Art Journeys Abound During the Summer

As always the North Penn Arts Alliance members take a break from their monthly meetings in June and return again in September. During that time, many of us go on Art Journeys with our sketchbooks, canvasses, paints, pencils, cameras, or whatever medium we can fit into a day pack. We will sketch, draw or paint scenes in our travels, faces of people along the way or just doodle and make notes for future reference. Some of these paintings or drawings will be completed on the spot and others will be brought back to the studio and refined or used on a larger foundation.


The question is did you take an art journey this summer? Most of us do and don’t realize it. Today when we travel, many of us have a camera with us all of the time. It is your cell phone. Although this author uses a small point & click digital camera, we are all creating a small piece of art. Whether it is a shot of a lovely landscape you stopped to admire, or a photo at the family reunion, you have created a piece of art for yourself and to share with others. You may download your photographs to a computer and enhance them through any one of the several photo enhancing software packages on the market today. You may even use them as reference to make a drawing or painting.

Well this season when the North Penn Arts Alliance meets on September 5, 2012, artists and lovers of art will share what art journeys they took this summer. In addition we will also have a monoprint workshop. A monoprint is a one of a kind print. There can be similar prints but no two are alike. Come and learn about this fun printing method and enjoy the many journeys that were traveled over the summer in art.

We invite all to join us for an interesting evening of Art.
Mission:

The North Penn Arts Alliance (NPAA) offers artists and art enthusiasts' opportunities to create, learn, network, and grow in a supportive environment.

Purpose:

The North Penn Arts Alliance takes pride in providing an outlet for preserving and promoting artistic growth and culture in our community.


Means:

This is done by drawing on Years of Education, Participation, and Appreciation.

From encouraging art shows in public spaces to teaching popular local art classes to arranging trips and other special events, the North Penn Arts Alliance (NPAA) offers artists and art enthusiasts’ opportunities to create, learn, network, and grow in a supportive environment.



We meet at 521 W. Main Street, Lansdale, PA, downstairs in the community room. Doors open at 6:30p.m. and the presentation and workshops will start at 7:00 p.m.

Please visit us at www.northpennarts.org or contact us at info@northpennarts.org

When History and Art work together.

Many of us in the North Penn community know of or have heard about the Morgan Log House. But how many of you have ever been inside? For a small house, it has a unique history. It was settled about 1708 by Edward Morgan; Daniel Boone’s Grandfather, stood during the time of our Declaration of Independence, may have been used as a hospital after the battle of Germantown and was used as the main house for many families for almost 250 years while at the same time it’s surrounding lands were used to raise crops and livestock. The Welsh Valley Preservation Society, who administers the now historic house museum, is presenting a new way for you to see inside this unique architectural wonder. This year the Welsh Valley Preservation Society will be working with the North Penn Arts Alliance. The different rooms of the Morgan Log House will be used to house artworks of the member artists of the North Penn Arts Alliance. Don’t worry they will be using display racks to hang their paintings and drawings and specific areas will be used for three dimensional displays. The Director of the Morgan Log House approached the North Penn Arts Alliance with the opportunity of collaborating and offering the space inside the Morgan Log House to highlight a local artist of the North Penn Arts Alliance on a monthly basis. Each month from April to October, with the exception of May, an artist member of the North Penn Arts Alliance will be displaying their works that tell the story of local history, depicting local scenes pertaining to life in the 18th and 19th centuries, or images of agriculture and animal husbandry. What better way to utilize this unique venue? By working together the North Penn Art Alliance and the Morgan Log House/The Welsh Valley Preservation Society will accomplish both of their missions. The Mission of the Welsh Valley Preservation Society is to educate the public about the history of Towamencin Township and its place in Pennsylvania history as demonstrated by the architecture of the Morgan Log House, the lives of its past residents and their material culture. At the same time, the North Penn Arts Alliance offers artists and art enthusiasts' opportunities to create, learn, network, and grow in a supportive environment by providing an outlet for preserving and promoting artistic growth and culture in our community. By allowing the members of the North Penn Arts Alliance an opportunity to individually display their works, the Welsh Valley Preservation Society is providing the Alliance with the opportunity to promote artistic growth and culture in our community.

Other venues throughout the North Penn area, especially in the Lansdale area, can look at the cooperation between these two organizations as they meet their goals. The North Penn Arts Alliance has been a part of the community for 25 years, taking part in community events and provides art education through the North Penn School District and the Lansdale Recreation Department. Artist members have works on display at some of the local businesses and area churches.

The Morgan Log House has been a local historic museum since 1976 and continues as an historic house museum to educate the public about the history of Towamencin Township and its place in Pennsylvania history. The Morgan Log House is located at 850 Weikel Road, Lansdale, PA. For information about the Morgan Log House please call 215-368-2480. Or you can visit them on the web at

http://www.morganloghouse.org/

For information about the North Penn Arts Alliance and what they can do to help bring art to your community please call 215-393-9110 or visit us at http://www.northpennarts.org/
 
Artwork is courtesy of Ed Kane all rights belong to the artist.

