Guest Speaker Louis LaBrie
Another fun and educative EBAG meeting! YEAH!
Louis LaBrie was the guest speaker at our general meeting on August 21, 2007. LaBrie has worked in most 2D mediums; which include oils, etchings, lithographs, colored pencil and oil pastels. He works in all sizes, ranging from large murals to miniature paintings.
In describing his work, LaBrie stated that his primary goal is to have the viewer want to climb into the landscape and experience a particular time and place. Abstract designs and patterns found in nature are important elements he conveys in his work. LaBrie went on to share that he utilizes photography as a tool to help with greater observation of his subjects. The details aid his attempts to make paintings read as well from up close as from a distance. LaBrie works freehand from his photographs, and relies on his intuition and original inspiration to capture the color and the feeling of a scene.
The paintings he exhibited in our meeting had exquisite details, vibrant colors and great compositions. Although small in size, his paintings showed scenes with atmospheric presence, and indeed captured the feeling of a particular moment in the beauty of Nature.
In a painting demonstration, we watched him put layers and layers of colors in measured strokes using tiny brushes, which was meditative. Most, if not all, of his paintings have more than 50 layers of painting and took months to complete. It is a labor of love and the result is stunning!
He generously shared his knowledge and methods, and answered kindly various questions coming from 21 members and guests in attendance.
Thank you Louis LaBrie!!
The pleasant demo was closed with delicious cookies and drinks provided by Martin Biro and his wife.
To view Louis LaBrie’s paintings yourself, visit his website at: http://www.louislabrie.com.
