Joan Applebaum Art

Watercolor Demo at Eve Galleria

2012-01-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Well it's time to get the watercolor brushes out again! I am scheduled to demonstrate watercolors at Eve Galleria's Winter Taste of the Arts event coming up February 24 and 25. The schedule for the two days is still up in the air, so I don't know exactly which day (maybe both!!!) that I will be demonstrating. But I do know that it will be watercolor and probably somewhat experimental. AND...it will be interactive. That's right, everyone can participate and bring home a small watercolor.

When the schedule is set, I will send out another announcement, which will include the time I am demo-ing and directions to Eve Galleria, which is in Collamer. I will also have some of my paintings (watercolor and acrylic) for sale as well as a few of the velvet embossed scarves (you can see them on my website http://www.windyhillstudioarts.com. )

Pictured here is a watercolor in nice warm colors to help cast away those dreary winter blues.

Hope to see you all at Eve Galleria's Winter Taste of the Arts!

PS the food at Eve Galleria is fabulous!

Wintering

2012-01-17T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have been painting a lot of winter scenes lately...well it is January!Still putting some finishing touches on an acrylic painting and a watercolor painting, both done from the same reference, but completely different in character. I love the challenge of painting the colors of winter, especially the long blue and purple shadows stretching across the snow covered landscape and the delicate yellows, pinks and oranges found in the sunlight glinting off the snow.

Pictured here is a painting from a few years ago, based on a photo taken one day when we were out hiking around the lake. I love snow covered dock and boat "wintering" on the shore and the cozy camp nestled in the trees.

Seeing the situation from a different angle.... Grass Lake Still Life

2012-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

While hiking along one of the Indian River Lakes Conservancy Trails, I came upon an absolutely beautiful, and totally unknown to me, view of Grass Lake. I think the scene took me by surprise. I usually photograph and/or paint the lake from the vantage point of my kayak or canoe, or from our dock. My husband and I have explored the various little bays and fingers of the lake, the islands, and the shallow weedy areas at the very end of the lake where the loons nest... at least as far back as we were able to kayak. But exploring the lake from the trails above, and at the end of November when so much of the vegetation has died gives one a whole new perspective on the lake. The stillness was extraordinary. The leaves were gone, the summer wildlife had fled to warmer climates or burrowed into warm winter nests. The scene before me seemed to be of a peaceful wilderness, getting ready for its winter nap.

I later created this watercolor based on the photos I had taken that day and the memory of the peaceful stillness.

The NIA Show.....Inspired by Movement

2012-01-06T06:05:00.000-08:00

I wear a few different hats at the East Area Family YMCA. One of them is Art Gallery Coordinator. And so with that being said, here is the announcement for our next art show, which incidentally I am part of.

The NIA Show: Inspired by Movement opens tomorrow at the Y Arts Gallery at the East Area Family YMCA, 200 Towne Drive, Fayetteville, NY. This is a group show featuring the work of several artists/dancers who have interpreted their passion for NIA into drawings, paintings and collages. The gallery is open Monday - Friday 5:30 am - 10:00 pm, Saturday 5:30 am - 9:00 pm and Sundays 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. And for those of you who are wondering what NIA is...it's Neuromuscular Integrative Action. NIA is a type of fusion fitness program that involves 3 types of movement; dance, martial arts and healing arts.
Pictured here is "Guts 'n Grace", a mixed media collage.

Capturing the cold, crisp winter light from the cozy studio

2012-01-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

I am working on an acrylic painting for the Painting the Winter Show at the Thousand Islands Arts Center. The subject is the view from our dock at camp looking down toward the spot where our bay opens up into the lake. Long blue shadows stretch across the frozen lake, creating a beautiful web-like effect over the ice.
Since the thought of actually standing out in the frigid North Country working plein air does not appeal to me, I am painting from the cozy warm studio. Which of course means I am working from a photograph. I have underpainted in complementary colors, so there is a bit of warm orange peaking out here and there through the cool blue, creating a type of dynamic tension. The moment I observe this, is when I believe I depart from the photograph and let the painting take over. Occasionally I will go back to the photo for reference, but it no longer needed as much as when I am figuring out perspective and proportion. It is now time to let the painting stand alone. I am not making a painting of the photo, I am interpreting the winter landscape.
The painting isn't done yet, but here is the photo I worked from. Should be interesting to compare the two when I have finished the painting.

And here's a painting from a couple of years ago...another interpretation of the Winter Landscape.

New Year, New Look for my Blog

2012-01-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Well, one more New Year's Resolution accomplished: a new look for my Blog. It really did need an updated design! Take a look and let me know what you think.You should be able to view the artwork and posts from a few different layouts by clicking on the tabs for "classic", "magazine", "mosaic" etc. Well at least I hope so. If not it's back to the drawing board for me. And for those of you who are already tired of winter and dreaming of summer...here it is "Set a Spell".

