Branching Out with Rosalie Dace

December 21, 2015

The class was fabulous. Rosalie has the skill to bring out the best in each individual. There were no “cookie cutter” projects. The classroom felt “safe” to explore new ideas. The lighting in the studio was great! – Cheryl K.

It was on topic – lots of individual attention to help meet the specific needs of each person. – Ann Marie P.

We had another wonderful week with Rosalie Dace for her “Branching Out” workshop, where everyone was encouraged to find inspiration from trees. Students discovered the different shapes, patterns, lines, textures , colours and symbolism of trees while experimenting with design and using various piecing and appliqué techniques to make a beautiful quilt top

Each day, Rosalie posted some inspirational quote to get the creative mind cells percolating!

Here is the happy crew at the end of the week posing on the back steps of the inn. As you can see in the background, the beautiful Fall foliage of upstate New York was surrounding the class all week.

Fabulous Facades with Gloria Loughman

December 2, 2015

“Excellent instructor, wonderful person to know – bring her back!” – Joan S.

The fabulous Gloria Loughman was here to teach her workshop on constructing your vision of your favorite architectural motif. The first day was spent experimenting with color schemes and technique basics.
Then the real fun began, as each person started working on their own designs!

Halloween fun was had on the final night’s dinner on Friday, even though it wasn’t officially Halloween until Saturday. Our staff joined in the fun. This is “Wilma Flintstone” setting the dinner table with ghost napkins.

Experimental Workshop with Bob Burridge

November 22, 2015

This year Robert Burridge taught a workshop in the Fall for the experienced painter, having fun with acrylics, collage, and more. Each day started with a demo and some suggested exercises to get the creative juices flowing. One of the morning exercises was simple figures, working with just one color plus black and white.
In case you can’t read what is on the back of those figure’s jackets, it’s “Bobette.” Those who have taken a workshop with Bob before know what this means!

The weather for the week was spectacular!

Our staff likes to have some artistic fun in the kitchen! This was the first night’s meal that we were holding for someone who was going to be arriving late and couldn’t make it in time for the dinner time. This was a fun class and a great group of artists. If you missed your chance, Bob Burridge will be back again in the Spring of 2016. Sign up now before it fills up.

Artistic Exploration with Skip Lawerence

November 15, 2015

It was another memorable week with Skip Lawrence this year. Skip said is was one of the best groups of students he has ever had.

Everyone had fun painting and eating the wonderful meals, including this delicious Apple Pie made from local NY apples. This is one of Skip’s demo paintings.
The tables themselves were pretty interesting! Skip will be back next year, as usual, and it is not too early to start thinking of signing up for this popular workshop, as many of the people in this year’s class has already signed up for next year.

Mixed Media Paper Collage with Fran Skiles

November 3, 2015

“Fran has a gentle approach to teaching; she encourages & inspires her students through her lectures and kindness. Your workshops are still the best of all the others that I have attended (Maine, Vermont, NY, CT).” – Maryfran L.

“Great pace, attitude! Lack of stress, love her process of day by day to avoid ‘pre-planning.’ Lets students react to the present opportunities.“

Another great workshop with Fran Skiles was enjoyed a couple of weeks ago. Here are some photos for you to enjoy a glimpse into the fun things that happened.

Freshly made brioche to keep the students nourished!

If you didn’t have the chance to get into this popular workshop, don’t worry, Fran will be back in 2017.

David Taylor Makes Watercolors Sing!

October 27, 2015

“Excellent class & teacher. Mr. Taylor is persistent in getting students to practice techniques and progress. Excellent painting venues!” – David L.

The wonderful watercolorist from Down Under, David Taylor, was here for another informative and inspiring workshop. The group painted around the inn, at various riverfront parks, and at Olana, the historic home of Frederick Church.

This is David’s demo painting of one morning.

The picnic lunches that we delivered each day at the painting location were certainly enjoyed.

David and his wife, Di, enjoying lunch on the grounds of Olana.

Fall Artist Retreat

October 20, 2015

This year’s Fall Artist Retreat was enjoyed by a great group of artists working in a variety of mediums, from encaustics, to oil painting, to structural collage, to felt, to watercolor, to fabrics, and to pen and ink. The colors of Autumn were just beginning to make an appearance during this week.

Bree, our ridgeback, didn’t seem to mind sporting a colorful leaf on her head!
This is the painted first bird house created for our flowering fence! Peggy Pepmiller took home one of our blank bird houses during last year’s retreat week and then brought the finished one with her when she took an earlier workshop with us this year. It is now installed on the fence. During this year’s retreat Peggy painted two more bird houses which will be installed on the fence next Spring. We plan to have a birdhouse toper for each post of the fence.

Re-imagined Mono-printing w/ Esterita Austin

October 6, 2015

“Esterita Austin’s workshop exceeded my expectations! She is a terrific teacher – genuinely wants to facilitate her student’s creativity. Very clear, and funny!” – AnnaMarie V.

We had a wonderful mix of fiber artists and collage/mixed media artists in Esterita’s in her re-imagined mono-printing workshop. The process is fun and produces amazing results. The final painting is transferred to sheer fabric (organza) which can then be used in an art quilt or attached to watercolor paper, canvas, or whatever. Multiple paintings can be layered to creative dynamic compositions.

Construction / Abstraction with Sue Benner

September 14, 2015

Another fun week with Sue Benner exploring constructing abstractions!

“Sue is an excellent teacher – shares her techniques with the detail needed. She encourages students to work with their own inner spirit. I always say the food is the best meals I get all year! This was one of the best weeks ever at HRVAWorkshops. You folks do it RIGHT.” – Carol N.

“Class was fabulous – Sue was awesome – class participants were unbelievable – kind, giving, sharing, etc. The vegetarians meals for me were suburb – five star quality!” – Marty M.

“Sue is one of the most sharing, patient instructors anyone could hope for. The food was so great – thank goodness I requested small portions!” – JoLee T.

Sue will be back again in 2017!

Emerging Style with Cynthia Corbin

September 11, 2015

“Cynthia is a great teacher! She tries to bring out the best in each person’s work. My work improved a lot and I have techniques for getting started on new ideas at home. I’m extremely glad I came to this workshop.” Laura L.

“Cynthia was amazing, the best teacher I’ve ever had. I’m already signed up to come back to her class in 2016.” Kathy N.

Cynthia Corbin, the marvelous artist from Washington, graciously stepped in to teach a 5-day workshop when the previously scheduled instructor had to bow out. Everyone in the class was blown away with the insight, knowledge, and teaching ability exhibited by Cynthia. In fact, one student who stayed over from Cynthia’s workshop to Sue Benner’s workshop then next week, raved about her so much that 5 people signed up immediately for Cynthia’s workshop with us next year in October 2016. Cynthia had daily assignments for the class to get them thinking about design, composition, color, and value while working to discover their own style.

