Martha (Marty) was RNAC’s Artistic Director for the past 8 years and we thought this would be a great way to honor all she’s done for Rocky Neck — and all the art directions she’s explored.
So…what’s in your sketchbook? Send submissions to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com, be sure to include a brief bit about what we’re looking at. And your name, of course.
From Linda Bourke:
Several years ago my house burned to the ground. I lost everything, but what I mourn most is the loss of over 150 sketchbooks. Luckily, one of the qualities of keeping a daily practice is that it doesn’t stop. Since the fire, I have filled dozens of sketchbooks– various sizes and bindings. My sketchbook of choice has good quality black paper… — Linda Bourke
From Pamela Stratton:
This was a sketch for a mosaic honoring my ceramic pot that I purchased from Ruth Worrell. It is the inside of the vessel.
—Pamela Stratton
From Lynda Fatalo
These are drawings from my drawing-a-day 2020 (366 leap year!) series. The first group are drawings from the alphabet series. The second group are drawings from the number series (1-100). I posted a drawing a day for the year on instagram @artonomous_art I’m continuing posting a piece a day this year as well . — Lynda Fatalo
My “First Page” is attached. The fun has begun! My sketchbook medium is digital, using the painting tools in Adobe Photoshop 2021 – Matt Cegelis
From Neta Goren:
In Italy, 2019Ruins in Brit-She’an, looking east towards the Jordan mountains, 2017Umbria, Italy, 2019The 3rd Lockdown, 2021 (all images by Neta Goren)
I am a compulsive scribbler. And am particularly inspired by the small scale — these three are sample books of different types of Legion drawing papers. Who couldn’t be inspired to fill a 2.5X3-inch book of cats, whatever, or a month of sunsets?—Janice Brand
A little different this time. Instead of you creating a new piece of art, look around your house or studio — which one piece is your absolute favorite, the one you would have a hard time living without. It could be a piece done by you, your kids, your favorite artist. It just has to be really important to you.
For this “Share,” you can add a few words about why it speaks to you. But try to keep it to under 50 words. Assignment due by — I like this one so much, I’ll keep it going another week — November 28. Send to RNAC.workshops@gmail.
Drawing, by Jake
This charcoal/pastel drawing was made by my son, Jake, many years ago. It shows the strength, balance and resilience that has made him into a fabulous, caring adult!
—Karen Ristuben
Happy Baby Car Ride, Gerardo Ortega
I was touring artists residencies in California when I met a family of potters from Jalisco, Mexico, who made beautifully unusual works. The entire family works together and was enjoying the Montalvo residency in Santa Clara. The father, Gerardo Ortega is the heir of three generations of potters and is considered a Grand Master of Mexican folk art. I fell in love with this joy-filled car depicting Mary, Joseph and the three kings taking the happy baby Jesus out for a ride.
—Kathy Archer
The Celeste Burrill, by Arthur V. Gregory
Painted in 1897 in Australia by marine artist Arthur V. Gregory, it shows my sea captain great grandfather, my great grandmother, and my then 9-year-old grandfather aboard the ship Celeste Burrill. From Australia to Nova Scotia to Minnesota and now to Massachusetts, it connects me to 10 generations of mariners.
— Paul Trefry
Petie
This is a taxidermy bird I love. I’ve painted it many times. His name is Petie. Looks exactly like my childhood pet bird.
— Joyce Roessler
Storm Warning, by Kevin Magnan
This is a painting by my son Kevin Magnan. He grew up around the ocean and has painted a number of seascapes, capturing many different moods. This is one of my favorites.
—Ray Magnan
Walt Whitman Portrait (1969, 4/25), by Antonio Frasconi
I fell in love with this the minute my father brought it home. Walt’s been with me a long time, and so have my favorite lines of his:
O to be self-balanced for contingencies,
To confront night, storms,
hunger, ridicule, accidents, rebuffs,
as the trees and animals do.
We’re at 25+ weeks of Art Challenge, which has been a great run. I’m sensing a lessening of enthusiasm or at least of submissions, so I’m going to ease up for a while and consider this the Fortnightly Art Challenge. It’s getting colder and there’ll be fewer options for distractions, so maybe things will pick up.
So, you’re not off the hook yet! This fortnight (two weeks), draw with white on a black surface. Simple, but powerful.
