Claire and the Potatoes rock Nerd Fest.

Posted on by Thor

On a third sketching excursion to the Orlando Airport Marriott (7499 Augusta National Dr, Orlando, Fl), I bumped into Bethany Taylor Myers at the entrance. She is an exceptional visual artist that I met at Parker Sketch‘s monthly Artist critique. At the last critique I went to, Bethany was showing a lonely suburban landscape that reminded me of an Edward Hopper painting. She was asking a straightforward question about perspective and for once I had straight forward answers. Anyway, Bethany informed me that her husband, Jim Myers was performing. He is the drummer for Claire and the Potatoes.

I had seen the band perform once before at Lake Eola for Earth Day. I knew I was about to see 2 fun performance. Leslie Rising is the lead singer. I had to wonder why her name isn’t Claire. Marc With a C was in the foreground of my sketch and Guy Larmay was on Bass. The hip pop music was fun, with a distinct neurotic edge. My favorite song was about how the band had bills to pay and they wouldn’t be going on a tour to your home town. They did a great job of introducing the tongue in cheek song as a public service announcement.

I managed to get so close to the stage by sitting in an area set aside for handicapped nerds. I consider my need to get a sketch a sort of handicap. Luckily I didn’t get in anyone’s way. The crowd went wild for the Potatoes. As always, the set was over all too quick. This is a quirky fun local band. If you ever have a chance to see them then seize the opportunity.

Third Thursdays

Posted on by Thor

On Thursday December 19th, I went downtown for Third Thursdays. On the Third Thursday of every month, all the downtown galleries open new exhibits. At the City Arts Factory, artists rent wall space. In the large courtyard between The Rusty Spoon and Urban Flats, Brad Michael Biggs rents out spots where artists can set up a table to sell their wares. Brad is the founder and owner of Art for All Spaces. Parker Sketch, who is a regular of the street sales scene, had a large display of his splashy pop imagery. In the past Parker had his work on display in the Thornton Park neighborhood on Third Thursday.

A young couple had a table full of tiny steam punk party top hats. There was an entire table full of paintings of bright boxy robots. A glass display case full of jewelry had a huge canvas poster behind it of a couple making out. Arts and crafts of all shapes and sizes were on display.  When the sketch was finished, I hiked back downstairs and ended up photo bombing a family photo.  On the way out, I passed Dresden Kincade‘s handmade jewelry. All her jewelry is handmade using wire and natural minerals. My wife Terry’s favorite color is purple and I saw a lovely Amethyst crystal necklace that she would love. On impulse, I bought it. Dresden wrapped it up along with a card describing the crystal’s powers. If it had the power to bring a moment of happiness it was well worth it.

Mark your calendar, the next Third Thursday is February 20th from 6pm to 9pm or so.

August Critique Group

Posted on by Thor

Parker Sketch organized a monthly Art Critique group at The Barefoot Spa (801 Virginia Dr., Orlando, Fl). The group is a supportive and constructive discussion group about art. Work of about 12 artists is looked at and discussed. The opportunity to show art is on a first-come, first served basis. You do not have to show art to participate. You do not have to be an artist to participate. If you are interested in art and want to meet other people who also enjoy art, this is a great event.

The group looks for newer art, that is relevant to what you are doing now. If you bring more than one, please make them all be part of a series. We are either looking to talk about one piece, or several together as a group.

It doesn’t matter what kind of art you do, we have had oil painters, paper makers, glass artists, found object sculptors, video artists, watercolor painters, ceramicists, artists who draw and collage, jewelry artists, print makers, etc. It also doesn’t matter how much experience you have. We have included artists who have never shown and artists who are nationally recognized competition winners.

The point is to get people from many different styles, backgrounds, and experience levels together to talk about everyones’ work!

This is a group of artists talking as peers.The discussions have included pricing, finding materials, technique, framing, exhibition opportunities, and, yes, traditional critique. We are trying to mix different artists and get them talking about art! We will be looking at art individually, and talk about it for about 10 minutes. Though time is short, the idea is  to spend the evening talking about everyone’s art!

