September 3, 2009

Richard McKinley flew in from Oregon and played to a full house at the Greenville Arms 1889 Inn. He kept his audience engaged with both his wonderful stories from his life as a traveling art instructor and his knowledge as a master pastelist.

The weather was great and the group had the opportunity to paint at a number of scenic venues. These photos are from one of their days at a local farm.

This is the picnic lunch that we deliver to the painting sites for everyone who orders one.

This farm is one of the favorite places to paint because there is such a variety of subject matter – buildings, vistas, cows, hay bales, old farm equipment, chickens, and more. Plus it doesn’t hurt that there are lots of shady trees to set up under!

Here is Richard explaining to Tanya one of my favorite analogies that I overheard that week. He said that the artist is the cinematographer of their art. It is up to the artist to direct the viewer to the element of interest in the painting. They are in charge of the lighting, the focus, and colors to attract attention.

Richard kept the group hopping all week. They even had evening assignments.

It was a tired but happy group by the end of the week.

We will try to get Richard back here again as soon as possible, but he is a busy man!

I can only imagine the stories he has added to his repertoire from his first experience with the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops!