Instructor Shane McDonald (Marietta) works with Claiborne Trinklein (Cumming) on her painting of Lucille Ball.
The method of creating original paintings from the reference of one or more photographs is used by most representational painters of today. Artist and painting instructor Shane McDonald encourages his students to use photographic references to produce paintings of landscapes, still life, and figurative subject matter. The utilization of photographs throughout the painting process not only enables his students to see the vast possibilities in creating scenes; but photographic references also allow Shane to visibly compare shapes, shades of light and dark, and color for his students.
Penny Mauterer (Sandy Springs) paints "North Georgia Stream," a painting of peppers from her series of still life viewed from above.
Another process of working representationally is the method of working from life. This process contrasts with the work of other artists who rely entirely on their imagination to portray their own interpretations of reality. When working from life, Shane encourages his students to apply many of the same techniques acquired through the practice of working from photograph. Shape, color, and value are compared and represented throughout the painting process. By teaching these techniques to his students, Shane provides them with the tools necessary to create works of art in their own distinct methodology.
Jill Bennett (Marietta) paints "Mentor," a painting of peppers from her series of still life viewed from above.
The body of work in this exhibition celebrates the educational and artistic achievements of Shane's students and friends of the studio. Students and friends take part in an open figure drawing and painting group offered at Shane's studio in Marietta, and participate in annual plein-air painting excursions together with Shane.
An opening reception will take place on April 26 at 7 p.m. at the Harris Art Center. The reception will coincide with the 2nd International Stringband Festival presenting: Wayne Martin and the New North Georgia Buggy Riders; Red Mountain; the Jake Leg Stompers; Mudcat; the New Skillet Lickers; Little Country Giants; the Hill City Boys, and more. For more information, please visit the web site for the Harris Art Center in Calhoun, GA at:
Also see the Plein Air event in Darien, GA
Also see the Prizes awarded at this Spring's Open Studio at the Artisan Resource Center.