. Some of his most famous were, "Treasure Island", "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", and "A Child's Garden of Verses"

The photo above is of Robert Louis Stevenson. 1850-1894

Friday, September 4, 2009

Plein Air Painters of the Southeast Come to North Carolina

The Plein Air Painters of the Southeast PAP-SE Came to Leatherwood Resort and Equestrian located between Boone and Wilksboro, NC during the last week in August to hold a Paint Out and Artists Workshops. I camped out Tuesday through Friday and painted with many wonderful artist from around the state, several from surrounding states and as far away as Indiana! I'm not sure what the official count was but I would estimate around 40 artists came out. This was a wonderful event and a great opportunity for many of us to learn, share, and network. Some of the PAP-SE members who came to participate were: President - Diane Cruickshanks May, VP- Dee Beard Dean, Larry Moore, L. Diane Johnson, Paula Frizbe, Perry Austin, Loryn Brazier, Gavin Brooks, Richard Oversmith, Junko Ono Rothwell, and Michelle Morton-Public Relations. Thanks to PAP-SE professional painters for organizing this great event!!!

Artists Gina Strumpf and Dee Beard Dean in Elk Creek

Diane Johnson with her comfy setup

Clarkson Jones painting at our campsite

Larry Moore, from Florida painting on his Gloucester style easel

The Group painting Keys Cabin in the beautiful morning light

Not a word was spoken from these artists for 90 minutes as we were in deep concentration trying to capture the fleeting light.

artists spouses doing some serious book reading

Afternoon by the River

This is one serious painter who put us to shame; she drove 2 hours from Charlotte with her 3 yr old son to paint with us in the hot sun not to mention she is nine months pregnant.

Trey Finney from South Carolina before supper