"Point of View" at Gallery 21

"Cactus Dahlia" by JOHN VALOIS, photographer
IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Hello All.

Currently running at Gallery 21, in Spanish Village Art Center, is "Point of View", an exhibition of Photography and Digital Art. The show runs from July 7-July 19, 2010. The exhibition features six talented photographers and digital artists. They are Phyllis Weiss, Lev Tsimring, Arthur Lavine, Dana Levine, Janine Free and John Valois.

It is a lovely and innovating mixture of subject matter and techniques that invites the eye, stimulates the imagination and touches the emotions. "Point of View" is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Gallery 21 is located at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park, in the heart of Spanish Village Art Center.

Arthur Lavine was a freelance photographer in New York in the '50's and is considered a part of the New York School of photographers. His works have appeared in Newsweek, Glamour, Fortune, Look, Life and Parade to name a few. Dana Levine has a PhD.in Biochemistry. She spent her professional career as a scientist and educator, but it was her interest in fine art and painting that eventually led her to digital art. Janine Free grew up in France. A workshop with Canadian photographer, Freeman Patterson, along with her extensive background in film making, launched her career into digital photography. Lev Tsimring's passion for photography started in Russia over 30 years ago. A theoretical physicist, no less, by profession, Lev zoomed in on digital photography and creates his own limited edition prints.

Phyllis Weiss' talent and visual awareness is clearly apparent in her capture of floral images. I especially like the image of the magnolia blossom where the stamen have fallen onto one of the petals. This amazing shot hails to Phyllis' true understanding of "capturing the moment". John Valois, primarily self-taught, likes the flexibility and range of possibilities offered by digital photography. Having started as a painter, John appreciates the feel and textures created by the brushstroke, and transfers this knowledge into his digital work. He quotes Ezra Pound as saying, about the definition of an artist's image as, "an intellectual and emotional complex in an instant of time". I think Ezra and John have a clear understanding of the transfer from the real to the digital image.

As a matter of fact, as accomplished photographers, so do they all. Do visit this intriguing show in Gallery 21, and let their visions transport you to a new awareness. They have "captured" images, moments in time and emotions that stir and evoke the senses.

I do have to say that John Valois', "Cactus Dahlia", gives me pause. Not because it is my favorite flower, but because it so resembles a "real painting" with his very clever use of the brushstroke tool. "Photoshop, I presume Mr. Valois"? You give us poor "brush" painters a bit of an alarm!

All right, Mr. DeMille. I'm ready for my "close up", now!


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted, 2010, all rights reserved



"Boy, Columbia" by ARTHUR LAVINE, photographer
IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Painted Tiles, Pizza and Cupcakes?

Hello All.

Well, we are back for the "wrap up" on the Patio Painting Party at the Village. So...here's the "dish"!

As I predicted, it looks like everyone had a ball. Judging by the photos, (Thanks, Mo; that's Maureen King to non-villagers) spirits were high and some serious application of paint took place. Just take a look at Mary Renner with that cupcake and the paint tray. The painting doesn't appear to be started yet, and Mary is already doing acrobatics! I guess that just goes to show what happens when you combine cupcakes with tile painting. And, don't blame it on the paint fumes. The paint is water-based! At any rate, Steve Maddy and David Young are taking the job seriously, and divvying up the paints in true "artist style".


Likewise, Barbara Earhart and Kathy Waller are concentrating on their tile painting precision while Barbara Reemelin does some quick leaf removal in her area. Too bad Barbara Reemelin didn't do a layered tile painting or two here and there on the patio. As a former studio partner of mine, I can vouch for her expertise in laying down color on a painted surface.

I asked Ellie Hitchcock if there were any hilarious moments during the party, and she commented, "Well, you know we always paint with such concentration that we forget to look where we are, when we are painting. And, then we look up and are "trapped" between the wet tiles and don't exactly know where to step next"! Ah, yes, I remember it well.


All in all, the painting went well and there was a great turnout of artists for the task this year. I only hope no one had to see their chiropractor after it was all over. Judging by the panoramic shot of the patio, Brigid Delano and Barbara Reemelin are the only two who took a painting position that was easy on the back! All for a good cause, huh gang? Thanks to everyone, and GOOD JOB!

Oh, by the way...I still didn't find out who ate the most pizza, and I don't see Jon Evans in the photos. Hmmm. That will teach me not to gamble. Will the real "winner" please stand up? Maybe this year's real winner is Mary Renner with that "Cupcake Dance"!

Same time...Same place next year, Villagers!



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved

Coming Soon! "Painted Tiles, Pizza and....

Hello All.

In preparation for our annual "Open House Celebration" each year, the artists of Spanish Village Art Center turn out for the "Patio Painting Party", one week ahead of the big event! "Man, you talking 'bout a...Man, we really have a PARTY" !!! It is painting, pizza and a "whole lot of fun going on"!

The painted tiles are one of the main attractions for young visitors to Spanish Village Art Center. Kids and parents alike love to "hopscotch" from tile to tile choosing which colors they like best. Sort of like "connect the dots", only with painted tiles instead.

This year's painting party took place at 4:30 p.m. today, July 8, 2010, on the Spanish Village Art Center patio, and ...

Blaaanh...hhh ! Oh, darn! Was that the buzzer? Blaaanh ...hhhh! (You thought I was kidding about the "page turner" thing didn't you)?

Sign in to the next blog to see "who painted who, and who ate the most pizza"! Ha! Confidentially, I'm placing my bet on Jon Evans for the "Pizza King, 2010"!

Sorry Jon! The pepperoni is out of the box, now!



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved

Painted Ladies in Gallery 21

"Bursting Out", by artist, ROSALIND OWEN


Hello all.

Well, have I got your attention, now? I hope so, because you do not want to miss the spectacular exhibit currently running in Gallery 21, here at Spanish Village Art Center.

It, of course, is titled "The Painted Ladies", and is running June 24 - July 4, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily in Gallery 21, located in the heart of Spanish Village Art Center at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park.

I knew this show would be fun and exciting when I happened to run into one of its participants lugging a sign board to the entrance of the Village. Blazoned across the top of the sign was the title, "The Painted Ladies" written in red calligraphy! It certainly got my attention, and gave me a good laugh to boot. So, I went in to "check it out".

Who are the "Painted Ladies", and what are they doing here? (Sound familiar)? Well, let me tell you. "They are nine women and one willing man dedicated to the creation of art in the medium of their choice, who find joy in each other and their work and successes. They are all members of local art associations and other organizations committed to educational achievement". Some mission statement, huh?

The exhibit includes over 100 original paintings and photographs, art-crafted jewelry, giclee prints of the original works and art greeting cards.

And, now let me introduce you to these ten artists who share a common painting mentor, "Ruby Agnew Vogt", as well as their dedication to the arts. Drum Roll, please!

Sue Blass, Paula Bentley, Tom Bentley, Deva Claridge, Carolyn Curtice,Fredda Ferguson, Roz Owen, Joyce Philpot, Gladys Tully and Julie Villanueva.

Exceptional job, Ladies and Gent. (I wonder if we should dub our "Gent" the "illustrated man")? "What say you"? I say to everyone, "Get in there and see this show", especially to the fourth of July visitors to Balboa Park!

A special thanks from me to Gladys Tully for helping me with the information on the show, and to whoever that particular "Painted Lady" was toting the sign across the patio.

Run, don't walk to the "Painted Ladies" Show. Maybe some of the "paint/ink" will rub off on you!


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
all text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved

IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED