Charles Young Walls

Oil Painting Beginner's Intensive - Jan. 14-15, 2012

2011-12-05T19:52:00.000-05:00

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for a beginning painter to get started off on the right foot!

Next month Charles will be teaching a 2-day beginner's intensive workshop: Beginning Still Life - Getting Started with Oil Paint. Two full days of solid nuts and bolts information on oil paint, mediums, brushes, canvases and everything related.

- January 14-15, 2012
- Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 - 4:30
- $175 - 16 yrs and up

For artists who have found oil painting daunting or frustrating, as well as those who want to paint but don’t know where to start. A nuts and bolts primer to get you started painting your first oil painting without photography or group pattern.

The workshop begins with a demonstration by the instructor, followed by a walk-through of the oil painting and other related sections of Binders explaining what supplies you need and what you don’t need. Students need to come prepared to purchase supplies the first day.

Students will paint a simple still life from life to begin exploring the principles of art. Charles provides a solid foundation of information for the student to take home, and to build on, to continue the beginning of their artistic journey.

Download the flyer in PDF format to print and share!

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
register online -- www.BindersArt.com
contact person: Jacob Gunter -- 404-237-6331 ext 203

Painting Class Dates thru August 2012

2011-12-02T18:29:00.004-05:00

Upcoming session dates for Charles' ongoing painting classes at Binders have been set through August of 2012. The next session starts with the new year on January 3.

These classes utilize both the still life and the figure. Hope we'll see you there!

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks

next 5 session dates:

- January 3 - February 7, 2012
- February 21 - March 27, 2012
- April 3 - May 22, 2012 (no class on May 1 or 8)
- May 29 - July 3, 2012
- July 24 - August 28, 2012

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
register online -- www.BindersArt.com
contact person: Jacob Gunter - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Chattanooga Still Life Workshop - Dec 1-4, 2011

2011-11-07T19:06:00.001-05:00

ArtWorks Chattanooga is our host next month for a 3 1/2 day painting workshop focused on the still life.

The workshop is open to all levels, and the kick-off demonstration on the first evening will be open to the general public for a $20 fee.

Download the workshop flyer in PDF format to print and share!

Contact Lisa Seago at ArtWorks Chattanooga to register:
770-235-1156
info@ArtWorksChat.com

ArtWorks Chattanooga's webpage
ArtWorks Chattanooga on Facebook

A Beautiful Day for a Plein Air Paint Out

2011-10-20T20:17:00.001-04:00

On Saturday October 15 Charles and I spent a beautiful sunny day in the Olde Town area of Conyers GA. The Olde Town Gallery & Studio was hosting their First Annual Olde Town Paint Out & Plein Air Exhibit, for which Charles had been asked to serve as judge.

We got there in the early afternoon, took a stroll to get the lay of the land and chat with other artists, got distracted for a bit by the treasures inside Sadie's Antiques, and finally settled down to paint. Charles had completed the judging by 6:30 that evening, and an awards ceremony and reception followed shortly thereafter.

Ten artists submitted 13 paintings over the course of the day. Congratulations to the award winners and to Lynda Ellis of Olde Town Gallery for planning and putting on a great event.

The exhibition's closing reception next Saturday will coincide with the Olde Town Fall Festival and an additional award, People's Choice, will be presented then.

Numerous photos from throughout the day can be found in albums on Charles' Facebook page and on Olde Town Gallery's Facebook page.

-- Photo album on Charles' Facebook page
-- Olde Town Gallery's Facebook page
-- Olde Town Gallery's webpage

Plein Air Paint-Out in Olde Town Conyers GA, Oct 15

2011-10-13T18:16:00.001-04:00

Charles has been asked to serve as judge this Saturday at the 1st Annual Olde Town Paint Out in Conyers GA.

We'll be there bright and early Saturday morning to paint with everyone; judging will start shortly after 5pm.

If you're interested in joining us, info is on the Olde Town Gallery's website. First place award is $300; at-the-door registration is $40. All the paintings will be for sale and on display at the gallery until Saturday Oct. 22.

Olde Town Gallery and Studio
909 Commercial Street, Conyers GA 30012
770-929-9242 -- Colye2@gmail.com
They're also on Facebook - more info here!

Painting Class Dates thru May 2012

2011-10-05T19:10:00.002-04:00

Upcoming session dates for Charles' painting classes at Binders have been posted through May of next year. These classes utilize both the still life and the figure. The next session starts in 2 weeks! Hope we'll see you there.

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks

next 4 session dates:

- October 25 - December 13, 2011 (no class on Nov. 8 or 15)
- January 3 - February 7, 2012
- February 21 - March 27, 2012
- April 13 - May 22, 2012 (no class on May 1 or 8)

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
register online -- www.BindersArt.com
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

"Imperia Prima" Accepted into OPA Eastern Regional Exhibition

2011-08-31T19:53:00.000-04:00

She's packed in her box and ready to go!

"Imperia Prima" will be shipping out soon to Addison Art Gallery in Cape Cod where she'll be included in the 2011 Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition.

The Eastern Regional this year had about 800 entries, and we're very pleased to be among the only 95 paintings selected as finalists.

Most of the exhibition is available now to view online, and the real thing will hang from September 17 - October 15 at Addison Art Gallery in Orleans MA.

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Oil Painters of America
2011 Eastern Regional Exhibition of Traditional Oils
Sept. 17 - Oct. 15, 2011
opening recep: Sat. Sept. 17, 5:30-7:30 pm
Addison Art Gallery
43 Route 28, Orleans MA 02653
508-255-6200 -- art@AddisonArt.com

New Works: "A Spot of Tea"

2011-07-29T17:50:00.000-04:00

I just love this simple little still-life. I'm always amazed how Charles can convey so much with so few brushstrokes. (12 x 16, oil on mounted canvas)

Two Figure-Painting Workshops Scheduled this Fall

2011-06-24T14:54:00.002-04:00

Both the Art School at Binders and The Winsor Gallery have invited Charles back to teach "The Essentials of Figure Painting" - a 3 1/2 day oil painting workshop which addresses underlying structure and sculptural relationships within the figure.

Please contact the hosting venues for registration information. The Thursday evening demonstrations for both workshops will be open to the interested public for $20.

Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, 2011

Atlanta GA
The Essentials of Figure Painting
The Art School at Binders
$350 + $50 model fee
contact person: Eli Pelizza
404-237-6331 ext. 203

Here's the direct link to the workshop's information page at BindersArt.com

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Oct. 27 - 30, 2011

McDonough GA
The Essentials of Figure Painting
The Winsor Gallery
$350 + $50 model fee
contact person: Vicki Anglyn
770-957-7292

And here's the PDF version of the flyer to print or share!

New Works: "Tomatillos and Terracotta"

2011-06-17T18:02:00.000-04:00

This lovely new painting started out as a demonstration piece for Charles' recent still-life workshop. We both liked it so much at the end of the evening that he brought it back to the studio after the workshop and worked on it for a little while longer. (16 x 20, oil on panel)

He had originally planned some other type of fruit to accompany that beautiful terracotta vase, but when we stopped by the grocery store on the way to the demo that afternoon "just to see about other options" those vibrant green tomatillos struck him as perfect. Always be willing to change at the last minute for something better!

Workshop Students Excited about the Still Life

2011-06-14T20:18:00.000-04:00

Charles recently taught two workshops focused on painting the still life. And from what we've heard from several participants since, he's also ignited in them a new-found excitement for the genre in the process. We love reading those emails from workshop students!

ArtWorks Chattanooga was our workshop host in April. Housed on the ground floor of an old industrial building in downtown Chattanooga TN, owner Lisa Seago's new instructional space will soon see the likes of Bill Davidson, Dee Beard Dean, and Nancy Franke. We were very pleased to be Lisa's choice to lead off this procession of well-known southeastern painters and workshop instructors, and we're currently in the process of scheduling with her through 2012.

We then brought the still life excitement back home where, during the first weekend in June, Charles was teaching at The Winsor Gallery, just off the square in historic McDonough GA. This was the second painting workshop of his that's been hosted by the folks there, and we're looking forward to returning again in October for "The Essentials of Figure Painting."

If you'd like to see firsthand what all the excitement was about, photos from these two workshops are available online. Many thanks to Lisa Seago and June Teuscher for the Chattanooga pics.

Photos from the ArtWorks Chattanooga workshop.
Photos from The Winsor Gallery workshop.

ArtWorks Chattanooga
ArtWorks Chattanooga on Facebook
The Winsor Gallery
The Winsor Gallery on Facebook
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Charles will be teaching two more oil painting workshops in the Atlanta area in the coming months. Details and links will be posted here on the blog as they are finalized.

The Essentials of Figure Painting
Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, 2011
The Art School at Binders - Atlanta GA

The Essentials of Figure Painting
Oct. 20 - 23, 2011
The Winsor Gallery - McDonough GA

"Figures in the Garden" Celebrates a Friend's Triumphant Spring

2011-05-30T21:27:00.000-04:00

What a great way to spend a Saturday!

Nineteen artists and 4 figure models from the Atlanta area came together on a beautiful Saturday in May in a show of support and celebration for a fellow artist and friend during her medical recovery.

The models, arranged amidst the beauty of an intimate Japanese garden, donated their time while the participating artists' entry fees raised in excess of $500.

Aside from raising funds, organizer Kristina Laurendi Havens laid out the main goals of the day when she charged the artists that morning to "create beautiful art and send good thoughts to Marghe."

New Works: "Alexey at the Lakeshore"

2011-05-23T19:12:00.000-04:00

(12 x 16, oil on canvas panel)

On the last day of the Portrait Society of America's 2011 National Conference in Atlanta over 100 artists traveled to Piedmont Park for a plein air paint-out. Each group of 10 was accompanied by a member of the conference faculty. Charles was with the group led by Los Angeles painter Alexey Steele.

As Alexey began a small demonstration on the very edge of the lake, Charles was struck by the scene and the patterns created by the light. He had to set up and work fast - he didn't know how long the group would stay there!

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Piedmont Park, Atlanta GA
Alexey Steele
Portrait Society of America

Portrait Society of America 2011 National Conference

2011-05-20T18:25:00.001-04:00

Last night I was flipping through a beautiful imported book about the 19th century Russian artist Ilya Repin. Couldn't read a word of it, but it sure was pretty to look at! Charles picked up this rare treasure when the Portrait Society of America was in town a few weeks ago for their annual national conference. Over 800 artists descended on Atlanta for a very busy weekend.

The conference opened on Thursday night with the "Face-Off" demonstrations. Fifteen artists, all members of the conference faculty or previous award winners, painted 5 models in a huge studio set up in the hotel's main ballroom. It was a packed house as some spectators took seats to watch their favorites, while others prowled the circuit in order to see them all.

The next 3 days were full of more demonstrations and lectures. David Leffel painted a self portrait on the main stage Friday morning, Jeremy Lipking painted a nude figure Friday evening to a packed house, and Michael Shane Neal painted a moving target (his mentor, Raymond Kinstler) on Saturday morning. Lectures on the business side of art and portfolio critiques were also offered.

Saturday evening was the Banquet and Awards Presentation where the International Portrait Competition winners were announced, followed by the keynote address by Dr. Johan Cedarlund, director of the Zorn Museum in Mora, Sweden. He gave an excellent talk on the history of turn-of-the-century Swedish artist Anders Zorn (1860-1920).

On Sunday afternoon over 100 artists loaded onto buses for the trek to Atlanta's Piedmont Park. Once there groups of 10, each led by a member of the conference faculty, spread out for an afternoon of plein-air painting. A lot of these portrait artists got to experience the joy of painting on location for the first time! Charles was with Los Angeles painter Alexey Steele's group and as Alexey was giving a short demonstration down by the water's edge, Charles was struck by the scene, grabbed his brushes and set to work!

Overall it was a great weekend. We discovered a new brand of brushes we'd been hearing a lot of buzz about (Rosemary & Co. Brushes) and bought several beautiful imported books we can't read! (Dick Bell Book Maven). We met a lot of new people and made several new friends, and are definitely looking forward to the next time.

If you're interested, there are a few more pictures from the weekend in an album on Charles' Facebook page.

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Portrait Society of America
David Leffel
Jeremy Lipking
Michael Shane Neal
Anders Zorn
Zorn Museum, Sweden
Alexey Steele
Rosemary & Co. Artist Brushes
Dick Bell Book Maven

Still Life Workshop, June 2-5 2011, McDonough GA

2011-04-26T19:32:00.001-04:00

Painting the Still Life
hosted by The Winsor Gallery
McDonough GA
June 2 - 5, 2011
www.TheWinsorGallery.com
contact the gallery for registration information
PDF version of the flyer to download and share

This summer, we're pleased to be returning to The Winsor Gallery in McDonough GA for this 3 1/2 day workshop. The weekend will consist of a Thursday evening demonstration by Charles, followed by 3 full days of painting from life.

Informative and passionate, Charles approaches art instruction by addressing visual principles and the material power of technique to equip the student with the skills to fulfill their own artistic vision. "I understand the artistic hunger for good instruction and I don't waste time in my class with unnecessary gimmicks or tricks. I teach the fundamentals that all artists can use regardless of style or subject matter. ...Observation from life, not photos, is how your eyes, your mind, and your hand can develop artistic honesty."

It's The Season for Plein Air Paint-Outs!

2011-04-19T20:06:00.000-04:00

It's finally springtime, and time to unpack the outdoor painting gear in preparation for all the upcoming plein air painting opportunities that are showing up on the calendar. Our inbox has been flooded with paint-out notices these last few weeks.

Last fall, before Charles stowed his gear away for the winter, we were able to participate in 3 paint-outs hosted by various organizations:

We joined the folks of Plein Air Georgia at Indian Springs State Park in Jackson GA on September 11 for International Plein Air Paint-Out Day.

Mid-October found us at Smith-Gilbert Gardens in Kennesaw GA for their twice-yearly paint-out. The trees were starting to turn and the roses were still in bloom - it made for a beautiful 2 days.

The very next weekend we were south of Atlanta in Newnan GA for Oil Painters of America's 2010 Georgia Paint-Out. Every autumn OPA sponsors paint-outs in numerous states. This year 42 Georgia artists gathered at the home of out hostess, oil painter Millie Gosch, to capture the beautiful autumn colors across the rolling hills.

Photos from all three of these outings can be found in albums on Charles' Facebook page:
-- Indian Springs paint-out
-- Smith-Gilbert Gardens paint-out
-- OPA paint-out

Painting Class Dates thru August 2011

2011-04-12T20:15:00.000-04:00

The new session of Charles' painting classes at Binders has just started this week, but dates have now been posted for classes through the end of August.

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
sign up 2 weeks early to avoid $15 late registration fee

next 3 session dates:

- April 12 - May 17, 2011
- May 31 - July 5, 2011
- July 26 - August 30, 2011
class flyer PDF available here

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
register online -- http://Learning.BindersArt.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition

2011-03-24T20:01:00.000-04:00

I've been a little delayed getting our past events and such onto the blog lately, but I definitely didn't want to leave this one off!

One of our big events of the last few months would have to be the opening reception of the Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition, held over the weekend of October 15, 2010. Charles' still-life painting "Remnant of Empire" was chosen as one of only 98 finalists in this prestigious show. It was hosted this year by the Walls Gallery of Fine Art in Wilmington NC. Close enough to us for a road trip!

The opening weekend was scheduled chock-full of painting demonstrations and lectures by OPA Master Signature members and the exhibition itself was full of beautiful art. We met some new friends and re-met some old ones. (We also slipped out a few times to enjoy the beautiful weather!) Dinner Saturday night was on the pier at the Oceanic Restaurant in Wrightsville Beach. Great food, new friends and a chilly ocean breeze wrapped up the weekend.

The Walls Gallery still has the complete exhibit available to view on their website, if you're interested.

Photos we took during the opening weekend and reception are also available to peruse in an album on Charles' Facebook page.

Portrait Demo at Augusta's Westobou Festival

2011-03-23T19:35:00.000-04:00

Last September, Charles and I traveled to Augusta GA, where Charles gave a 2-part portrait demonstration as the capstone event of Art Experience 2010, the visual art division of Augusta's Westobou Festival.

His demonstration and talk focused on the beginning steps of his portrait painting process. Photos from the demonstration and our few days in Augusta have been compiled in an album on Charles' Facebook page.

Loads of thanks go out to Lisa Marks, our lovely demonstration model; Rich Borgotti, our helper and right hand Wednesday night and all day Thursday; Art Experience 2010 organizer LouAnn Zimmerman; and everyone who attended the event at Gallery on the Row in downtown Augusta.

New Works: "Imperia Prima"

2011-03-11T16:05:00.000-05:00

Another of my favorites from amongst Charles' most recent pieces.
He has several paintings in the works along this same theme: powerful women painted in a powerful way. I love looking at this piece and can't wait for the others to be revealed!
(24 x 18, oil on panel)

New Works: "The Calling Unknown"

2011-02-25T19:26:00.000-05:00

I think this has to be one of my favorites from among Charles' most recent paintings. The power of the pose and the energy evoked by this painting's attitude belie the focus and simplicity of its composition. A friend has even recently described it as "electrifying."

I sometimes catch myself leaning forward as I look at it, almost as if I'm reaching with him and can feel that unseen pull of the calling unknown.
(18 x 26, oil on linen)

Upcoming Class Dates at Johns Creek Arts Center

2011-02-16T19:48:00.000-05:00

The Johns Creek Arts Center, in Johns Creek GA, has posted their Spring 2011 schedule to their website.

"Intermediate and Advanced Oil Painting," Charles' new painting class there, has been very well received and is again offered on Wednesdays, in both the morning and evening. Classes are 3 hours long.

Because of the arts center's Spring Break Camp kid's activities, there will be no adult classes on Wednesday April 6 or Wednesday May 4.

Intermediate and Advanced Oil Painting
March 23 - May 11, 2011
(6 week session)
Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
$155 for 6 weeks

2011 Workshop Schedule

2011-02-15T20:05:00.001-05:00

So far on the calendar, we have 5 workshops scheduled for 2011. Please contact the hosting venue for registration information.

March 10-13, 2011

Atlanta GA
The Essentials of Figure Painting
The Art School at Binders
www.BindersArt.com

April 7-10, 2011

Revised Dates!

Chattanooga TN
Painting the Still Life
ArtWorks Chattanooga
www.ArtWorksChat.com

June 2-5, 2011

McDonough GA
Painting the Still Life
The Winsor Gallery
www.TheWinsorGallery.com

Sept. 29 - Oct. 2, 2011

Atlanta GA
The Essentials of Figure Painting
The Art School at Binders
www.BindersArt.com

October 20-23, 2011

McDonough GA
Painting the Figure
The Winsor Gallery
www.TheWinsorGallery.com

Painting Class Dates through May 2011

2010-12-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

Beginning January 19th, Charles will begin teaching at the Johns Creek Arts Center on Wednesdays. (See our previous post for more info on that.)

But in the meantime, his Tuesday classes in Atlanta at Binders are still going strong! The next session of classes there starts January 4 (which, if you register soon, gives you enough time to avoid their $15 late registration fee.) Three of the classes of each 6-week session will include work with a live model in both the day and evening classes.

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
sign up 2 weeks early to avoid $15 late registration fee

next 3 session dates:

- January 4 - February 8, 2011
- February 22 - March 29, 2011
- April 12 - May 17, 2011

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
register online -- http://Learning.BindersArt.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Still Life Workshop, Jan. 13-16, 2011, Norcross GA

2010-11-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

Join us at Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross GA for Charles' first workshop of 2011.

Utilizing the still-life, the focus of this workshop will be to inspire the student to move forward into a more satisfying way of handling paint - to gain control of the rich medium of oil paint with confidence and understanding.

Charles will challenge those who attend to develop a painting using a logical and progressive approach, to paint directly without drawing or under-painting. Informative and passionate, he approaches art instruction by addressing visual principles and the material power of technique to equip the student with the skills to fulfill their own artistic vision.

The weekend will begin with a Thursday evening demonstration (which will also be open to the general public for a small fee), followed by 3 full days at the easel.

Online registration is available for both the workshop and the Thursday demonstration on Kudzu Art Zone's website. For download and sharing, a PDF version of the flyer is available.