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

It's the first day of the new year and I am up to my eyeballs in RESOLUTIONS....like clean the studio! Got some new work coming along and a resolution to put together an exhibit of paintings based on an area close to my heart, the Indian River Lakes. In 2007 we bought a camp up in that area and we just can't get enough of it. The natural beauty of the area just begs to be captured on canvas or even in photos for that matter. I have put together a decent body of work, mainly acrylics and watercolors. Now it's time to find the right venue.
Here's a preview of one of the pieces I plan to exhibit. It's a painting of my favorite type of wildlife on the lake. I usually see him skimming along the water or sitting on top of the beaver dam like he owns the lake. Perhaps he does....

Painting Classes....and an end of the week wrap-up

2011-12-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

Well it's been an interesting week here. My art show at May Memorial was selected as the Monday "pick of the day" on syracuse.com. They used the Poinsettia image from the show and it looked great!

Christmas is approaching; I just taught my last class for the session yesterday. Kids were giddy with excitement already and spontaneously burst into song (Jingle Bells) while playing one of my crazy art games. Crazy last minute art games are what I invent when I know our lesson will not take up the entire length of the class. Of course I hardly ever need to do that with my adult classes, haha.

I am looking forward to the 2 week break from teaching to develop an idea for a theme for my next body of artwork: The Indian River Lakes Suite. That is an area close to my heart; we own a camp on Grass Lake. I have a few paintings ready, but need to paint a few more and find a venue.

Painting classes at the Y Arts Studio will resume after the first of the year. No exaggeration there....The Acrylic Painting class starts on Monday January 2!!! Advanced/ Intermediate Watercolor will be on Tuesday nights, 7:00 - 9:00 starting January 3, and Intro to Watercolors begins on January 4 at 9:30 in the morning, ends at 11:30. All classes run for 6 weeks. As always, all art supplies are included in the reasonable class fee. $68 for YMCA members; $83 for Non-members.
You can register at the East Area Family YMCA in Fayetteville.
Attached is an image from the upcoming Indian River Lakes Suite. It's also the image for our family holiday card this year. It is titled "Winter Twilight".

Set a Spell, Set a Mood

2011-12-05T06:11:00.000-08:00

In the grassy, or should I say weedy area behind our camp I plopped our old Adirondack chair. The original intent was to hide the cover for our well, which is bright blue and stands about 2 1/2' high, and doesn't exactly go with the "lake in the woods" rustic setting. We don't do a whole lot of mowing up there so after a few weeks the weeds overtook the area, growing up and around the chair. I took a few photos of the scene and based this painting on the photos.
When working from photos it's important to know when to put away the photo and just let the painting take on a life of its own. Photos are great for reference, helping with placement of objects in the picture, and keeping things in proportion. But photos also give us too much information and it's important to know what we need to keep in our painting and what we need to let go of.
First decide on your focal point. This is where you want viewers to concentrate most of their attention. The focal point can be one object or a group of objects. Everything else in your painting is subordinate to the focal point. But even though areas/objects can be subordinate, they are not unimportant. These areas/objects should enhance the focal point, either by placement, color or lighting.
In the painting pictured here, "Set a Spell", the chair is the focal point. It is painted in a more detailed manner than the vegetation in the background and the other objects around the chair. The photograph that I based the painting on, pictured more details in the background; I chose to leave those out because they distracted the viewer from the focal point. Leaving the background less detailed and more impressionistic lends a somewhat dreamy quality to the painting and invites to viewer to "Set a Spell" and enjoy the moment.

Poinsettias Gone Wild!

2011-11-29T06:15:00.000-08:00

For the past two years I have painted a poinsettia for the holidays, so I guess I have just begun a series!!
Last year's painting (the 2010 version) was used as the cover for our family Christmas/Holiday card. The 2011 poinsettia painting will be used as the cover for someone else' holiday card. I'm not at liberty to say who....you will just have to wait and see. Meanwhile, here's a peek at Poinsettia! 2011.

Paintings on display through December 30

2011-11-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

My paintings are on display at the May Memorial Art Gallery through December 30. Acrylic paintings, watercolors and pastels are all part of the show, which includes old and new pieces; primarily landscapes and a few watercolor and acrylic florals.
The gallery is located at 3800 East Genesee St. in Syracuse. It's always a good idea to call before going to the show; the gallery space gets used for several different functions during the week including Yoga and Toddler Tango! Here's the number 446-8920.
Pictured here is a seasonal floral: Poinsettia! 2010

And now for something completely different....Pottery!

2011-11-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Pictured here is the bowl I painted for Alexandria High School's Empty Bowls Fundraiser, held recently. The bowl was made by Ann Donovan of Dragonfly Pottery, just down the road from our camp. After the bowl was bisque fired I painted the designs using brightly colored underglazes. I didn't get to see the bowl after it was glaze fired, but I did hear that the bowl is now on it's way to Arizona with an air traffic controller and that the high school raised about $3000 for the "Backpack Club". The Backpack Club was organized to help combat hunger in the North Country.

