Mixing Colors by Ed Kane

 

  

Those of us that work in color are familiar with the Primary, secondary & tertiary colors all starting with the basics of red, yellow & blue. How many of us paint only using the primary colors? How many have considered it, but felt that it would lack something?

 



All work is the property of the Artist Ed Kane

Well I've been using only yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, and Prussian blue over the years as part of a field sketch kit when I was re-enacting on weekends and had some down time from the battle scenarios, and duties in camp. For the past year I've been painting with these three colors on a daily basis doing demonstrations as a colonial artist.

 



I've come to appreciate the way in which the value of the color is affected by the amount of water used to dilute it and how one wash affects another. Also the amount of a certain color mixed with another will either be too light or too dark. Adjusting the mixture as I paint can be very interesting. Studying period manuscripts (via the internet) have been very helpful and informative.

 

It can be frightening, but after awhile, one learns from one's own mistakes and you begin to get comfortable. However, I'm demonstrating for five hours and generate several small works of which some are framed and others will go to my recycle pile or be used as a seedling for a larger piece and a full palette.  Not every piece is a success, I'll be the first to admit that. But creating the piece is not the goal of the exercise, learning what I can and can not do with the limited palette is the true goal. Experiencing the changes that take place with water and paint is wonderful. Also consider painting with water first then add a drop of the color you intend to use in a area. Watch how the color swirls and tries to escape the boundary you set with the water you previously brushed onto the paper.

 

As artists one of our jobs is to learn, we learn by doing and experimenting. So take the plunge and just use the three primary colors and mix as you paint. While you are doing it have some fun.

Lat Nights Meeting: The Human Figure

Last night was the monthly meeting of the North Penn Arts Alliance and what a great time.

The subject was the human figure and we are grateful that one of our members works with models for his illustrations. A model dressed in Egyptian attire posed for 15 minute segments and allowed us to do croquis or quick sketches. This was done for an hour and a half while Dan Fione facilitated the session and monitored our progress. As he walked the room he provided helpful tips and spoke about the need to sketch and draw each day.

He mentioned that each drawing is a building block to the next "finished" piece. As an illustrator he draws the figure to continue to learn and at the same time work out the way a figure would be when foreshortened. That is how a figure would be seen in perspective.  

In addition several books were mentioned to help artists to understand and learn anatomy to make your drawings or paintings more lifelike. Some of these books can be found in local libraries. Here are some of the titles:

"A Handbook of Anatomy for Art Students"  by Arthur Thomson, this book has been around since 1896 and is still used today. The copy that was shown last night was a reprint of the 5th edition published in 1929. Several copies can be found at Amazon also search in Google Books for a pdf.

Another one is "Anatomy for Artists" by Reginald Marsh, this is primarily prints and diagrams showing the human figure in many different positions but is helpful when you don't have a model.

Also "The Figure - The Classic Approach to Drawing & Construction" by Walt Reed, this book add additional information on the construction of the head and the hand. Showing each in different positions.

Measuring and proportions were mentioned several times throughout the evening. But most of all everyone learned and at the same time had fun doing it. Even those that did not bring art supplies, there were pencils and paper provided.  The main theme mentioned was that you need to observe and sketch or draw every day but have fun doing it.

Hope to see you at a meeting in the future.

For more about the North Penn Arts Alliance please visit us at www.northpennarts.org

 

Encouraging Artists and Arts Enthusiasts to Learn, Grow, Network, and Create in a Supportive Environment.

 

To see more of Dan Fione's work please visit:  www.danfione.com
 

 

This Holiday Support the Arts

This Holiday Support the Arts

The Holidays have arrived and everyone wants something. Did you ever consider

a piece of art or supporting a local Arts organization? Local Arts organizations such as the North Pen

"Carousel Horse" by NPAA Member Ed Kane

n Arts Alliance network with artists from all disciplines and provide outlets for them to display their gifts of artwork. Purchasing a piece of art through the North Penn Arts Alliance supports both the Artist and the Alliance. By doing so you have a piece of art that you enjoy and will enjoy for a long time to come. You support the artist with your purchase as the price includes the artist's time, talent, and energy to create the piece you enjoy so much. Finally a small portion supports the North Penn Arts Alliance to continue encouraging Artists and Arts Enthusiasts to Learn, Grow, Network and Create in a supportive environment.  At the same time you are supporting a local non-profit organization and a local business.