A short demo of image processing possibilities

By the Roving North Penn Arts Alliance member - Mike Darr

First thing I will say is I am always available for advice and discussion. If anyone wants to talk photography, I am willing -- no, anxious -- to do so. Riding Rex (for those who do not know Rex is my motorcycle) is my life but photography is my passion.

A few people have said to me, “I wish I could take photos like you do.” I am very flattered but it does not take a genius or someone akin to Merlin casting magic spells to get great images. I take the same images that everyone else does. I do have some very good equipment, especially great lenses. The single most important item in the image capture mechanics is the glass. If you have poor glass you get poor images.

Other pieces of hardware are important but none as much as the lens. I thank the great lens designers/manufacturers and programmers at Adobe every day for giving me some great tools to work with (and for taking a lot of my money – HA). If you let the auto-everything camera make image decisions it will be hit or miss (mostly miss) as to what quality image you get.



Above: Image that most "Auto" cameras will record.



Here are three views of an image taken by me with the camera mounted on a tripod and one that records the setup using my cell phone camera. The captions will explain. So I guess that those many hours spent in geekdom, sitting in front of my computer over these many years have paid off.

Above: Manually setting the exposure will
result in a truer recording of the scene.

Above: The "setup" as recorded by "auto" cell phone camera.



Another very important thing is to be there when the light is right. Have you ever noticed that when you are in a beautiful scenic location early in the morning or later in the afternoon the view seems so much more beautiful? And when there in the midday the same scene looks flat and boring? Usually the best time for dramatic images is before 10am and after 3pm, but there are ALWAYS exceptions.

Above: My interpretation of the second image.
Converted to black and white, tree perspective corrected.
Sun slightly enlarged.

 

Regardless of brand, the camera makers as well as many publishing companies offer great guides to improve your photography. Get a book or DVD and study, then practice, practice, and practice some more.

To see more of Mike Darr's work and to follow him on his scenic travels go to
http://scratchin-the-itch.blogspot.com/
Enjoy the wonderful journey of creating art whether you use a camera, pen, pencil, brush or whatever medium you use; have fun and learn. And as Mike always says "Don't ride the highways to make great time,
Ride the backroads to have a great time..."

Why do we need the Arts?

As we proceed in the 2012 year there is talk of budget cuts, decreases in giving, and most of these have to do with the Arts & Culture area. So the question has become, why do we need art and culture? Think about it, what does art do for an individual? It allows the individual to express themselves, it allows the person to be creative, and it allows the individual to work out the solution with what they have at hand.

Art allows one to relax, replenish, and re-think ideas, expressions and statements. Art creates an oasis where one can refresh themselves with paint, chalk, clay or whatever medium the individual chooses. Yet there are those of us that have chosen the path of art not for vacation, but for vocation. We walk this path every day in one fashion or another. We may illustrate a story or a book. We may create a campaign to promote a product or service. We may paint a portrait of a loved one, or a landscape nearby. We may sculpt a memorial or something that is utilitarian. We may also use our talent and skills to teach what we know so that you may enjoy the many facets of Art. Some will utilize their talents to help individuals cope.  Yet when every new year comes about and budgets are made, one of the first cuts in education, and communities are the Arts and Cultural programs. So how do we as individuals help the arts? Support them, visit a museum, look for local exhibits, donate what you can to a local art organization, or take a class in painting, drawing, ceramics, or photography. On this journey of life, see how artists help you along the way. You may be surprised at what you find.

This author for one has learned a great deal in the Arts.

Creativity - I learned to be more creative, by taking written words and turning them into pictures to help tell the story.  To make a mundane object look like a thing of beauty

Task Oriented --I learned to do what needed to be done to complete the task. Many nights while in college after working a part time position and a 45 minute train ride, I learned to utilize that ride into a brainstorming session for the days assignment and once at home would complete the next assignment that was waiting to be completed.  Some nights, this meant finishing the piece at 4 o’clock in the morning. The next day would soon start and I knew that I was current and on task with all of my assignments up to the one that was passed out the day before.

Improvisation – I learned to improvise, when an assignment was not going as I thought it would, I would improvise with a different medium or when I needed to see a hand or foot at a different angle, I would use my own or ask a family member to strike a pose.

Research – I learned that knowledge and research of subjects was needed to help illustrate the story or campaign. This was before the internet so the library, magazines, and my own camera were tools used to help me research what I needed to help complete the task.

Observation – One of the most important tools in the artist’s tool box is the tool of observation, seeing how the line flows, the color changes, how the face looks at different moods, or how the shadows are cast at different times of the day. Observation of those around you will help you decide as to how to react to their situations or needs.

Time Management – I learned that working too long on the initial thought process would hinder the final execution. So I trained to work quickly and set deadlines to meet each task of the project.

Project Management – Each piece is a project, whether it is a solo or a team effort does not matter. The completion of the project is the task. Managing the components of the project becomes essential to make the deadline with a completed and excellent product.