To Honor the Veteran

2011-11-11T05:54:00.000-08:00

When I painted this in 2008 I had two intentions: to honor the Veterans and to capture the excitement of a parade through color and the illusion of movement. I was thinking of my Dad, uncles and other WWII Vets; the Greatest Generation. They were really the only Vets I knew. Not too many of my generation felt the call to serve. Fast forward now to 2011 and I have two sons in the Military; one in the Marines and one in the Army.I could never have guessed back in 2008 that we would become a Military family.On Veterans Day we fly the Army, Marines and US Flags!(and by the way they are surrounded by the Halloween pumpkins and scarecrows still on the front porch).
The painting itself is based on a photograph of the Veterans Day Parade in Syracuse. Two ladder trucks (but only one is visible in the painting) from the Syracuse Fire Department hold up an enormous American Flag which hangs over Salina St. High school marching bands pass by, in the background the Gridley Building and the old Syracuse Savings Bank Building.

3 art shows coming up!

2011-11-08T05:07:00.000-08:00

Busy weeks ahead. I have three art shows coming up; one is a solo show; the other two are group shows. The solo show is at May Memorial, and will run Nov. 20 - Dec. 30. The group shows are with the National League of American Pen Women at Petit Library, starting Dec. 10 and Associated Artists "Off the Wall" show, starting Nov. 20. More information coming as we get closer to show time. For now...just keep painting, just keep painting. Also, still have Christmas and Hannukkah cards and "Art-to-Wear" scarves and bags at Hartsville Hollow.

Jump into the Water...color

2011-11-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Last chance to register for Watercolor classes at Y Arts Studio. Classes start next week. Advanced/Intermediate on Tuesday night 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Intro to Watercolors on Wednesdays 9:30 am - 11:30 am. Classes are open to YMCA members and non-members; all supplies are include in fee. Watercolor classes begin next week, Nov. 8 and 9.
For more information go to www.ymcaofgreatersyracuse.org

Donations of Artwork

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

As an artist I am often asked to donate artwork for fundraisers. Over the years I have become more selective about which organizations I donate to. I now have a much smaller list of recipients, but each holds a personal connection for me.
Here is one of the fundraisers that have made my list: CLIPTOMANIA Presents VISIONS Hair Show to Support MS, Oct. 29, 6:00PM - 9:00PM, Barbagallos Restaurant.
In keeping with the hair/fashion show theme for the evening, my donation was a scarf from my Art To Wear collection of velvet embossed scarves and bags.

"Tethered",

2011-10-24T19:29:00.000-07:00

My latest painting titled "Tethered" takes a more conventional approach to watercolor in that I actually used watercolor, not food coloring. (See the last blog for the results of that experiment!) Colors are loose and fluid. The rocks actually started as one big wet, sloppy mass of Payne's gray, ultramarine blue,and a touch of alizarin crimson...and lots of water. I started this painting as a demo in my Watercolor class to demonstrate the wet on wet technique, which I love. This is, I think the beauty of watercolor. There is nothing more fun than watching the colors mix, blend and do their thing. The hard part is that it's kind of like playing chess. You need to plan about 4 steps ahead in order to create that "spontaneous " feel, and to make sure the colors you choose blend nicely.

Experimental Watercolor

2011-10-20T05:27:00.000-07:00

I usually favor the more traditional approach to watercolor, but recently I read an article about painting with food coloring. The article of course had painting to go with it. The colors were very rich and vibrant so I thought I would give it a try. I had recently experimented with liquid watercolor, so food coloring was just one step beyond. Before I started the painting I lightly sketched a few leaves around the paper. Then I got my watercolor paper very wet. I dropped bits of red, yellow, blue and green food coloring here and there around the leaves and then let the food coloring and water do its thing. The results were an amazing mix of colors, some very vibrant others deep and rich.
I later went back into the picture and gave another layer of color to the negative spaces around the leaves to add depth. The finishing touch of gold gouache paint came last.
I am planning another experiment with food coloring, this time using cool colors and snowflakes. According to the article I had read, the color does not fade, but only time will tell. For now, I am happy with the results.

Good news from The Healing Muse

2011-08-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

My mixed media piece tiled "Wishing I Could Remember the Violets" was selected for the 2011 Healing Muse Upstate Medical Center for Bioethics and Humanities literary and visual journal.
This picture was inspired by my mother's Irish family who lived on Tipperary Hill. I also lived in that neighborhood for several years when I was a child. I had the pleasure of frequently returning to the old neighborhood when my daughter Irish Danced (from ages 7 - 18). I spent many happy hours watching the dancers all practice their steps and thinking about my Irish heritage, and listening to sounds outside like church bells, which I never heard at my house out in the 'burbs. And also, for some unknown reason I have always associated my grandmother with violets. That's where the inspiration for "Wishing I Could Remember the Violets" came from.
Now the picture is all the more poignant as my mother has been diagnosed with dementia and my daughter has gone off to college, and so the days of watching the dancers has ended. Life changes, sometimes fast, sometimes gradually.
And I still have no clue why I am obsessing over violets!?????
Anyway, this is a mixed media piece which started with an abstract watercolor background. Images were created with colored pencil and enhanced with metallic paint and markers; de-emphasized with a layer of thin gauzy rice paper. The people pictured in the painting are my maternal grandparents Peter and Mary Enright.