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The Still-Life: an oil painting workshop
January 13-16, 2011
$375 ($325 for KAZ members)
Kudzu Art Zone
116 Carlyle Street, Norcross GA
770-840-9844
www.KudzuArtZone.org

New Works: "Variation on a Melody"

2010-11-15T20:09:00.000-05:00

Charles' beautiful new painting, "Variation on a Melody," seems so very rich and lush to me. I can almost feel the crisp cool air of autumn as I look at that beautifully painted old gilt vase, surrounded by lady apples, grapes and the season's last foliage. Red berries speak of a cozy winter, while a branch of white flowers hints at the promise of spring to come. (20 x 16, oil on panel)

Johns Creek Arts Center Painting Classes begin in January

2010-11-09T19:49:00.004-05:00

We're very pleased to announce that, beginning in mid-January 2011, Charles will be teaching at the Johns Creek Arts Center in Johns Creek, Georgia.

"Intermediate and Advanced Oil Painting" will be offered on Wednesdays, in both the morning and evening. Classes are 3 hours long.

Intermediate and Advanced Oil Painting
Jan. 19 - March 9, 2011
(8 week session)
Wednesdays: 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
$180 for 8 weeks

Class description:
Solid instruction without academic conformity, this class is offered to painting students hungry for moving their art forward. Primarily an oil painting class, the instructor teaches with the individual artist in mind. Utilizing still life and model, the student will be trained to look, to see, to think in a sensitive way while gaining control of the rich medium of oil paint with confidence and understanding. Informative and passionate, Charles approaches art instruction in a logical and progressive manner by addressing visual principles and the material power of technique in order to equip the student with the skills necessary to fulfill their own artistic vision.

First Place at AFAL's 4th National Exhibition!

2010-10-13T17:35:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful surprise we had early last month at the opening reception of the Atlanta Fine Arts League's 4th Annual National Exhibition. Amid a room full of very strong paintings, Charles' still-life "Persimmon and Bronze" took the blue ribbon!

The show consisted of 54 representational pieces from across the country - oil paintings, pastels and watercolors - displayed in the vaulted exhibition hall of the Abernathy Arts Center Gallery in Sandy Springs GA.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners. More photos from the opening reception can be viewed on Charles' Facebook page.

Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition

2010-09-30T20:15:00.001-04:00

Charles' still-life painting "Remnant of Empire" has had the honor of being chosen to hang as part of Oil Painters of America's Eastern Regional Exhibition of Traditional Oils.

Only 98 pieces were chosen for this show, out of submissions from OPA members across the entire eastern half of the country.

This year's Eastern Regional is hosted by the Walls Fine Art Gallery in Wilmington NC. (The gallery has no connection to us, its name is just a coincidence.) The show will hang at their upscale Mayfaire Town Center location from October 15-30, and then at their permanent location from November 1-13.

The opening reception on the evening of October 15 is only one of many events that the gallery has organized for the occasion. Attendees will be kept busy for three days with presentations, demonstrations and panel discussions. All the events are free and open to the public and collectors and art enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. To this end, the gallery has made available a PDF version of the invitation flyer for sharing.

The entire exhibition is available to view online on the gallery's website. The folks there have also produced a very nice video/slide show with the exhibition pieces interspersed with photos of the artists at work. Along with "Remnant of Empire's" cameo at the 3:52 mark, two pictures of Charles in the studio are also included at 2:19 and 5:02.

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Oil Painters of America

2010 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils

October 15 - November 13, 2010

opening reception: Friday Oct. 15, 6-10 pm

Walls Fine Art Gallery - Mayfaire Town Center

6842 Main Street, Wilmington NC 28405

910-343-1703 -- info@WallsGallery.com

Figure Workshop, Nov. 11-14, 2010, Gainesville GA

2010-09-21T19:46:00.000-04:00

The Essentials of Figure Painting

November 11-14, 2010

Thursday - Sunday 9:30-5:30

$350 + $50 model fee

Intermediate and advanced students only

Quinlan Visual Arts Center

Gainesville, Georgia

770-536-8561

www.QuinlanArtsCenter.org

A PDF flyer for this workshop is available for download and sharing.

Throughout this figure painting workshop, underlying structure will be addressed while emphasizing the importance of artistically bringing the figure to life on canvas. Skeletal study aids of the body and head will be available for aid in observation. Students will concentrate on the sculptural relationships within the figure and selective interpretation on the canvas. In addition to instructor demonstrations, students will enjoy one-on-one attention in a focused group atmosphere throughout the four days of painting the figure from life.

Portrait Painting Demonstrations at Augusta's Westobou Festival

2010-09-09T19:59:00.000-04:00

The Westobou Festival in Augusta GA is a 10 day long city-wide celebration of the arts. Now in its fifth year, each day of the festival features a variety of performances and exhibitions by regionally and nationally recognized artists in the disciplines of dance, music, theater and the visual arts.

We're honored that Charles has been invited to participate in this year's celebration. As the finale event of "Art Experience 2010," he will be conducting two portrait painting demonstrations on Thursday September 23 at Gallery on the Row, a lovely venue located in a spacious historic building on Broad Street, Augusta's "Artist's Row."

The Westobou Festival runs from September 16-25 in downtown Augusta GA. Tickets for Charles' demonstrations are $10 each and are available on the Westobou Festival's web site.

Painting Class Dates through December 2010

2010-09-08T19:53:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder:

The next session of Charles' painting classes at Binders in Atlanta starts next week. Three of the classes of each 6-week session will include work with a live model in both the day and evening classes.

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
sign-up 2 weeks early to avoid $15 late registration fee

next 2 session dates:
- September 14 - October 19, 2010
- November 2 - December 14, 2010
(no class on Nov. 23)

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Atlanta Fine Arts League 4th National Exhibition

2010-08-23T19:17:00.001-04:00

"Persimmon and Bronze" has been accepted into the Atlanta Fine Arts League's 4th Annual National Juried Exhibition, which will hang from September 3-24 at the Abernathy Arts Center Gallery in Sandy Springs GA. The opening reception is Friday evening, September 3. We'd love to see you there!

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Atlanta Fine Arts League

4th Annual National Juried Exhibition

September 3-24, 2010

opening reception: Friday, September 3, 6:30-8:30 pm

Abernathy Arts Center Gallery

254 Johnson Ferry Road, Sandy Springs GA 30328

404-303-6172 -- www.FultonArts.org/arts-centers -- www.AtlantaFineArtsLeague.org

Portrait Demonstration for a Full House

2010-08-20T15:01:00.001-04:00

More Than A Likeness: Capturing Character

In conjunction with his recent one man show, the Quinlan Visual Arts Center hosted Charles for a portrait painting demonstration and talk on the evening of June 24. Sponsored by a grant from The Arts Council of Gainesville and the Georgia Council for the Arts, the program was open to the public free of charge. A wonderful write-up in the Gainesville Times that morning helped pack the main gallery with more than 60 enthusiastic observers. Charles talked on a variety of topics while he painted over the course of almost three hours.

The Quinlan's Executive Director Amanda Kroll was effusive in her comments about the evening: "You gave so freely of your time and talent to help us pull off what was undoubtedly one of our most successful new events in years. I think from a philosophical approach, you really made an impression with the artists that attended as well as the art appreciators, and that was exactly what we were trying to do... I hope that as we look into the future, we can continue to work with you and to promote you as one of the finest artists in Georgia..."

An album of photos from the evening is available on Charles' Facebook page.

"Afternoon Practice" Receives Award

2010-08-10T20:13:00.001-04:00

After contending with Atlanta's Friday afternoon traffic and a late-day summer downpour, Charles and I were a little late getting to the opening reception of the Atlanta Equestrian Exhibition at The Gallery at Paper Mill Village in Marietta GA. Things were in full swing when we got there, and I was thrilled when we walked in and saw that big purple ribbon...

Charles' charcoal sketch of a polo pony in action, "Afternoon Practice," had received one of 7 unranked Awards of Excellence!

We had a great time at the reception talking art with other artists, collectors and Facebook friends. We met the exhibition juror and judge, well-known equine and canine artist Robert Christie, along with fellow award winner Len Jagoda from Columbus GA, both of whom are pictured chatting with Charles in the photo below. Mr. Christie made a point to praise the movement, power and speed of the horse that Charles had captured in "Afternoon Practice."

The exhibition includes 50 pieces of equestrian art from artists across the country - paintings, drawings and sculpture covering a wide range of artistic styles. The show will remain up until August 28. Check our previous blog post for more information.

Still Life Workshop, Oct 22-24, 2010, Suwanee GA

2010-08-08T21:44:00.001-04:00

Late October will find Charles in Suwanee GA teaching a 2 1/2 day still life workshop for the North Gwinnett Arts Association.

A Friday evening demonstration from 5-9 pm will be open to attendees from outside the workshop for $20. Two full days of instruction will follow on Saturday and Sunday. Total cost for the weekend is $300.

The maximum class size is 15.

Registration deadline is October 1.

To register contact Vickie Johnson at vannmac@charter.net or call 678-546-7443.

A PDF flyer is also available for download.

Transitioning Back to the Classics

2010-08-05T18:58:00.005-04:00

One Man Show Reviewed by Atlanta Art Critic

I was thrilled this morning when I found in my inbox the latest blog posting from Atlanta Art Critic. Their featured exhibition was Charles' solo show "Transitions," currently hanging at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville GA through August 15.

We've subscribed to this blog's news feed for several months now to help keep us apprised of Atlanta's diverse art scene, and it's wonderful to be included among the vibrant and interesting artworks and artists that have filled its pages.

Thank you Atlanta Art Critic!

Drawing included in Atlanta Equestrian Exhibition

2010-08-03T18:23:00.009-04:00

During the month of August, The Gallery at Paper Mill Village will be hosting the Atlanta Equestrian Exhibition, a collection of 50 two- and three-dimensional fine art works from throughout the United States and Canada.

We're pleased to announce that "Afternoon Practice," Charles' powerfully expressive charcoal sketch of a polo pony in action, has been chosen for inclusion in this wonderful show.

The exhibition is juried and judged by well-known equine and canine artist Robert Christie. Join us at the opening reception on Friday, August 6, to view what is being touted as one of the largest equine fine art exhibits ever held in Atlanta. All sales from the show will benefit the Humane Society of Atlanta.