If you do not find a piece that you really enjoy, contact the North Penn Arts Alliance at 215-393-9110 and ask if the artist is a member and ask to make contact. Or, you can just make a donation to the North Penn Arts Alliance so that they can further the art education programs that they provide in cooperation with the North Penn School District and the Lansdale Borough Parks and Recreation Department. If you would rather learn to create art or know someone that is looking for lessons, our spring semester of classes will be starting in February sign up for a class or register a loved one. A list of classes are found on our website at http://www.northpennarts.org/images/CEPSpring2015.pdf and online registration with the North Penn School district will be starting sometime soon at http://www.northpenncep.org

"Holiday Lights" by NPAA Member Ed Kane

The Arts have and will always be in need of supporters, not just the artists, but those that enjoy the arts and want to learn how to create something beautiful. Supporting

the Arts within a community have shown that artists tend to stay within a community that supports them. Exhibitions and Arts events draw people to it. Visual arts are not the only Art form that requires support. Performing Arts either Dance, Music or Theatre require support.

Without support the play doesn't go on, the dance ceases, the music doesn't play, and that painting, drawing or sculpture isn't created. So this Holiday Season, please consider supporting the Arts some way some how.

All of us at the North Penn Arts Alliance wish you all the Happiness of the Holiday season and hopes for a Very Artful New Year.

Summer allows for many opportunities to be artistic.

So what are you doing this summer? Well many of us will be doing our day jobs, then there are chores and such when we get home. That is true but there is always time to create art.
 When you are at work, during your lunch break, take a sketch book and use it to make doodles or rough sketches of ideas floating in your head. Then when you are at home, review the sketches and plan for a bigger piece. Or visit a museum if there is one near you. On the weekends get out in the early morning or late afternoon and look at the sky and your surroundings. Look at the marvelous sky and the way the rising sun
lights the sky in all of its splendor. If you don't have time to sketch or you say you can't draw, take a photograph. With digital cameras today, you can shoot as many pictures as you like and then print only the ones that really appeal to you.

Then there are the many art festivals that take place throughout the region. Just because we don't have a meeting in July or August, doesn't mean you have to do without art. Make it, or visit a museum, see a show or a concert.

This blogger will be doing something that combines the passion of history and art. I will be demonstrating on Independence Mall, in Philadelphia, on July 3rd. I will be using the three primary colors and creating small landscapes and such, using some of the tools that were used by 18th Century Limners.  I will be posting some of these in the future.

Whatever you will be doing this summer, remember.....

What does it take to put on a Local Art Show?

Besides the Artists and their Artwork. It takes a small army of dedicated volunteers. It takes gathering sponsorship's for prizes, printing, advertising and promoting the show. As always we are very thankful for our volunteers and welcome new ones to the fold. We are always thankful for our Sponsors, especially "Elm Terrace Gardens" for allowing us to use their auditorium and Garden room to display all of the artwork received.
We thank the following long time sponsors;
 "The Law Firm of Hamburg, Rubin, Mullen, Maxwell & Lupin,PC", "Harleysville Savings Bank", "Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Inc.", "Romeo's Fine Arts", "Sports Clips of Collegeville", and "North Penn Art & Custom Framing" for all of their support throughout the years.
This year we welcome "Discover Lansdale" as sponsors for our "Best of Show" Award.
and "Rosiak Images, LLC" as one of our first prize sponsors.  As we continue to promote and work on this our 20th Annual Spring Member's Exhibition we will list additional business sponsors on the blog and facebook. We always are seeking and welcoming new businesses to help sponsor the arts by sponsoring one of several prizes in this annual show.

Why do we do the show? We do the show as part of our mission to encourage artists and arts enthusiasts to create, earn, network, and grow in a supportive environment. The show allows the members of the North Penn Arts Alliance to display their talents in visual art as paintings or drawings, three dimensional art or sculptures, and photography either traditional or digitally enhanced, and finally in mixed media. We also feature our student/junior members so that you can see the future of art as it grows in the community.

Art and art shows are very important to a community. An art show draws in new residents or new business owners to see what is out there in the community and by supporting the arts in a community it has been discovered that artists will stay within the community. Thereby supporting a local show you are also supporting the local artists. Local artists participate in the show with the intent to sell their work at the show. A purchase of a piece of work for your home or office will support both the artist and the North Penn Arts Alliance.

Finally we do the show so that the North Penn Community can come and see what fabulous artists live in the North Penn Community. Please join us from April 24 to 26 to view the Art of the North Penn Arts Alliance. Join us on Friday evening as we hold the Artists Reception, come and meet the artists in the community, that evening we will award the prize winning Artists and junior Artists for their efforts. While there purchase a raffle ticket for one of the many prizes submitted by the local artists and businesses. Then join us again on Saturday evening as we pull the raffle tickets. There will be refreshments and musical entertainment on both nights.

For more information on the North Penn Arts Alliance please visit us at www.northpennarts.org

To be a sponsor for our show please contact us at 215-393-9110 or
e-mail us at info@northpennarts.org

We're Having a Show!

Last Year's "Best Of Show"
Louise Peardon's photograph titled: "Baby with Red Bowl"

As Spring comes around so does the Annual Spring Members Exhibition of the North Penn Arts Alliance. This year it will be our 20th annual show and once again it will be held at the Elm Terrace Gardens. All proceeds from the show go towards the mission of encouraging artists and arts enthusiast with opportunities to create, learn, network and grow in a supportive environment.