A few more samples of student work

2011-08-07T19:58:00.001-07:00

A few more samples of student work from our 3-day landscape painting session at Camp Iroquois.

2011-08-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Neither rain, nor bugs nor fading daylight kept our intrepid group of painters away from our 3-day Landscape painting session at Camp Iroquois last week. For most of them it was their first venture into plein air painting and also a first time using acrylic paint.The group ranged in age from teen to adult.
Here are a few samples of their work.

Landscape painting Workshop Aug. 2, 3 and 4; 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

2011-07-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Learn the essentials of landscape painting at scenic Camp Iroquois in Manlius where woodland trails, rustic cabins and boats resting along the waterfront are all waiting to become part of your masterpiece. Each day will begin with an instructor demonstration. After learning basic techniques, beginners will be able to paint subject matter. More experienced painters will be given time to work independently. Each participant will receive plenty of guidance from the instructor and each day will include some basic drawing instruction. All supplies are included; participants are asked to dress for the outdoors. A shelter is provided in case of inclement weather. Meet in parking lot at Camp Iroquois, 4795 Sweet Road, Manlius, 13104.

Advance registration is required for this class. All art classes are open to YMCA Members and Non-members. Fee $49 Members; $59 Non-Members

Register at East Area Family YMCA, 200 Towne Drive, Fayetteville. Hours: Monday - Friday 5:30 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday 5:30 am - 9:00 pm; Sunday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Watercolor Workshop:Painting Flowers and Foliage

2011-07-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

Register now for the 3-day Watercolor Workshop scheduled for Aug. 9, 10 and 11 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the Y Arts Studio. The focus is on painting flowers and foliage. All supplies are included in the class fee; classes are open to YMCA Members and Non-members.

You can register at the East Area Family YMCA located at 200 Towne Drive in Fayetteville.
Hours: Monday - Friday 5:30 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday 5:30 am - 9:00 pm; Sunday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm.
Visit Windy Hill Studio Arts www.windyhillsudioarts.com

Hot enough for you???

2011-07-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

The temperature's been hovering around 90 all day long.I'm working up a sweat just writing this blog........
Here's an image from www.windyhillstudioarts.com to help you keep cool today.

2011-06-23T06:19:00.001-07:00

I am teaching a 3-day Watercolor Workshop for Adults and Teens at the Y Arts Studio Aug. 9, 10 & 11, 7:00pm - 9:00pm. This workshop focuses on painting flowers and foliage. The description from the YMCA program guide is below. All Arts programming is open to YMCA members and Non-members an art supplies are included in class fee.

Watercolor: Learning To Paint Flowers and Foliage
Learn to capture the beauty of flowers in watercolor; vibrant sun-dappled colors and delicate overlapping petals against lush vegetation.
We will be using various techniques including wet on wet, dry brushing, positive and negative shapes and creating textures.
Each class will also have some basic drawing instruction for those students wishing to improve their drawing skills.

$49 Members; $59 Non-Members

Watercolor Part Three

2011-06-06T20:01:00.001-07:00

To finish the painting I added bare tree branches in the foreground, added a few short branches to the fallen logs in the stream and a few reflections in the water. Note that the water was never painted; it is implied by the reflections and the abstractions which were the result of the initial wash over the crinkled tissue paper.
The tree in foreground on the left side was darkened because it's brighter color was distracting to the early morning misty mood that I was trying to create.

Watercolor Demo Part Two

2011-06-06T19:53:00.001-07:00

Using combinations of greens, blues and reds and a touch of yellow I created all of the colors used in this painting. I varied the amounts of colors each time I mixed a new shade so that subtle variations are found in each color. The light misty quality was achieved by using very thin washes of color. Gradually a few more solid trees were added closer to the foreground to help create a sense of depth within the painting. Land masses were added as well to "anchor" the trees.

Watercolor Demo Part One

2011-06-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

This blog is a continuation of my watercolor demo from the last two classes of the Spring II Session at the Y.

I started with a watercolor wash over crinkled tissue paper, to take advantage of the natural veining which occurs as the watercolor seeps through and then pools around the crinkles. This technique adds abstract areas of interest and texture within a landscape.

After the paper was dry, I lightly sketched in the main subjects; a few bare trees and some large areas to represent groups of trees with foliage. No details.

I added thin washes of colors (greens and blues slightly altered by adding a bit of red to neutralize the colors.) over the main shapes, which are the contours created by the large areas of trees. The washes were thin so that the crinkle pattern would still show through.