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Atlanta Equestrian Exhibition
August 6 - 28, 2010
opening reception: Friday, August 6, 6-8:30 pm
The Gallery at Paper Mill Village
255 Village Parkway, Suite 320 Marietta, GA 30067
678-755-1079 -- DThomas555@aol.com --
www.TheArtSchoolinSandySprings.com/THE_GALLERY.html

Painting Classes at Binders - New Price Structure Effective July 14

2010-07-12T18:09:00.006-04:00

This is an FYI for the students of Charles' Tuesday painting classes at Binders in Atlanta.

Binders has put into place a new incentive feature to encourage early registration for class sessions. If you sign up more than 2 weeks prior to the beginning of the class session, the usual price of $140 applies. However, if you wait and sign up after the 2 week cut-off date, a $15 late registration fee will be added to your total.

Charles' next class session begins July 27, so the late registration fee will kick in on July 14. If you plan on attending the July 27-Aug 31 session, sign up on the last day of class of the current session to avoid the late fee.

Three of the classes of each 6-week session will include work with a live model in both the day and evening classes. Dates have been set through the end of this year, so you'll have time to plan ahead.

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Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
sign-up 2 weeks early to avoid $15 late registration fee

next 3 session dates:
- July 27 - August 31, 2010
- September 14 - October 19, 2010
- November 2 - December 14, 2010 (no class on Nov. 23)

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Workshop - Essentials of Figure Painting

2010-07-02T15:21:00.005-04:00

July 29 - August 1, 2010

Atlanta, GA

for intermediate and advanced painting students
$350 + $50 model fee

Don't miss this great opportunity! A Thursday evening demonstration followed by three full days of painting the figure from life in a focused group atmosphere with one-on-one instruction.

Underlying structure will be addressed while emphasizing the importance of artistically bringing the figure to life on canvas. Skeletal study aids of the body and head will be available for aid in observation. Students will concentrate on the sculptural relationships within the figure and selective interpretation on the canvas.

Online sign-up available on the Binders website, or call 404-237-6331.

A PDF version of the workshop flyer is available for download.

Gainesville Times Interview - Philosophy of Figures

2010-06-27T16:51:00.006-04:00

The June 24 edition of the Gainesville Times featured an interview with Charles about his portrait demonstration that was to take place that evening at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center.

The article touches on Charles' ideas about portraiture and his strong belief in the importance of taking the time to gain an insight into the subject while the sittings progress. As the demo was geared to a general audience and not just artists, the article also lays out what the evening will involve - fewer technical details, more painting philosophy.

The demonstration Thursday night was a resounding success. It was held in conjunction with Charles' one-man show "Transitions" which will hang at the Quinlan until August 15. I'll hopefully have photos from the evening online very soon.

Portrait Painting Demonstration - Thurs. June 24

2010-06-21T19:41:00.006-04:00

More Than A Likeness: Capturing Character
An Evening with Charles Young Walls

In conjunction with his one-man show currently hanging at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville GA, Charles will be giving a portrait demonstration and talk in the Quinlan's main gallery this Thursday evening from 6-8 pm. Admission is free to the general public.

Please plan to join us there to watch a more open and sensitive process to beginning a portrait that allows for the subject and artist to collaborate as the sitting progresses. Charles will discuss aspects essential to creating portraits that evoke the sitter's unique humanity.

Many thanks to the evening's sponsors: The Grassroots Arts Program, the Arts Council - Gainesville, Georgia Council for the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts.

"Transitions" One Man Show Opening Reception

2010-06-15T19:45:00.008-04:00

I had been looking forward to the evening of June 3 for a long time, for that was to be the culmination of many months of hard work in both the studio and here at home. On that day Charles’ one man show “Transitions” opened at the beautiful Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville GA.

The exhibition consists of 33 total pieces, only 9 of which have ever been shown before. Twenty-seven oil paintings and 6 drawings; three plein air landscapes, 10 still lifes, and 20 figurative pieces - all of these came together to produce a beautiful and cohesive representation of Charles’ most recent work.

These new paintings and drawings represent to him his return to “an openness of spirit” where the painting and imagery are one. He counts himself among those artists today who are devoted to portraying the beauty of the world in a beautiful way. The Quinlan Visual Arts Center’s Assistant Director Paula Lindner was quick to agree: “Charles is one of the most gracious artists I have ever met, and that trait speaks volumes within his paintings. He is certainly an artist I’m keeping my eyes on.”

“Exploration and discovery require a certain tolerance for the unknown…” This phrase begins Charles’ written artist’s statement for this exhibition, which goes on to explain his current mindset and plans for the future - the basis for his recent artistic transitions...

Exploration and discovery require a certain tolerance for the unknown. Allowance for a creative direction and a willingness to let go of what one has always done is essential for true artistic growth. I am in the midst of an artistic transition. For too many years I was satisfied with making nice pictures that looked good. But for the past several years I have been on a path wherein the painting is the thing, rather than the picture. Or more precisely, the painting and imagery are one, and the painting as a whole is the aim…

After being a professional artist for many years I became a student again… Due to this attitude I returned to an openness of spirit to look twice and ponder deeply. I have regained my student mind, and I hope to never lose it.

With an open mind I face forward into the unknown, driven by my aesthetic, buttressed by sound principles and a reasonable understanding of the visual language as my transition continues…

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Thank you to everyone who joined us at the opening reception. It was such a wonderful evening! Some additional photos from the reception have been posted on Charles’ Facebook page. The exhibition will remain on view until August 15.

In conjunction with the one man show, Charles will be conducting a portrait painting demonstration and talk at the Quinlan on Thursday, June 24, 6-8 pm. During the evening program, entitled “More Than a Likeness: Capturing Character,” guests are invited to watch a more open and sensitive process to beginning a portrait that allows for the subject and artist to collaborate as the sitting progresses. Charles will discuss aspects essential to creating portraits that evoke the sitter’s unique humanity. Admission is free and open to the general public.

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"Transitions" - recent works by Charles Young Walls
June 3 - August 15, 2010
portrait demonstration: Thursday, June 24, 6-8 pm
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 Green Street NE, Gainesville GA 30501
770-536-2575 - info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

Atlanta Fine Arts League Members Exhibition Reception

2010-05-07T18:17:00.006-04:00

I've been a bit behind schedule in updating this page lately (things are getting busy around here), which is why I'm only just now reporting on an opening reception that happened 6 weeks ago!

This year's Members Exhibition of the Atlanta Fine Arts League was held at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, just off the square in Marietta GA. On the evening of March 27 the museum's downstairs galleries were packed for the opening reception.

Charles had 3 paintings in the show - the laid-back portrait "Takin' it Easy - a study," the sparsely elegant still-life "Remnant of Empire," and a brand new still-life painting "Gilt Vase with Plums."

The exhibition was judged by the Marietta-based artists Neil and Karen Hollingsworth. We were thrilled when Charles received an honorable mention for "Remnant of Empire."

The Marietta Daily Journal wrote a very nice article about the exhibition, showcasing Marietta resident and fellow honorable mention winner Jenny Lyon, on Charles' left in the photo above. Also among the award winners in the photo are Lisa Gleim, Leah Henry, Siva Nyayapathi and Donna Colleran.

The article quotes Museum Director Sally Macaulay as saying that the AFAL exhibition features "some of the best work I've seen." The show will remain on view until June 26. I highly recommend stopping by to enjoy it.

"Transitions" One Man Show Opens June 3, 2010

2010-05-04T18:01:00.008-04:00

"Transitions" - recent works by Charles Young Walls
June 3 - August 15, 2010
opening reception: Thursday, June 3, 5:30-7 pm
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 Green Street NE, Gainesville GA 30501
770-536-2575 -- info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

"Natasha" Honored by Academic Artists Association

2010-04-28T18:17:00.008-04:00

Wonderful news!

"Natasha" received the Helen G. Prince Award this past weekend in Springfield, Massachusetts at the opening reception of the Academic Artists Association's 60th National Exhibition of Contemporary Realism in Art.

Pictures of the major award winning pieces and the complete list of accepted artists are now posted on the Academic Artists website. The exhibition will remain up until May 2nd. See our previous post for more information.

Academic Artists Association National Exhibition

2010-04-16T12:41:00.004-04:00

"Natasha" has been accepted into the Academic Artists Association's 60th National Exhibition of Contemporary Realism in Art.

The exhibition opens next weekend and hangs until May 2nd at the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

This is the third year in a row that Charles has been accepted into this show. In 2008 his still-life painting "The Red Cup" was honored with the Arts Unlimited Award of Excellence.

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Academic Artists Association
60th National Exhibition of Contemporary Realism in Art
April 25 - May 2, 2010
awards reception: April 25, 1-4 pm
Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
1000 State Street, Springfield MA 01109
413-245-9036 -- Academic-Artists@cox.net -- www.AcademicArtistsAssociation.com

Jurying "Bursts of Creativity" at Kudzu Art Zone

2010-04-14T18:19:00.005-04:00

It's always fun going with Charles when he juries or judges an exhibition. I love watching the process and listening to the debates. He rarely chooses anything simply because he "likes it." So many facets are under consideration - the intent of the artist and the success of their piece in that regard, artistic expression, command of the medium, design, craftsmanship, flow and overall visual appeal, among many other things. You can learn so much just by being a fly on the wall.

Last month, he was invited back to Kudzu Art Zone to jury "Bursts of Creativity," an exhibition of their members' work. Christopher Sherry, our official KAZ representative for the day, met us at the door with clipboard in hand. Three hours later, it was done - 39 works of a variety of themes, mediums and processes remained, including the 6 award winners. (The awards reception was last week. I'll get those pictures up soon.)

If you're in the Norcross GA area, I recommend stopping by. They have a lovely little space there - a small but very professional looking gallery and a good-sized classroom that sees a lot of activity with workshops, programs and demonstrations.

"Bursts of Creativity" will be on display at Kudzu Art Zone through May 22, 2010. Gallery hours are Fridays & Saturdays 11-4 pm.

Figure Painting Demonstration - April 22, 2010

2010-04-08T19:45:00.006-04:00

In conjunction with the upcoming figure painting workshop at The Winsor Gallery in McDonough GA, Charles will be conducting a demonstration on the evening of Thursday April 22, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Artists and art enthusiasts who are not participating in the workshop are invited to attend the demo.

Demonstration-only sign-ups are $20 and are available ahead of time and at the door. Photos will only be allowed during model breaks.