2013 Artists Reception

This annual show features the talents of our adult & junior members by displaying pieces of art ranging from; paintings in oil, acrylic, or watercolor, drawings in charcoal, pencil, pastel, or ink, mixed media, photography, and three dimensional. We invite you to come and see the roses as you view the many works on display. Most of the works will be for sale, along with raffle tickets for prizes supplied by many of the local businesses and several of our artists too.

For three days the auditorium of the Elm Terrace Gardens and the Garden room are turned into an Art Gallery. The doors are open each day at 10:00 am and will close at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday & Friday evenings. Come and see the art and if you wish, join us on Friday evening at 6:30 for the Artists Reception, meet the artists and enjoy some refreshment & entertainment. That evening the Artists will be awarded their prizes at 7:30. While there, purchase your raffle tickets and join us again on Saturday evening as we draw the tickets starting at 7:00 p.m. and conclude the show at 7:30. We will even have a scavenger hunt.The hunt will involve looking for the items within the pieces of art.

Junior Artists and class work. 

For more information on the North Penn Arts Alliance, please visit us at www.northpennarts.org or call us at 215-393-9110.

For those interested in becoming a member and participating in the show please visit http://www.northpennarts.org/images/20thSpring-Prospectus.pdf for the prospectus and information concerning entry into the show.

So You Want to Paint Water Colors: Meet the Instructor - Barbara Moss Buscher

If you want to learn about Watercolor Painting we offer an adult class on Monday evening and a kids class on Saturdays. Watercolors are not always the tin pans that we grew up with when we were kids in school. In Barbara's classes you will learn the basics and if anyone attended her classes in the past you will learn more about technique and creating textures. In these classes you will get to express yourself through your work and learning. In addition you will all have a lot of fun.

Barbara was born and raised in Philadelphia. Upon graduating from Hussian School of Art in 1973 she worked in advertising, graphic arts and illustration, but always continued to paint. During this time she also taught art at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in the play therapy department.

In 1984 she relocated to North Wales with her husband and daughter. Looking for art related outlets she became involved with the Art Goes to School program, which brings art appreciation to school age children.

In 1987, Barbara became a member of the newly forming North Penn Arts Alliance, taking an active part in its activities. In 1991 she was elected Vice President of both the membership and the Board of Directors, and in 1992 became President of Membership a position she held until 2004, when she gave it up to become President of the Board until 2006. Barbara still holds a seat on the Board of Directors. In 1995 she became Chairperson of the Show Committee and created an Annual Members’ Exhibit held every spring as well as an Anniversary Exhibit held each fall. She has taught a variety of classes for the NPAA and eventually became the class coordinator. Besides teaching for the NPAA, Barbara has also taught at the Greater Norristown Art League and Hedwig House in Lansdale, and has always taught both adults and children privately.

Barbara has been winning awards for her work since childhood and has also been invited to judge many exhibits for both adults and children.

While most of her works are on paper or canvas, Barbara also paints murals and dabbles in 3-dimensional works of art.

Education:

Philadelphia High School for Girls, Philadelphia, PA - Art Major

Adult Classes/ Saturday Children's’ Classes Fleisher Art Memorial, Philadelphia, PA

Hussian School of Art, Philadelphia, PA - Graduated 1973

Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA - Printmaking

Artist Statement:

By using color, texture, and line, I create a space for the viewer to enter and travel through. I invite my viewers to share in my emotions and experiences, while encouraging them to bring their own feelings to my work.

Having spent a great deal of time in the Pocono Mountains, I often use nature as a theme for my work adapting it to suit my mood.

While Painting has always been my passion I have found a new found love of printmaking and mixed media and combine several disciplines, media and techniques into one piece.

I find that teaching and working with other people, both adults and children, to help them to enjoy and appreciate art also enriches me as an artist.

Watercolor Classes

These classes are geared to both the novice and more advanced artist.

By using a limited pallet comprised of primary colors, students will learn how to mix colors, create tonal values and work in various color harmonies. Composition will be discussed and a variety of subject matter will be used. Classroom projects will be a series of exercises to help student to learn about the medium.  Depending on experience of each student, a completed piece may or may not be achieved by end of session.

More advanced or returning students will have more advanced lessons including how to create textures in your painting.

Bring pencil and paper to each class.

For more information about the watercolor classes or any of the classes we have to offer please visit

http://www.northpennarts.org/images/spring2014.pdf

To register for any of our classes please visit http://www.northpenncep.org

Meet the Instructor - Caroline Niesley

Caroline Niesley was born in Washington, DC and has been drawing since her mother first put a pencil in her hand.  Caroline received her BFA from Moore College of Art in 1980.  She learned traditional methods and is versatile using any dry or wet medium.  Philadelphia Magazine printed an editorial cartoon by Caroline while she was working there on a credited internship.  Her humorous homage to Hogarth was accepted in the prestigious Society of Illustrators Student Show back in 1980.  Caroline had a life long love of cartoons both printed and animated.  So she was delighted when asked if she could offer a cartooning class. 

