Field Studies from MPA Trip
- On May 20, 2008
- By Aaron
- In Field Notes
1
I just got back from a trip to the Madison Valley with members of the Montana Painters Alliance. Finally we were blessed with warm temperatures and sunshine. The Madison valley is a stunner and I can’t wait to work in the studio from some of these studies! I’m posting them as is- I will work on some back in the studio- but I thought it would be fun to show them as they are. I managed eleven studies in two-and-a-half days, starting each day at dawn and often finishing after the sun had set. Now I just want to nap! What a blessing to be out there using a language that speaks of light and air. Not to mention the blessing of good company!
Lost in Iowa
- On May 1, 2008
- By Aaron
- In Field Notes
- 1
Here’s an unusual setting for me:
I’m teaching eighth graders in Pella, Iowa. I spent two days working with art classes at Pella Christian High School. The school had commissioned me to do a large pastel, and rather than shipping it, I drove it out. I had a great time with the kids. The first day I did a charcoal drawing with the help of the students. I’d call up a terrified volunteer and hand them a piece of charcoal. Then I’d direct them: “Fill in the dark of this tree shape” or, “Erase out this area to bring some light into the clouds.” The idea was to help the kids approach a landscape in terms of shape and form. At the end of each period I’d finish the drawing for the class. On the second day I worked on a oil painting for the high school. I did a little each period while we talked as a group about the purpose of art etc.From Pella we headed to Chicago to visit family and relatives. I spent a day with humanities and art classes in a high school where my Mom teaches. I showed them my website and worked on a painting a little each period. (I’m donating the paintings to the schools.) Part of my motivation was simply to let kids know that it is possible to be an artist. When I left home for The Art Institute I had never met a working artist. Not one! People told me to be practical- get a graphics degree, or here’s my favorite: get your teaching certificate so that you have something to “fall back on.” Sorry, teaching is a noble profession, and no one should “fall back” on it. Kids deserve better.I had a great time working with the kids. They asked great questions and really engaged in the process. I also developed a great appreciation for the teachers that I met in the schools!I leave you with a couple pictures of rural Iowa. There is beauty everywhere! (Just click on either photo to see enlargements.)