These are just a small selection of works from the students. I wish I could have been busier with the camera to capture the growth of each artist during the week, but I was busy in the office! As one person said, Cynthia was able to immediate assess where a student was in their path as an artist and to give them the encouragement and guidance they needed so that by the end of the 5 days of class everyone was feeling confident in their direction and filled with ideas for future pieces.

Watercolor in Nature’s Studio with Tony van Hasselt

August 26, 2015

“Tony surpassed my expectation. He was so generous with sharing his knowledge and with such humor!”
“Tony is a good instructor, personable, and makes class fun & challenging.”
“Tony is always wonderful and kind and very generous with his amazing talent.”

What more is there to say? Tony van Hasselt’s full workshop had a great time painting outside at the many inspiring locations, from out at the farm to down by the Hudson River.

After a hard day painting, Tony’s group liked to gather on the front porch for wine or beer and lively discussion. Before he left, Tony enriched our art reference library with a copy of his book, the “Watercolor Fix-it Book,” and five of his DVDs. These are available for guests to view at any time during their stay. If you missed your chance to get into this class, don’t worry – Tony will be back again in 2017.

Capturing the Moment in Oil with Kim English

August 19, 2015

Another intense painting workshop with Kim English. He really put the students to the test, changing the model’s poses every twenty minutes or so. Most of the days were spend on the grounds of the Greenville Arms, on the back lawn by the studio, on the front lawn by the main inn, or around the pool, but mid-week the class went out to a local farm for more interesting structures and variety.

“Excellent teacher, very generous with time and info and willing to answer questions. Please see if Kim can come every year!” “Loved the models and all the locations.” “Fantastic meals! What a chef! Too many cookies and desserts! Ha!“

Here is just a small sampling of the many quick sketch paintings. The walls of the whole studio were filled with paintings such as these.

While class time was intense, this group knew how to unwind at the end of the day, often gathering the parlor for wine, beer, and laughs.

If you missed getting into this year’s class, Kim English will be back in 2017.

Watercolor and Collage with David Daniels

August 12, 2015

Life happens even in the art workshop business! One of our instructors was forced to cancel his participation in a workshop. But lucky for us and all the students who were signed up, David Daniels stepped up to the plate to offer his fun, informative, encouraging, and innovative take on watercolor and collage.

“Excellent instruction!” “It surpassed my expectations in many ways. David is a wonderful artist, a terrific teacher and a great inspiration.” “Great teaching skills – learned a lot about color, values, and making my own paper.” “I feel very happy about having taken this class. I learned much more about materials and techniques than I had known. And the food was delicious!”

These were just some of the comments by the students. If definitely was a fun week.

The weather was fabulous too for after class hanging by the pool! David Daniels will be back to teach another workshop with us in 2017.

Watercolor – Alvaro Castagnet Style!

July 31, 2015

“Alvaro is a masterful teacher!” ” Alvaro painted like mad and was excellent as usual.” “I had heard about Alvaro from my art friends. I learn a lot of new strategies.”

These were just some of the glowing reports we had about the fun week this group had in Alvaro Castagnet’s workshop. The weather was marvelous, so the class enjoyed hopping to a different Hudson River town each day, as well as hanging local to the inn and art studio.

Even artists can vamp for the camera!

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If you missed the chance to join this lively workshop this year, Alvaro will be back again next year, October 16 – 22, 2016, for another 5-day workshop.

Loving the Landscape with Susan Ogilvie’s Pastels

July 17, 2015

It is always an enjoyable week when Washington pastelist Susan Ogilvie comes to teach a workshop. It was a busy week and the group painted around the inn, a the Greenville town park, a local farm, and a couple days at Olana, including in the midst of their BIG paint-out event. We were able to catch them in action at the farm.

Susan’s was our final pastel workshop for this year, but we have lots more coming up next year. Our full schedule for 2016 is on our website and we are already taking enrollments. Richard McKinley’s class is almost full! We also have Christine Ivers, Margaret Dyer, and Margaret Evans coming to teach pastel workshops.

Sue Rasmussen on art quilts, and her love of teaching

July 16, 2015

Both highly technically accomplished and artistically talented, popular and award-winning art quilter Sue Rasmussen recently shared with us some thoughts on her art, and teaching.

Sue returns to the Hudson River Valley Fiber Art Workshops this fall, to teach a Workshop November 1 to 7, 2015: Landscapes: Designing and Piecing Pictorial Quilts.

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How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

I have been teaching for over 25 years, initially teaching machine quilting, then Landscapes and Pictorial quilts. A friend of mine “stole” one of my Machine Quilting white-on-white quilts unbeknownst to me and entered it into the California State Fair. I won first place and Best of Show. Soon after word got out, I was asked to teach at the local shops.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Sharing my techniques, piecing tricks, and extensive textiles knowledge with my students and friends. But more than that, I love meeting people and influencing or affecting their quilts and the way they approach quilting.

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What would you tell your prospective students are the three best reasons for taking a workshop?

You will learn a new technique and all the simple tricks that I have developed to make this process successful, enjoyable and transferable to all your quilting projects. So many quilters have pictures of loved ones(whether furry or two legged) or a special place that they want to remember and memorialize in a quilt, and I can share how easy and simple it is to make a pattern, create the design elements, and choose fabrics for that project.
You WILL learn more in this workshop about basics in quilting than you ever expected or ever had before. (I am told this repeatedly by my students every time I teach, because I share the ‘whys and whats’ about quilt topics that most teachers don’t know). I have two degrees in Textile Science, and I share why things occur and how to make sure that things DON’T occur, such as shrinkage, bleeding, crocking etc., just to name three that we constantly battle. Understanding the importance of warp and weft in our quilts and how the right needle makes ALL the difference in your stitch and thread ease-ability.
This is a fun, humorous and relaxed class, making you laugh and enjoy the process of learning a new technique. I share many of my silly stories of my quilts which will cause you to really belly laugh.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

Oh my, so many things. I continue to create ‘Pieced Pictorial Quilts’, and am now working on two Toucans with totally different personalities. They just need to get sewn together and quilted. (Pictures below) In addition to those two quilts, I am developing some new patterns to teach at Houston next year, and a small quilt using the new HIGHLIGHTS threads developed by YLI Corp. I have made a collage piece for the SAQA Oasis challenge too. I literally have 8 things in progress at the moment.

Toucan

Fruit Loopy Toucan

Where is your art currently being exhibited?
Route 66 Traveling Exhibition, Dragonfly Fabrics Collection, Markham Ranch Art Collection.

Is your work represented in galleries, and if so, what hints would you give to artists looking for gallery representation?

Several of my pieces have been in galleries, and I think the art quilts that are faced do better than art quilts with traditional borders on them. Viewers seem to think ‘quilt’ if there are traditional borders on the art quilt.

Do you sell your work in any online gallery?

No, I sell my pieces directly to buyers, or direct consignments.

What is your favorite art quote?

“Art does not lie in beds ready made for it

It runs away when its name is called

It wants to be incognito

Its best moments are when it forgets what it’s called.” Jean Philippe Arthur Dubuffet

Describe your studio.

Up until three months ago, I was sprawled out between three rooms and several closets. Now I have a wonderful, light filled, free standing, large studio. I designed the entire building on my iPad, down to the placement of each electrical outlet, window, 5 design walls, and the angle of the building to capture the best light. I designed specific furniture for my particular needs, for example: an electrical 4’ x 8’ table that raises and lowers from 23” to 52”. I can design, work, sew, press or baste on this table.

Studio copy

Fabric closets elfa

Name five of your “can’t do without” tools/products.

Bernina sewing machines; good quality threads [Aurifil, YLI corp.]; Bohin products-scissors, pins, machine needles; White Chalk mechanical pencils (Bohin, Sew Line, or Fons & Porter); Universal Thread Holder; The “Elfa storage system” from the Container Store.

The Brilliance of Watercolor with David Daniels

July 9, 2015

” BEST CLASS EVER!!” “Absolutely met my expectations. Tremendously good instruction. Congenial and interesting group. Great workspace and environment.” – Barbara B.

It was a great week with David Daniels as he taught his popular watercolor workshop to a full house.

The class had a canine mascot, Cloe, who came with one of the students. She was a very sweet dog.

Cloe like to “offer” the opportunity to give her a belly rub every chance she got, plopping herself on the floor and presenting her belly.

Here is a behind the scenes shot of chef Mark and Nancy rolling out dough for the Chinese soup dumplings that are being served this year. They are made and steam right be for service, so they come out hot and fresh to the table. If you were on the wait list for this class or are now thoroughly intrigued about taking a workshop with David Daniels, as luck would have it David is stepping into to teach a combined watermedia collage and watercolor workshop in just a few weeks. This is sure to be a fun and informative workshop that you don’t want to miss.

Expressive Portraits with Paul Leveille

July 9, 2015

“Better than expected – learned to paint what you see not what you think you see.” – Marianne P. “This class exceeded my expectations! I learned so much and Paul is such a wonderful man.” – Toni D.

Paul Leveille was here just a week ago to each his 5-day workshop on creating expressive portraits. He showed his step-by-step process for developing a portrait starting with the large light and dark shapes, and then progressing to the detail. The group enjoyed working with a different model each day.
Paul offered plenty of help at each person’s easel.

This is a sketch of the first day’s model done by Paul as he was talking about values.

Here is Paul’s demo in done in pastels. Paul’s demo done in watercolors.
This is Paul’s demo done in oil. This is Christine, one our housekeepers, who was kind enough to pitch in as a model when the one we had scheduled called in sick. She did a great job as a model.

Karen Rosasco’s Watermedia Exploration

July 8, 2015

Karen’s class took over the parking lot one day to get messy with charcoal and water!
There were a lot of interesting starts and finishes in this class!

This is a bird house painted by Peggy Pepmiller, one of Karen’s students (and our retreat regular!) We gave her an unadorned bird house last year at the retreat so that she could take it home to decorate. We plan to have a painted bird house topping each “post” of our flowering fence by the pool.

This is Cristina Del Sol with a beautiful painting she started in Karen’s workshop last year and then finished at home.
The happy crew all together! Most of them have already signed up for Karen’s class with us next year. It will be the last class that Karen teaches for us because she is semi-retiring and will teach only private lessons out of her home in North Carolina.

The Artful Log Cabin – a Workshop with Katie Pasquini Masopust

June 26, 2015

Katie Pasquini Masopust (Katie PM) was here for her first June workshop. She usually comes in the late Fall, so Katie and her group enjoyed seeing the inn in all its Spring finery. But speaking of finery, the workshop students created some really great grid and line interpretation of photos. They were a hard working and happy group.

“Katie never disappoints! Expectations are managed and exceeded!. This is a great facility – ample space, ample electrical availability. All meals were excellent – food restriction accommodations top rate. Service was excellent” – Becky Poisson.

Overflowing strip stash!

The final night’s dinner started with a Champagne toast curtesy of one of the students! That’s how to celebrate with style. The peonies will be gone in the Fall, but Katie will be back! She is returning in early December to teach her Stitched Paintings class. That’s one of Katie’s stitched paintings behind the peonies.

Smear, Scumble, Glaze and Paint with Liz Kenyon

June 22, 2015

It is always a fun and colorful week when Liz Kenyon is here to teach a pastel workshop. She has everyone working on projects with vibrant, shiny, and yummy subjects. Everyone created an amazing array of paintings. Each one a step up from the last. This photo is of Liz’s demo.

It was quite colorful outside around the grounds, too. As the climatis on the flowering fence are starting to put on their annual display.

Pics from the Paul George Watercolor Workshop

June 10, 2015

New England watercolor artist, Paul George recently was here teaching a 3-day workshop to a happy and eager group of students. Each day the group spent the morning painting outside around the Greenville Arms 1889 Inn (where the workshops are hosted).

The pool was recently opened and it made a lovely spot to set up an easel and paint.

In the afternoons, the class went back into the air-conditioned studio to work.

Patti Mollica Teaches Them How to Get Big and Bold

June 4, 2015

Lots of paint was flying around the studio during Patti Mollica’s 5-day workshop, big gobs of it. Well, not actually flying around, but being lavishly applied to board in wonderfully colorful compositions. Every day Patti had the class focusing on a different stepping stone to good paintings – value, brush work, and color mixing. Before long the studio was filled with vibrant little paintings. Patti had people work on specific image exercises each day, but participants still had plenty of time to work on images of their choice.

Outside the studio the huge and ancient lilac bush was putting on it’s own color display. The pool is open and beautifully clear, but, yeah, still a bit cold!
Chef Mark is stirring up some great dishes this year. This one looks like the yummy Beef and Broccoli stir-fry. (Alternative dishes for special dietary requirements are always available with advance notice.)

It was an amazing and fun workshop. If you are one of the many who didn’t get in this year, Patti will be returning in 2017, so sign up early!

Painting the Essense of Nature with Barbara Nechis

June 4, 2015

Another enjoyable weekend workshop with Barbara Nechis and her group of enthusiastic students. Barbara present some great demos and everyone had plenty of time to put into practice what they learned.
This is one of Barbara’s magical paintings. BarbaraNechis 2015lg c The 3-days went by much to quickly. But Barbara will be back again, as usual, in May 2017.

An Interview with Sue Spargo, Quilt Artist and Instructor

June 3, 2015

Sue Spargo was born in Zambia, and later lived in England. The stark contrasts between the arid beige-browns of the African bushveld and the lush greens of the rolling hills of Southern England has been the inspiration for many of her designs, and continue to be a vast source of ideas.

In 1989 Sue moved to the United States. She now teaches workshops around the US, as well as internationally. We are thrilled that Sue Spargo will return to the Hudson River Valley Fiber Art Workshops this year, teaching a five day Workshop, Contemporary Folk Art: Travel Journals from November 8 to 14, 2015. This very popular 2015 Workshop is already Wait List only, but not to worry, Sue will return to teach another Workshop for us November 5 to 11, 2017.

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How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

I have been teaching for 20 years. I have 4 children and when they were young, sharing my love of quilting was a way for me to meet new people and be able to have a little creative time. I started to teach from home first, then at a local quilt store.

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What is your favorite part about teaching?

Sharing my passion for folk-art and embellishment and helping develop the creative path of each of my students through design, color and thread.

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What would you tell your prospective students are the best reasons for taking a workshop?

There are no rules in my classes.

My classes are creative.

We have a lot of fun working with color and texture and learn many creative techniques. I encourage my students to look at appliqué in a different way by incorporating embroidery stitches using textural thread to give each element in their quilt a textural character of its own.

There is always a lovely tone in my classroom which is due to the satisfaction of doing handwork. There is much sharing between students, and each student gets a great deal of individual, hands-on creative time from me.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

I am always experimenting with new techniques to incorporate in my quilts. Wool is an amazing medium to work with; I have found the possibilities are endless.

Where is your art currently being exhibited?

Last year 30 pieces of my work were exhibited at the La Conner Museum in WA. Currently, they are in my suitcase to share with my students.

Is your work represented in galleries?

No. I do not sell my work – I use them as inspiration for my students.

Do you sell your work in any online gallery?

No. Each of my quilts are very personal and have a story. I make them as samples for my books, and for teaching purposes. I hope these will be treasured by my children one day.

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What is your favorite art quote?

“Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.” ? Pablo Picasso, Pablo Picasso: Metamorphoses of the Human Form: Graphic Works, 1895-1972

Describe your studio.

As I am writing this we are moving my business into a much larger newly designed space where I will have a lovely new studio and well-equipped dye room. We will have the web business here, as well as a space to teach classes in the future.

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Name five of your “can’t do without” tools/products.

Freezer paper

Wool punches

Genziana wool thread

Milliners Needles in all sizes

Embellishment Fibers

Award-winning Art Quilter and Instructor, Gloria Loughman

May 22, 2015

Awarding winning art quilter Gloria Loughman is a popular teacher from Victoria, Australia. She is the author of Luminous Landscapes and Quilted Symphony. Gloria returns to the Hudson River Valley Fiber Art Workshops October 25 to 31, 2015 to teach an innovative new Fiber Arts class, “Fabulous Facades”.

Opera House

How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

Seems like I have always been a teacher. I used to be a Special Ed teacher in the secondary setting for many years. I have been teaching quilting classes for almost 20 years.

What is your favorite part about teaching?

I love teaching. I love the anticipation and excitement of the students before a class begins. I love the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction as students realise they can achieve wonderful results when tasks are broken down to manageable steps.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

I am currently working on a series of quilts based on architecture. Taking an existing building and playing with the colours and textures to produce an image that is original and eye-catching. I am also still exploring landscapes with some degree of abstraction.

Butterflyhouse

Where is your art currently being exhibited?

In a couple of months I have an exhibition of my recent work at the Festival of Quilts at Birmingham in the UK. This is indeed an honour and privilege to be invited to have a gallery at this event.

FullSizeRender

Describe your studio.

About 6 years ago, we built a new house near the beach. I thought I might teach some classes at home so the studio was designed to be large enough to accommodate a class. When we moved in, I spread out and now have no thoughts of teaching at home. My husband says our new home is actually a studio with a small house attached.

It is wonderful. I have a wet area for dyeing, a cosy area for reading, a number of large surfaces for cutting and designing, a large design wall, and a bathroom. The studio doubles as a dormitory for lots of grandchildren when they all decide to visit at the same time.

Landscapes with Lorenzo Chavez

May 14, 2015

Lorenzo Chavez, one of the West’s premium pastelists, taught a lively 5-day workshop here last week, during some outstanding Spring (seemed like Summer) weather.

The first day the group headed up to the Greenville Town Park.

The following day Olana, the historic home of Frederick Church, was the destination.

Besides the gorgeous views, my favorite part of Olana is the perennial garden. It’s looking good so far. Can’t way to see it in full bloom.

We always strive to provide great food for the workshops and are happy to work with dietary restrictions. This was the alternate meal for a couple of folks who were vegetarians, a three cheese pasta with artichoke hearts and sautéed zucchini sticks. Yum!

On Thursday the group stayed local to the inn again, and went over to the Greenville Cemetery. The builder of our historic inn, William Vanderbilt, is buried in this cemetery.

Picnic time in the cemetery!

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Just look at this display of art by the students in this class. I wish I could have gotten a close up of each painting. The growth and improvement from day one to day five was amazing and clearly noticeable – a testament to Lorenzo as a teacher! Every one was talk “reunion” when Lorenzo returns in 2017.

Here is the happy crew on the festive Friday night dinner!

Creative Expression with Sheila Frampton-Cooper

May 6, 2015

We had fun week with Sheila Frampton-Cooper. Sheila was here to teach her “Express Yourself One Piece at a Time” workshop, a very improvisational piecing method with lots of curves. It was inspiration to see Sheila’s graphically stunning and complex pieces in person.

Sheila brought this wonderful large color wheel and set the class to experimenting with color and construction.

The process created a beautiful chaos on everyone’s table!

Meanwhile outside the studio the Spring flowers are blooming all over the place.

The next fiber art workshop coming up on the schedule is “The Artful Log Cabin” taught by Katie Pasquini Masopust, June 7 – 13, 2015.

Dye Painting with Hollis Chatelain

May 4, 2015

“Super – Best I have ever had! Learned so much.”

Hollis Chatelain returned to teach another exciting workshop at Hudson River Valley Art Workshops. The workshop covered painting images on white cloth based on photos brought in by each student. The class learned how to use the procion dyes, blending colors, layering, and special effects.

Hollis brought several of her inspiring pieces to hang around the studio.

This is one of Hollis’ amazing works made with demin fabrics.

Patti M., one of the students made this fantastic “chocolates” pin cushion for Hollis.

Hollis showed the students how to use tracing paper to plan their stitches for their whole cloth paintings.

Hollis spent lots of time with each participant, guiding and assisting, and also answering questions about finishing some of their previously started projects. (Below is a piece that a student started in the Charlotte Warr Andersen workshop last year.)

Everyone made several dye paintings and on the third day of the workshop, the group gathered for a critique / discussion of their paintings.

It was a workshop enjoyed by all. We are already looking forward to when Hollis returns in 2017 to teach another workshop!

An Interview with Cynthia England, award-winning quilt Designer and Instructor

May 3, 2015

Cynthia England’s quilts have been honored with many awards, including two Best of Shows at the prestigious International Quilt Association. Her quilt, Piece and Quiet, was distinguished as one of the Hundred Best Quilts of the 20th Century.