She continues to study commercial and fine art, attending the Illustration Master Class at Amherst and figure drawing with Juliette Aristides in summer of 2013.  She attends demos and sits in when permitted to learn from highly skilled instructors.  Her favorite medium is the humble pencil but she has worked in just about every medium.  In her student years she often used pen and ink and watercolor wash.  She experimented with prisma color pencils as studies for oil paintings.  She enjoys painting with alkyd oils.  She has exhibited at Society of Illustrators, Moore College of Art, Villanova University, and Montgomery Co. Community College.  Caroline worked as a freelance illustrator.  Philadelphia Magazine, PA Stage Company and TV Guide published her work.  She had the privilege of creating works of sacred art.  On October 28, 2007  “NTRA. SRA. DEL SAGRADO CORAZON” her oil painting on banner was carried in procession by parishioners of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown, Pa at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in the Archdiocesan Hispanic Heritage Mass.   Her oil painting of The Risen Christ hangs in St. Stanislaus Chapel in Lansdale, Pa.  She also painted a 5’x10’ scenic backdrop for their crèche in 2013.  She enjoys writing, has published non-fiction and is working on an experimental graphic novel. 

Caroline, is a member of the North Penn Art Alliance, lives in Lansdale and works as an instructor for North Penn School District’s Community Education Program teaching Cartooning and Portrait Drawing. 

Last year at the January NPAA Meeting, Caroline shared the spotlight with Dan Fione and Ed Kane for “You Ink With A Pen, I Ink With A Brush” demonstrating traditional comic art inking with a sable brush.  June 2013 Caroline did a portrait demo for members and guests at NPAA with Ed Kane in costume. 

Caroline has had the privilege of teaching for North Penn Art Alliance for North Penn Community Education since fall of 2011.  She taught Pencil Portraits and Cartooning summer sessions.  Her new Mini Comics class will be offered summer of 2014.  Caroline took the Illustration Master Class at Amherst College in June of 2013, to update, network and learn from successful cartoonists, illustrators, editorial, fantasy artists and movie concept artists.  “Illustrations, cartoons and fine art have merged in our times of global Internet and many people are going the way of the tablet while others still use traditional methods.  I was glad to see talks and demos by a film concept designer who works on the Stars Wars films who still uses traditional methods,” Caroline said.

In Beginning Cartooning for Kids, younger artists learn about drawing with basic shapes. This class is more about the fun of making faces and funny stories.  In Cartooning for Kids, Caroline demonstrates how cartoonists use traditional drawing skills to create fantasy characters who make us laugh at their antics and adventures.  Cartooning is a life long learning journey, which starts with a desire to draw stories.  Caroline hopes these classes will give students the confidence to pursue art on their own.  As one child wrote her, “I have learned much since I’ve started your class.  It has inspired me so much that I will never stop cartooning ever!”  Caroline keeps this letter over her desk at home.  Her students inspire her.

Caroline brings a lot of energy, excitement and fun to her classes. for more information in the various classes/workshops that Caroline will be teaching please go to www.northpennarts.org/images/Spring2014.pdf

To register for the classes, please go to http://www.northpenncep.org

Meet the Instructor - Mairin Egge

Did you ever want to make a floor mat or runner? Well you will get the chance with two new workshops taught by one of our newest members, Mairin Egge.  Mairin will instruct you about design, use of vocabulary and materials/tools to create Canvas rugs. Canvas rugs are practical, durable and customizable alternative to rugs. You can decorate your home in a more personal way with the ability to create for any style or any season.  We will be offering two work shops. One is to create a runner or small mat. The second is creating an area rug.

She will also teach two 4 week mosaic workshops  Mosaics are about using smaller pieces of materials such as tiles or stones, to create a larger image. Students will create their own mosaic, whether it is a functional or decorative piece and will be involved with the entire process which covers design, vocabulary and materials/tools. You will have the opportunity to be assisted individually with developing your project throughout the four week session.

Mairin will also be instructing one of our Media Mash up or Multi-Media classes for grades 4 - 7. Here Students will learn various art techniques to express creativity through the use of a variety of art mediums, which may include: paints, clay, printmaking and more. Seasonal projects may be included. Classes are geared to all levels.

Mairin states; I have gained much knowledge and confidence in teaching art (BS in Art Education from Miami University).  Working with a wide range of ages and abilities, from age two through adult, has broadened my perspective.  Also I have worked with an array of individuals including special needs, as well as gifted and talented individuals.  A majority of my experiences with children, kindergarten through twelfth grade, were at both upper-middle and lower class public institutions.  Having observed in a variety of public school locations and working in their communities has given me the opportunity to experience several diverse school settings and cultures.

