Meeting Recap 9/22/12

 CPSA DC219 just had a another great meeting!
We began with our usual brief meeting - Updates from Prez Jeff:

• While checking for those in attendance that might be new, we decided we should probably waring name tags! Prez Jeff's going to make sure that's taken care of. ;)
• The deadline for entering Explore This! 9 is coming up. We had a few prints of the prospectus, but you can also download/view it here.
• Blog updates: Several members expressed an interest in adding a member gallery to our blog. Melinda will be looking into that and posting a message soon about image specs.
• Reminder: Our St. Mark's Show is ending, please pick up your work on 9/28 10am – 1pm.
• Your Board is in the midst of planning our Annual Group Show at The Old School House Gallery in November. We have given the show a name, "Beauty and the Beast" that will encompass an overall theme of "Animals". Details will be posted here on the blog as soon as they are available.
• We're also planning a Holiday Party for December. It will not be an official group meeting, just an informal get together to celebrate the season. We're exploring ideas for location/venue – please feel free to leave suggestions in the comments section (at the bottom of this post)!
• Our OCTOBER MEETING will be a member-based group activity on mixed media techniques, in preparation for the Explore This! 9 entry deadline on Nov. 15th – as well as our upcoming Schoolhouse Gallery show (Beauty and the Beast). So please remember to bring a project your working on, mixed media materials, and be prepared to share a bit of your process with the group!
• Our NOVEMBER MEETING is still to-be-determined.

SHOW & TELL:

Nancy Wood Taber

Nancy Wood Taber shared a wealth of experience and information with us: how she started back in the day with straight-up graphite and eventually graduated to colored pencil via a special request on a project she was hired to work on. Her work as always been focused on animals and she enjoys exploring Shamanic themes. She explained how her highly detailed work can take days or weeks, depending on how the individual piece "talks to her" and how much time that piece demands that she spend with it. She photographs all her own reference images using her Canon EOS 7D camera (man, what a beautiful piece of technology!). Through her process of blending and using solvents (her solvent of choice is terpenoid), she discovered that paper just wasn't think enough, so she explored working directly on matt board. She now uses Cresent 1607, BRITE WHITE. 

 Nancy shared a lot of specific tools and some demonstrations with us as well.

• An electronic pencil sharpener (panasonic)
• Krylon UV Spray Fixative
• Low tack tape, for edging
• Brushes for blending & solvent
• Solvent
• A collection of colored pencil brands (whatever works for you) + a colorless blender
• Mat board surface

Nancy answered a lot of questions as well, she gave us more details on her process, the development of her career, and some snippets on the business side of being an artist.

• The largest piece she ever worked on was about 24"x28"
• She prints limited edition giclee prints under 13" on her own printer
• She has any print larger than 13" producted at Carr Imaging
• She has traveled all over to sell her wares at various art shows over the years, but recently she's been scaling back on the travel and putting more into her online visibility and a website, creating an online shop to sell her work.
• As for marketing, she used to advertise in Southwest Art, but even with a group of artists, the expense eventually outweighed the returns.

Meeting Recap 8/25/12: Russ Ball, Techniques

Meeting Recap 4/28/12: Still Life & Life Drawing On-Location at Masterworks

Welcome to our new and improve blog! I hope things are still easy to find in the new arrangement.


What a fabulous CPSA DC219 meeting we had last week - We met at the Masterwork Show at the Hispanic Arts Building at Expo New Mexico, where CPSA members got to choose from three still life set ups or a model for life drawing (*Many thanks to our fabulous volunteer model, Phil Kilgour). Bonus: we got to the fabulous Masterworks show in all it's glory, on its very last day!


We began with our usual brief meeting - Updates from President Jeff:
• Reminder - the CPSA National Convention will be taking place in Covington, KY from July 30th - August 4th this year. A financial stipend is available for a single member that would like to attend as a representative of our chapter, please contact President Jeff if you are interested.
• We were reminded that our permanent meeting location is moving to the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church starting at our next meeting, May 26th. (location details will be also posted in a separate blog)
• A Mailing List of member contact info was handed out. Email Treasurer Les if you need one or would like your information added-to or updated-on the list.
*Please note that the member list appearing on the right sidebar is updated - former members, that have not renewed their local membership, names' have been removed. I will also be updating my email list - if your name does not appear on this list (and/or you have not provided an email with your contact information on the list) you will no longer receive email notices about blog updates from me.

• SHOW & TELL:

Mike Austin shows off some of his NEW WORK!

• THE PROGRAM

President Jeff checks his notes and a sampling of our life drawing set-ups

Members & guests in action!

Results! Lots of Cowboys fighting over one horse. ;)

Various News & Updates

• The Orchid Society Flower Art Show at the ABQ Bio-Park: Original guidelines stated that artworks could not be sold. After some discussion with the Orchid Guild and the restaurant at the Botanic Garden artists will be allowed to sell their paintings during the show.

• The ABQ BioPark’s Botanic Garden has invited CPSA-DC219, to participate in the 2012 National Public Garden Day at the botanic garden. Mayor Berry has been asked to sign a proclamation for May 11 recognizing the importance of public gardens. Better Homes and Gardens is including the garden on its website as a location that offers free admission for the day, if the pass from BH&G’s website is downloaded. We would need volunteers to submit artwork to be displayed, man our table and hand out our brochures, as well as a member or two willing to draw publicly around the park (which really wouldn't be much different than our meeting back in January).

Please contact President Jeff if you're interested in participating in this event.

• Don't Forget! Our next meeting will be ON LOCATION at the Masterworks Show, on April 28th. We will be drawing from Life, choose between a model or still life presentation, or both!

Meeting Recap 3/24/12: PORTRAITS with FRED MILLER

One more CPSA DC219 meeting day has passed - and wow, did we pack it full of news, events, and information! Oh, and a little bit of art too. It was a packed-house at The Artist Studio at Hoffman Town Center this past weekend, where CPSA members got an exclusive portrait presentation from renowned local artist, Fred Miller. Bonus: we got to see a couple of our members' work spaces at the Studio!

We began with our usual brief meeting :

Updates from President Jeff:
• We received a very official Thank You note from CPSA National, for our donation to the 8th Annual Explore This! awards funds. (a copy of this letter will be posted in a separate blog post shortly)
• We are reminded that our permanent meeting location is moving to the Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church starting in May. (location details will be also posted in a separate blog post shortly)
• Will we have a Mailing List of member contact info made available to all local members? Please voice your opinion, either in the comments section of this post, or email President Jeff and give him a piece of your mind!
• For anyone that wasn't able to join us at the meeting, or for anyone that just didn't get enough, The Artist Studio is having an Open House on April 1st, 1-5pm.
• MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS:Our chapter's own, Mike Austin, received a Second Place award form the VA National Medical Center of Albuquerque's Art Show, for one of his lovely colored pencil pieces. Congratulations Mike!

After all the business stuff was out of the way, we took a short break to chat and explore a few of the artist spaces, including our own members' spaces - Ann Jeffries and Barbara Nahler:


Then it was time for Fred Miller to share just a snippet of his vast experience and knowledge of portraiture. Here are a few image collages of the presentation:


I invite to you share any important points or tips, that stood out to you from the presentation in our comments section below!

Meeting Recap 2/25/12: ZENTANGLES

Another meeting day has come and gone - and oh, what fun we had! It was a full-house at the Bear Canyon Senior Center this past weekend, where CPSA members got together again to share their joy of colored pencils and experiment with a new process, Zentangles!

We began with a brief meeting :

• President Jeff handed out a list of program ideas for upcoming 2012 meetings … AGAIN (he wants your feedback, so keep it coming - email President Jeff).
• There's still time to get your National CPSA entries in - submission deadline is March 31st, 2012.
• Reminder to anyone who hasn't paid their membership dies: YOU'RE PAST DUE! ;)
*Also - we are in the process of updating all email contacts, if you know of a member that's not getting our emails & blog updates - please let us know or have that member send their active email address to Treasurer Les.
• We continued discussing the fact the Bear Canyon Senior Center will have some renovation coming up, and what locations we'll changing to for several upcoming meetings:

*March: The Artist Studio at Hoffman Town Shopping Center
*April: Hispanic Arts Building, NM Farigrounds -- Masterworks exhibit space
*More details to be announced - check back here often for updates.

