On the Eve of the opening of 49 Pulse Portraits at The Gatlin Creative, (4940 South Orange Avenue Unit D, Orlando, FL 32806), artists gathered for drinks and a chance to sketch and chat. The Orlando weekly had listed the event in their event calendar and I was pleased that a couple stopped out as a date night. On the walls were the original portraits created by 16 local artists of the victims of the Pulse Nightclub massacre. All the portraits were done in one night just as all the lives had been taken in just one night.
Approaching Gatlin Creative, there was a gorgeous sunset to the west. Interrupting the skyline was a billboard that announced the upcoming gun show at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. It was Odd to host this event in the shadow of that billboard. We live in the Gunshine State.
The Gatlin Creative, is an art
production house and creative space. Its creators, Tiffany Windsor and Ralph Ballentine
have made a
second home. Both working independently and also as partners in the film
industry, they base all projects out of their studio here. The Gatlin
offers other individuals and groups a place to create art, to teach, to
learn and to build; a place for people who wish to make things happen.
It’s
comprised of both personal studio space but also incorporates an
additional 1,000 sq ft of space to rent. Whether it be art classes,
crafty courses, small photo shoots or a
place to meet and work; The Gatlin has much to offer.
As a way to meet each artist who attends ODD, I like to have artists face off and sketch each other with a five minute time limit. All of my sketches were done in that short time window. I like the rush of trying to block in the sketch and get just enough information on the page so that the person might be recognized. I get to take chances and let go a bit and the results aren’t very pretty but they are interesting. Part of the challenge of doing sketches every day is to be able to accept whatever is created. There is no time for erasing or second guessing.
Artist Colin Boyer regularly attended ODD events. He went on to be a portrait artist at Disney World and he did some amazing work there. His digital illustrations are stunning. It kind of makes me want to slow down and spend more time on paintings myself. he recently had a beautiful child, so there might not be enough time for these sketch outings for him. I still hoist these ODD events each month. If artists show up that is great but if I am on my own, I still sketch, sample the drinks and food and write up the experience. It is my chance to become a foodie once a month.