I feel passionate about art.  Special individuals shaped my love for art and I in turn would like to impart that same love of art to others.

A large part of my identity, ever since my first art class, involves my love for art.  As it continues to grow, I take much pride in creating art and could not imagine doing anything else.  I want to teach art because I want to build that type of atmosphere and take pride in it.  Being able to provide students with opportunities and experiences they may never encounter again is very rewarding.
Art in the curriculum is an essential part of the learning and developmental process.  I aspire as an art teacher to provide an appreciation for, and the process of, art for any student who walks in my path.  I do not just want to impact those inside a school, but also in the broader community.

Mairin brings a lot of energy and excitement to her classes for more information in the various classes/workshops that Mairin will be teaching please go to www.northpennarts.org/images/Spring2014.pdf

To register for the classes, please go to http://www.northpenncep.org

Meet the Instructor - Dan Fione

As we start the registration for our classes at the North Penn School Districts Continuing Education Program, we thought you might like to Meet The Instructor. Today we focus on our Drawing Class Instructor, Mr. Dan Fione. Dan has been a freelance Illustrator for over 35 years. after High School he attended York Academy of Arts and his major was Illustration. After active duty with the U.S. Army. his first job was with Philco Ford as their staff illustrator while he attended classes at the Philadelphia College of Art, once again majoring in Illustration. Since then Dan has held a staff illustration at Research for Better Schools, Lit Brothers Department Store, and IAI Advertising. Leaving the last staff illustrator position he began his own freelance illustration career, starting out by creating pen and ink illustrations for advertising and publishing clients.

During his career as a freelance illustrator he has created many color illustrations using a variety of medium; pen and ink with color washes, pastel, airbrush and gouache, and acrylic paint. These mediums were used in a variety of techniques covering a myriad of subject matters and clients. Such a paleo art (dinosaur art) for National Geographic Books, poster art for the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., Limited edition art for the Hello Columbus Foundation; a 25 foot mural for the Gold Star Mothers of Philadelphia and military historical projects for the National Parks Services in New York and Georgia. Dan has created other color work as cover art and text illustration for publishers, industry and pharmaceutical companies. His drawings and paintings have been published through out the United States, Japan, Australia, India and Europe.

Dan has been teaching drawing classes since he was an assistant instructor at York Academy. Since then he has been teaching drawing and illustration courses at Hussian School of Art,  the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Antonelli Institute and Continuing Education classes at Souderton and North Penn school districts.

Dan will be instructing a total of three different classes. One is held for students 18 and up on Monday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The other two are on Saturdays starting with grades 2-4 where you will learn the basics of drawing including line, form, contrast, and perspective. Media will include pencil, charcoal, pastel and more. Recommended at least one prior class in multi-media art. The second class is for grades 5 - 12 where you will review basic drawing concepts, then learn to develop and refine these skills using pencil, charcoal, pastel and more. Recommended at least one prior class in multi-media art.

For more information on the Drawing Classes or other art classes offered by the North Penn Arts Alliance, please visit us at www.northpennarts.org/images/spring2014.pdf

To register for the classes please visit www.northpenncep.org

We will be introducing our other instructors throughout the month of February.

Art & Power

Most of us suffered for some time with the recent power outages of the Ice Storm that hit our area. After I made sure the generator was running and the sump pump was doing what it should, I took a moment and thought about those of us that depend upon electricity to create our art. Besides the lights and heat, some of us use computers (not only for blogging) to enhance digital images that we have stored. Others use the computers to create their art. What do they do then?  Laptops and devices that work on battery power are fine until the cell runs down. That got me to wondering, how do they create their art? Those that are use to drawing with pencil, pen or painting with the brush or pastel would simply resort to these methods to rough out ideas or finish some work. Those using the camera would shoot their visions and print them once the power comes back on, unless you are still shooting film.  Whatever your medium is, whether it be modern or old school, deal with the emergency first then take the time to create. After all your art (although it may not run a generator and such) is very powerful!

By the way being one who is old school  I usually reach for the candle lanterns in an emergency, but recent events have led me to get the tools needed to keep the studio safe from harm and water damages. For those still waiting for the lights to come back on, be safe and stay warm. 

The Colors of Snow

Wow!Another storm dumping 6 to 8 inches in the North Penn Area. What is really neat about this is that you can actually see the colors in the snow. As I was outside clearing the path for the second time I observed as I was piling the shovel full onto the lawn, shades of blue were seen as it landed on the untouched frozen precipitation that was accumulating naturally. I was fascinated with the variety between light and darker shades depending upon the shadows. The colors are created due to the temperature and the atmospheric surroundings, but all the same it was amazing to see color other than white. For those of you who are photographers take your cameras and see what the lens will reveal. I'm certain you will be astonished with your results.
 I visited freebigpictures.com and went to the winter category, here are some of the selections.