The tree trunks were painted with a combination of green, blue and red to create a dark neutral. Dark blue mixed into the neutral to create shadows. The shadows were painted onto the trees when the paper was wet so that the darker tones would diffuse randomly into the lighter neutral.

Stop me before I paint this boat again!!!!

2011-05-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

I think this boat has appeared in at least 3 of my paintings. Last Spring I did a pastel painting of this boat when I was teaching an Intro to Pastels class at the Y. The same boat is in the background of an acrylic painting titled August Afternoon and another painting titled Sittin' in the Shade. So here is the latest (and probably last installment of the "empty rowboat on the shore series".........well at least with this particular boat). Quick, someone find me another boat to paint!

2011-03-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring must be coming because the Arts Shows are all popping up. I'm in the H2O exhibit at the Arts Center in Old Forge. I went to the opening reception this past weekend (yes they still had snow in Old Forge). Also coming up are "A Sense of Place" with Associated Artists at the Manlius Library and the Hecklectic Eklectic Art Show with CNY Artists at the Fayetteville Library both opening April 3. It's time to start thinking of the next big show, one of my favorites, "Along the River's Edge" at the Thousand Island Arts Center in Clayton.
Pictured here is "Adirondack Still Life", an oldie, but one of my favorites for the "A Sense of Place" show.

Down by the Water

2011-03-07T17:16:00.000-08:00

This watercolor is a study for a larger piece which I plan on painting this Spring.The use of analogous colors (3 colors next to each other on the color wheel) create a sense of color harmony which helps to hold the composition together.
I was working on this up at camp; no running water yet. I used melted snow to clean my brushes.

Watercolor begins tonight at the Y

2011-03-01T05:17:00.000-08:00

Intro to Watercolor begins tonight at the Y Arts Studio. Still a few openings in the Tuesday night class; the Wednesday morning class is full with a waiting list!
And it's the first day of March! Spring can't be too far away.

Watercolors!

2011-02-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

I have been getting back into watercolors in preparation for my Intro to Watercolors class at the Y Arts Studio. Classes are pleasantly full, but still room for a few more people.
I'm really enjoying working with subtle layers of color; a big difference from my style with acrylic paint.

Good news yesterday

2011-02-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

Just heard yesterday that my artwork in The Healing Muse Volume 10 received a favorable review. In fact the whole Muse Volume 10 received a great review by an online literary magazine source called NewPages. The reviewer described my artwork as restful and healing. Well, timing is everything. One of my paintings in the Muse is based on a photo taken at the waterfront at YMCA Camp Iroquois in Manlius. Five minutes before I took the photo the area was teeming with kids. Clothing, beach towels and camp gear were everywhere ( and I have to admit it was really colorful!!!). After the kids left, the entire mood changed, serenity reigned and I snapped the picture. A few weeks later it became the basis for the painting August Afternoon. Timing is everything!

Southwestern Moment

2011-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:00

Despite the 3 feet of snow outside, I guess I must be still under the influence of San Diego.......well at least Old Town San Diego. Lots of warm color here!
This painting was done in the Studio at the Y. I was working along with a few of my students who elected to paint the still life. I didn't realize how Southwestern it felt until I started adding the details on the shawl. Now I can't wait to dismantle the still life and wear the shawl.

For my Painting Class; paintng in progress part 2

2011-01-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

After bringing the painting home I began to work on refining the edges of the pottery, adding highlights where needed and finishing the top of the one piece of pottery (the piece lying at an angle in front of the red mug). I added the shadows behind the pottery and also some shadows around their bottoms. I had underpainted most of the shawl with a purple/magenta color and let it show through in a few areas. Because I liked the effect of the purple/magenta showing through I added a bit more of it in a couple of places on the shawl and in the shadows around the pottery. Using color in this way helps to unify my composition. I haven't started working on the spoon yet, that will be the next thing I do.
The orange table legs were meant to lead the eye up to the focal point, but because they were so long, they were a distraction and took emphasis away from the focal point. I added some dark shadows which toned down the orange table legs and brought emphasis back up to the still life.
The pattern on the shawl will probably stay as is, creating a colorful backdrop which enhances the overall feeling of the still life (kind of Southwestern, I guess) and does not distract from the focal point.

For my painting class: Painting in progress

2011-01-23T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
Just before we left class on Tuesday night Carron took a photo of my painting in progress (hopefully she will bring that to class this week so we can compare). Anyway, I stayed another 40 minutes and got to this point with the Still Life.
The next day I took a photo of the still life to use for reference, then brought the painting home to work on. The next blog entry will show my progress and explain what I did and why I did it.

Poinsettia!

2010-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Lots of thick juicy palette knife work here. This is a sample of the type of painting we will be doing in the Advanced/Intermediate Acrylic Painting class on Tuesday nights a the Y Arts Studio. Registration is currently underway; classes begin the week of January 3. Visit www.ymcaofgreatersyracuse.org for more details.

