Visions of America Opening

New Show Opening in Union Point Georgia

After months of preparation my new show "Visions of America" has finally opened at the Point of Art Gallery in Union Point GA. Most of the folks who know and have collected my works over the years expect more works in egg tempera, primarily of old farmhouses, barns, etc. Well, long before I began painting in egg tempera (for about 30 years now), as well as concentrating on the Georgia farmlands and buildings, I painted mostly in oils and alkyds. And I usually painted nature scenes as well as portraits on commission including the late actor Jack Palance.

For this new show I decided to take a painting holiday to places that my wife Jewel and I had visited over the years. I used old photos and sketches I had done of the Tetons, Acadia National Park, Florida coast, my growing up place in Pennsylvania and, of course Georgia too as my inspiration for this current crop of paintings.

The reception proved that my peers and fans liked the looser oils painted with both brush and knife. Many questions were posed about why I now paint with oils but the truth is, I like switching between oils, egg tempera, pen and ink, pastel, charcoal. Both my mood and the subject matter dictates to me what medium I'll use. Over the years I've tried almost all available painting and drawing mediums and I like them all for different reasons. The egg tempera and pen and inks allow me to do great detail while the oils, pastel, charcoal help me to get more expressive. I painted the Anna Ruby Falls painting mostly with a pallet knife (I didn't have a painting knife available). What fun that was. I am currently working on a sister painting to it with Tulula Gorge as the main subject.

Well, anyway, I appreciate the fans of my work including constructive critical remarks, and I am always thrilled when I sell a painting. Sold 3 during the opening. The Point of Art Gallery owners, Anne Jenkins and Lee Nelson really know how to generate interest in their exhibiting artists work. Anne is an accomplished painter herself and whenever any art lover visits the Gallery, they are treated to a new show and Anne's great paintings. This is a great place to see art and get information on the Georgia Lake Country area.

Visions of America Show

New Art Show in Union Point Georgia

I have a new one-man show opening later this month at the Point of Art Gallery in Union Point Georgia just north of Lake Oconee. Here is the formal press release plus a teaser of the new show images in postcard form.

THE POINT OF ART GALLERY

604 Sibley Ave., PO Box 202, Union Point, GA 30669

Tel: (706) 486-6808 www.ThePointofArt.net

*********PRESS RELEASE*********

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Anne Jenkins, artist owner

Tel (706) 486 6808

Madison artist “Peter Muyzka’s Visions of America” Show at The Point of Art Gallery

The Point of Art Gallery & Studio in historic downtown Union Point proudly announces a one man exhibit and sale of art by a local Madison artist opening Thursday, 25 February. The show, Peter Muzyka’s Visions of America, is the result of months of painting and preparation by Muzyka.

"It's really exciting to host this show for Peter- he is an inspirational artist of immense talent." Jenkins said. "It’s an honor to show his latest body of work with such an intensely personal theme.”

Muzyka said he was born with a love of travel. When he was one month old, his mother took him across the country by bus from his birthplace in Fresno, California to Northeast Pennsylvania where he grew up. He lived on a farm during his early years and was raised to love the land.

“I have always had a deep appreciation and respect for nature.” Muzyka noted. “Whenever I could, I would travel to state and national parks. I would hike trails, fish streams and take photographs and sketch when possible.”

This series of paintings is different from Muzyka’s works of old farm buildings and farm landscapes, Jenkins said. It is a homage to the beauty and wonder he found in his travels. He has painted scenes of the foothills and mountains of the Grand Tetons to the coastal rocks and seashores of Maine, Georgia and Florida; waterfalls in Pennsylvania and Georgia, plus the Georgia and Florida marshlands.

Muzyka said this special show is dedicated to the wonder he has found in the country's natural landscape. It is a celebration of America's beauty.

The reception with Muzyka in attendance is open to the public and is from 6:00 - 8:00+ p.m. on Thursday, 25 February and the show will close Saturday, 3 April at 5:00 p.m. The gallery is at 604 Sibley Ave, Union Point. For more information, call (706) 486-6808 or go to www.ThePointofArt.net.

Georgia's Vanishing Rural Culture

27 years ago, just after I moved to Georgia, I noticed that many of the rural farmhouses and barns were in great disrepair. It wasn't long before many of these structures collapsed and were lost from the landscape forever. I felt a calling to document these old rural structures before the landscape changed forever. This little video is an initial attempt to show, in art, these structures as well as the animals that inhabit the land. Eventually I plan to do a more comprehensive video with photos, paintings and dialog. I hope that you enjoy this presentation.

Rite of Passsage Reception

Another well attended art reception brings art lovers from all over the region

The Point of Art Gallery hosted the show "Rite of Passage" at their Union Point location.

It was an exciting evening! An invited selection of Georgia artists with their interpretations of “Rite of Passage” were present at the show opening on Thursday, March 19. The “Meet the artists” reception went from 6:00-8:00 p.m but actually lasted longer. Wine was served and Chef Doug Janousek catered the nibbles.