I arrived at the critique a bit late but I was astounded to find a front row seat still open. The first artist who’s work I saw was Heather Ashworth.  She had a portrait and a diptych of a woman who’s hair blew aside and became tree branches and blossoms. There was some concern that she didn’t spend much time on the clouds painted in the portrait. Some artists wanted to see a smoother transition between hair and branches as well. Bethany Taylor Myers showed a Hopperesque painting of a neighborhood. She wanted advice on perspective and since I had just been writing on the subject, I offered her a thumbnail and brief advice. She was concerned about painting telephone lines that would cross in front of the house. Several artist agreed that if the lines don’t add to the story they could be left out. Jean Claude showed a bold black and white depiction of the Creature from the Black Lagoon. He got an amazing amount of detail with the scratch off technique. Thomas Jacobson Artist showed a huge painting of a yellow sun flower. A mysterious orange glow hinted at illumination by fire. A skull and flowers painting was creepy and mesmerizing in its detail. He is also a tattoo artist and his work is intricate and amazing.

Parker Sketch was the last to show his art he had a large roll of canvas that unfurled depicted a cup of gin and tonic. He did the painting by walking around it on the floor and attacking it like Jackson Pollack. There were some wonderful abstract passages that came from the sheer physicality of the process. Mark Your Calendar! Parker plans to pin this huge canvas to the wall as part of his joint show with Shannon Holt called “Just One More…” The opening is September 19th from 6pm to 9pm at City Arts Factory (29 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, Fl). The next critique group is September 26th from 6-9pm at Barefoot Spa.

Differing Views

Posted on by Thor

On June 22nd, I went to the opening reception for “Differing Views” at the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida (946 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida 32803). This was a  group art show featuring:
Parker Sketch, Jon Glassman Gardner,
Patty Sheehan  and
Karen Cate.

When I arrived, a little early, John Glassman Gardner was still hanging pieces. He had these wonderful one inch square  pieces of glass with vibrant patterns that looked like aerial views of river valley topography. He told me that the pattern had been discovered by accident when 2 pieces of glass had been pushed together with a small drop of paint between them. Like a microscope slide, the paint spread. When pealed apart, this organic pattern would appear. John then glues magnets on the back. He was placing dozens of them on a metal support column. He gave me one of these pieces and it is proudly displayed in my home. It isn’t signed unfortunately so someday I hope to catch him to sign it.

Commissioner Patty Sheehan had a show the previous week at the Peacock Room. She had sold 75% of all the pieces there. She therefor had to do more than a dozen paintings in a weeks time to have something for this show. All her paintings were of black cats with wide eyes and a Cheshire grin. She called them “Bad Kittys” and they sell like hot cakes. She gave me a button with one of these kitty’s on it and a pink equal sign. Of course this was “Equality Kitty”.

Parker’s Sketch’s work is ubiquitous to the Orlando art scene. His pieces use pop commercial imagery portrayed with bold brush work and a liberal display of spattering. The boldest piece was of a faded American flag. He was voted the Best Arts Advocate in this years Orlando Weekly. Karen Cate only had a few pieces in the show.  I had never seen her work before.

RAW Elevations

Posted on by Thor

0n July 11th, I went to RAW “Elevations” at The Abbey (100 S Eola Dr #100  Orlando, FL). Once a month, RAW showcases local Art, Fashion, Film, Performing Art, Photography, and Accessories. There is a dress code, so I put on my best cocktail attire. The Abbey was already packed when I arrived. I pushed my way through the crowd to look at all the art and decide what I should sketch.

I liked Tyler Ackom‘s art which was right near the entrance. I found a leather seat right next to the fake fireplace and I got to work. The crowd was so thick that I seldom got a complete glimpse of the work, but I pieced it together by always shifting my gaze. Tyler’s work is a representation of Art and Music combined into one. He uses everything he can find from computer parts to wood, bamboo, plastics metals, ceramics and anything that would make the piece look cool. I imagine he must have quite the cluttered studio.

A young woman asked if she could sit in my artists stool which I had sitting next to my leather chair. She had high heels on and and her feet were killing her. There really wasn’t anywhere else to sit in the place. The bar was full and everywhere else was dominated by art.  Tyler’s aunt took an interest in my sketch and she photographed it in progress several times. Leggy models walked through the crowd presumably from a fashion show on the stage. For some reason Batman was there as well posing for pictures. By the time the sketch was done, I was exhausted from trying to look through the crowd. Leaving, I bumped into Parker Sketch, Shannon Holt and William IwasReallynothing seated outside which was really the only place where you could carry on a conversation. I showed them my sketch and expressed my frustrations in trying to get it done. They seemed to like the colors, and looking back, it isn’t half bad.

Mark your Calendar, the next RAW Event at The Abbey is called “Translations” and it will be Thursday September 5th at 8PM. Tickets are $10.

RAW Artists Orlando Presents…Marvel

Posted on by Thor

On April 4th, I went to The Abbey (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, Fl) to check out the talent at RAW Artists Orlando presents…Marvel. There was a line to get in that snaked around the corner into a parking garage.

A recording of Britt Daley‘s “One and Only” was pulsing through the room. “Awesome!” I thought. “They really are showcasing the best local talent.” However, Britt wasn’t on stage that night. Musical acts included Live Hart, Cure for Caska, and Judy Tribune. One performer who sang while I was sketching was so far off key that I cringed.

The artist that caught my eye was this body painter named Nix Herrera. He used stencils and an airbrush to create intricate lettering and designs.  It was really stunning work. The model, Sierra Missed, had a proud and regal expression the whole time. She was enjoying the attention.

Artist, Jean-Claude Rasch introduced himself.  I had met him before at one of Parker Sketch’s art critiques. I remember Jean worked on Plexiglas and the paintings would have different coloring if lit from behind. He was set up in the same spot where Parker Sketch had been set up the month before. Jean’s work had more than a passing resemblance to Parker’s work incorporating splashes and pop culture imagery.

Last time I went to a RAW event I was dressed a bit grungy, walking in with a baseball cap the bouncer reminded me to take off. This time, knowing cocktail attire was required, I wore a suit and tie. I just had to keep the tie from flopping down onto the palette. You have to be over 21 to get in and tickets were $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

RAW:Artists Orlando Presented DISCOVERY

Posted on by Thor

RAW events are multi-faceted artistic showcases. Each event features a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. These artists are all local, hand-picked talent who have been chosen to feature at RAW. RAW’s mission is to provide up-and-coming artists of all creative realms with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 64 artistic communities nationwide (and counting!) through monthly showcase events.

I was working to 9PM on February 7th and I wet straight to The Abbey, (100 South Eola Drive, Orlando, Florida), from work. When I arrived, the place was packed. This was definitely the most crowded RAW event I had been to. I scouted around to find a spot to sketch from. There was an unoccupied couch and I made a mental note to return to it if I didn’t find a better sketch location. There was a motorcycle behind the sound guy but I didn’t get a great look at it with the crowd pressing in. With so many artists exhibiting their work, there were only narrow isles to move around in.

I returned to the couch only to discover it was art for sale. It was splattered with paint and glitter. I decided to stand next to the “Art Couch” to draw. Parker Sketch was working on several paintings of cocktail glasses. He works in series applying paint thickly. Of course any time someone expressed interest in his work, he would be drawn away to take on the role of salesman. He had a tip jar out full of bills. It’s exciting to see so much interest in art from the night club crowd. Artist Matthew Sutton stopped to talk to me. He said I should set up a booth. Matthew’s work was traditional pencil renderings, pen and ink and marker work of comic book super heroes. He probably does well at Comic Con. Ashley Rolfe one of the RAW promoters noticed me working and said hello. It was the first time I met her in person. I usually check up with her every time a RAW event is coming to  Orlando. As I was packing up to leave, there was a fashion show taking place on the main stage. It was getting late, time to get home.

Art Crtique Group

Posted on by Thor

Parker Sketch organizes a monthly Art Critique Group and I always find the lively conversations enlightening. The January critique was held at the The Barefoot Spa (801 Virginia Dr., Orlando). This is a group of artists talking as peers.The discussions have included pricing, finding materials, technique, framing, exhibition opportunities, and, yes, traditional critique. We are trying to mix different artists and get them talking about art! We will be looking at every one’s art individually, and talk about it for about 10 minutes. I know it is short, but the idea is not only to get other people to talk about your art, but to spend the evening talking about every one’s art!

Jean Claude was the first artist to show his work. Using spray paint and an xacto, he works on Plexiglass. Several pieces would change color if illuminated from behind. He works outside a gallery down in Kissimmee. His work was bold and flat. Vanessa Lisa showed some delicate pencil renderings. Mark Larsen, a photographer, had returned to his craft in the last three years. His photos featured clouds and abstract watery imagery. Artista Lulu had traveled all the way from Tampa to come to the art critique. She showed a cartoonish image of a ballet dancer standing on a tiny world. Tiffany Dae showed some of her gorgeous surreal work. She is moving to Miami where she is bound to find the arts scene to be incredibly vibrant.

The artist I chose to sketch, was Phillis Taylor Harris. She had just finished filling one of the Sketchbook Project sketchbooks. The Sketchbook Project sells artists tiny sketchbooks which the artists can fill and return to go into the sketchbook library in Brooklyn NY. Phillis’s sketchbook was filled with angry abstractions that were done as she went through a divorce. It turned out that her husband was abusive and a sexual predator. He worked as a psychologist, so women seeking his help would get unexpected treatment. The family home was isolated which allowed him to trap his victims. Phillis’s sketchbook is intended to help victims of abuse to recover and heal. Several people in the room pointed out that Phillis should look into publishing the book with part of the royalties going to an abuse victim recovery center or shelter. I advised her to not submit the sketchbook to the Brooklyn library because they would then claim ownership to the copyright.  I agree that her book could be helpful for a person recovering from abuse. I hope she can find a publisher.

