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