What also made it extra special was that the opening reception was filmed by UGA’s School of Journalism students studying film. The end results will be premiered in a 22-minute presentation for Athens and the surrounding area at the State of Georgia’s Technology & Tourism conference in April.


One of the evening's interesting events was a demonstration by talented artist, Wendy Wiggins of Lexington, who demonstrated how she creates glass beads and wraps them in silver for dramatic, fun and beautiful jewelry. Wendy uses a blow torch which was interesting to watch. Wendy's lively personality made the demonstration more enjoyable watching her work and finding out all about the ancient method of working with glass that she employs.






The artists' work comprising the show were from David Siffert of Greensboro, me, Peter Muzyka of Madison, David Boyd, Jnr, of Gay, Margaret Warfield of Oxford, Laura Connely of Washington, Jan Whyllson of Greensboro and Bob Hart of Athens. Each artist uses a different medium and our unique styles added an interesting mix, excitement and interest to the show. Laura Connely is not only a visual artist but also a musician and song writer and provided the entertainment with a selection of guitar music and songs of her own compositions.

More information can be had by visiting or calling the gallery: http://thePointofArt.net (706) 486-6808

Rite of Passage

Preparing for a special new show

A few weeks ago I was asked to participate in a new show in Union Point Georgia with the theme "Rite of Passage". The concept of this show was to show how the participating artists have developed as an artist over the years. What we did or are doing that is indicative of growth to another level. I am showing the stages of one of the pieces that I had entered into this new show.

Rite of Passage opens tonight, March 19th and I've included a press release at the end of this blog post.

Here is my artists statement concerning the show:
From Things to Ideas, My "Rite of Passage as an Artist Throughout my life I have been compelled to put down the things that moved me on paper, canvas, or panel. Sometimes video. When I was very young I experimented with images, colors, mediums with little regard to technique or competence. As an adult I studied the great art masters, read books on technique, style, composition, etc. but was hampered from producing my best work because of a lack of focus. In 2007 I left formal work as an art director and graphic designer to pursue my desire to become a fine artist. I am still learning but now my direction is to depict the things that move me with better compositions and style. I do most of my creations in egg tempera but instead of focusing on the detail in things, I am working towards more powerful designs in my paintings. There is a new side of my work evolving with broader patterns and more compelling compositions. I dedicate this new body of work to my wonderful wife Jewel who has been my muse for the past 40 years.

Anne Jenkins, the owner and curator of the Point of Art Gallery in Union Point Georgia had been recently awarded the governor's award for her work promoting Georgia art and artists. Here is a photo of her with the award in her gallery.


Here are the painting stages for the painting "Dancers on Clouds" that is part of the show.

I always begin with a detailed drawing of the image that I intend to paint. At that time I revise the layout and design to a point where I feel that the image reflects the feeling I want to impart with the painting.











The next stage is an under painting that sets the tone for the overall work. In this painting of Georgia trees in a Spring snow, I wanted a warm glow coming through the cold snow so I used a warm tone for the underpainting.





The next steps are painting in the broad patterns of color that pull the image together.







And finally I work in all the details that bring the image to life.







And the final painting:
Dancers on Clouds

egg tempera on panel, 24" x 18"









And the Press Release for the show:

“RITE OF PASSAGE” ART RECEPTION

The “Rite of Passage” exhibit and sale of art at The Point of Art Gallery opens Thursday, March 19 with a reception open to the public from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and runs through 28 May. The opening reception will be filmed by UGA’s School of Journalism students studying film. The end results will be premiered in a 22-minute advertisement for Athens and the surrounding area at the State of Georgia’s Technology and Tourism conference in April.

“It‘s a great chance to showcase Union Point and, for the gallery, our talented artists to the world.”
Anne Jenkins, owner of the gallery said. “We’ve all painted new works and it is a fabulous show.”

An additional interesting demonstration at the opening will be glass artist, Wendy Wiggins of Lexington, producing glass beads in an ancient method of glass work for jewelry. She makes each bead using a blow-torch and it is fascinating to watch her work, Jenkins added.

The participating artists are David Siffert of Greensboro, Peter Muzyka of Madison, David Boyd, Jnr, of Gay, Margaret Warfield of Oxford, Laura Connely of Washington, Jan Whyllson of Greensboro, Bob Hart of Athens and Jenkins. Each artist uses a different medium and their styles are all unique which will add an excitement and interest to the show, Jenkins said.

Connely is not only a visual artist but also a musician and song writer. She will be providing the entertainment with a selection of guitar music of her own compositions.

The Point of Art Gallery is located at 604 Sibley Ave, Union Point. The “Meet the Artists” reception is on Thursday, March 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Meet the artists, hear their stories and buy affordable, fine art from local artists.

For more information, call (706) 486-6808

Commissions and Collages

Working on an Egg Tempera Collage

Like most artists, I prefer to develop my own creative vision. There are times however when an art project comes along and it is either the right fit or an artist is compelled to take the project as a challenge. So it was with a recent piece of art I was asked to create for a departing pastor of an area church. The congregation wanted to give him something to remember the church by. The pastor had been with the church for 23 years ministering to its people and was the catalyst for many things that improved the lives of its members. The church had developed many family oriented additions at the pastor's direction. So, the first thought was to create a painting of the church. Then it was brought up that it would be a special memory for the pastor to be able to see the inside church elements that he helped build. And, tying all this together would be a portrait of the minister to show his relationship to the church.