We are pleased to welcome Cynthia in 2015 as one of our most anticipated Fiber Art Workshop instructors. Her 3 day Workshop, Picture Piecing: Creating Realistic Pieced Pictures will be held December 3 – 6, 2015.

CynthiaEngland

How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

I have been teaching quilting for 21 years specializing in a technique I developed, “Picture Piecing”. I made a quilt “Piece and Quiet” that won Best of Show at the International Quilt Association. Everyone wanted to know how I made it. One teaching job led to another, to another. I have been very lucky to teach in wonderful places.

Through tuscany

What is your favorite part about teaching?

When the “light goes on” and you can see that the student gets it! I love sharing that any drawing can be created into a fiber work of art.

What would you tell your prospective students are the best reasons for taking a workshop?

Take something you don’t know how to do.

Take something that you can build on. In other words, you can use in other aspects of quilting, not that one project.

In the classes I have taken there are things that you take away that you hadn’t planned on. One or two little tips that save a lot of time.

In design classes especially, you learn from what the other students bring in and the ways to handle those issues.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

Right now I am trying out patterns for Fall Market. Currently, I am working on a small mountain landscape of a road going off in a distance, a Valentine quilt and a southwest Kokopelli figure.

Com into the light

Where is your art currently being exhibited?

Two quilts “One Fine Day” and “Open Season” just returned from being away for two years on travel exhibit with the Texas Quilt Museum.

In June two quilts (“Piece and Quiet” and “Come Into the Light”) will be exhibited at the Brigham City Museums 2015 International Quilt Invitational Exhibit.

What is your favorite art quote?

Use your brain.

Describe your studio.

Wonderful! Looks out onto a pond and beyond that there is a creek which attracts wildlife. Great storage for fabric. I have everything a quilter would want. Only problem is I travel often and don’t get to sew nearly as much as I would like.

Name five of your “can’t do without” tools/products.

Purple Pair of Karen K. Buckley’s scissors

45 degree triangle

A wafer thin lightbox

A travel iron without holes that gets hot and does not shut off

A copy machine that enlarges and reduces

Read more of our recent Instructor interviews:

Sue Benner discusses creating superb quilts, and teaching.

An Interview with Elizabeth Barton, Art Quilt Designer and Instructor

An Interview with Tony van Hasselt, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Lorenzo Chavez: Prominent Landscape Painter in Pastels and Oils

An Interview with Leah Lopez, Award-Winning Artist and Instructor

An Interview with Frank Francese, Watercolor Artist

An Interview with David Daniels: Artist in Watercolor + more

An interview with Judy Coates Perez, mixed media textile artist.

Interview with Liz Kenyon, Pastel Painting Instructor

Patti Mollica discusses creating her art, and teaching

An Interview with Kim English, Oil Painter

An Interview with Barbara Nechis, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Hollis Chatelain: Fiber Artist

An Interview with Natalya Aikens: Computer + Stitch = Art Quilt

Ruth Powers: Designing and Sewing for Picture Piecing

Picture Piecing with Ruth Powers

April 27, 2015

Ruth Powers was here to teach a 5-day workshop on Picture Piecing – that’s starting with a photo for inspiration and learning to break it down into easy piece-able sections.

This is a close up of one of Ruth’s award-winning quilts.

This is the start to a piece being created by Corinne Levy of a couple of maple of leaves.

Then here is the finished piece!

After finishing the pricing, Corinne was practicing some free-motion stitching.

Here are couple more closes of two more of Ruth’s marvelous work.

Everyone enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the studio and being able to continue working (or chatting) after hours.

At the first dinner for the workshop, Ruth surprised us when she presented us with a pieced picture of our Dalmatian, Hudson! She said that she use a photo of Hudson that she found on our website. Thank you so much, Ruth!

Painting and Mark Making with Acrylic Inks – Judy Coates Perez

April 22, 2015

“The class exceeded all expectations – fabulous & the classroom experience was practically perfect in every way. The meals were outstanding, as usual!” – Diane E.

Known for her stunning whole cloth painted art quilts, Judy Coates Perez recently taught a three day workshop for us at Hudson River Valley Art Workshops. Everyone agreed that three days were not enough time for all the gems that Judy had to offer. They kiddingly asked if maybe the next incoming class wouldn’t mind if they stayed in just one corner of the studio for a few more days! Unfortunately jobs and schedules prevented this from being a serious option.

These two photos are close ups of some of Judy’s work. Luscious color!

These are some of the great stamps that Judy has made and brought for the class to experiment, but she also showed them how to make their own.

You can read more about Judy’s work in the interview on our blog.

The next workshops coming up are “Expressing Yourself: One Piece at a Time,” a 5-day class taught by Sheila Frampton-Cooper (still time to join in even though it starts on Monday, April 27th!) and then “The Artful Log Cabin,” a 5-day workshop taught by Katie Pasquini Masopust.

Photo + Stitch = Fun with Natalya Aiken

April 15, 2015

Natalya Aiken, a fiber artist from New York, just taught a three day workshop on her process of combining her love of photography, architecture, with art quilts.

These are some of Natalya’s work. The detail and texture on these pieces are magnificent and the photos don’t do them justice.

Natalya brought her printer and provided rolls of printable surfaces.

Here is something from one of the students; images that were manipulated in PhotoShop and then printing on sheer fabric.

A closer look at the printer, an Epson, I believe.

More student work exploring combined images, stitching for texture, and printing.

Here is Jane in her corner of the studio with various prints hanging on her design boards.

You can read more about Natalya’s work in our interview with her on our blog.

Sue Benner discusses creating superb quilts, and teaching.

April 5, 2015

One of our most popular Fiber Arts Instructors, Sue Benner, will be at the Hudson River Valley Fiber Art Workshops to teach a five day class, Construction/Abstraction, August 23 to 29, 2015.

This 2015 Workshop is fully enrolled / Wait List only, but Sue will return in the Autumn of 2017. Like so many of you, we can’t wait!

SueBenner 2015 c

How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

Although I taught occasionally as a young artist, I didn’t begin to teach in earnest until after starting my family. After my first son was born, Nancy Crow and Linda Fowler asked me to teach at the Quilt/Surface Design Symposium (QSDS) in 1992. After my second son was born, I taught again at QSDS in 1996 and have been teaching steadily at various conferences and venues ever since.

Actually, I have recently reduced my teaching schedule to make more time for studio work. Hudson Valley is a venue that is still on my list for good reason!

What is your favorite part about teaching?

My favorite part of teaching comes when my students dare to take risks, and when they have a sense of astonishment about their own work. I love it when someone makes a leap in the work and says, “I didn’t know I could do that!” or, “I didn’t know I had it in me!”

What would you tell your prospective students are three best reasons for taking a workshop?

Taking a workshop at Hudson Valley Art Workshops has even more perks.

• Having 5 days to leave your day to day life behind to spend in concentration and intensity with your art;

• Meeting other artistic people with whom to share ideas, get feedback about your work, and have fun in the process;

• Finding how your quilts relate to others and having the mental space to reframe your work.

