PebbleCreek Art Club – March 2024

Guy DeCosterd Named March Artist of the Month

Guy Decosterd

Although as a kid I was always drawing or sketching something, I didn’t begin painting until about 10 years ago due to a happy accident. One night my wife, two daughters, and I did a “sip and paint” event at a local mall. My painting turned out well, and the studio staff offered me a job. Hilarious for someone without any formal training!

Art is fun for me, and it is thrilling when the subject matter comes to life before my eyes. After the “sip and paint,” I took the painting supplies left by my grandmother, an artist and painter, out of the attic and started painting on my own. I was in a high-stress position at work, and I found painting was a great stress reliever.

Since then, in addition to the many paintings I have given to friends and family, I’ve sold many works, been commissioned for several pieces, and submitted numerous paintings to nonprofit auctions. At last year’s Arizona State Fair, I had a painting win Honorable Mention in the statewide art competition.

We have now lived in PebbleCreek for three years. I have joined many clubs since moving here—including pickleball, golf, wine, bible study, putters, and cooking—but the Art Club was the first club I joined. Betty Jean Kennedy was one of the first people I met when I first went to the studio to paint, and I still look forward to her smile whenever I am there.

I usually paint with acrylics, but also do a fair amount of watercolor and some mixed media works. Something has to catch my eye or deeply interest me in some way for me to paint it. Sometimes I have a couple pieces in process at once, while at other times I may be months between pieces.

I really enjoy challenging myself. I had never done a portrait, which I considered very daunting, so several years ago I painted my wife’s portrait (…and I am glad she said it turned out okay). I had never painted with a pallet knife, but decided I would try to do a large-scale painting of a vineyard with one. I sold this piece at our Fall Art Show, and now I do pallet knife painting regularly as I enjoy it so much.

I find landscapes, animals, mountains, boats, and seascapes most interesting, but have also done abstract paintings. I paint with bold colors and play with light and shadows in most of my paintings.

It is an honor to be named artist of the month. I am so thankful for the PebbleCreek Art Club and am amazed at the number of gifted artists we have in this community.

Guy’s paintings can be seen in both clubhouses and in the Creative Arts Center windows throughout the month of March.

First PebbleCreek Pop-Up Fine Art Show Set for April 19

Twenty-three of PebbleCreek’s most talented and experienced artists will be selling their art at the community’s very first Pop-Up Art Show on Friday, April 19 in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom from 2 to 6 p.m. You’ve loved their work at the annual Fine Art Show—now you’ll have a chance to talk directly with the artists and ask them about their works.

Although admission is free, registration is required so there will be enough space to easily walk around the ballroom and view the art. Registration opens March 1 at pcartclub.org/pop-up. A cash bar and music will add to your enjoyment.

Sylvia Armstrong, president of the PC Art Club, said the idea for a pop-up show grew from comments that she heard at previous art shows. “People want the opportunity to talk with the artists, to learn about what motivates them, and to see a variety of their works,” she said.

Unlike the Fall Fine Art Show, in which artists are limited to three submissions, the artists in this show will have many pieces for you to ask about and purchase. Each artist will have a distinct space to sell their works, which may include both original and fine matted prints. You’ll have plenty of time to talk with them and request a commission if you are interested.

Participating Artists

The artists who will be participating are: Sylvia Armstrong, Debby Bolton, Linda Brelje, Carol Burford, Roxana Caffaratto, Hilary Fiscus, Susan Gleason, Erika Grande, Diana Horton-Smith, Lynnette Jacobson, Peter Jeziorski, Betty Jean Kennedy, Candi Kloverstrom, Gary Kotula, Cynthia Lavin, Marsha Lisle, Sharon Moers, Mary Monet, Donna Mund-Gustafson, Loretta Pruett, Marielle Ramsey, Charlene Romanos, and Kathy Sork.

Art Club March Calendar Full of New Classes

The March calendar is quickly filling up with classes that will appeal to everyone—including two in-demand drawing classes. Classes are open to the community, but only Art Club members can enroll in the discovery workshops, in which all supplies are provided. Dues are only $25 a year and have many benefits. Why not join?

Details and registration for these classes are online—please go to pcartclub.org and click on the classes and events calendar.

Friday, March 8: Mindful Doodling Workshop with Diana Horton-Smith. The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. We call these patterns “tangles.” This is a beginner-level class with Diana Horton-Smith. In this fun three-hour class, you will learn some basic Zentangle-inspired patterns/tangles.

Tuesday, March 12: Discovery Workshop—Introduction to Acrylics. If you have never painted with acrylics, this workshop is for you! Betty Jean Kennedy will teach you all you need to know about supplies and guide you as you create an acrylic painting in class.

Friday, March 15: Abstract Painting in Acrylics. “Abstract expressionist paintings are stories without words,” says Ann Osgood, who will be teaching this class from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “The artist takes a journey without a pre-planned destination. If you’ve wanted to paint abstractly, you will enjoy this class which will begin with exercises to explore and spark your imagination.

Saturday, March 16: Discovery Workshop—Introduction to Oil Painting. Are you curious about oil paints but do not want to invest in the tubes and brushes needed? Emily Grotta will provide all the necessary tools at this workshop, giving you the opportunity to find out why so many artists love working in oil.

Friday, March 29: “Making Waves” in Acrylics. Ann Osgood returns for the “Making Waves” class in acrylics. The class will be useful for all levels of painters.

Drawing Classes!

Here is your chance to get drawing skills under your belt! On March 19 and 26 Edward Sprafkin will teach “Pencil Drawing.” Then, on March 23, Bruce Black will teach a class in five-point perspective, a must for anyone who paints landscapes and city scenes.

Thursday, March 21 and 28: Exploring Textures in Abstract Acrylics. Carol McDonald returns to teach her popular two-session class designed to help intermediate students experiment with different materials to add texture and interest to abstract work. Knowing what might work best on a particular painting requires an understanding of how each material looks, feels and absorbs paint. Students will learn about numerous options, see samples of finished work utilizing different textures, and finally get to play with textures of their choice to create their own dynamic abstract painting.

Friday, March 22: Alcohol Ink Workshop with Shirley Johnson (2nd round). “Addicted to Alcohol Inks” is an introduction to alcohol inks, great for beginners with no experience. Alcohol inks are easy to use, so no prior art knowledge is required. Creating with alcohol inks is fun, surprising, and addictive! In this three-hour workshop, you will explore what alcohol inks are, how they move, and what makes them unique.