See our previous post for details about the workshop and for location and contact information.

Painting Class Dates through August 2010

2010-04-06T18:19:00.004-04:00

We just wrapped up the most recent painting class session at Binders Art Supply in Atlanta. We'll be taking a week off to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. The next session of classes will begin on Tuesday April 20, 2010.

Three of the classes in this 6-week session will include work with a live model in both the day and evening classes. Don't delay in signing up; spaces are already filling fast.

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Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks

next 3 session dates:
- April 20 - May 25, 2010
- June 8 - July 13, 2010
- July 27 - August 31, 2010

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Painting Demonstration at Kudzu Art Zone

2010-04-05T19:28:00.008-04:00

On the evening of February 22 Charles and I were in Norcross GA for the February Members Meeting of the Kudzu Art Zone. Charles was the special guest presenter that night and gave a well-received talk and oil painting demonstration to a full house. Kudzu's March newsletter described his visit as "inspiring ... fun and informative." Our thanks to everyone there that night - we had a blast!

Charles talks with Kudzu members and adds a few more finishing touches to the painting before packing up at the end of the evening.

AFAL Members Exhibition Opens March 27

2010-03-17T19:09:00.006-04:00

The lovely Marietta / Cobb Museum of Art is the venue for this year's upcoming Members Exhibition of the Atlanta Fine Arts League. A variety of representational artwork will be on view, the work of 27 of the group's member artists. Two of Charles' still life paintings are included in the exhibition (one of which will be making its debut there), as well as the laid-back small portrait "Takin' it Easy - a study."

We're looking forward to the opening reception on Saturday evening, March 27. The AFAL Members Exhibition was a very impressive show last year; this year I'm sure will prove the same. Admission is free for museum members, $8 for guests. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be provided.

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Atlanta Fine Arts League
2010 Members Exhibition
March 27 - June 26, 2010
opening reception: Saturday March 27, 6-8 pm
Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
30 Atlanta Street, Marietta GA 30060
770-528-1444 - info@MariettaCobbArtMuseum.org

Figure Painting Workshop - April 22-25, 2010

2010-02-22T16:32:00.008-05:00

The Winsor Gallery in downtown McDonough GA will be hosting Charles for a 3 1/2 day workshop "The Essentials of Figure Painting." We'll be bringing the skeleton out of the closet for this one, for emphasis will be on developing an awareness of the underlying structure and then how to bring that to life on the canvas. Students will be painting from a live model throughout the workshop.

This workshop is open to intermediate and advanced students only. More information is included on the flyer.

April 22-25, 2010
$350 + $50 model fee
a PDF version of the flyer is available here.
(a more modest version of the PDF flyer is also available for download)

The Winsor Gallery
34 Macon Street
McDonough GA 32053
770-957-7292 or Vicki@TheWinsorGallery.com
http://www.TheWinsorGallery.com/

New Works: PFC Robert Adrian Worthington

2010-02-19T15:28:00.005-05:00

Adrian Worthington, 19, of Rex GA and Hampton GA enlisted in the Army in June 2006 and served his country proudly but unfortunately succumbed to wounds sustained from a roadside bomb detonated near his unit on May 22, 2007 in Taji, Iraq.

In this posthumous portrait, Charles portrays Adrian in his full dress uniform, proudly displaying the medals and commendations awarded to him that he never got the chance to wear. (24 x 20, oil on canvas)

This portrait was created as a part of the Atlanta Fine Arts League's wonderful community project Art From the Heart, which links professional portrait artists willing to donate their time and talent with the families of American soldiers from Georgia killed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Adrian's obituary and guest book are available to view here. Reprints of articles in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Henry Herald are also available. A few family photos have been posted on the Iraq War Heroes website.

The Worthington family owns and operates the Worthington Tree Farm in Hampton GA which serves as the central Georgia collection point for "Trees for Troops" every Christmas season.

Plein Air Painting Receives Award of Excellence

2010-02-09T19:15:00.004-05:00

This past weekend "A Belle Meade Morning" was honored with one of six non-ranked Awards of Excellence presented at the opening reception of the 1st Annual Southeastern Regional Plein Air Exhibition.

Juried by nationally renowned landscape artist Bill Davidson, the show is a collection of 39 beautiful plein air oil paintings by artists based in the Southeast. Many of those artists were in attendance at the opening reception, and with live music filtering through from the adjoining restaurant next door, it made for a very enjoyable evening at The Gallery at Paper Mill Village in Marietta GA.

The exhibition will hang until February 26. Check out our previous post for the gallery's location and contact information.

Congratulations to Rosalind Webb - Juror's Choice

2010-02-08T22:48:00.004-05:00

Charles was recently asked to serve as selection juror for Arts Clayton Gallery's 2010 Juried Exhibition. A separate judge's panel was in charge of the awards for this show, but Charles was allowed one pick for a "Juror's Choice."

A few days prior to the opening reception he made a special trip back down to Jonesboro GA to see the exhibition as it was hung and to make his selection. Many congratulations go out to Rosalind Webb of Stockbridge GA for "Stratum," a thoroughly engrossing acrylic mixed media abstract. We had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Webb and seeing her presented with her ribbon at the opening reception this past Thursday night.

According to Charles, Ms. Webb's painting had it all. "As I looked at "Stratum" again and again, I kept seeing something new. It had many levels of interest. I would definately be willing to own this piece; I think its interest would hold me for years to come. Of all the pieces that were in this exhibition, "Stratum" stood out as being complete. With this painting, Ms. Webb has demonstrated an advanced degree of artistic maturity."

The Arts Clayton Gallery's 9th Annual Juried Exhibition will remain on view until February 26th at the Arts Clayton Gallery in historic downtown Jonesboro GA.

Painting Demonstration at Kudzu Art Zone

2010-02-01T18:54:00.010-05:00

We're venturing into the kudzu patch!

On Monday evening, February 22, Charles will be the special guest presenter at the February Members' Meeting of the Kudzu Art Zone in Norcross GA.

He will be giving a short talk and oil painting demonstration that should prove to be both informative and entertaining (-- though I've not yet been able to get out of him what exactly he plans to talk about... : ) ... But whatever it is -- it'll be great!) We're looking forward to meeting all the Kudzu folks -- thanks for the invitation!

Painting Class Dates thru April at the Quinlan

2010-01-24T03:03:00.008-05:00

The dates for the next two sessions of Charles' oil painting class at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville GA have been posted. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Painting - Design and Technique
Wednesday afternoons (1-4 pm)
$150 (members) $165 (nonmembers) for six weeks

next session dates:
- February 3 - March 10, 2010
- March 24 - April 28, 2010

Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 GreenStreet NE, Gainesville GA 30501
www.QuinlanArtsCenter.org
770-536-2575 or email info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

"A Belle Meade Morning" in Plein Air Exhibition

2010-01-21T19:10:00.005-05:00

We're very pleased to announce that Charles' lovely little landscape painting "A Belle Meade Morning" has been accepted into the 1st Annual Southeastern Regional Plein Air Exhibition, juried by acclaimed landscape artist Bill Davidson.

The opening reception will be Friday, February 5 and the show will hang through the 26th at the brand new and quite charming Gallery at Paper Mill Village in Marietta, Ga.

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1st Annual Southeastern Regional Plein Air Exhibition
February 5 - 26, 2010
opening reception: Friday, February 5, 6-8:30 pm
The Gallery at Paper Mill Village
255 Village Parkway, Marietta GA 30067
678-755-1079 -- DThomas555@aol.com

A Deliberative Afternoon

2010-01-07T21:29:00.004-05:00

On a chilly Tuesday last week Charles and I spent the afternoon ensconced in the Arts Clayton boardroom with gallery director Karen Powers and her assistant Courtney Fort, pouring over the 150+ entries to the Arts Clayton Gallery's 2010 Juried Art Competition. After four hours of serious deliberation, Charles had culled down to just under 60 finalists. An impressive and solid showing of Georgia artists.

Although a seperate judges panel will award the ribbons, Charles is allowed one pick for a juror's award. We'll most likely stop by in the few days after the show is hung but before the reception to make his final decision - it's always best to do those type of things while looking at the originals.

I'm looking forward to seeing everything displayed together. From what I saw last week it's going to be a very good exhibition. The opening reception will be on Thursday, February 4th; directions and other details can be found on the Arts Clayton Gallery's web page.

Painting Class Dates through May 2010

2009-12-16T19:01:00.008-05:00

We just wrapped up the most recent painting class session at Binders Art Supply in Atlanta just in time for the holidays. After the festivities are past, the next session will begin on Tuesday January 5, 2010.

Three of the classes in this 6-week session will include work with a live model in both the day and evening classes. Don't delay in signing up; spaces are already filling fast.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks

next 3 session dates:
- January 5 - February 9, 2010
- February 23 - April 6, 2010 (no class on Mar. 16)
- April 20 - May 25, 2010

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Appointed Selection Juror for Upcoming Exhibition

2009-12-04T18:55:00.007-05:00

Charles has been asked to serve as the juror of selection for the Arts Clayton Gallery's 2010 Juried Art Competition. His deliberations will lay the solid foundation from which a separate judges panel will choose the award honorees.

This exhibition is open to all Georgia artists age 16 and up in all 2 and 3 dimensional media except photo, video art and installation. Deadline for entry is Saturday, December 19. The prospectus with all the pertinent info is available on the gallery's website.

The Arts Clayton Gallery's newly renovated building is an eclectic blend of both old and new located in the heart of historic downtown Jonesboro GA. We're looking forward to seeing it filled with the best that Georgia artists have to offer.

New Works: "Etude - Grecian Ewer"

2009-11-23T19:06:00.005-05:00

This beautiful little gem is another example of Charles' vibrant and lush brushwork. The ewer so lucky to be the focus of this painting was brought back by Charles' mother years ago after one of her multiple trips to Greece. She was a enthusiastic globetrotter! (10 x 8, oil on panel)

Both this painting and "Etude - Autumn Berries" are currently on display at The Winsor Gallery in McDonough GA as part of their Tiny Treasures holiday exhibit through December 31.

"Tiny Treasures"
The Winsor Gallery
34 Macon Street, McDonough GA 30253
770-957-7292 -- Vicki@TheWinsorGallery.com

New Works: "Etude - Autumn Berries"

2009-11-20T18:05:00.005-05:00

Charles painted this lovely little piece just in time for the holidays. In fact, I'm debating using it for our Christmas card.

