Nancy Franke, Musings on Painting: May 2013

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Recent Happenings

Study of Sarah, 12 x 10

Last weekend, I taught a really fun workshop at Atlanta Artists Center on Capturing the Essence...painting studies of children, or really, the figure - from photographs. My usual workshop format is alla prima - doing studies from life set-ups, but I love this one too. Fifteen participants were game and we had lots of fun, great lunches at the restaurant next door, and maybe a sip of wine as well. Below are some shots of the proceedings!

Photo Source for Quick Demo on Saturday

Linear Placement Sketch of figure

Color Sketch of subject, placement of value shapes

Below are some of the quick studies done by the class, who used a limited palette and big brushes...

I think they are really good - wish I had taken some close-ups!

I also wanted to post a few photos I took at the Portrait Society of America Convention, which was held here in Atlanta a few weeks ago. Went on Friday only, but I did get to attend a Michele Dunaway /David Kassan demo. Also, in the morning, I was lucky to see the fabulous watercolor painter, Mary Whyte and accomplished portraitist, Michael Shane Neal do demos too!

There was great energy all around -- AND I met Rosemary of the Rosemary Brush Company. (She and I created a "Nancy Franke Brush Kit" which is available at www.rosemaryandcompany.com, and which has lots of the synthetic flats and brights that I prefer).

Nancy's Brush Kit,

left to right # 10 bright, series 274, # 6 Ivory Filbert, # 8 Ivory Short Flat, # 10 Ivory Filbert, # 10 Ivory Short Flat, # 10 Ivory Long Flat, # 12 Ivory Long Flat

Next are some photos I randomly took of various paintings on display, both from the demos and from the paintings selected as finalists in the International Portrait Competition.

Here is one demo from Thursday Night's "Face Off," where 15 artists painted different models for two hours, setting the tone for the weekend of painting to follow!

Joseph Todorovich demo (of model Annie Jefferson) from the"Face Off"

Jeffery Hein demo from Face Off;

this one won the People's Choice Award

Quang Ho demo from Face Off

Michele Dunaway Demo (on right) from Friday breakout session

Close up of Michele Dunaway's piece.. wonderful value shapes and sensitivity to the pose.

Some portraits I liked from the Finalists in the International Competition, which were on exhibit:

Chang Lian

Kate Stone

Seth Havercamp

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Life is but a dream...

Memories, 40 x 38, sold

Busy, fun times abound. Last week, my exhibit at Huff Harrington Fine Art in Atlanta, called Franke, Foltz and Friends (featuring the wonderful painter Doug Foltz, along with me and other gallery artists) opened on Thursday, April 25th. Lots of my painting buddies and friends attended - I was truly uplifted by the vibe of it all. And, I must say once again that I so totally appreciate the value of a good and supportive gallery, personified by Ann, Linda, Meg and Sam who help me in all ways at Huff Harrington. Their enthusiasm, kind comments, hanging skills, along with honest critiques and praise keep me flying.

More fun: the Portrait Society of America national convention, held this year in Atlanta, was last weekend too, so I attended on Friday the 26th - I was amazed by the fine paintings and the top artists, who did quick studies and demos for all to see. To cap it off, I painted with some friends and fellow students on Sunday the 28th -- doing studies of children... in just a few days, so many amazing connections in this art life we share.