Advanced/Intermediate Painting Class

2010-12-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Our Winter Session at the Y Arts Studio will include an Advanced/Intermediate Acrylic Painting Class. This class is for students who have some experience with acrylic paint. We will be using techniques including glazing and palette knife painting as well as working with textures and dramatic lighting.
The class is scheduled for Tuesday nights, 7:00p.m. - 9:00 p.m. We are registering now for the Winter classes which begin the week of January 3.

For my students who are finishing the Still Life....

2010-12-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Most of you are nearly done with your paintings and I am very pleased with the artwork. As you are finishing the still life, you can refer to the photos. If you need to take another photo, let me know. The still life is still in the studio and can be set up very quickly.
Remember to concentrate on your focal point; other areas should have less detail; and try to create a sense of foreground, middleground and background. Highlights on the glass objects and on the pitcher should not be stark white, but white, mixed with a bit of the color of the object.
Each of the glass objects cast a lovely colored shadow on the white pitcher (that's why I chose it for the still life!)and everyone did a beautiful job of capturing that.
All in all I think everyone made great progress and I hope you will consider joining the Advanced/Intermediate Painting Class.

Frozen River accepted in SCA Regional Exhibit

2010-11-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

My mixed media piece, Frozen River was accepted into the Stanley Center for the Arts Regional Exhibit in Utica. The reception is tomorrow, Tuesday Nov. 30, 5:00pm - 6:30pm, but I will be teaching my painting class. So if you are at the reception, have a glass of wine and a couple of cookies for me.

New artwork on website

2010-11-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

I have added a few recent paintings to my website.

Queen of the Slip Jig

2010-11-09T19:45:00.000-08:00

Just finished this painting in time for the Still Life class which I am teaching on Tuesday nights at the Y Arts Studio. The title is a play on Van Morrison's "Queen of the Slip Stream". In this piece, a well worn pair of Irish dance shoes,a crown and a few medals propped up next to an old concertina tell of a long, but satisfying day at the Feis.

Winter's Arrival

2010-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

It snowed yesterday (Halloween) and again today for a bit. I am not usually a fan of the cold weather but I did think briefly of skiing. Here's painting I did a few years ago to herald the arrival of winter.

Acrylics: Painting the Still Life

2010-11-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Still life painting usually puts one in mind of flowers and vases, or fruit and wine bottles...not that those are bad things. But still life painting can be so much more. The correct pairing of objects, with a treatment that enhances those objects can create a composition that is as contemporary in feel as the subject matter it represents. The application of paint in IPOD was done entirely with a palette knife. The resulting textures and the highlights they catch and the shadows they cast become important visual parts of the painting. They also invite us to touch the artwork, something we seldom do with a finished painting. Running our fingers across the ridges of paint becomes part of the appreciation.

"Painting the Still Life" begins next week at the Y Arts Studio at the East Area Family YMCA, in Fayetteville. There are still a few openings in the Tuesday night 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm class and the Wednesday morning class 9:30 am - 11:30 am. Cost is $68. for YMCA Members; $78. for Non-members. All art supplies are included; no need to bring anything but yourselves to class! Registration for these classes will close on Thursday Nov. 4, so if you are interested it is best to register before then.
Hours: Monday - Friday 5:30 am - 10:00 pm; Saturday 5:30 am - 9:00 pm; Sunday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm.

New Gift Shop

2010-10-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Bella Regalo, a new gift shop in Liverpool is carrying some of my art-to-wear (scarves and bags) and a few of my paintings and prints. They are located at 309 Vine St., across from The Retreat. You can call 453-4030 for hours.The Grand Opening is scheduled for Saturday November 6.
Pictured is one of my prints "Avant Dejeuner".

Closed For the Season

2010-10-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

Just sold this one on Monday. "Closed For the Season", Camp Iroquois on the last day of camp.

Painting the Still Life

2010-10-20T20:20:00.000-07:00

Registration for our Fall 2 Session at the Y Arts Studio began this week. I am scheduled to teach two sections of Acrylic Painting: Painting the Still Life, Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 for Adults and Teens and on Wednesday mornings 9:30 - 11:30 for Adults. The Fall 2 Session begins on November 4.

All arts programming is open to YMCA Members and Non-members and all art supplies are included in the fee; no need to bring anything but yourself to class!
You can register for classes at the Y in Fayetteville, 200 Towne Drive, during these hours: Monday - Friday 5:30 am - 10:00 pm, Saturdays 5:30 am - 9:00 pm or Sundays 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Register soon, some classes fill quickly.

Fall Art Shows

2010-09-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

I have an exhibit of semi-abstract art at the May Memorial Art Gallery till September 28. Most of the pieces are torn paper collage with accents of watercolor, colored pencil and metallic paint. Not too much going on otherwise for Fall Art Shows for me; made a few changes in the showcase at Crouse Hospital, one new painting and a few scarves in Fall colors.
Reception today for the Associated Artists show, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Manlius Library. Free and open to the public.