Of course this is on top of learning new skills and techniques and all the other perks of staying at the Greenville Arms Inn.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

I am currently preparing for a solo show at the Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange, Texas (April 2-June 28, 2015). The title of the show is “Circling the Square” in which I explore expanding the tradition of the grid as a framework for the art quilt through the use of color, texture, and shape to add dimension and a new sense of space to the art quilt.

SueBenner 2015 a

Where is your art currently being exhibited?

In addition to the show at the Texas Quilt Museum, I will have work at the Bilston Craft Gallery in Bilston, West Midlands, in the United Kingdom (May 9 – July 4, 2015), and at the Georgetown Art Center in Georgetown, TX (March 2015).

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN commissioned 3 pieces of my work in 2013 and another even larger work (about 104” wide) that I completed in January 2015.

Last year I curated a show at the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art called “Quilts: The New Geometry” that included two of my works as well as quilts by nine other artists.

Is your work represented in galleries, and if so, what hints would you give to artists looking for gallery representation?

Yes, I am represented by several galleries in the United States.

My advice would be to be prolific, make a lot of work. Develop your ideas and work in a series—or several. Get high quality professional photographs made of your work. Join professional organizations. Keep detailed records of your work, shows, and build your resume. Enter contests and calls for entry. Visit galleries where you want to be shown. Get to know the gallery director; be visible.

Here is the big thing: Show your work outside your medium, not just in quilt shows.

Do you sell your work in any online gallery?

I do not sell work online in my own website (www.suebenner.com), but prospective buyers are able to contact me on it. I also am part of a selected group of quilt artists called Through Our Hands (www.throughourhands.co.uk) out of the United Kingdom that actively promotes, displays, and features my work in their website and online magazine.

SueBenner 2015 b

What is your favorite art quote? I have many, but one that seems particularly poignant right now is from artist and illustrator, Maira Kalman from the commencement address she delivered to the class of 2013. (My older son, Kellan Jett graduated from RISD that year as an illustration major.)

“Caring passionately about your work will make you happy,” Kalman said, and later closed with this admonition: “Go forth with kindness, meanness, courage, fear, compassion. Go forth with knowing and having no idea – and knowing that having no idea is completely acceptable and real. Commence with confusion. Commence with a sense of humor. Walk, breathe, retreat. Commence with an idea… It’ll be amazing to see what you do.”

Describe your studio.

My studio is located right behind my house and my short commute makes going to work every day very convenient. The main room of the studio is about 22’x45’ with a garden shed on one end and a bathroom and utility/dye room on the other. One long side of the studio serves as my design and photography wall, and the other long side is a bank of bookshelf-lined windows that allow for lots storage and natural light. On one end is the “office,” the sewing machines are in the middle, and the design/painting/dyeing space is adjacent to the utility room. I have a great table (15’ long) and some open floor space that gets used for dyeing and painting or strewing fabric about.

My studio is in a state of constant flux and sometimes chaos. It is not a fancy, cute, or decorated space (maybe someday…), but it a great place to work.

My studio assistant is Judy Sullivan, and she helps to keep everything together!

Read more of our recent Instructor interviews:

An Interview with Elizabeth Barton, Art Quilt Designer and Instructor

An Interview with Tony van Hasselt, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Lorenzo Chavez: Prominent Landscape Painter in Pastels and Oils

An Interview with Leah Lopez, Award-Winning Artist and Instructor

An Interview with Frank Francese, Watercolor Artist

An Interview with David Daniels: Artist in Watercolor + more

An interview with Judy Coates Perez, mixed media textile artist.

Interview with Liz Kenyon, Pastel Painting Instructor

Patti Mollica discusses creating her art, and teaching

An Interview with Kim English, Oil Painter

An Interview with Barbara Nechis, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Hollis Chatelain: Fiber Artist

An Interview with Natalya Aikens: Computer + Stitch = Art Quilt

Ruth Powers: Designing and Sewing for Picture Piecing

It Figures Margaret Dyer Would Present a Great Workshop

April 2, 2015

Margaret Dyer returned to teach another wonderful, fun, and informative workshop on pastel figure painting.

Some of the student comments were:

“Excellent teacher, learned a lot and had fun doing it!” and “This class offered way more than I expected. Lots of one to one instruction – helpful all the way.”

Fun was had at the dinner table, too! Here is one of the desserts in the process of being decorated – yummy Napoleon with an organic white chocolate topping with dark chocolate stripes.

Next up on the schedule is painting and mark-making on fabric with acrylic inks taught by Judy Coates Perez, followed by designing and sewing for picture piecing taught by Ruth Powers.

An Interview with Elizabeth Barton, Art Quilt Designer and Instructor

March 26, 2015

Elizabeth Barton creates exciting contemporary art quilts, using abstract art principles for inspiration. She returns to the Hudson River Valley Fiber Art Workshops to teach a five day class, Abstract Art for Quiltmakers, August 16 to 22, 2015.

ElizabethBarton 2015

How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

Since 1986…started because I wanted to learn more myself and teaching is a very good way to do that!

What is your favorite part about teaching?

It’s extremely rewarding when somebody has been stuck at a certain stage sometimes for years and suddenly you can help them see the way through!

What would you tell your prospective students are three best reasons for taking a workshop?

Useful information that you can take home and apply to many different quilts.

Individual personal critique – immediate feedback.

The shared enthusiasm of working alongside kindred spirits.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

I’m revisiting some older ideas with new subjects.

Where is your art currently being exhibited?

A couple of galleries in the South East, the touring Quilt National 2013, Atlanta airport: Gate 27 Concourse E.

Is your work represented in galleries, and if so, what hints would you give to artists looking for gallery representation?

That they look for a gallery that specializes in similar work.

Do you sell your work in any online gallery?

From my website: www.elizabethbarton.com and from my blog: www.elizabethbarton.blogspot.com. Not from any of the commercial online galleries – I’ve heard very mixed reports.

What is your favorite art quote?

Sergei Eisenstein the great Russian filmmaker said: “Careful planning and brilliant improvisation.”

Describe your studio.

I have different rooms for different activities. A large walk out basement with sinks etc., and large print tables for dyeing and printing. A command center with design wall, computer and sewing machine. And an art library and sketching area.

Name five of your “can’t do without” tools/products.

Pencil and paper, rotary cutter, T-square, protractor, camera, computer, sewing machine, and unlimited cups of tea!

Read more of our recent Instructor interviews:

An Interview with Tony van Hasselt, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Lorenzo Chavez: Prominent Landscape Painter in Pastels and Oils

An Interview with Leah Lopez, Award-Winning Artist and Instructor

An Interview with Frank Francese, Watercolor Artist

An Interview with David Daniels: Artist in Watercolor + more

An interview with Judy Coates Perez, mixed media textile artist.