• The Orchid Society is sponsoring a flower art show at the ABQ Bio-Park this May (no entry fee!). For details contact President Jeff or Secretary Melinda.
• Member, Lin McKay, reminded everyone that the Masterworks Miniature entry deadline is coming up and there's still time to enter! (March 17th, 2012)
• Several members shared completed miniatures and other works in process as part of our "Show&Tell" portion of the meeting.
• MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS:
•Shirley Levy had one of her pieces accepted into the CPSA National Show, Explore This!
•Rex Barron also had one of his pieces accepted in the CPSA National Explore This! show and earned himself CPX Signature Status for his third time being accepted. Additionally, Rex had two pieces accepted into the Masterworks Standard Fine Arts Show, in the Oil&Acrylic category.
•Audrey Minard had two of her pastel pieces accepted into the Masterworks Standard Fine Arts Show - her first time entering her large works!
Congratulations to all!

After a short break, Ann Jeffries gave a lovely presentation on Zentangles and shared several examples. Although Zentangles are traditionally done in black&white or pen&ink, Ann showed us how much fun could be had using colored pencil as a variation to this technique! Then we all got down to the business of fun & experimentation:

MEETING 1/28/12: Sketchcrawl Recap

Just wanted to share with all of you that were there, or that may have missed out, some pics from our wonderful on-location meeting this past Saturday at the Rio Grande BIO Park.

Beginning with a brief meeting outside the Mediterranean Conservatory:

• President Jeff handed out a list of program ideas for upcoming 2012 meetings (he wants your feedback, so keep it coming - email Jeff).
• We also talked about the fact the Bear Canyon Senior Center will have some renovation coming up, so we need to be on the lookout for a new regular location for meetings (BCSC Renovation schedule needs to be confirmed).
• Rex mentioned a local art sales opportunity.
• New member Jean Thurow celebrated her first meeting with us by sharing a portfolio of her recent work.

Then members where set loose in the park for a group sketchcrawl:


After about an hour, members gather back together to look at each others work:


We are such a talented group:


And good looking too:

A Holiday Message from Our President

I look around astounded by the talented artists in our local chapter CPSA-219! Although we will not meet again until January 2012, I look forward to our next show & tell to see your wonderful works of colored pencil art.

We ended this year on a high note with the show at the Old School House Gallery. I hope we do more venues like this in the future to promote colored pencil and show the public our exceptional art. The programs at the monthly meetings are informative with hands-on learning, but the real gift is the open sharing of techniques by members. You are the reason for this organization and “Thank You” for your time & participation at the monthly meetings.

Happy Holidays & see you in January 2012!

Jeff Stephenson, President DC 219

REMINDERS:

*Please note that our November meeting has been CANCELED due to location complications and the fact that so many of our members will be out of town for the holiday.

*Members who have artwork at the Old School House Gallery: art work at the School House Gallery must be picked up November 27th , 30th or December 1st between 12pm and 6pm.

Old School House Gallery Opening TONIGHT!

Two Receptions In One Trip!

You are invited to the opening receptions for The New Mexico Colored Pencil Society's and a 2-person show featuring new work by V. Adair Peterson and Lois Bradley tomorrow, Friday November 4th from 5-8 pm.

The Colored Pencil Society's show is in the back alcove gallery and features stunningly beautiful work by some of New Mexico's finest colored pencil artists. Come take a look at these unusual, interesting and colorful works of art! The show will hang through the end of November.

The main gallery features an eclectic blend of acrylic, egg tempera, fused glass, watercolor and oil pastel by well-recognized artist V. Adair Peterson and recent Local Treasure honoree Lois Bradley. Adair's egg tempera paintings are known for the luminous, glowing colors which capture the rock formations, landscape and environment of the Southwest. Lois's most recent series, Quilted Landscapes, explores the connection between family and landscape in deeply saturated oil pastel and mixed media.

Come enjoy a glass of cider or wine and mingle with this diverse group of artists! See you then!