Honorable Mention for Frozen River

2010-09-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

This mixed media piece just won an Honorable Mention in the Associated Artists Members Show. The title is Frozen River and it is a combination of watercolor, colored pencil and paper fibers.

YMCA Employee Art Show

2010-09-10T05:22:00.000-07:00

The YMCA Employee Art Show goes up today at the East Area Family YMCA 200 Towne Drive Fayetteville. The show will be on display till October 30. Here's one of my entries, an acrylic painting just finished this week.

Fall Classes

2010-08-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

Our Fall Session at the Y Arts Studio begins on September 13. I am scheduled to teach two sections of Introduction to Acrylic Painting, Tuesday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 for Adults and Teens and on Wednesday mornings 9:30 - 11:30 for Adults. I will also be teaching a Drawing class for kids called Illustration, with a Twist (each class starts with an art game)on Monday nights from 4:15 - 5:15 for ages 6 - 8 and 5:30 - 6:30 for kids ages 9 - 12.
All arts programming is open to YMCA Members and Non-members and all art supplies are included in the fee; no need to bring anything but yourself to class!
You can register for classes at the Y in Fayetteville, 200 Towne Drive, during these hours: Monday - Friday 5:30 am - 10:00 pm, Saturdays 5:30 am - 9:00 pm or Sundays 8:00 am - 7:00 pm. Register soon, some classes fill quickly.

Pictured above, Arrangement in Orange and Blue, acrylic painting.

Two Piantings chosen for Healing Muse Volume 10

2010-08-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

I just found out this week that these two paintings will be published in The Healing Muse, Volume 10. The Muse is a literary and visual journal published each year by SUNY Upstate Medical Center for Bioethics and Humanities.

New Show at Soule Library

2010-06-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

I have a new show opening at Soule Library on July 1. A collection of landscapes, urban scenes and some mixed media pieces.
Soule Library is located at 101 Springfield Rd. Dewitt (right near Lemoyne College).

Thoughts on Art and Healing

2010-06-24T20:26:00.000-07:00

The Healing Arts. The Art of Healing. It’s strange how often we see these words grouped together, but seldom consider Art as healing. And yet as artists we know instinctively how therapeutic it is to create. How good it feels to take pencil to paper, or to lay one color next to another, or to carve, mold and shape. To knead the clay, to smell the paint, to feel the weight of the brush in hand. Sometimes even a new box of crayons can make us giddy with delight. So we plunge headlong into our latest artistic endeavor, considering line, shape, space, color, composition, proportion and perspective. And as we work through these issues, the bigger issues of life, love, relationships, families, religion, and death, will at various times enter into the picture. Through the act of creating art, either resolution or acceptance is achieved.

Summer Shows

2010-06-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

This is where I will be showing my work this summer:

Baltimore Woods Nature Center Art Gallery, Marcellus ends July 1

Soule Library, Syracuse July 1 - August 1

Crouse Hospital Spiritual Wing, Syracuse June 7 - August 1

“Along the River’s Edge” Thousand Island Art Center,
Clayton July 8 - Labor Day

The Gift Shop at Thousand Island Arts Center, Clayton May - December

New show (in a very different setting)

2010-06-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I currently have a show in a location totally different from anywhere I have shown before: Crouse Hospital, in Syracuse. I have three paintings, a couple of prints and an assortment of scarves and small velvet embossed bags in a 52" x 52" showcase in a busy corridor near the Spiritual Center at the hospital. They actually have several showcases featuring artwork by area area school children, so showing art is not a new thing for the hospital. They are in fact promoting the connection between healing and the arts; a good thing and I applaud any effort in that direction.
Here is one of the images from the show, the Veterans Day Parade.

Landscape Painting Class

2010-06-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

I am teaching a 3 day Landscape Painting Workshop for Adults and Teens at Camp Iroquois.
Advance registration is required for this class; you can register at the East Area Family YMCA Member Services desk, Mondays - Fridays 5:30 am - 10:00 pm, Saturdays 5:30 am - 9:00 pm or Sundays 8:00 am - 7:00 pm.
All supplies are included and classes are open to YMCA Members and Non-Members. The fee is a reasonable $49 Members; $59 Non-Members. For more information read the description below from our YMCA Program Guide.

Outdoor Landscape Painting

3-Day Workshop

(Teen & Adult) 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday – Thursday July 13, 14 and 15

Learn the essentials of landscape painting at scenic Camp Iroquois in Manlius,
where woodland trails, rustic cabins and boats resting along the waterfront are all waiting to become part of your masterpiece. Each session will begin with an instructor demonstration.
After learning basic techniques beginners will be ready to paint subject matter. More experienced painters will be given time to work independently. Each participant will receive plenty of guidance from the instructor and each day will include some basic drawing instruction.
All supplies are included; participants are asked to dress for the outdoors. A shelter is provided in case of inclement weather. Meet in parking lot of Camp Iroquois.