I tackled the job with the expectation to produce an egg tempera piece that would be able to be handed down for generations to the pastor's family. And, with egg tempera, the piece would not need to be matted or glass added. This would make it easier for packing and moving with no breakage.

I started with a sketch to present to members of the church that would reflect the composition I intended to paint. In the composition I placed the church structure at the bottom as an anchor for the entire piece. The trees and grass would provide what we normally consider to be a solid ground in the painting. Then I placed the pastor in the center with the Sanctuary on the right of the painting and the Fellowship Hall which was an important addition during the pastor's tenure on the painting's right side. The vaulted ceiling on each would be pointing heaven-ward. And the stained glass windows on both sides would help frame the pastor.

After approval with some minor modifications, I began to produce the actual painting. After applying the sketch to the panel, I painted in the lines and shadows with dark egg tempera paint and then began applying an under painting of burnt sienna and yellow ocher for a warm tone base.









Then I began work on the portrait as that part of the painting was the most critical and the most challenging as I did not know the pastor personally. This took many hours of work until I felt fairly comfortable with the likeness. After that I started to add the grass and work on the complete church part of the painting.





After I completed the church to my satisfaction I began work on the inside area at the top of the painting.

When I completed the top sections I went back over the entire painting cleaning up details and finalizing the painting. The entire process- a little over 40 hours of work.




The most extensive painting collage I did was of selected structures in the city of Monroe Georgia in 2005. There were over 30 buildings, I added birds and wildlife, flowers and hqand painted type elements. That was challenging and took a couple months to produce including taking refernce photographs, etc.

Georgia's Winter Colors

The Georgia Winter Landscape is Suffused With Color

One of the things that I noticed when I moved to Georgia in 1982 was that in winter the landscape is more
colorful than any place I had been. As the photos that I've included here, from tall yellow/red grasses, multi-colored trees, the reddish earth all contribute to a beautiful winter landscape. And, when the sky is clear, the striking blue contrasted with these yellows, reds, greens make for a most uplifting view.


I decided to paint a couple of scenes with the winter colors here in Georgia as the theme and, of course, an old abandoned farmhouse as the centerpiece. I looked to my favorite painting place, the Nolan Corners section near Bostwick, Georgia, as my focal point. After taking many reference photos, I began a sketch directly on my painting panel in water soluble pencil. Then, as my usual practice dictates, I worked on a painted sketch using egg tempera black made with ultramarine blue and burnt umber pigments.









After completing the composition in black on the pre-painted panel I begin adding broad areas of color. This is a broad color lay-in that lays a foundation for the final colors and detail that will come later.



The next couple of stages help refine the color scheme where I paint in the various sections of the piece with reds, yellows, blues, greens and maake some decisions about shadows and highlights in the work.




And then I begin to add the many details that will draw the viewer into the image and hold their interest. From the boards that are exposed on the building to the bricktex covering that is rapidly deteriorating to the rocks in the chimney and rusted tin on the roof.

Lastly I glaze color over the image to finalize the warm winter color scheme that I had chosen for this piece.

The original painting can be seen at the Arts on the Avenue Gallery in Macon Georgia where some of my newest paintings are being shown.

ART ON THE AVENUE Fine Art Gallery and Studio
2368 Ingleside Avenue
Macon, Georgia 31204
478.743.3720

http://maconartontheavenue.com/

My other egg tempera paintings of Georgia landscapes and farm buildings can be seen at the Point of Art Gallery in Union Point and the Art Gallery LaPlace in Washington, Georgia and at the James Madison Inn in Madison.

Painting Cows

Herefords in Georgia

Those of you who know my work usually see my paintings of old farm buildings in egg tempera.
Well, along with rural farms there are the crops and animals that you may find on those farms. I have painted cows off-and-on since I was a kid and once in a while I get the urge to do a painting of these stalwart animals. I've just completed an oil painting commission of Herefords for some folks and I'm also working on a couple egg tempera cow paintings for a future show.

Here is a sequence of steps that I take to paint in oils:

First I prepare a pencil sketch on paper to determine composition :

Then, when I'm pleased with the design, I begin working up the basics of the layout in paint on the canvas (or panel):

Then I work up the painting in many stages and glazed layers:





















And then the final details and color adjustments:

My work on egg tempera paintings is similar. Working on panels with egg tempera pigments gives me the opportunity to be as detailed as I want or fairly loose with my painting technique. One of the main differences is the need to keep the egg tempera layers thin and that keeps the paint fairly transparent. It can make the piece glow with color.

Here are a couple of initial cow layouts for an egg tempera painting that will be completed in a couple of weeks.










And a black egg tempera wash created using burnt umber and ultramarine blue pigments:

Check back in early January to see some completed egg tempera cow paintings. Thank you for reviewing my blog entry and Happy Holidays!