Rules are simple:
Black & white (okay, I added some color)
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
Deadline is November 7. Send submissions to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. If you have some killer ideas for new Challenges, send those along too!
Black Self Portrait, by Joyce RoesslerEbb Tide, by Pat CollinsSeptember 30, by Linda BourkeWet Street, by Pat CollinsFloaters, by Matt CegelisCharles River Bridge, by Ray MagnanWhite on Black Paper, by Neta GorenBuster, by Janice BrandWiggy, by Linda Bourke
For this challenge, put aside your pencils and brushes. Make an image using a non-traditional drawing tool (stick, fork, your roommate’s toothbrush…). You can also use a non-traditional medium. Please identify your materials.
Otherwise, rules as usual:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Truly any surface, any non traditional medium
Deadline is October 24. Send your image to rnac.workshops@gmail.com. Send title, but more important this week, identify your materials.
Tool used was the tube from a paper towel roll fluted on the end, by Ed MowreyLow Brow Hairbrows (what happens when you start trimming your hair), by Linda BourkeKitchen-Printed Crucifix with plastic bags and finger press, by Neta GorenDoodling with Wire from Chinese Take-Out Containers, by Linda Bourke
Enlarging is a powerful visual strategy. Otherwise, we would not love Georgia O’Keefe’s work quite so much.
For this art challenge, choose a small object from nature– a seed, mushroom, cherry, shell, etc. Spend a few minutes observing the object’s details. Make an image in which the object is at least TEN times larger than the original (1 inch = 10 inches!). Don’t hesitate to let the image bleed off the edges of your surface to create interesting negative shapes.
Simple rules:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
Deadline is October 10. Send your image to rnac.workshops@gmail.com. Send along a title, or I’ll come up with one (and it’s sure to be wrong!).
Pebbles, by Ken KingBlizzard, by Ray MagnanEye of Kara, by Ray MagnanForsythia’s Second Coming, by Linda BourkeTeeny Weeny Barnacle, by Janice BrandZinnia, by Linda BourkeHappy Hour, by Matt CegelisGourd, by Linda Bourke
This week’s Challenge involves removing from the surface. Scratch, scrape, sand, erase your way to an image! (Personally, I find it one of the most fun ways to attack something — break out those erasers.)
Rules are simple too:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
Deadline is October 3. Send your image to rnac.workshops@gmail.com. Send along a title, or I’ll come up with one (and it’s sure to be wrong!).
One Lonely Tree, by Michele Champion
Less is More, by Matt Cegelis
Crossbill and Uncross, by Linda BourkeKen’s Trees, by Janice Brand
Let us repeat: Repetition. Using repetition can produce a variety of effect, like movement or emphasis. It can trigger memory, create confusion or just result in an interesting composition. In this challenge use repetition repetition.
Rules are simple:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
Deadline for this one is September 26; send to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. Send along a title or I’ll have to make one up.
Repetitions, by Mary RhinelanderKnot, by Matt CegelisCherries, by Christine Bobek
Balancing Act, by Christine Bobek
I am Paisley, by Jean Fogle
Angel, Angel, by Linda Bourke
Music of the Spheres, by Ken King
She Sells Sea Shells, by Michele Champion
Reflections on the Multiverse, by Ray MagnanBirds on a Wire a la Stuart Davis, by Janice Brand
Someone mentioned football season starting? We can do that — here’s the challenge: think wide, think panoramic format. (Okay, not the easiest thing to take a picture of, but give it a whirl.)
Rules are simple:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
Deadline for this one is September 19; send to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. Send along a title or I’ll have to make one up.
The Headlands, by Matt Cegelis
After the Swim, by Karen Matthews
Stoney Cove, by Joyce Roessler
Rocks at Folly Cove, by Linda Bourke
Plum Island, by Linda BourkeSummer of ’75, by Ken KingElizabeth Bishop the Traveler, by Neta Goren
Lanes Cove Sea Wall (before reconstruction), by Janice Brand
Enough summer laziness. We’re back! This week’s challenge is to merge the 2D world and the 3D world. It’s easier than you think — or not.
Rules are simple, as ever:
Color or black & white
2D and 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
You have until September 12 for this one. Send submissions to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com with your title or I’ll make one up!
Frog Pond (left), Green Crash (right), by Judy Robinson-CoxCan Do, by Judy Robinson-CoxRosie, by Karen WatsonSwimming in the Quarry, 9/12, by Sally WaiteThe Angelic Monitor, by Cornelius Sullivan
SOS (Save Our Seas), by Donna Caselden
Beached in the Grass, by Alev DanisTail Feather, by Linda BourkeWhat Mice? by Janice BrandBottle Cap Snout, by Linda Bourke
Big Tiny is one of our major fundraisers for Rocky Neck Art Colony and you can help make it a success. The Challenge is to make a gorgeous image in a tiny 5×5″ painting, photograph, mixed media or print. This will be a piece you can deliver to us per instructions below for inclusion in the fundraiser.
Here are your marching orders:
After matting the visible area must be 5 inches x 5 inches.
Work on a 6“x6″ piece of watercolor paper, bristol board or photo paper. Need paper? We can provide 6”x6” 100 lb. Bristol stock. Call Mary Ann McCormick at 978-317-6803 to arrange a pick-up time at 4 Hatch Way on Rocky Neck (not the Cultural Center).
All 2D media accepted, including photography, collage, drawing and painting.
We do the matting. Just remember the visible area must be 5×5”.
Sign the BACK, not the front. One of the thrills of Big Tiny is the buyer doesn’t know who did the piece until after purchase!
Submission Deadline Update: Final Art due September 7. No excuses now! Please deliver or mail artworks in protective packaging to Mary Ann McCormick, 4 Hatch Way, Gloucester MA 01930. Artwork pickups can also be arranged.
See the links below to YouTube videos for some inspiration on how to make your tiny masterpiece:
The Big Tiny is all-virtual this year, so people can view and buy online. The website (we’ll post the URL here when it’s up) will be live for three days, Oct. 10 to 12. The artwork will sell for $150 the first day, $100 the second and $50 on the third. We are also offering framed Triptychs of three pieces that go together.
If you want, you can send your image here to Art Challenge for posting (I won’t be running your caption info): RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. More important, though, is to send the completed piece in to the address above by August 31.
Here’s another idea: Repurpose some of your past Art Challenge work for Big Tiny. As long as it has the all-important 5”x5” internal dimension, you’re probably good to go.
Create an image incorporating distortion as the essential visual strategy. What is distortion? Morphing, blurring, stretching. You play with it.
Rules as ever:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
I’m going to take a bit of a break for August and only update every two weeks (the Fortnighly Challenge?). So you have until August 15 for this one. Send submissions to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com with your title or I’ll make one up!
Pop Rocks, by Katherine Coakley
Old Garden Beach, by Karen Watson
Hold That Pose, by Matt CegelisMood Indigo, by Ken King
Turtle Diary, by Linda Bourke
BMW 507 at Castle Hill, by Ray MagnanBlurry Barry, by Janice Brand
For this Challenge, you will need a fortune cookie (real, virtual, dreamt). Make an image triggered by your fortune. But, wait there’s more: Many fortune cookies’ fortunes have a feature on the back “Learn One Chinese Word.” An extra challenge is to somehow reference that word in the drawing. (If you’re looking for some inspiration, start here.)
Rules are simple:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible
Send your image to RNAC.Workshops@gmail.com along with the title of your piece. Deadline for this Challenge is August 1.
Fortune Cookie in a Teacup, by Matt CegelisThis Cookie’s Fortune: “Declare Peace Every Day”, by Linda BourkePracticing Good Fortune (with Jackie’s Ceramic Cookie), by Janice Brand
Some energetic souls here at Rocky Neck Art Colony are looking to put together a Colony cookbook. We’re gathering recipes, and we need art too. Focusing on ingredients is easier than, say, painting a salad, so take your favorites as inspiration—eggs, apples, walnuts, even broccoli, maybe a whole pie —and paint/draw/photograph at will.
Rules are simple:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible.
Send your image to RNAC.Workshops@gmail.com along with the title of the piece. Deadline for Ingredients is July 26 (extended — I’ll be away the 20th to the 23rd and won’t be able to post your pictures on those dates).