2 more shows coming up

2010-05-26T20:27:00.001-07:00

I have two more shows coming up, both in July. There will be a mixture of Landscapes, Urban Scenes and Still Life at the Soule Library and a mixture of smaller pieces and wearable art (scarves and bags) in a showcase at Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital. Both located in Syracuse. Pictured above are an assortment of embossed velvet scarves.

Judging student artwork today

2010-05-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well it was a pleasure to be included as one of the judges for the Reeds Jewelry Student Art Show. This was Reeds first attempt at organizing an art show and I must say that it went very well. Although only two schools were represented, (Christian Brothers Academy and Fayetteville-Manlius) there was a nice variety of artwork to choose from. My two compatriots from the Y Arts Studio, Kat Kane and Dawn Hartigan were the other judges.
The opening reception was pleasantly crowded with student artists, proud parents and art teachers all munching on punch and cookies and looking at artwork. A very nice end to a busy day.

Landscapes Exhibit at Baltimore Woods Nature Center in Marcellus

2010-05-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

I have an exhibit of landscape paintings, collages and artists books on display at the Baltimore Woods Nature Center Gallery. The exhibit will run through the months of May and June. The pieces in this show represent two different ways of viewing the land: the pastels and acrylic paintings are done in a traditional impressionist manner; the collages and books are interpreted as pieces of land, sky and water layered on top of and around each other, each piece part of an integral whole.

The Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Rd. in Marcellus. Hours are: M - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sat. 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

2010-04-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a class in Pastels at the East Area Family YMCA Arts Studio in Fayetteville, NY, beginning the week of April 26. The class runs for 6 weeks and will be offered at two times, Tuesday nights from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am - 11:30 am.
Registration is currently underway for this class and space is limited to 10 people.
All Arts programming is open to YMCA Member and Non-members.
Art supplies are included in class fee. $65. YMCA Members and $75. for Non-Members.

Pastel painting is a beautiful technique that can be easily learned. Using a variety of soft and hard pastels we will learn to create texture and depth in lush vibrant colors. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with the pastels on several kinds of textured paper. Each class will begin with some basic drawing instruction and discussion of composition and principles of design.

For more information call the Y Arts Studio at 315 637-2025 x 216.

The "before" picture

2010-04-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the pastel in the unfinished stage from Wednesday April 7.

Finishing the pastel

2010-04-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

This is for my pastel class at the Y. We had our last class for this session on Wednesday April 7 and I promised I would finish the picture, so here it is.

When we left class on Wednesday a few areas needed to be completed and others altered so that color temperatures were all in coordination. The lower right hand corner was still in the under-painted stages, the boat needed some work and vegetation needed to be added around the boat.

In the finished piece I have added vegetation, de-emphasized the oars, by making them the same color as the boat and warmed up the color of the boat a bit by adding a touch of orange. The water has been brightened up by adding a few strokes of a brighter and blue-er blue to balance the blue of the boat.
I am not sure yet if this is totally finished; it needs to sit for a few days and then I will look at it again with a fresh eye so to speak and perhaps make more changes.

Finishing the pastel

2010-04-09T06:34:00.001-07:00

2010-02-27T15:23:00.000-08:00

Another Applebaum website is up and running. This one belongs to my son Ben who will be graduating this Spring from RIT with a degree in Advertising Photography. Take a look at his stuff and pass it on to all your friends...... especially those who are looking for a photographer.

www.benapplebaumphotography.com

Healing Muse Reading March 20 at Delavan Gallery

2010-02-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

Join the authors and artists of the Healing Muse as they discuss their work and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on health practices in our community, on March 20, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm at the Delavan Gallery, 501 West Fayette St., Syracuse.
The Healing Muse is a collection of stories, essays, poetry and visual art from all perspectives of health care.
For more info check out the link......"www.upstate.edu/bioethics/thehealingmuse/

2010-02-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

I will be teaching a class in Pastels at the East Area Family YMCA Arts Studio in Fayetteville, NY, beginning the week of March 1. The class runs for 6 weeks and will be offered at two times, Tuesday nights from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am - 11:30 am.
All art supplies are included in class fee. $65. YMCA Members and $75. for Non-Members.

Pastel painting is a beautiful technique that can be easily learned. Using a variety of soft and hard pastels we will learn to create texture and depth in lush vibrant colors. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with the pastels on several kinds of textured paper. Each class will begin with some basic drawing instruction and discussion of composition and principles of design.

For more information call the Y Arts Studio at 315 637-2025 x 216.

Current Exhibit At May Memorial Art Gallery

2010-01-22T05:27:00.000-08:00

My current exhibit at May Memorial's Art Gallery closes on January 29. The gallery is located at 3800 East Genesse St. in Syracuse.
Hours are noon till 4pm Monday through Friday, but it is always best to call ahead 446-9201, to make sure that there is someone there to let you into the gallery. Also the rooms gets used for various functions, meetings etc..... so, a word to the wise.....call ahead.