“Silent Snow” by Elizabeth McCarthy
Art Club Features Pastel and Charcoal Artists
Emily Grotta
Each summer, the PebbleCreek Art Club features works in various mediums, thus displaying works by several artists for residents and visitors to enjoy. This year, both pastel and charcoal drawings and paintings will be displayed.
Pastels are color pigments kept together with a binder. Manufactured since the 15th century, pastels are loved by artists for their rich colors. When applied, the pastel is similar to chalk, and it requires an abrasive surface, such as paper with a “tooth” that grips the pigment.
Pastels are known for their intense and vibrant colors. The pigments used in pastels are pure, resulting in rich hues. They are used for a wide variety of art, from realistic portraits to impressionistic works. You may be familiar with the pastel paintings by Renoir, Degas, and Picasso.
However, working with pastels can be challenging, as they cannot be mixed on a palette to create a blended color. In addition, pastels are dusty; many artists wear masks while creating pastel paintings.
Charcoal is a form of carbon made from burning wood. From the earliest cave drawings to modern works, artists have used charcoal to create works from simple sketches used to plan a painting or to capture a moment, to fully complete masterpieces. You may be familiar with Michelangelo sketches for the David statue, or Georgia O’Keeffe’s charcoal pieces.
One reason for the enduring popularity of charcoal as an artistic medium is its versatility. It is also easy to work with and readily available, making it accessible to artists of all skill levels.
Another reason for the enduring popularity of charcoal is its expressive quality. Charcoal has a rich, velvety texture that can add depth and drama to a drawing or painting, and its ability to create a range of tones and values allows artists to create works with great contrast and impact. That said, it is a messy medium and smudges easily.
The charcoal and pastel works by PebbleCreek artists will be on display in the Creative Arts Center and both clubhouses from June 1 through Sept. 30.
Thank You to Residents Who Attended the Pop-Up Show
The first Pop-Up Art Show, in which 22 PebbleCreek artists participated, was a great success, thanks to the many residents and guests who came to the Tuscany Ballroom to view and buy art.
Art Club President Sylvia Armstrong, who first came up with the idea of a Pop-Up show, said she received many positive comments from residents about the show, and they enjoyed talking to the artists about their works. She said it will be repeated next year (although the name of the show may change).
The next show will be Nov. 16, when more than 50 artists will participate. Please mark your calendar and watch your emails for news.
Classes Continue Through the Summer
Although the summer is usually quiet, the Art Club has several events planned in addition to the almost daily open studios that will keep those in PebbleCreek busy.
Two classes have been scheduled in June that are open to anyone living in PebbleCreek.
* June 7 and 14: Floral Painting in Oil or Acrylic with Edward Sprafkin. This class will explore florals in oil or acrylic paints. While florals will be the focus, the principles will apply to all mediums and genres of art. Bring your own reference or choose one the instructor will have available.
* June 15: Field of Poppies with Nancy Troupe. In this customized acrylic class, painters will learn about one- and two-point perspective, while completing a painting to take home.
In addition, the club is introducing something new: Summer Workshops—selected online lessons that we will be able to follow as a group and then discuss what we learned, what we liked, and also what problems we had.
All this will be possible with the use of the new, large screen television that the Art Club purchased. Edward Sprafkin, one of our new and very popular instructors, used the TV in a recent class to demonstrate how artists used composition and color to develop their paintings. The TV will also be used by other instructors and in Art Club meetings.
While the two-hour monthly workshops will cost only $10 per session, they are open only to club members. A great reason to join the club!
For more information about these classes and membership in the club, please visit pcartclub.org.