Interview with Liz Kenyon, Pastel Painting Instructor

Patti Mollica discusses creating her art, and teaching

An Interview with Kim English, Oil Painter

An Interview with Barbara Nechis, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Hollis Chatelain: Fiber Artist

An Interview with Natalya Aikens: Computer + Stitch = Art Quilt

Ruth Powers: Designing and Sewing for Picture Piecing

Still Life to Landscapes with Leah Lopez

March 23, 2015

The 2015 season of workshops at the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops has begun. The first workshop was a wonderful 5-day workshop taught by Leah Lopez, “Still Life to Landscapes.”

Below is an unfinished painting that was part of a demo presented by Leah on the first day.

Everyone set up their workspace and got right to work.

This class really enjoyed the dinner cuisine and showed up early and eager for dinner each night. Charles N., who had come along to while his wife took the workshop, said, “My wife will want to come back for a workshop, but I’ll want to come back for the food. You really should tell people about the wonderful food.”

One of the starters for this year is a Xiaolong Bao, a Shanghai-style soup dumpling! Yum.

On one of the next days, Leah challenged the group with 15 minute exercise painting landscape impressions.

Jayne was seriously intent on her still life painting!

Below is another of the dishes, Red Cooked Chicken, another Shanghai-style dish. The chicken was so tender and flavorful, and just fell off the bones.

Here is chef Mark, dishing up a helping of Yongchow Fried Rice with Roasted Pork, Shrimp, Peas, that is then topped with tender slices of skirt steak.

One of my favorites of this year are the Cha Siu Bao, Pork Buns. They are made fresh in our kitchen the day that they are served. I could make a meal of just these!

Saturday was check out day, but some of the folks stuck around to enjoy the annual St Patrick’s Day parade that marches right past the front of the inn. It had snowed a couple of inches the night before, but with a little delay in the start time of the parade, by the time it did start most of the new snow had already melted!

An Interview with Tony van Hasselt, Watercolor Artist

March 21, 2015

This summer Tony van Hasselt, A.W.S. teaches an exciting plein air watercolor workshop at inspiring locations in the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Tony’s 5-day class, Watercolor in Nature’s Studio will be held August 9 to 15, 2015 at the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops in Greenville, NY.

How long have you been teaching and what got you started?

To earn a living while attending art school in New York, I became one of the first workshop organizers and studied under painters who taught on those workshops I organized. In that way, my watercolor heros, Rex Brandt, Tom Hill, John Pike, Edgar Whitney and Robert E. Wood, became my mentors and friends.

Based on that education, watercolor became my primary painting medium and I started teaching my own plein air workshops in the 70’s after being elected to full membership in the American Watercolor Society.

What is your favorite part about teaching? Meeting all the wonderful participants over those many years. Despite different ages and backgrounds, we all have one thing in common: we all strive to improve. This makes for warm camaraderie and friendships which carry on long after a workshop is over. Many such friends become “groupies” whose familiar faces show up at different workshop locations I teach.

ME BB REG AD Treasure Island

What would you tell students are the best reasons for taking a workshop? A workshop is a short, concentrated study time where you have the opportunity to fully focus on art, without the usual distractions and obligations. It offers the opportunity to see how a pro approaches a subject and brings it to completion. When students paint, they benefit from the instructor’s personal guidance and during group critiques have the opportunity to observe how their own work as well as that of the group, can be improved upon.

ME After the Rain

What are you currently working on in your own art? I have gypsy blood, love to travel and painting on location, so new surroundings offer the inspiration I need to explore excitingly different subject material.

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Where is your art exhibited? Here in Maine, there are three galleries which show my work.

I also show in a gallery in Charleston, South Carolina.

MA Reflections

What is your favorite art quote? I quote my fellow Dutchman Henry van Dyke: “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”

My own quotes? “There are no failures. They are deposits in the bank named Future Success.” And: “You can’t learn from timidity.”

ME MAG FULL

Describe your studio. Nature is my studio without walls. 80 percent of the work is done on location while finishing touches are added in my studio.

ME Liberty Farm 300

Name your “can’t do without” tools/products.

A sturdy outdoor easel. I prefer the Jullian half box French easel and when flying, the Winsor & Newton Bristol watercolor easel since it is lightweight and fits into a suitcase or duffel bag.
A heavy weight such as a gallon of water and long bungee cord to steady my easel during windy conditions.
Professional grade cold press watercolor paper
A variety of inexpensive brushes, including a large hog hair fan brush, plus of course, van Hasselt’s Magic Muslin, with which I keep painting until getting to the little details.
A palette with a large, unobstructed mixing area. The Anderson folding palette fits inside my Jullian easel.
Professional grade watercolors with a fresh squeeze added each time before starting to paint.
A folding cart to carry these items.

Read more of our recent Instructor interviews:

An interview with Lorenzo Chavez: Prominent Landscape Painter in Pastels and Oils

An Interview with Leah Lopez, Award-Winning Artist and Instructor

An Interview with Frank Francese, Watercolor Artist

An Interview with David Daniels: Artist in Watercolor + more

An interview with Judy Coates Perez, mixed media textile artist.

Interview with Liz Kenyon, Pastel Painting Instructor

Patti Mollica discusses creating her art, and teaching

An Interview with Kim English, Oil Painter

An Interview with Barbara Nechis, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Hollis Chatelain: Fiber Artist

An Interview with Natalya Aikens: Computer + Stitch = Art Quilt

Ruth Powers: Designing and Sewing for Picture Piecing

An interview with Lorenzo Chavez: Prominent Landscape Painter in Pastels and Oils

February 27, 2015

Lorenzo Chavez’ suggestive renderings and fluent technique have earned him numerous awards and many devoted collectors throughout the United States, and he is considered by many to be the West’s premier pastel painter.

Lorenzo returns to the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops from May 3 to 9, 2015 to teach a Studio and plein air Workshop, Field Study to Studio Concepts, in pastels and oils.

Shoreline

How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

I first starting teaching Plein Air Workshops in 1993 when I was recommended by one of my artistic heroes, Ned Jacob, to a gallery in Aspen, Colorado that was doing workshops. The workshops were during the summer months in the Colorado Rockies. I am still good friends with one of the students I met there. He said I was shaking when I did my first demos. I probably was. He continues to take my workshops, but now he says, “You’re like an old pro at teaching workshops.”

Chamisa in bloom w600 h791

What is your favorite part about teaching?

My favorite part about teaching is the people I meet and their love of painting and passion for learning. That is inspiring.

What would you tell your prospective students are three best reasons for taking a workshop?

The 3 best reasons I would tell someone to take a workshop are:

How great it feels to do something that is an investment in yourself.

The interesting people you will meet and possible new friendships of like-minded folks.

To paint out of our comfort zones can be a bit scary, but once we do it is immensely rewarding.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

I recently returned to an earlier passion of drawing and painting the figure. I find it a great and stimulating challenge which continues to make me a better overall artist. I am working on some figures that are based on the Pueblo Cultures of New Mexico. What fun, and how inspiring it has been.