Sharon Marks and Lois Bradley
The Old Schoolhouse Gallery
12504 North Highway 14 (1/4 mile north of Frost Road), San Antonito, NM
505.281.1250
www.theoldschoolhousegallery.com

CPSA DC 219 - Gallery Show!

The announcement from Sharon over at the Old Shool House Gallery went out this weekend - so here's a sneak peek and reminder in case you are not on the gallery email-list:
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November is right around the corner and The Old Schoolhouse Gallery has an exciting opening planned for Friday the 4th from 5 to 8pm.  We are proud to host the annual Colored Pencil Society show which will feature new work from some of the most talented local artists.  Come see what they can do with the lowly pencil and paper--you'll be amazed! 
 
The gallery is also pleased to be showcasing the work of two of our own artists: 
 
V. Adair Peterson will be showing us what she's recently accomplished in three very different media: fused glass, egg tempera and acrylics.  The spectrum of Adair's work is truly amazing and must be seen "in person" to be fully appreciated!
 
And last but not least, we will be featuring new work by Lois Bradley.  As many of you may know, in addition to her work as a fine artist and illustrator, Lois is responsible for most of the gallery's marketing efforts, including our website.  Lois was recently celebrated as be "A Local Treasure" by the city of Albuquerque. 
 
So please come join us for a glass of wine or cider by the fireplace while you peruse the latest work by our local talent!  Hope to see you here!
Sharon
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And don't forget: For anyone that cannot make it up to the gallery for drop-off in person on WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2 Please meet Jeff and Les THIS MORNING at the Einstein Bagel at Tramway and Central - 10am.

Our New Chapter Brochures

Just wanted to let all our members know that our new chapter brochures have been printed and will be available at our next meeting (Oct 22nd, 2011 -- see sidebar for details).

I would like to thank all our contributing artist members for submitting their work to be featured and help promote our group! Thanks to Audrey Minard, Betty Lehnus, Mike Austin, Rex Barron and Shirley Levy!

We encourage you all to take a few brochures to have on hand to pass out to friends, family and/or acquaintances.


*REMINDER: Please be prepared to renew your dues at tour upcoming October meeting as well!

A Message from Midge

Our CPSA meeting on Sept 24th was missing many members and we missed you!

Please save the date of Oct. 22nd for our next meeting, 12-3pm - our regular time. The program will be Artist Trading Cards (ATC). I know we had an ATC program previously scheduled before this meeting, but this one will be different.

Please bring your pencils, some blank cards and mixed media. Items will be presented for you to work with but please bring your ideas! Samples will be available also. Let's get ATC going in our area.

Please Note: Save Nov. 19th for a meeting (due to the holiday, BCSC will be closed on our usually scheduled Saturday). Remember we do not have a meeting in December.

See you on Oct. 22nd!

Truly
-Midge-

Changes for our Chapter: A note from our New President (Elect)

Dear CPSA - 219 Members,

For those of you who do not already know our President Betty Lehnus, was in the hospital with a serious heart condition. She is out of the hospital at this writing and recovering. Betty has great leadership skills and did more than her part for our local chapter. I wish her a fast recovery and look forward to her return. Melinda made a get well card for Betty and it will be available at the October meeting for all present to sign and add well-wishes to.

Unfortunately, the board has not been in touch with Betty for some time. This showed at the last meeting of our chapter in disorganization and a general lack of information and leadership. In short the board of CPSA was under crisis and it showed. Melinda Beavers, Les Lamkin, and I do regret not being prepared and apologize for lack of dynamic & informative meeting you are use to attending.

I volunteered to take over the position of President, with the support of our existing board and particularly you, our members. We will have the usual e-mail, and a new version of the "Ben O Gram" letter to keep you informed. We look forward to seeing everyone at the October 22nd meeting.

Sincerely,
Jeff Stephenson
President Elect
CPSA-219

Submissions Needed!

A new chapter brochure is in-progress! But we need membership artwork submissions to help make our new brochure more beautiful and diverse. Please bring a submission to the next meeting and/or contact Chapter Secretary, Melinda Beavers, about sending a digital submission. EMail questions to melinda (at) melindabeavers (dot) com.