“Sunset” by Mallory Condrath
Improve Your Skills and Stay Cool in May Art Club Classes
Emily Grotta
If you are in PebbleCreek in May, the PebbleCreek Art club offers classes to get your creative juices flowing. Not just for club members, most classes are open to all residents. Now might be just the time to try your hand at art!
May 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: “Beginner Watercolor, Desert Landscape—Mountains & Cacti”
Step into the world of watercolor with this hands-on, beginner-level class taught by artist and educator Mallory Condrath. Students will learn essential watercolor techniques while working step-by-step through the creation of a complete painting from start to finish. At the end of the class each student will have a finished painting of mountains and cacti.
All supplies included! Fee: $38 members, $58 non-members.
May 10: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.: “Mindful Doodling”
The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called “tangles.” Instructor Diana Horton-Smith will teach some basic tangles that are drawn on paper with ink pens. Shading, when applicable, is done with a pencil and a tortillon. Each participant will have an opportunity to complete three pieces and, although everyone will be learning and applying the same patterns, each individual’s finished pieces will be unique and different.
Supply List: $8 materials fee payable to Instructor at class—no other materials required. Fee: $32 members, $52 non-members.
May 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: “Graphite Pencil Drawing”
This is a comprehensive class that is loaded with information about composition, shapes, angles, space, and value (just to name a few). Instructor Carla Cebrelli brings a few simple line drawings for everyone to begin so that she can get an idea of how each student “sees” shapes/angles. All levels are welcome and students progress at their own speed. Advanced students can improve their drawings by correctly using composition, value, depth of field/planes, foreshortening, and perspective, and may bring their own subject matter/reference material.
Fee: $38 members, $58 non-members
May 16 and 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: “Painting Mentorship—All Media/All Subjects”
The fundamentals of impressionistic representational painting will be the focus of instructor Edward Sprafkin. The class is open to all painting mediums. Each class has new content, with daily painting demonstrations and plenty of one-on-one assistance. Students work from their photo references or those supplied by the instructor. Demos will be conducted using acrylics or watercolor/gouache. However, the universal principles taught apply to a variety of media.
Fee: $57 members, $77 non-members
May 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: “Beginner Watercolor—Vibrant Sunrise”
Step into the world of watercolor with this hands-on beginner-level class taught by artist and educator Mallory Condrath. Students will learn essential watercolor techniques while working step-by-step through the creation of a complete painting. At the end of the class students will have a finished painting to take home, along with foundational skills to continue their watercolor journey.
All supplies included! Fee: $38 members, $58 non-members.
Linda Brelje
Linda Brelje, May Featured Artist
I’ve lived in PebbleCreek for a little more than two years, having moved from Palm Valley, where we enjoyed a home on the golf course for 25 years, until it was time to downsize. Originally from Indiana, I moved to the Valley in the early ’80s. My parents had retired to Sun City West and sent me the Phoenix want ads on a regular basis. I had been working as a paralegal in Chicago for five years, but after a particularly nasty winter, when my car was plowed in for three months, I decided to make the move.
When I moved to Arizona, I took a paralegal job with Lewis and Roca, where I met my husband. Towards the end of my time there, I began preparing trial charts and three-dimensional models for some of the attorneys. When I left, I started a small business, Courtroom Graphics, that focused on the creation of courtroom presentations. After my sons came along, I eventually evolved into a stay-at-home mom. My artwork then consisted of “arts and crafts” with my kids, which I enjoyed immensely.
When I moved to PebbleCreek, in addition to making new friends, I wanted to learn to play tennis and to develop my painting skills. I started taking lessons at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex and joined the PC tennis club, working with a teacher. Playing with ladies who have played for 50 years has been a challenge. I also learned to play mahjong, where I’ve met a wonderful group of ladies who have become my good friends.
I started backpacking at 35 and made several trips into the Grand Canyon and other locations. I tackled most of the south rim paths to the bottom of the canyon, parts of the Tonto, and completed a rim-to-rim hike.
In high school I enjoyed pen and ink and was accepted into several shows, but I didn’t pursue it after graduation. I have taken art classes at local community colleges in Arizona and continue to take an oil painting class at Glendale Community College.
My medium of choice is oil, and my paintings lean towards landscapes. My paintings tend to gravitate to canyon views and the spectacular Arizona sunsets. I never tire of trying to capture the vastness and small details of the Grand Canyon.
I am currently serving as secretary for the PebbleCreek Art Club, which has been a good opportunity to meet people and support a club I wish to see succeed.
My paintings can be seen at both clubhouses and in the windows of the Creative Arts Center.
Art Club Sends a Big “Thank You” to Residents Who Attended the Meet the Artist Show
Emily Grotta
The “Meet the Artist Show,” in which 22 PebbleCreek artists participated, was a success, thanks to the many residents and guests who came to the Tuscany Falls Ballroom to view and buy art.
This is the second time the Art Club has held a show in which residents can meet the artists, said Club President Sylvia Armstrong. It also provides an opportunity for residents to commission art that will work in the wall spaces of their homes.
The PebbleCreek Art Club has more than 200 members ranging from beginner to professional. The club offers classes, open studios, and many social opportunities that build camaraderie among the artists. To learn more, visit pcartclub.com.