Painting Class Dates through May 2011

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

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"

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

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

"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

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

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

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

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.