So let it snow and enjoy the beauty before it all melts away.

What happens at a monthly meeting of the North Penn Arts Alliance?

Usually anything can happen. Last month we had a presentation by Robert Walters and Tess Kissinger on Dinosaurs and Dinosaur Art. While we were trying to get the projector to speak to the laptop and vice versa. Robert did a Dino portrait of a T-Rex on the white board. They explained as to how they use research and science as they work with scientists, museum curators and directors to bring to life creatures and plant life that no longer exists.

This month, we will have a presentation by North Penn Art & Repro as they inform us of the process that will take an original piece of art and generate multiple copies or giclees. The giclee is a reproduction of your original piece of art that is printed on various surfaces for you to sell  online or at shows.

In March we are looking forward to having a dancer to discuss Art and the Dance. Hopefully the dance will also perform so that we can sketch as a group.

April, brings about our annual show and we will discuss what you need to do to prepare your work for the show.

Each monthly meeting has a presentation followed by a break for refreshments and concludes with a few minutes to discuss what is happening and how you can get into having fun with art. We also announce opportunities for artists to exhibit their works for the public.

During the break you can network with other artists or those that enjoy the arts. You will be surprised as to multiple levels of talented people that are members of the North Penn Arts Alliance.

The North Penn Arts Alliance meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 521 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA. The meetings get underway at 7:00p.m.

For more information visit us at www.northpennarts.org

Winter in Art

WINTER, blah! It's cold, dark, damp, dreary, dismal, snowy, cloudy, everything is covered in white. Yet winter scenes have been a mainstay in landscape paintings for centuries.

"Way Home"  by Ed Kane 2" x 3" 

Winter is a time of rest and restoration. A blanket of clean white is laid upon the country side. A peaceful tranquility is transmitted in the dawn of the day and again at dusk. The atmosphere has an effect on the lighting, and the reflection of light upon this crisp blanket.

"Autumn Hanging On"  by Ed Kane  9" x 12" watercolor

 I'm not a scientist so I'm not going to explain the scientific reasons as to what the causes and effects are. But if you go out at different times of the day after a snowfall (besides to shovel it) take a moment and look at the light changes, look into the shadows and see the cool shades. See how the sun reflects off the snow. Observe the color changes in the sky. Now look at several pieces of winter scenes that have been done by artists in the past. Here is a link to 10 pieces of winter scenes, http://voices.yahoo.com/10-artworks-winter-study-7572890.html

As you look and study these, consider what you can do in the warmth of your home studio. Yet if you want to venture out, dress in layers, take precautions, keep your feet warm & dry or paint in your car. I found too many articles pertaining to this subject for me to list here, just search for "plein air painting in winter" and your screen will be filled with tips from other artists. The most important thing is that you are safe, warm and having fun.

Keep warm and keep painting

Ed Kane

New Year, New Start

By Ed Kane of the North Penn Arts Alliance

 

Well the New Year has come and gone and so has many of our resolutions. Besides the usual, how many of you said, "I'm going to be more creative?" How many of you got stumped because you didn't know where to begin?  Well most of us fall into that pit, even those that have been creating for years.

How to get more creative or inspired to create?

1) READ

     Read the papers, read a book, read blogs. Stay on top of the current trends or what is happening in your community.

2) SEEK

     Seek what other artists have done or are doing. Visit a museum or a gallery.

3) LEARN

     As a creative person I learn something everyday. How to foreshorten an arm or a figure. How to make canvas or material appear three dimensional in a drawing or painting. When researching an old building, I learn how it was made along with the history of the structure and the surrounding territory.

4) SCRIBBLE

     That's right, scribble or doodle keep a notebook or journal. Scribble down ideas or doodle a few rough sketches.

5) PRACTICE

     Practice drawing, painting, sculpting, singing, dance, you get the picture.

     Practice helps you improve, helps you learn and helps keeping you inspired

6) PARTICIPATE

     Participate in a workshop, class, or join an arts group like the North Penn Arts Alliance.
     By participating, you network with other artists and those that enjoy the arts.
     Participate in an art show. See what others are doing and find out what inspires them.

These are a few steps that you can take. Remember, it doesn't happen overnight but it will happen. When it does you will know it.  

 

For more information on the North Penn Arts Alliance, please visit us at www.northpennarts.org

 

Show Your Art

So you have taken art classes, practice every day, created some great pieces, but you have never exhibited your work. Why not? If you have fun creating your art and then showing it to friends and family, why not show some of it to total strangers? You can, by submitting your work in the 19th Annual Members’ Art Exhibition of the North Penn Arts Alliance. The North Penn Arts Alliance host 2 annual shows a year. The first one is opening to the public on April 25th, but you need to have your work completed, framed and wired so that we can hang it. All work submitted must be ready to hang and it must be delivered to the Elm Terrace Gardens, 660 North Broad St, Lansdale, PA. (Please use the 7th Street entrance to deliver your works.) Artworks can be delivered between 3:00pm & 7:00pm on April 22, 2013.