These are some of the many things that I learned as I study art and these are some of the things that we all need to help us on this journey of life. So when the budgets are passed around and the arts programs are on the chopping block make an issue to keep them from getting cut. The Arts can work with a minimum budget, most artists do any way. But the Arts cannot exist if the doors are closed on museums, events and most of all classrooms.

So support the Arts, keep the Arts and Culture in the budgets. Take a class when and where they are offered. Visit a museum, a play, a concert, or visit a local Art event, even make a purchase from a local artist. You’ll be glad that you did and we hope that you will see why we need the Arts.

Author's study of Pennypacker Estate in pen & ink 

Spring into art with an Art Class.

Have you ever wondered as to how they drew that still life, painted that landscape, made that piece of ceramic, or composed that digital image? Well you can stop wondering because the North Penn Arts Alliance in conjunction with the North Penn School District will be providing instruction in drawing, painting, ceramics, digital art and more. As part of the Continuing Education Program run by the North Penn School District, members of the North Penn Arts Alliance will be providing eight to ten week sessions in many of the visual arts disciplines. In addition to that we also have several classes for children from grades K to 12, these classes are held on Saturdays during this semester. The instructors for these classes are all professionals in their fields and have had many of their pieces on public display and held in private collections.  The link to the Continuing Education Booklet is http://tinyurl.com/74j6djg

The description and fees for the Kids’ Classes is found on page 7, the Adult Classes are listed with the fee information on page 12 and the Registration Form is on page 15.  Take a class and Spring into Art this year.

For more information about the classes and the North Penn Arts Alliance at www.northpennarts.org

We wish you an "Artful New Year!"

As we come to the end of 2011, we at the North Penn Arts Alliance wish you all an Artful New Year.

What this means is that Art should be a part of everyone’s life. After all, you see some form of art every day. In a magazine or newspaper you see photographs and advertisements that draw your attention. In books and even on web pages you see illustrations that define what the author is saying.  Even on the streets you see architecture and design that was incorporated a long time ago.

Art is essential to problem solving, creativity, even the generation of ideas.  Many ideas were brought about by a scribble on a napkin or memo pad. So as we go forward into this New Year, think about the arts and what they mean to you. Art, whether it be as visual as a painting, a mural, a drawing or a sculpture, it draws attention to an area. Performing arts also draw people to the community. A blending of both visual and performing arts within the same community would draw more people to the community. When this happens, local businesses thrive, restaurants, shops and the many storefronts that abide in the community. All enjoy the profits that the arts bring to the community.

Art provides an outlet for children and adults. It allows them to express themselves and socialize with others that they may not have if there were no arts programs. Art also allows them to learn and in some cases teach what they have learned. Performing arts teach interaction and timing skills.

So how does one support the arts in these economic times?  Besides the usual means of support of taxes and collections by art groups, there are other ways of supporting the arts in the community. One is by becoming a member of a local art organization. Most of these organizations are a mix of artists and those that enjoy the arts. Other means of support is a letter writing campaign to the local councils and commissioners in support of community art programs, as suggestions for art based programs, fiscal and expertise contributions, and to generate programs and events such as concerts, contests or anything to expand the art base within the community.  

We at the North Penn Arts Alliance will do what we have done for these many past years and will continue to encourage art within the community. Members will have art shows in the area either solo or collectively as the group. Our teachers are preparing to teach the Community Education Art Classes at the North Penn High School during the Spring Semester. We also hold a monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month (except July & August). At these meetings we strive to have an artist or someone in the art community make a presentation. Also, North Penn Arts Alliance Member Amy Rims, is planning the “Lansdale Fun a Day” for January?  Its website is Lansdalefunaday.blogspot.com

So please get involved in the Arts and have an “Artful New Year!”

Childrens' Art depicting Lansdale Borrow and Bill Smith's Stain Glass titled "When Life Gives you Lemons"

Give a Gift of Art for the Holidays.

As we get closer and closer to the big festive days of the holiday season, many of us are still struggling as to what to get for a friend, family member or business acquaintance. Stop for a minute and consider giving a gift of Art. That’s right an artful gift of a painting, drawing, print, photograph, or ceramic and a personal favorite, a piece of handmade jewelry.  How does one acquire a piece of art? Well one may visit a local gallery or contact a friend that is in the arts. Another way is to seek local arts organizations such as the North Penn Arts Alliance and ask for a list of where member artists are displaying their work; from there you may be able to contact the artists directly. At present members of the North Penn Arts Alliance are displaying their art at local businesses like Rapunzel’s Salon, the Lansdale Library, North Penn Community Acupuncture. The Morgan Log House will be hosting their winter program on December 11^th and there will be prints of the Morgan created by a NPAA member suitable for framing.

A gift of art is a gift of consideration and thoughtfulness. It shows that you gave some thought and consideration into the receiver’s appreciation for art and provided them with a unique and in most cases a one of a kind piece that they can admire for many years to come. A purchase of a gift of art also supports the artists and the community. So while you are decorating, baking and shopping please consider a piece of art as a gift for a loved one.

Happy Artful Holidays from all of us at the North Penn Arts Alliance.