Gooseberries, by Christine Bobek
Olive Branch, by Christine BobekPears by Katherine Coakley
Never Enough Eggplant, by Dina GomeryPears, by Dina GomeryEggs Not Broken, by Ken KingCabbage, by Olga HayesRipe, by Sandy ShawGreek Salad, by Claire Wyzenbeek
Brings Tears to My Eyes and Chard, by Karen Watson
Leeks and Pomegranate, by Barbara Moody
Artichoke and Asparagus, by Barbara Moody
Farm Fresh, by Leslie HeffronFour Pears, by Bruce ShawApples, by Marny Williams
Ingredients on a Fruit Roll: Plums, Pears and Oranges, by Shelly Champion
Corn and Ant, by Karen Watson
Pierre’s Table Oil, by Candace StellaItalian Dinner at Farfa, by Joy BuellOysters, by Mary HayesFrilly Egg, by Helen ToryAllium Sativum, by Matt CegelisSwiss Chard, by Ray MagnanPepino Melon and Grapes, by Linda Bourke
Sure, it’s easy to draw a model or a tree, something static. Want a real challenge? Pick a moving target. I happen to be partial to chickens, but birds, waves, dogs, people at the beach: anything’s fair game. You’ll be training your eye to get the essentials — fast.
Rules are simple:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible.
Send your image to RNAC.Workshops@gmail.com along with the title of the piece. Deadline for Fast Sketch is July 11.
Happy Hour, by Ken KingToo Darn Hot, by Jane HivelySailing Lessons, by Shelly ChampionPounding Down the Tracks, by Jonathan Hively
1918, by Donna Caselden
John Reading and John Folding Dish Towels, by Claire WyzenbeekEllie in the Woods, by Matt Cegelis
Rockport and Gloucester, by Neta GorenHelen’s Chickens by Helen, by Helen ToryReleased, by Linda BourkeHelen’s Chickens, by Janice Brand
Phew — glad that Mineral Challenge is over (though if you have a piece to submit, you still can). This week’s Challenge is way more fun: Create a self-portrait that does NOT include your face.
The rules are simple:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible.
Send your image to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. Send in a title or I’ll come up with my own. Deadline for Faceless Self-Portrait is July 4 (July 4th?? Already??).
In Summer, by Neta GorenPiper Jon, by Jonathan HivelySelf Portrait without a Self Portrait, by Ken KingBubbly Jane, by Jane Hively
About Face, by Ed Mowrey
Faceless Selfie, by Matt Cegelis
Some Fingers on It, by Helen Tory
Gray Hair, by Janice BrandFaceless Selfie, by Linda Bourke
Figures it would be Number 13: Mineral?? According to Encyclopedia Britannica, a mineral is “a naturally occurring homogeneoussolid with a definite chemical compositionand a highly ordered atomic arrangement; it is usually formed by inorganic processes.”
Got that? Me neither.
You can Google “mineral images”— get out the paint box!
If you played along with Animal and Vegetable, this Mineral should be part of that series—or not. Try your best!
Color (black & white if you think you can!)
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible.
Send your image to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. Send in a title or I’ll come up with my own. Deadline for Mineral is June 28.
A Necessity for Life, by Sandy ShawThe Gift, by Ken KingCarats & Carrots Plus Sheep, by Jon HivelyRound Stone on Rock, by Helen ToryThe Eye of the Tiger in Dreamland, by Jane Hively
Portrait of a. Rock, by Ed Mowery
Across Generations: Self-Portrait in my Grandmother’s Silver Spoon, by Bruce Shaw
Beach Rock Garden, by Claire Wyzenbeek
Mock Diamond (part of the Mock Series), by Linda BourkeThree of My Favorites, by Christine BobekHimalayan Salt, by Matt Cegelis
Following last week’s Animal Challenge, this week it’s Vegetable’s turn. You did establish a theme for all your images, right (remember, next week it’s the trio’s conclusion with Mineral)? Yeah, I didn’t either. That shouldn’t stop you, though.
Simple rules:
Color or black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Draw from direct observation preferred where possible.
Send your image to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com. Send in a title or I’ll come up with one of my own! Deadline for Vegetable is June 21.
The Offering, by Ken KingFennel, by Jean FogleCarrot Banquet, by Jonathan HivelyPeter Piper’s Peppers, by Jane HivelyGarden Sampler, by Claire Wyzenbeek Animal + Vegetable: Cattle in a Grassy Pasture, by Bruce Shaw
A Fruit’s a Vegetable, Right?, by Helen Tory
Beets, by Ed MowreyMaize, by Matt CegelisMock Meat, by Linda Bourke
This week it’s Animal. Guess the next two weeks’ Challenges: yep, Vegetable, Mineral. The point is to choose a theme to connect your three responses over the coming weeks. Ready to get started?