The overall cool feel of the fabric with the touches of warm in the berries and dried leaves are both echoed in the reflections and variations on the surface of the vase. The last berries of autumn captured with lush brushwork. (10 x 8, oil on panel)

Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition

2009-11-17T19:25:00.007-05:00

Charles' beautiful still-life painting "Study in Blue" has been accepted into the Oil Painters of America 2009 Eastern Regional Exhibition of Traditional Oils. This prestigious show is being hosted this year by the Corse Gallery & Atelier in Jacksonville Florida.

The opening reception is this Friday, November 20, and the show hangs until December 23. OPA exhibitions are always must-see events, and if you're anywhere near the area, I highly recommend stopping by. The exhibition is also presented on the gallery's website.

This is the 4th OPA exhibition that Charles has had the honor of being juried into. Membership into the organization is itself juried, and member artists from the entire eastern half of the nation vie for space in each year's Eastern Regional. Founded in 1991, the OPA and its 3200+ members are dedicated to preserving and promoting excellence in traditional representational fine art.

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Oil Painters of America
2009 Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition of Traditional Oils
November 20 - December 23, 2009
opening reception: Fri. Nov. 20, 6-9 pm
Corse Gallery & Atelier
4144 Herschel St., Jacksonville FL 32210
877-386-8205 -- CorseGalleryAtelier@comcast.net

Chosen as One of Southwest Art's "21 Over 31"

2009-11-12T18:54:00.004-05:00

Wonderful news! In the November 2009 issue of Southwest Art magazine Charles was chosen as a finalist in their inaugural "21 Over 31" competition showcasing some of the nation's best emerging artists over the age of 31.

We are honored to be included in this select group, the result of an extensive nation-wide search by the magazine's editors. This issue is on the newsstands now, don't miss it!

"Remnant of Empire" Receives Recognition

2009-11-09T19:00:00.004-05:00

The awards reception for the 81st Grand National Exhibition of the American Artists Professional League was held yesterday afternoon, November 8th -- "Remnant of Empire" was honored with the Raymond Chow Memorial Award!

We were unable to attend the festivities at the Salmagundi Club in NYC, but were thrilled when we got the call. More information about the exhibition can be found in our previous post.

Finalist in AAPL 81st Grand National Exhibition

2009-10-30T17:40:00.009-04:00

"Remnant of Empire" has been named a finalist in the 81st Grand National Exhibition of the American Artists Professional League!

This is the second year in a row that Charles has had the great honor of being chosen as a finalist in this prestigious show. We were very pleased to have once again made it past their stringent selection committee. (His painting "The Red Cup" received the Jack Richeson & Co. Award in last year's exhibition.)

"Remnant of Empire" will join works by artists from all across the country. The exhibition will hang at the Salmagundi Club in New York City from November 3-13. If you find yourself in the area, please try to drop by and see what promises to be a wonderful show.

Based in New York City since its inception in 1928, the AAPL focuses on meeting the increasing interest in traditional realism within American art. The organization strives "to advance the cause of fine arts in America, through the promotion of high standards of beauty, integrity and craftsmanship in painting, sculpture and the graphic arts."

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The American Artists Professional League, Inc.
81st Grand National Exhibition
November 3-13, 2009
awards reception: Sun. Nov. 8, 2-5 pm
Salmagundi Club
47 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10003
212-645-1345 -- AAPLinc@gmail.com

Upcoming November - January Painting Class Dates

2009-10-27T19:20:00.010-04:00

The dates for the next sessions of classes at both Binders Art in Atlanta and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville have now been posted.

-- Binders: Tuesdays, November 3 - December 15, 2009 and Tuesdays, January 5 - February 9, 2010.

-- Quinlan: Wednesdays, December 2, 2009 - January 20, 2010

In the Binders class, Charles has recently added the option of figure work to the curriculum, so at least three of the classes in the 6-week session may be with a live model. At both locations, afternoon and evening classes are again offered. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

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Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
next 4 session dates:
- November 3 - December 15, 2009 (no class on Nov. 24)
- January 5 - February 9, 2010
- February 23 - April 6, 2010 (no class on Mar. 16)
- April 20 - May 25, 2010

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Eli Pelizza - 404-237-6331 ext 203

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Painting - Design and Technique
Wednesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6:30-9:30 pm)
$150 (members) $165 (nonmembers) for six weeks
next session dates:
- December 2, 2009 - January 20, 2010 (no class on Dec. 23 or Dec. 30)

Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 Green Street NE, Gainesville GA 30501
http://www.QuinlanArtsCenter.org/
770-536-2575 or email info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

Members' Exhibition at the Quinlan

2009-10-23T17:46:00.009-04:00

Last Thursday evening Charles and I took some time off to attend the opening reception for the Quinlan Visual Arts Center's 62nd Annual Members' Exhibition. It was another packed house! (I had to wait quite a while before I could take any pictures, or you wouldn't have been able to see anything through the crowd.)

The quality of the art this year was superb. It speaks wonders for the organization when so many accomplished artists are on the member rolls.

Two of Charles' paintings, An Epic in Three Acts and Persimmon and Bronze, are included in the exhibition. It will remain hanging until December 5.

The Quinlan has posted a gallery of some of the reception pictures. It is available on their website here.

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Quinlan Visual Arts Center
62nd Annual Members' Exhibition
October 15 - December 5, 2009
514 Green Street NE, Gainesville GA 30501
770-536-2575 -- info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

"Takin' it Easy" Travels to Denver for AIS Exhibition

2009-10-02T18:11:00.005-04:00

"Takin' it Easy - a Study" has been accepted into the 10th Annual National Juried Exhibition of the American Impressionist Society.

We are so thrilled to be included in this prestigious and extremely high quality show. Only 189 pieces were accepted out of almost 650 entries. The judge for this year's exhibition is AIS Master Artist Quang Ho.

If you're interested in seeing some really wonderful paintings, the entire exhibit is currently on-line and can be viewed through the AIS website.

"Takin' it Easy" ships out next week for Denver and her Rocky Mountain adventures. Oh, how I wish we were going with her!

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American Impressionist Society
10th Annual National Juried Exhibition
October 23 - December 1, 2009
opening reception: Friday Oct. 23, 5-7 pm
Saks Galleries
3019 East 2nd Ave., Denver CO 80206
303-333-4144 -- info@SaksGalleries.com

Panda Paint-Out at Zoo Atlanta

2009-09-15T20:13:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, September 12, we got to spend the day at the zoo! The Marietta / Cobb Museum of Art organized a paint-out to benefit the giant panda program's "Give So They Stay" campaign. A crowd of 25 artists showed up for the event, including a group of art students from a local high school. We raised over $500 on Saturday, and the works created will go on auction in October and hopefully bring in quite a bit more.

Zoo Atlanta leases their giant pandas from China, and has been relying on their corporate sponsors for the payments every year. But not this year! Corporations are feeling the pinch too and the zoo is now having to call on private donations for the panda program. China has agreed to accept a half-payment this year, so Zoo Atlanta only has to come up with $500,000 by the end of December. If not, all four pandas will have to go back. Zoo Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the country with giant pandas, and until last month, the only zoo currently with a baby panda.

We had a great time at the paint-out. Charles braved the crowds inside the panda house for an up-close look and got 2 very nice paintings done in there, with a third done outside later in the day. (That baby panda, Xi Lan, sure is a cute little bugger.) The results from the day will be included in an online auction opening in October. I'll be sure to post a link when it's available.

Audubon Artists 67th Annual Exhibition

2009-09-10T19:14:00.005-04:00

"Natasha", Charles' beautifully enigmatic oil portrait, is currently spending some time in New York City. She was accepted into Audubon Artists Inc's 67th Annual Exhibition, which opens next week in the Salmagundi Club's historic galleries.

Imagine what she'll see there on Fifth Avenue! I hope she remembers to send a postcard...

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Audubon Artists, Inc.
67th Annual Exhibition 2009
September 14 - October 2, 2009
opening reception: September 27, noon - 5pm
Salmagundi Art Club Galleries
47 Fifth Ave. New York City NY 10003

"Gold Elephant" Receives Award in Atlanta

2009-09-01T19:51:00.005-04:00

Two weeks ago at the opening reception of the Atlanta Fine Arts League's 3rd Annual National Exhibition, Charles' still life painting "Gold Elephant" was honored with an Exceptional Merit Award.

The juror for the exhibition was Ed Horlbeck, a retired commercial artist originally from Pittsburg PA and a member of the Society of Illustrators in New York City. We were very excited to meet and chat with him and the many other visiting artists at the reception.

The show will remain at the Roswell Visual Arts Center Gallery until October 2. It's a wonderfully varied exhibition with works by artists from all over the country. Make a point to drop by if you're in the Roswell area. Gallery and contact info can be found in our previous post.

Archive of Newsletter Past Issues

2009-08-27T19:51:00.004-04:00

For a little over a year now I've been writing and sending out a quarterly newsletter to everyone on Charles' email list. They have been very well-received and I've gotten a lot of great comments about them. I'd recently arranged for them to be converted to linkable webpages, but now I've gone one better...

All of the past issues are now available in our new newsletter archive.

I've added a link over in the left margin just under the newsletter sign-up button. A link will also go up on the main webpage after I have put together the next update.

Two Paintings Accepted into Art Kudos 2009

2009-08-19T19:11:00.005-04:00

"Lavender Lace" and "Of Wood and Roses" have both been accepted into the Art Kudos 2009 International Juried Art Exhibition.

This is the 5th year for this diverse online exhibition. Charles was also named a finalist in 2007 and 2008. (Those shows are still online in the archives section of their webpage.)

The group of artworks this year consists of 140 pieces by 132 artists from 15 countries. We are very honored to be a part of it.

Paint-Out at Zoo Atlanta, September 12th

2009-08-17T20:10:00.005-04:00

Attention plein-air artists and panda lovers! We're passing along information about a great paint-out coming up to benefit the giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta. Please pass this information along to anyone else who might be interested. The image links to the accompanying PDF flyer.

The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art and Zoo Atlanta have teamed up to provide area artists with a unique plein-air painting and drawing opportunity.