RAW: RADIATE

Posted on by Thor

Ashlie Rolfe, the Orlando Showcase Director of RAW suggested that I sketch the premiere showcase event of RAW called Radiate at the Abbey. RAW is an International indie arts organization created by artists, for artists. It features local emerging artists in fashion, music, art, film, performing art, hair, makeup, DJs and photography. When I arrived the place was packed with a line down the block to get in. The first artist I noticed was Parker Sketch and next to him was Shannon Holt of Bombshell body Art.
I know Shannon from critique sessions where she showed oil painting which had evolved over many layered iterations. I didn’t realize she did body art, but now that I think back, I might have seen her working at an event a year ago. Shannon is applying for a grant for her body art. Vote to help her out. Her model was already covered with an intricate pattern of lime green and orange. A scarab beetle was firmly painted on her chest. The Batman logo was painted by Parker.

Libby Rosenthal, who worked at the Mennello Museum on weekends, and some of her friends were there and we chatted for a bit, but I couldn’t hear much over the music. I quickly made my rounds looking at all the art and then I found a table that I could stand at up close to the stage. One artist amused me because he was dressed to the nines and worked so hard to look like an edgy artist. I’m not sure the work justified the outfit. Thinking back, I really should have sketched him, but he was busy promoting his image. The band playing was called Stockholm and they had plenty of energy. The guitarist was spinning and gesturing in all directions. It started raining outside so I decided I had to do a second sketch. A videographer was busy shooting footage. When my second sketch was done, so was the rain so I headed home.

Artists’ Critique & Conversation

Posted on by Thor

The Art & History Museums of Maitland presented an exciting new initiative to assist in the professional development of local artists. A new series, titled Artists’ Critique & Conversation, will be held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m.
The critiques will be held in the Germaine Marvel Building, (210 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland). The Critique is FREE and the public is encouraged to attend. A bar was available with beer, wine, water and soft drinks.

The critiques will be led by artist, arts writer, and instructor Josh Garrick, along with two additional panelists each month. Parker Sketch offered his insights at the first event. After the panel review, all attendees displayed their work and engaged in discussions and peer reviews.

Artists of every medium and skill level are encouraged to participate. Each critique will review up to 9 artists, and all artists MUST sign up in advance. Each artist can only sign up for one of the nine slots every three months.

Garrick, who has spent his career in the arts, discusses the judging and critique of art, “From my years as a teacher at New York City’s School of Visual Arts, it has always been important to me – when ‘judging’ art – to create an environment in which my students and colleagues may expand their abilities, and not to insist on a style, or change an individual’s personal voice,” he says. “Rather, the most important consideration for me, as an aesthetic judge, is to seek out those persons whose work exhibits a unique and personal form of creativity. “Other important considerations include: composition, use of color, technical ability, control of the medium, and use of light and shading. While judgments of aesthetic value may be linked to emotions or cultural conditioning, I’ve found that I have the ability to put those aside and find – when judging – that my initial response to a work is my finest barometer.

“Having ‘judged’ well over 1000 student portfolios and Art Festivals throughout the Eastern US, I put aside my personal ‘interpretations,’ and allow the work to ‘sweep over me,’ as I was taught by Silas Rhodes, founder of the School of Visual Arts. Meanings and symbols mean little to me in the judging process. My senses, emotions, and training – or some combination of these – mean much more.

“When I participate as a juror, I ‘see’ from an artist’s point-of-view, and from a teacher’s point-of-view, and as a person willing to be public with an honest opinion. Jurors must be willing to voice their opinion … and stand by it, with everyone understanding that it is one man’s opinion – no more and no less. When my considered opinion of a student’s work was negative, I would tell that person, ‘It is one man’s opinion. It is an educated opinion, but it is one opinion.’ If there is a constructive lesson to be learned, that point is worth remembering.

“Finally,” Garrick concludes, “it is up to each Artist to maintain his or her own choices and opinions. This is YOUR work, and the most important judgment is how YOU judge your work.”

The next Artist’s Critique is Tuesday July 24th starting at 6PM in the Maitland Art Center’s Germaine Marvel Building, 210 W. Packwood Avenue, Maitland.