You must also be or become a member of the North Penn Arts Alliance which has been encouraging artists and those that love the arts with opportunities to create, learn, network and grow in a supportive environment for over 25 years. The members of the North Penn Arts Alliance takes pride in providing an outlet for preserving and promoting artistic growth and culture in our community. We are an organization of artists for artists and it doesn’t matter what style or medium you use. We have members that range from full time artists, art instructors, those that like to dabble and those that like to be among the artists and learn from what is done during a workshop or presentation. Our artists will use anything from oil paint, acrylic, or watercolors to paint or charcoal, pencil, or ink to draw, some will use pastels to draw or paint a wonderful world, while others will photograph the world around them. We even have members that will create three dimensional pieces using wood, stone, metal, even ceramics. So join us on the wonderful journey of art and start showing your work.   For the Spring show the art work is judged for prizes in six different categories. Our Judge for this show is Jennifer Hansen Rolli. Jennifer is a renowned artist from Bucks County. Her work is in many private collections and she is one of four regular artists that exhibit at the Silverman Gallery in Doylestown.
All work with the exception of three dimensional should be framed and wired on the back so that it can be hung. Absolutely no saw-tooth hangers are allowed. If your work is on paper it should be matted, protected by glass, framed, and wired. If you are exhibiting a three dimensional piece you should also provide a display pedestal. Works cannot exceed 36 inches in height or width. For more information about the show or the North Penn Arts Alliance, please visit us at www.northpennarts.org or call us at 212-393-9110.
So, take the leap and show your art.

Great Start to an Artful New Year

On January 2nd, 2013 members of the North Penn Arts Alliance gathered for the first time in 2013. The purpose was the first meeting of the new year and it promised to be a great presentation. Well it was more so, members Dan Fione, Caroline Niesley and Ed Kane made a group presentation pertaining to doing artwork with ink, pen & brush. Ed started by passing out goose quills and talking about the use of the quill and the process used to turn a feather into a pen. Since Ed is also a re-enactor and performer he explained as to why he uses the quill and how it was used not only for drawing but also writing. He discussed the inks that he uses for the quill since it is natural and organic. Ed prefers to use natural inks made from soot ash, crushed black walnut shells, or iron oxide when using the quill. He will use modern ink when drawing with a metal point.


Dan then brought us back to the present and spoke about ink being used in illustration and publishing. Dan also spoke about his use of technical pens and brought along various drawings for a new piece that he is working on. Finally Caroline spoke about using ink with a brush and brought several examples of her work and other artists, cartoonists, and illustrators showing how the brush was used.

When the presentation was done, ink, pens, brushes and pencils were passed out along with blank card stock and blue line illustrations for everyone to try their hand at inking.

Ed took a goose quill and some iron oxide ink and began inking a pencil sketch that he had done of a scene along the Schuykill River.

Everyone that attended were engaged in learning about ink and how it can be used as a tool to create art. Several used toothpicks and straws to create their own piece with ink.

NPAA Member Publishes Book for a Great Cause

North Penn Arts Alliance member, Mike Darr has been involved with the organization for many years He served as the organization's president, was involved in assembling many of the shows and has exhibited throughout the North Penn area. Below is Mike's words about his new book.

"For many years, I had a nagging itch to take a grand road trip, one that involved living out of a motor home and staying wherever I pleased as long as I needed to enjoy and photograph the scenic wonders of this country.

In October 2010, I had the glorious opportunity to scratch that itch. That's when my canine roomie Riley and I left Pennsylvania in a 24-foot 1988 Ford RV with no particular destination in mind. We didn't return until July 2012.

This book includes my favorite photographs from our odyssey. I hope you enjoy viewing them as much as I enjoyed creating them.

All profits made from the sale of this book will go to the Sophie Jane Darr Children's Foundation, which was formed to honor the memory of my granddaughter who passed away from brain cancer on December 23, 2007. The foundation, created by Sophie's other grandparents Jane and Phil Rapone, raises money to help families of children with cancer and other devastating illnesses."

www.sophiejanedarrchildrensfoundation.org

Orders will be taken at the November 7, 2012 NPAA meeting or you can contact Mike Darr via email at rexroaddog@gmail.com.

As Mike says;

"Don't ride the highways to make great time,

Ride the backroads to have a great time..."

The North Penn Arts Alliance meets on the first Wednesday at 521 W. Main Street, Lansdale, PA at 7:00p.m.