***Still time to sign up for the online Portrait Workshop given by the juror of our new RNACExhibitions website inaugural show. Only $100 for all four classes for RNAC members Details here. ***
Simple rules:
Color of black & white
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferred where possible.
I know I am but what are you, by Joyce RoesslerSheep May Safely Graze, by Jon HivelyThe Challenge, by Ken King
Panda and Friend, by Candace StellaSunlit Slumber, by Katherine CoakleyLula, by Bruce ShawClaudius—Tiger Enthroned, by Jane HivelyMixed Media: Global Warming, by Donna CaseldenGreat Blue Heron, by Ed MowreyNight, by Barbara MoodyA Threefer: Animal, Vegetable, Mineral; by Ken KingEl Toro (after Elaine de Kooning), by Ed MowreyWolf Hollow Resident, by Matt CegelisMock Moo, by Linda BourkeWild Boar (not your next dinner guest), by Janice Brand
This week we tackle Isolated Color. Adding a second color to a monotone image creates immediate and often dramatic focus. Have fun using this simple visual strategy.
Simple rules:
Monotones except for that isolated color
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferred where possible.
Dinosaur Lookout, by Jonathan HivelyAnnisquam Light, by Janice BrandSunset Sail, by Katherine Coakley
Sea Maiden, by Donna Caselden
Ro, by Christine Bobek
Goldfinch in the Catmint, by Helen ToryRobin’s Egg, by Jane HivelyBack Door, by Paul TrefryOne in Ten, by Linda BourkeMan with Red Brush, by Paul TrefryFalling Water, by Ken KingEnvelope with Blue Tape, by Matt CegelisMantis Swan Song, by Linda Bourke
We’ve reached Number 9 (“number 9, number 9” for those who remember the White Album). This week, explore colors that are side-by-side on the color wheel (see chart below).
or Color Wheel
These colors are considered analogous, and create calmer energy than complements. Use analogous colors for this week’s Art Challenge.
Colors that are analogous
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferred where possible
Send your images to RNACworkshops@gmail.com. Include a title unless you want me to make one up for you. Deadline is May 30.
Quarry Painting #1, by Joyce RoesslerDutton, by Jonathan HivelyOrchid, by Randolph Kelts
Summer Meadow, by Ed Mowrey
Sunset, by Ken KingMirror Mirror, by Jane HivelyLilac Love, by Janice BrandAnalogous Swooshes, by Matt CegelisOriole with Oranges and Azalea, by Helen ToryLost City, by Anna StewartThe Reappearance of Ms. Mantis, by Linda Bourke
The underlying energy of an image is often determined by deliberate color choice. Complementary Colors are those that are opposite each other on the color wheel (Red and Green, Yellow and Purple, Orange and Blue). When used together, these combinations create a certain vibration or resonance within the image. For this challenge, make an image that employs this principle of color theory.
Complementary colors, please
2d or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferred where possible.
One-week deadline: You have until May 24, so get drawing! Send your images to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com.
Twin Lights, by Leslie HeffronDoodling in Contrasts, by Cynthia Roth
Wild Columbine, by Helen Tory
Growth, by Joyce RoesslerPraying Mantis, by Linda Bourke
The Vase, Orchid and Under the Sea, by Theresa TestaverdeStorm Warning, by Jonathan Hively
Too Much Fun, by Paul TrefryNot My Favorite Colors Together, by Candace StellaAbstract Construction, by Len BurgessRed Umbrella, by Jane HivelyComplements, by Donna CaseldenRecon 5132, by Matt Cegelis
Directions to Spring, by Jane HivelyLooking at You, by Randolph KeltsRed-Haired Girl Napping, by Claire Wyzenbeek
En Guard, by Kathleen G. Archer
Weavings, by Ken King
Old Friend, by Claire Wyzenbeek
Complements, by Kat MasellaMeadow, by Ken KingLure, by Linda Bourke
APOLOGIES TO EVERYONE FOR THE LATE POSTINGS TO THIS ONE. THEY’RE ALL GREAT!
