April Showers Brings the Flowers

Everything around the county is in bloom and with all this beauty comes inspiration and color. I remember when I was first learning about the use of color I was challenged by my professor in college to stop being literal. “Grass in not always green” he said and it completely confused me since I thought I was seeing clearly and reproducing nature accurately. I WAS SO WRONG and he was right (as much as I hate to admit it because he was such an intolerant teacher only liking abstract art and I was a realist).

Now as I teach every Sunday, Joy, my student and friend, pointed out that I need to verbalize all the skills I do on “auto pilot.” I learned that I need to verbalize each thought and step I take as I put paint to paper:

1. Mixing color
2. The amount of water on the brush
3. Timing of water drying on paper
4. The effects the paint will have each moment as the paper dries
5. The variations from paper to paper

All these facts that I take for granted need to be talked about and the ART OF TEACHING blossoms like the Spring around me. It is truly a blessing to watch each student find their perfect palette, and develop their style. Below are two students with completely different palettes. Both are devoted focused painters. 

Marilyn Mendelson is the first artist with a strong brilliant palette who loves shapes and creates complex designs and balance in her work. Click through the gallery to enlarge her pieces. 

​Madri Bienenfeld is another powerhouse painter not afraid to stretch and grow in unique ways. Her palette is softer than Marilyn's yet the impact is just as exciting.  

I am thrilled with the progress of the students. They are my Spring Spirit and excitement on a weekly basis. By changing the classes to Sunday the door has opened to so many more students and I am joyful with all the positive response I get at our simply getting together and painting for 3 hours. I invite you to come and experience this Zen Zone. It’s like being in kindergarten all over again.
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I plan to introduce you to my students each month. PLEASE ENJOY and join us in class!  Get on the Email Blast and hear about all the happenings and classes at the gallery. If you wish to try the class email me .
HUGS
Jessel