In order to benefit Zoo Atlanta's giant pandas and the "Give So They Stay" campaign, the zoo has invited us to spend a Saturday afternoon creating art of these beloved animals. With a $20 donation to the panda program, all participants will receive free admission for themselves and all their painting and drawing gear to Zoo Atlanta! This is a unique opportunity to work from life and benefit in-need animals.

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 1:00-6:00 pm.

All participants must prepay by Wednesday, September 9, 2009. Checks and cash only; checks made payable to "Zoo Atlanta" with "Give So They Stay" in the notes section. Mail payment to the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta GA 30060 or bring it by in person.

For more information, email MCMA intern Emily Ryals at emhdarby@gmail.com

To learn more about Zoo Atlanta's "Give So They Stay" campaign, visit http://www.GiveSoTheyStay.org/

Governor's Office Welcomes Paintings by Past Students

2009-08-10T20:05:00.004-04:00

For the past several years, the Georgia Governor's Office has played host to artworks by a variety of Georgia artists. This year among the chosen few are two of Charles' past students (and long-time friends), Keith Barnett and Denis Byrd!

Denis' plein air oil painting "High Falls in Autumn" joins three of Keith's landscapes: "Tree Line at Cloudland Canyon," "Creek at High Falls," and "Light through the Leaves."

These paintings were submitted to the Governor's Office exhibition by one of our local arts organizations, Arts Clayton. They will hang throughout the Governor's suite at the capital for a year, until the summer of 2010.

Our hearty congratulations go out to both Denis and Keith for their beautiful paintings and this great honor shown to them. Huzzahh!

Two Paintings Accepted into AFAL 3rd Annual National Exhibition

2009-07-23T19:50:00.006-04:00

We got the notice in the mail last week. Both "Melissa" and "Gold Elephant" have been accepted into the Atlanta Fine Arts League's 3rd Annual National Juried Exhibition "Observations."

From the more than 200 entries submitted, juror Ed Horlbeck only accepted a total of 45 pieces!

The opening reception and awards presentation will be held Friday, August 14 in Roswell, GA. Since he is a resident of the Atlanta area, Mr. Horlbeck plans to jury the awards in person and will be in attendance at the reception as well. We look forward to meeting him.

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Atlanta Fine Arts League
"Observations"
3rd Annual National Juried Exhibition
August 14 - October 2, 2009
opening reception: August 14, 7-9 pm
Roswell Visual Arts Center Gallery
10495 Woodstock Road (inside Roswell Area Park), Roswell GA 30075
770-594-6122 (Roswell VAC) -- AtlantaFineArtsLeague@yahoo.com

News from the Painter's Studio - Summer 2009

2009-07-15T18:17:00.005-04:00

For a year now I've been writing and sending out a quarterly newsletter summing up and recapping all of Charles' artistic activities from the previous 3 months, but I've only recently made it into a linkable webpage that I can share outside of his mailing list.

So, here you go! The Summer 2009 issue of News from the Painter's Studio, available here on the blog for the first time.

Upcoming July - September Painting Class Dates

2009-07-07T19:59:00.004-04:00

The dates for the next sessions of classes at both Binders Art in Atlanta and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville are coming up soon.

-- Binders: Tuesdays, July 21 - August 25, 2009 and Tuesdays, September 8 -October 20, 2009

-- Quinlan: Wednesdays, August 12 - September 16, 2009

In the Binders class, Charles has recently added figure work to the curriculum, so at least three of the classes in the 6-week session will be with a live model. At both locations, afternoon and evening classes are again offered. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

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Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
next 2 session dates:
July 21 - August 25, 2009
September 8 - October 20, 2009

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Kristina Breneman - 404-237-6331 ext. 203

-----------------------------------------------

Painting - Design and Technique
Wednesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6:30-9:30 pm)
$150 (members) $165 (nonmembers) for six weeks
next session dates:
August 12 - September 16, 2009

Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 Greene St. NE, Gainesville GA 30501
http://www.quinlanartscenter.org/
770-536-2575 or email info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

New Works: "An Epic in Three Acts"

2009-07-02T19:46:00.004-04:00

This involved and enigmatic new piece is the first of a group of paintings Charles plans to do involving multiple figures in complex compositions.

"An Epic in Three Acts" is currently hanging at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art until September 12, 2009. At the exhibition's opening reception we heard various interpretations of the painting's narrative. What story do you think it's telling? (36 x 30, oil on canvas, 2008)

Metro Montage IX Opening Reception

2009-06-25T19:20:00.006-04:00

It was a packed house last Saturday, June 20, at the Marietta / Cobb Museum of Art. By 6:30 pm the opening reception for Metro Montage IX was in full swing. Three rooms full of people juggled programs, wineglasses and chilled summer fruit as they made the circuit through the galleries. The excited conversation got so loud at one point it was hard to hear anything else!

Metro Montage is the museum's annual juried exhibition of Georgia art, showcasing some of the best artists and sculptors of the area. The juror this year was Rebecca Grunberger from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. She chose a very nice show of 77 pieces by 76 artists - a wide array spanning the range from abstract to contemporary to traditional representational.

Did you notice those numbers just now? Well guess what! During the reception several museum staffers, including the Director herself, went out of their way to let us know that Charles was the only artist in the show from whom the juror accepted more than one piece! Charles' new multi-figure painting "An Epic in Three Acts" made the cut, along with "Lavender Lace" which again stood out from the crowd. We received numerous glowing comments about it, with quite a few people citing it as their favorite of the whole exhibition.

Metro Montage IX will remain on display until September 12, 2009. Also at the Museum during this time, in the upstairs galleries, are selections from their permanant collection - pieces mostly from the 19th century, including beautiful works by Robert Henri and N.C. Wyeth. Stop in and see it all if you find yourself in the area.

Two Paintings Accepted into Metro Montage IX

2009-06-10T19:41:00.005-04:00

Charles has had 2 paintings accepted into the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art's annual juried exhibition Metro Montage: his lush and mysterious portrait of a young woman - "Lavender Lace", and a new very intriguing multi-figure composition enigmatically titled "An Epic in Three Acts".

We delivered the paintings to the museum this morning - it's going to be a vibrant and varied exhibition! This year, Metro Montage IX includes works by 76 Atlanta-area artists, a representative sampling of the best north Georgia has to offer. The opening reception is Saturday evening, June 20 - we'd love to see you there.

Earlier this year, the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art completed an extensive interior renovation, uncovering the building's original hardwood floors and opening up the gallery spaces, along with varied other projects, all with beautiful results. The extra gallery space allowed for their newest venture - a monthly open drawing night, where artists gather for 3 hours of serious academic life study. The museum should be heartily applauded for this. Their efforts to foster an active artistic community in their area have created quite a buzz in the art circles!

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Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
Metro Montage IX
June 20 - September 12, 2009
opening reception: Saturday, June 20, 6-8pm
30 Atlanta Street, Marietta GA 30060
770-528-1444 -- info@MariettaCobbArtMuseum.org

New Works: "Bent but not Broken"

2009-05-20T19:19:00.004-04:00

Charles completed this small plein air painting last year. I love this piece and, since I'd included it in our most recent website update, I thought I'd feature it here as well.

Besides the obvious attractions of its lush green surroundings and the beautiful effect of all the dappled light, Charles was drawn to this tree by its story. It had obviously been through a terrible storm some time past which caused extensive damage; it had not only survived but continued to grow. In fact it's still thriving, a year or more after this painting was done at a nature preserve not far from our house. ( 11 x 14, oil on panel, 2008 )

A Surprise Visit from Vasari's Master Paintmaker

2009-05-12T19:52:00.004-04:00

On April 28th, Charles had the great honor of a personal visit by Steve Salek of Vasari Classic Artists’ Oil Colors.

Steve and his assistant Joshua found themselves passing through Atlanta on their way home from a weekend at the New Orleans Jazz Festival and just wanted to drop in and say hello! That happened to be the day of Charles’ painting class at Binders, and several of his students stayed late after class and got to meet one of the greatest paintmakers living today!

Charles has always been effusive in his praise for Vasari, for he feels that it would be impossible to overstate the quality of their paint. For many years now, he has used Vasari almost exclusively. So when Steve called to see if it would be alright if he and Joshua dropped by to say hello, we were floored and very honored. Though their visit was brief, it was thoroughly enjoyable and they left behind much warmth and good will.

So what is it that makes their paint so great? Well, Vasari Oils are handcrafted all the way. The pigments are precisely ground and mixed by hand in small batches without fillers of any kind. They are then loaded into their tubes, crimped and labeled by hand as well. Because of all this hands-on attention they are able to make the colors much more heavily pigmented than other brands. This results in a palette of jewel-like brilliance. So many times when Charles is setting up for a demonstration, people in the audience will see these vibrant colors and exclaim “What is THAT!”

Vasari is a small operation with only one retail store, located in Manhattan just off Times Square. Whether you call or drop by in person, Gail Spiegel will likely be the person you talk to there. She is an amazing fount of knowledge of all things pigment. If you happen to be there in the store (which we highly recommend next time you’re in NYC), ask her about any of their wonderful colors and she’ll immediately begin showing you its working properties and possible combinations on their huge mixing board. Many times Charles has left there with more paint than what he’d intended, and thrilled with his new discoveries.

Behind the scenes, and making all this possible, is Steve Salek, master paintmaker. Steve has invested many years into careful and thorough research of the old world, traditional paintmaking methods. He describes it as just his commitment to bringing the best materials to the art of painting. The fact that he allows the rest of us to benefit from all his hard work is amazing.

Steve makes great paint, which helps Charles makes great art. We love Vasari and were honored beyond words by their visit!

Painting Class at Binders - Upcoming Session Dates

2009-05-11T19:24:00.000-04:00

The next 6-week session of Charles' painting class at Binders Art Supply in Atlanta will begin Tuesday May 26, and continue through Tuesday June 30. Future class dates have also been set through mid-October.

Charles has recently added figure work to the curriculum, so at least three of the classes in the 6-week session will be with a live model.

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Painting - Design and Technique Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6-8:30 pm) $140 for six weeks upcoming class dates: May 26 - June 30, July 21 - August 25, September 8 - October 13, 2009

The Art School at Binders Piedmont Peachtree Crossing 3330 Piedmont Road Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305 http://learning.bindersart.com/ contact person: Kristina Breneman - learning@BindersArt.com - 404-237-6331 ext 203

Third Place at the 2009 Hilton Head National Exhibition

2009-05-04T19:39:00.007-04:00

"Persimmon and Bronze" has been awarded 3rd place at the 2009 Hilton Head National Juried Exhibition!