Olive, pea, forest, parrot, spring, grass, lime. This is the moment of the year when green calls to us with limitless variety. Make an image in which green dominates.
Simple rules:
Color (well, mostly green)
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferred where possible.
Green Hair in Motion, by Matt CegelisGreen Marine, by Judy Robinson-Cox
Forest Picnic and Timekeeper, by Judy Robinson-CoxIn Progress, by Joyce RoesslerA Time for Tea, Green or Otherwise, by Jane HivelyDay Three, by Len Burgess
Green, by Ed Mowrey
Wet Green, by Matt Cegelis
Spring is Here, by Mary Barker
Cogswell’s Grant, by Ken KingFolly Cove, by Claire WyzenbeekSummer Swiss Chard, by Ray MagnanDandylions, by Helen ToryRuby-Crowned Kinglet on a Lime, by Janice BrandOlive Ash Tray, by Linda BourkeCox Landscape, by Linda Bourke
Light and shadow are vital elements in image-making. Shadows define objects and create mood. Make an image in which SHADOW is the most important element.
Simple rules:
Color or B&W
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferred where possible.
The Message is in the Shadows, by Judith Robinson-Cox
Glass Shadows: Fiddleheads and Antlers, by Joyce Roessler
Shadow Puppies, by Linda BourkeOminous Spectator, by Jane Hively
Smith Cove Bench Shadow, by Ed Mowrey
Sophie’s Shadow, by Ken KingLate Day Harvest, by Jane HivelyMake Three Wishes, by Linda BourkePiano Shadows, by Len BurgessShadow, by Karen RistubenShadow Pear, by Linda Bourke
Fiddlehead Ferns Emerging from the Dark, by Helen Tory
Airport, by Matt CegelisWinter, by Ken KingTriple Light Source, by Ray MagnanCopied from The Shadow Master, by Janice van Lanesville
Uh-oh—I left my house without my sketchbook! Arg! Luckily, I found a paper bag (or a stone or an apple…). For this challenge, draw on a non-traditional object or surface.
Rules are simple:
Color or B&W
2D or 3D
Any surface, as long as it’s unexpected
Drawing from direct observation preferable
One-week deadline: You have until May 3, so get drawing! Send your images to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com.
Bunny in a Clam Shell, by Joyce Roessler Nature as Artist on Cement, by Len Burgess
Petals on Floor, by Karen Ristuben
Sunflower on Glass, by Anne Marie Crotty
Breakfast, by Claire Wyzenbeek
Look Who’s Talking, by Janice BrandDrawing by Anonymous. Photo by Matt Cegelis
Social Distancing, by Barbara Moody
And on it goes….Cocktail Time: Sex on the Beech (Leaf), by Helen ToryLiner Love, by Linda BourkeButter Fly, by Helen ToryEaster Napkin Setting, by Jane HivelyMy New Love: Concrete, by Ken KingLoo Roll, by Helen ToryCharcoal and Chalk on Exposed Aggregate Concrete, by Ken KingEmerging, by Ray MagnanDogs on Bark, by Linda Bourke Walking on Eggshells, by Janice Brand Bagged One, by Linda Bourke
Apparently the virus has triggered a surge in sales of jigsaw puzzles and other games. For this Art Challenge, play a game (video, vintage, card, word) and then draw it.
Rules are simple:
Color or B&W
2D or 3D
Any surface, any medium
Drawing from direct observation preferable
Two-week deadline for this one; you have until April 25. Send your images to RNAC.workshops@gmail.com .
Visiting (left) and Trophies (right), by Cynthia RothJigsaw Turning into Nightmare, by Helen ToryCheckmate, by Ken King
Sudoku 101, by Michele Champion
Puzzled, by Matt Cegelis Addicted to Wordbubbles, by Anne Marie CrottyBoard Game Trio, by Jane Hively Tic Tac Toad, by Linda BourkeCrossword from Hell, by Janice BrandCootie, by Linda Bourke
Keep a sketchbook and bag of pencils in your car (which you should always do anyway). Stop to draw without leaving the car. Bring a snack, try to park so sun streams into the car, choose some good music, and go for it! Deadline in one week: April 11.