We’re Celebrating 25 years with Arts & Festivities

Twenty Five years ago a group of artists and lovers of the arts gathered at North Penn Art Supply in Lansdale and formed the North Penn Arts Alliance. Their mission was and is today, to offer artists and arts enthusiasts’ opportunities to create, learn, network and grow in a supportive environment. This November, the members of the North Penn Arts Alliance will be celebrating their accomplishments in many ways. First we will gather on November 7th at 521 W. Main Street in Lansdale at 7 p.m. for a presentation by Alan Fetterman and we will learn about his art and the Bucks County Impressionist movement. We will continue our classes with the North Penn School district as we help the students grow in their personal art journey. Then on November 16th we will have a “meet the artists” reception at our 25th Anniversary show at North Penn Art and Custom Framing (formerly North Penn Art Supply) located at 720 S. Broad St., Lansdale. The exhibit will run from November 16th to the 24th. There you will be able to view what our artist members create for the show and you will be able to network with the artists. Finally if you wish to join us, you can attend the Anniversary Dinner, being held at the Sumney Restaurant on November 30th. Tickets for the dinner are $25.00 per person and can be reserved through the North Penn Arts Alliance Office.


Over these past 25 years the North Penn Arts Alliance has done many art shows, individual exhibits, participated in community events such as the International Spring Festival and several of our members participated in the Arts in the Park festival this past August. We continue with classes at the North Penn High School and are working with the Lansdale Borough department of Parks & Recreation to provide classes during the spring months. However we could not do this without the help of our sponsors. Our sponsors range from large to small and their contributions help us to provide the supportive environment to keep the arts alive in the North Penn community and for this we are very grateful. Many of our sponsors such as Moyer Indoor/Outdoor sponsoring our “Best of Show” award for our annual Spring Art exhibit at the Elm Terrace Gardens, along with many other area businesses that have provided award monies for the many different awards for that show or prizes for our raffle table. Other sponsors such as Rapunzel’s have provided space for our members to provide a rotating exhibit. We have collaborated with the Morgan Log House to rotate exhibits throughout the summer months. This has helped raise visitation at the Morgan this past summer. We have participated in the Arcadia College “Empty Bowls” project by working with the Mud Shack to create several bowls for that event for the past several years. So help us celebrate 25 years and support us so that we can continue to offer artists and arts enthusiasts’ opportunities to create, learn, network, and grow in a supportive community. The one we call North Penn.

For more information about the North Penn Arts Alliance and our upcoming events, please visit us at www.northpennarts.org or email us with questions at info@northpennarts.org. Finally if you want to speak to someone at the North Penn Arts Alliance you can call us at 215-393-9110 or if you wish to be a sponsor, please send your contribution to the North Penn Arts Alliance P.O. Box 947, Lansdale, PA 19446.


Thank you and we hope to see you at the celebrations.

What is an Arts Alliance?

The North Penn Arts Alliance is a group that offers artists and arts enthusiasts’ opportunities to create, learn, network, and grow in a supportive environment. What does this mean? Is it just for visual artists or is it for all artists? We strive to work with all of the arts, and several of our members are involved in music, dance, and acting, but many of our members are involved in the many disciplines of the visual arts. That does not mean that the other arts are left by the wayside. We have several members that will play music for us at our shows and exhibitions. Last season we had a presentation on Belly Dancing and this season we will involve music and theatre. Yes we will have photographers and watercolorists, illustrators and others that practice drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry making, but it is that blending of the talents and mind sets that make us an alliance. We are a group of people that are interested in working towards encouraging the arts and the education of the arts in the North Penn Community.

How do we do this when we do not have a permanent facility? We do it through the generosity of our supporters such as Univest who allows us to use their community room at 521 W. Main Street in Lansdale to hold our monthly meetings and presentations on the first Wednesday of each month. We do it through sponsors of our annual art shows, such as Moyer Indoor/Outdoor who sponsors the “Best of Show” award for our spring show which is held at the Elm Terrace Gardens. North Penn Art and Custom Framing provide us the use of their store for our Anniversary show (coming up in November). We do it by working with the School District and the Lansdale Parks and Recreation Department to provide art classes and workshops for children and adults. Finally we do it through the support of our members. Our members are artists, musicians, dancers, and actors either working in the field professionally or providing education through various school systems. Several of our members have exhibited throughout the state and others have exhibited their talents across the country.

But the key here is support. Support of the Arts, support of each member and what they do as an artist or lover of art, and support of the North Penn Arts Alliance.

This year as we celebrate 25 years of offering artists and art enthusiasts’ opportunities to create, learn, network, and grow in a supportive environment, we encourage you to come along and join us on this fantastic journey of ART. With our continuing support and the support of others in our community that we call North Penn, we can continue to support all of the arts in our own back yard. There are many talented people in the community involved in the arts and we welcome them to join us for the love of art.

For more information about the North Penn Arts Alliance, our calendar of events and where members are showing, visit us at www.northpennarts.org