Friday, May 1st, marked a beautiful weekend for a quick trip out to Hilton Head Island SC. The Art League of Hilton Head had two days of events planned for the opening of their 21st National Juried Art Exhibition - the awards reception on Friday evening and a "Critic's Luncheon" with juror Craig Srebnik Saturday afternoon.

From over 600 entries, the 108 final pieces were on display in the beautiful Walter Greer Gallery of the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. One very nice touch they included that I really liked (and had not ever seen done before) was the inclusion of a few-sentences-long statement provided by the artist to the work's information card, in addition to the usual title, size, medium and price. It provided a connection point with the viewer and an insight into the artist's mind and, I believe, really enhanced the show. All the cards were of a uniform size and made for a very impressive overall display.

The Saturday Critic's Luncheon was also a nice addition that I'd not seen before. It allowed the juror an opportunity to speak at length on his judging criteria. He also went step by step through the award winners explaining why each piece worked and why he's ranked them as he had.

Our day wrapped up with a visit to Morris & Whiteside Gallery. WOW! It was like getting a private tour through a small but exquisite museum.

The photos included above are: the obligatory award ribbon shot (you can also see the artist's statement/information card here), Charles and juror Craig Srebnik at the awards reception, and Charles chatting with Best of Show winner Ron Barsano (with both of their paintings in the background) after the Critic's Luncheon on Saturday.

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The Art League of Hilton Head
2009 National Juried Art Exhibition
May 2 - 24, 2009
Walter Greer Gallery, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head SC 29928
843-681-2399 - http://www.artleaguehhi.org/

Third Place at the Historic Buford Plein Air Fest

2009-04-29T19:31:00.008-04:00

The weekend of April 24th saw Charles prowling around the back streets and gardens of Buford, Georgia, with a paintbrush and a big ol' hat. He and 44 other artists were in town for the 3rd Annual Historic Buford Plein Air Festival.

Everyone met bright and early Friday at the Tannery Row Artist Colony for check-in and orientation. Canvases were stamped, maps were distributed and then they were off!

Charles' first stop was the garden of one of the historic homes across the tracks from downtown and from there, on to the gates of the city's gem, the Bona Allen Mansion. I was able to accompany him on Saturday when he set up his easel on the sidewalks of East Main Street.

By 4:00 Saturday all the artists were delivering their wet paintings to the Tannery Row's gallery for the exhibition and judging. Being exhausted and starving (and also sunburned, in my case) we went to eat, returning at 6:30 to find the die-hards set up and painting the evening sun as it fell across the Tannery Row buildings.

The weekend produced 78 paintings for the exhibition, which was very well presented in the Tannery Row's gallery space. (I had been somewhat curious as to how they were going to deal with so many wet paintings - "framing not necessary." The unframed pieces were propped along display shelves and since most everything was small, it worked out well.)

The hallway and lobby were packed for the reception and awards presentation - artists, guests and quite a few local collectors. Charles' first painting of the weekend, "An Enchanted Place," was awarded Third Prize! (9 x 12, oil on panel)

We both had a wonderful time at the paint-out. The casual and convivial atmosphere among the artists was great to be around. Everyone was in high spirits and the weather was beautiful. (Did I mention my sunburn?) We definitely plan to be back next year.

If you're interested, the show will remain up until May 30th at the Tannery Row Artists Colony in Buford.

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3rd Annual Historic Buford Plein Air Exhibition
April 24 - May 30, 2009
Tannery Row Artist Colony Gallery
554 W. Main Street, Bldg. C, Buford GA 30518
770-904-0572 -- info@TanneryRowArtistColony.com -- http://www.tanneryrowartistcolony.com/

Academic Artists Association National Exhibition

2009-04-27T19:23:00.005-04:00

"Remnant of Empire," Charles' new and starkly beautiful still-life painting, has been accepted into the Academic Artists Association's 59th National Exhibition of Contemporary Realism in Art.

The exhibition opens this weekend and hangs until May 29th at the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Charles' painting "The Red Cup" was accepted into last year's exhibition and was honored with the Arts Unlimited Award of Excellence.

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Academic Artists Association
59th National Exhibition of Contemporary Realism in Art
May 1 - 29, 2009
awards reception: May 3, 1-4 pm
Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center
1000 State Street, Springfield MA 01109
413-245-9036 -- Academic-Artists@cox.net -- http://www.academicartistsassociation.com/

Demonstration for the Georgia Art League

2009-04-21T19:30:00.005-04:00

Last Thursday afternoon, April 16, Charles was the featured presenter at the monthly meeting of the Georgia Art League. His oil-painting demonstration was very well-received by the 40+ people who were in attendance and many of them stayed on while Charles continued to paint long after the meeting officially closed!

Thank you to the members of the Georgia Art League for the invitation and for the many insightful questions and wonderful comments Charles received. We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Another Review of the Blairsville GA Workshop (March 2009)

2009-04-15T20:12:00.003-04:00

Pat Aube Gray, our host at the Carriage House Art Center in Blairsville GA, has posted some photos and a very nice review from Charles' 5 day still-life workshop held there during the last week of March.

Pictured below (in one of Pat's photos) is Charles with 5 of the 7 workshop participants on Friday afternoon, all smiles after a long week!

Atlanta Fine Arts League "Contemplations" Exhibition

2009-04-10T19:55:00.009-04:00

The evening of April 2nd was the opening reception for the Atlanta Fine Arts League's 2009 Members Exhibition at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, Georgia.

It might have been wet, windy and gloomy outside, but it was quite the party inside. According to the Quinlan, there was a record crowd in attendance that evening and they credited the AFAL show hanging in the main gallery for the influx of fresh new faces.

This was the first AFAL exhibition that the Quinlan had hosted, and everyone involved was thrilled with the result. Thirty-one members participated and the show got a very nice review in the Gainesville Times.

"Contemplations" is definately a must-see. It will remain on view until June 7.

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Atlanta Fine Arts League
"Contemplations" 2009 Members Exhibition
April 2 - June 7, 2009
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 Green Street NE, Gainesville GA 30501
770-536-2575 -- http://www.quinlanartscenter.org/

Five Day Workshop a Great Success

2009-04-07T19:43:00.008-04:00

During the last week of March, Charles was in Blairsville, Georgia conducting a 5 day long oil painting workshop at the Carriage House Art Center.

Focusing on painting the still-life, the week included two demonstrations which illustrated two separate approaches and plenty of painting time for the students to work on each idea. The importance of composition in the still-life was stressed, especially as it related to the perception of depth and movement within the painting.

By all accounts, the week was a tremendous success. Several of Charles' still-life paintings are currently on display and available for sale at the Carriage House Gallery. Please contact them for more info.

Upcoming Presentation and Painting Demo

2009-04-03T19:51:00.006-04:00

Charles is scheduled to be the feature presenter at the April meeting of the Georgia Art League.

Thursday, April 16 at 12:00 noon at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville, GA.

Upcoming April - June Class Dates Set

2009-03-16T20:09:00.013-04:00

The dates for next session of classes at both Binders Art in Atlanta and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center in Gainesville have been set.

-- Binders: Tuesdays, March 31 - May 5, 2009 and
Tuesdays, May 26 - June 30, 2009

-- Quinlan: Wednesdays, April 29 - June 3, 2009

At both locations, afternoon and evening classes are again offered. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

-------------------------------------------

Painting - Design and Technique
Tuesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or
evenings (6-8:30 pm)
$140 for six weeks
next 2 session dates:
Mar. 31 - May 5, 2009
May 26 - June 30, 2009

The Art School at Binders
Piedmont Peachtree Crossing
3330 Piedmont Road, Suite 18, Atlanta GA 30305
http://learning.bindersart.com/
contact person: Kristina Breneman - 404-237-6331 ext. 203

-----------------------------------------------

Painting - Design and Technique
Wednesday afternoons (1-4 pm) or evenings (6:30-9:30 pm)
$150 (members) $165 (nonmembers) for six weeks
next session dates :
April 29 - June 3, 2009

Quinlan Visual Arts Center
514 Greene St. NE, Gainesville GA 30501
http://www.quinlanartscenter.org/
770-536-2575 or email info@QuinlanArtsCenter.org

New Works: "A Belle Meade Morning"

2009-03-11T17:54:00.003-04:00

This is one of the paintings Charles did when we were in Nashville this past October for the opening reception of the Oil Painters of America's Eastern Regional Exhibition. The day after the reception many of the attending artists met at Belle Meade Plantation for an OPA sponsored paint-out. (Read our earlier post about the weekend here.)

This was Charles' first painting that day, with the morning sun coming up behind the main house and lighting up the season's first bright spots of fall foliage. (12 x 16, oil on panel, 2008)

In the Binders Spotlight

2009-03-09T20:04:00.005-04:00

Binders Art Supply in Atlanta just recently started their own blog in order to supplement their already chock-full website with fun, interesting and valuable information about their products, people and services.

Today's post puts Charles in the limelight!

The Binders staff asked him to write up a statement about his classes and his teaching style. Click over to their blog to read it and let us know what you think.

Charles has held his painting classes at Binders for almost two years now. You'll find him there just about every Tuesday.

Mark your calendars!

2009-03-02T19:14:00.005-05:00

In just three short weeks Charles will begin his upcoming in-depth oil painting workshop in Blairsville, Georgia.

We will have five full days of work and instruction in the beautiful North Georgia mountains, graciously hosted by the Carriage House Art Center and very conveniently located just two hours north of Atlanta.

Make your plans soon to attend this wonderful extended learning opportunity.

For ease of printing, a PDF version of the flyer is available.

More complete information can be found in our previous post about the workshop, located here.

New Works: "Persimmon and Bronze"

2009-02-23T19:37:00.004-05:00

The vast majority of this beautiful little painting was created in just a few hours one evening when Charles and I were skipping out on a local art shindig we had originally planned on attending. He called me early that afternoon: "You know, I really don't want to go tonight. I want to PAINT!" So that's what he did - and this piece was sitting on the easel when I got home from work a few hours later. (12 x 16, oil on mounted canvas, 2008)