Of course, I absolutely love painting the landscape and I am working on some studio and plein air paintings that will be part of a series of exhibitions for the Plein Air Painters of America (an organization devoted to the advancement of plein air painting).

Where is your art currently being exhibited?

Six great galleries currently represent my work on a full time basis and I am involved in group exhibitions such as the Maynard Dixon Country Exhibition, the Legacy Gallery, Rims to Ruins Exhibition to benefit the Mesa Verde National Park Foundation, and several others.

L Chavez Sierra Sunrise 18x14

Is your work represented in galleries, and if so, what hints would you give to artists looking for gallery representation?

In the workshops I have taught over the years, I have met a number of artists that want additional mentoring. The topic of getting into a gallery recently came up with a couple students. I told them it is important to visit the galleries you’re interested in. Make a list of five, or so, galleries you would love to have your art associated with and in areas you would love to travel and paint. Get to know the folks who run these galleries. Be visible and friendly; one never knows where it leads.

Spring Pattern

Do you sell your work in any online gallery?

Most good galleries have an online presence. Remember, selling artwork is a team effort and a business partnership between yourself and the gallery. Work with them, be honest, and lead collectors to your galleries.

Prairie Homestead Pastel 14x18

What is your favorite art quote?

My favorite art quote is by Robert Henri. “The object is not to make art but to be in that wonderful state of mind where art is inevitable.”

L Chavez Pacific Impression 14x18

Describe your studio.

For a landscape painter everything starts with being inspired by the great outdoors. The main focus of my workshops has been the study of plein air landscapes. That is where the magic happens. I teach concepts that help to clarify the landscape language, such as understanding the color of natural light, value planes, atmospheric perspective and how to simplify the landscape and create a compelling design from nature’s variety. My primary studio is a plein air set up under the wide-open sky.

OUTDOOR STUDIO Canyon de Chelly

Once indoors, we have unlimited time to play with the artistic elements to create even more captivating art from our studies from nature and imagination. My two indoor studios are both at our current home in Colorado. One is devoted to oil painting where I use a large Hughes easel. The pastel studio has an older upright easel I purchased years ago and has become a good friend. Close to the easel is an antique desk holding numerous pastels at the ready.

INDOOR STUDIO

Name five of your “can’t do without” tools/products.

Buy the best quality equipment; it pays off in the long run. Tools of the trade I depend on are: a sketch book, pastels/oils, outdoor easels, sun block, a great pair of walking shoes and a good hat. However, the most important tool is the knowledge of how to construct a painting.

Chavez painting Mesa Verde

Read more of our recent Instructor interviews:

An Interview with Leah Lopez, Award-Winning Artist and Instructor

An Interview with Frank Francese, Watercolor Artist

An Interview with David Daniels: Artist in Watercolor + more

An interview with Judy Coates Perez, mixed media textile artist.

Interview with Liz Kenyon, Pastel Painting Instructor

Patti Mollica discusses creating her art, and teaching

An Interview with Kim English, Oil Painter

An Interview with Barbara Nechis, Watercolor Artist

An interview with Hollis Chatelain: Fiber Artist

An Interview with Natalya Aikens: Computer + Stitch = Art Quilt

Ruth Powers: Designing and Sewing for Picture Piecing

An Interview with Leah Lopez, Award-Winning Artist and Instructor

February 25, 2015

Leah Lopez’ dynamic, evocative art has been exhibited in many prestigious national shows. She teaches drawing and painting at the New York Academy of Art, and at her Union Square Studio. We are thrilled that Leah will return to the Hudson River Valley Art Workshops to teach a Workshop in oil and acrylic, Still Life to Landscape, March 15 to 21, 2105.

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How long have you been teaching and what got you started teaching?

I’ve been teaching over 15 years. I was offered a great teaching position and really enjoyed it. I continued to teach through the years wherever I went, and discovered that there is always more to share and so many ways to help students develop their own personal artistic goals. Eventually, it made the most sense to open an atelier style school, in my studio, enabling my to truly share my personal experience and help others to develop their own unique work. It is an enriching experience for both mentor and student.

LEAHLOPEZ EleanorInRed 36x24 2014 sm

What is your favorite part about teaching?

Seeing another person really let go and begin to create art.

What would you tell your prospective students are three best reasons for taking a workshop?

The Three-I’s are the best reasons: workshops are an Intensive, Inspiring and Interactive learning experience.

You leave feeling like you’ve been bathed in exactly what was needed to return back to your studio with renewed gusto.
Experience an infusion of inspiration that comes from working side-by-side with a successful, professional artist/ skilled teacher and a group of enthusiastic individuals all aspiring to be the best artists they can be.
Camaraderie and life-long connections are made at workshops. In a relaxed environment you can interact with others by sharing your love and appreciation of art and learn from their perspectives, as well.

What are you currently working on in your own art?

I like to work on a variety of things at once, while maintaining a harmonious thread so that what I learn in one piece can help in the development of another. My painting subjects are still life, landscape, cityscape, and figurative – all often revealing a hint of allegory. Composition is the thing that always ties them together. More than subject matter, I’m primarily focused on Composition and the fascinating uses of color, texture, value, and edges.

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Where is your art currently being exhibited?

Throughout the year I exhibit nationally. I have gallery representation in Portland, ME, Carmel, Pasadena and Oklahoma City. I exhibit frequently in New York. As a member of esteemed organizations like American Women Artists, my artwork travels across the states to new galleries and museums every year.

AssisiNocturne 8x10 sm

Is your work represented in galleries, and if so, what hints would you give to artists looking for gallery representation?

Yes and a very good topic. A few hints to get started are

Do your research…

Get organized and be prepared

Plan to make an impression

Follow through professionally and develop a mutually beneficial alliance.

If it turns out that it isn’t a good fit, don’t waste valuable time, find the right fit.

Do you sell your work in any online gallery?

Occasionally, my work is a part of an online auction or exhibition. The next auction is the Salmagundi Club’s “Spring Auction” at www.liveauctioneers.com. The auction schedule is:

Friday, March 13, 2015, 8:00 PM

Friday, March 20, 2015, 8:00 PM

Friday, March 27,2015, 8:00 PM

What is your favorite art quote?

“Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” – Oscar Wilde

Describe your studio.

People say, when they enter my studio, they feel as though they’ve been transported to a distant place and time or an old world master’s studio. I absolutely love it. I don’t like to leave at night, and toss around the idea of sleeping over just so I can awake and immediately start painting and catch every minute of the light. It has a high ceiling and a big wall-to-wall skylight window that faces north, from Union Square toward the Empire State building. It’s up on the 11^th floor so unless I decide to leave I almost forget there is a bustling city outside. The wooden floors are a dark walnut. My walls are a warm olive grey and my paintings hanging about. I have floor-to-ceiling thick black drapes which I use to control the amount and direction of the North-light that washes in, which creates atmosphere that cannot be duplicated artificially, and has long been sought by artists and photographers alike.

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