Sitters, by Ken KingGood Harbor, by Claire WyzenbeekPebble Beach, by Linda BourkeDear John, by Jane HivelyWaiting for Tele-Therapy, by Linda BourkePlum Cove Beach (with snoozing dragons), by Janice BrandPeople, by Helen ToryView from Driveway, by Matt CegelisH for Honda, by Karl FrankCape Hedge Beach, by Linda BourkeOops, by Ray MagnanTwin Lights from the Car, by Linda Bourke
This isn’t a drawing — but it’s drawn from Thoreau. In Walden, in the chapter Winter Visitors, he writes:
There too, as everywhere, I sometimes expected the Visitor who never comes. The Vishnu Purana says, “The householder is to remain at eventide in his courtyard as long as it takes to milk a cow, or longer if he pleases, to await the arrival of a guest.” I often performed this duty of hospitality, waited long enough to milk a whole herd of cows, but did not see the man approaching from the town.
Here’s where we’ll be posting submissions to the first Challenge: Seeing Outside the Box. Your assignment, should you choose to accept: Make an image that includes one or more eyes (your cat, a potato, a hurricane…).
The Artist’s Eye, by Ken King
Eyes, by Linda Bourke
Click on the image for a big view, without the caption shading at the bottom.
3D Eyes, by Linda Bourke
Eye of the Tornado, by Barbara Moody
My Dog Tadoka, by Helen Tory
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (apologies to J. Kern, L DaVinci and A. Van Dyke), by Janice Brand
Sly Dog, by Jane O’Hara
RNCCEYE, by Linda Bourke
We’re Watching, by Joy Buell
Looking Out, by Clair Wyzenbeek
Watercolor Eye, by Joyce Roess
Kara Eyes, by Ray Magnan
Ellie Eye, by Matt Cegelis
This Challenge is closed. But there are new ones here. Don’t feel like playing but want to get your work out there? Get on the Rocky Neck Facebook or Instagram pages. Just send your name, the image, title of the work, medium and a sentence or two about the work to: Rnac.operationsmanager@gmail.com
We’re going to cancel — more accurately, postpone— the Susan Ellis Pastels Workshop. If you signed up for this, you will be getting a refund check. You will also be the first to know when we reschedule this.
We’ll hold off on scheduling more workshops for the time being. (Although there may be something virtual abrewing….)
Breaks my heart, but I’d rather be proud we did our bit to help stop the Coronavirus and can get back to our regularly scheduled lives!
But, wait: There’s going to be more. Loren Doucette will lead a class on the Sketchbook (get yours ready!), from noon – 1:30 on Thursdays. Lunch with Loren! Link coming soon!
Here’s a special offer for members of Rocky Neck Art Colony: Let’s block print some holiday cards, together, apart.
Block Prints, by Mary Rhinelander
This year, whether socially distanced or locked down, keep pandemic panic at bay by joining artist Mary Rhinelander for three, one-hour get-togethers on Zoom.
Under Mary’s direction, we will design, carve and print. Mary will make her own card alongside us, available to answer questions and give advice. This is not a formal class, but rather a goodwill gesture to get us all organized and motivated to make an extra special card for our friends and family, many of whom we have been unable to see and spend time with. Plus, you can support the Post office by buying stamps!
Block Print, by Mary Rhinelander
Three get-togethers, one-hour each on December 2, 4 and 9. Cost for each is zip. Nil. Nada. Rien. Exclusive for Rocky Neck Art Colony Members. Happy Holidays, and let’s kick 2020 outta here!
Each online gathering starts at 10 AM.
You will need the following:
Blank cards and envelopes (smooth paper is easier to print)
Linoleum, sized accordingly
Carving tools and x-acto knife
A Sharpie
Ink (Mary recommends oil-based with soap and water clean up)
Putty knife
Brayer/roller
Plexiglass to roll ink on
Baren or wooden spoon
Rocky Neck and Mary will offer a follow-up in the New Year, so if you invest in these ingredients, you will have the opportunity to use them again.
Join us by sending an email to RNAC.Workshops@gmail.com. First 15 members to do so will receive confirmation and the Zoom link before the gathering begins. There will also be a link to Dick Blick for the suggested supplies, as well as a YouTube video of technique.
In a summer that wasn’t great for much else, the artists of Rocky Neck fought back with some terrific work at a bunch of plein air workshops. Here’s a sampling:
Ron Krouk’s Two Day Workshop on the Figure (Aug. 26 & 27)
Loren Doucette’s Poetic Landscape Class (Sept. 19)