Aspen Surgery Center, John Muir Medical Center, 133 La Casa Via, Walnut Creek

Monday-Friday December 7-January 15

Juried by Arthur Scott King, Diablo Valley College Art Department

Best of Show              Keiko Stong                    Morning Ice

Acrylic/Oil—37 entries

1^st place            Korianna Kisielprice                Chip in the Surface

2^nd place            Joanne Corbaley                      Kansas Harvest

3^rd place            Joanne Corbaley                       String of Pearls

Watercolor—15 entries

1^st place            Keiko Stong                             Morning Ice

2^nd place            George Ehrenhaft                      City Rain

3^rd place            Wendy Oliver                           Peace Rose

Photography—13 entries

1^st place            Mark Pemberton                    Namafjall Hverir

2^nd place            Katrina Martin Davenport            Magnolias

3^rd place            Katrina Martin Davenport                 Lily

Mixed Media/Other—5 entries

1^st place            Yvonne Browne                 Gossiping Bridesmaids

2^nd place            Wendy Oliver                           Sunny Day

JMMC has space for a maximum of 70 pieces of wall art. We started with 31 entrants and 79 entries. JMMC dismissed three quilts that the EBAG show coordinator tried to include as wall art, leaving us with 30 entrants and 76 entries. One entry was dismissed due to lack of wiring, leaving us with 75 entries. With five too many, our juror, Arthur Scott King, looked over all the entries to determine the “bottom” five.

His criteria for dismissal were that these five were not well enough thought out/not fully developed/not fully “cooked.” Conversely, his criteria for awarding the prizes were that the work show evidence of being well thought out/fully developed/fully “cooked.” For example, in one category he went back and forth with the 1^st and 2^nd places several times. Finally, he became sensitive to one of them having a small under developed area, so back it went from 1^st to 2^nd because he could find no such area in the other. When he explained his places, he backed up each decision with well thought out and extremely detailed critiques. He also gave similar critiques to several other pieces. He offered to come to one of our meetings to critique a limited number of pieces from the show, including not only the prize winners but others as well. He suggested we find a way to limit the critique session to about 20 pieces. More about this later.

Acylic/Oil was by far our largest category with 37 entries. The juror included all acrylics in this category, even if they were painted on paper, because he said it’s the handling of the medium that is important, and acrylic handles as acrylic no matter the support. He studied each and every painting in this category, looking for things like consistency, variety of passages, variety of techniques, complexity, composition, color balance, follow-through with shadows, among others.  He complimented two non-awarding-winning paintings, saying that even though they had weak areas, they showed remarkable creative bravery.

The Watercolor category had 15 entries. He looked for things like a combination of techniques in a given painting, such as both wet in wet and wet on dry. Any evidence of an under developed area in a painting was bad news. He explained how an under developed area has an unfinished look to it—as if the artist didn’t know what to do there/didn’t pay an even amount of attention to every square inch of the painting.

He was similarly demanding of the 13 entries in the Photography category. While appreciating a beautiful and inspiring view, he wanted to see more. He wanted the photograph to reinterpret the world with a unique viewpoint. He also wanted to be able to read the photograph as he would a painting, with an eye for repetition of patterns, interesting tonal variations, among other criteria. He appreciated the way his eye was led through the 1^st place photograph and how he kept discovering new nuances. He described the 2^nd and 3^rd place photographs as wonderful examples of the “momentary” viewpoint.

He had the hardest time with the smallest category: Mixed Media/Other. Only five works lined that area of the wall. After much thought, he chose to award only two places, not wanting to “place” a work that fell short of a certain degree of complexity and “finish.”

When he asked if we had a “Best in Show” award, he was answered by a few shoulder shrugs. It was decided that if he felt one piece was head and shoulders above the rest, we’d be happy to add this award. He chose Keiko Stong’s watercolor entitled “Morning Ice,” and gave a glowing and enthusiastic critique of that sophisticated, complex and delicately detailed work of art.

In addition to the few intense hours put in by the juror, EBAG owes a round of applause to the two show coordinators who each spent more than 8 hours at JMMC handling the show, in addition to many additional hours spent preparing for the show. We’d also like to thank Joan Alexander for donating about four hours helping with drop-off and set-up. It takes more than 40 hours of manpower to put on a show like this.

A project that began last August has moved forward and is nearing fruition.

From the November 19 Contra Costa Times
Martinez Beavers May Get Mural
By Lisa P. White

” MARTINEZ — If the beavers living in downtown Martinez decide one day to pack up and leave, a permanent reminder of their tenure in Alhambra Creek may remain.

Worth A Dam, the group devoted to protecting and promoting the beavers, has created a public art project to memorialize the toothy, dam-building creatures and the other wildlife living in the creek.

The City Council endorsed the project — a mural of 81 ceramic tiles featuring drawings of beavers, fish, turtles and frogs. The mural will be attached to the concrete wall of the Escobar Street bridge.

In August, children painted more than 100 tiles during the second annual Beaver Festival and the John Muir Mountain Days day camp. Safari West, a wildlife preserve park located in Santa Rosa, donated $200, which covered the cost of the tiles and markers.”

EBAG artists  FROgard Butler, Cheryl Reynolds and Keiko Stong worked with the children to create the tiles and panels that will make up the mural. Many thanks to the artists and to the Organization Worth-A-Dam for their community involvment in this project and in teaching the children about environmental awareness and art.

Photograph by FROgard Butler

On October 17th at the Oktoberfest in Todos Santos Park in Concord EBAG participated in a community outreach program to teach children about art and painting.  Children learned how to use water colors.  They experienced many different types of brushes and chose to make lovely paintings ranging from dry brush style to wet on wet.  It was truly surprising to see the concentration on their faces and the joy with which they painted.

Keiko Stong and FROgard Butler were there to help, along with the California Watercolor Association.  Both Keiko and FRO are members of the CWA as well as the EBAG.  It was a pleasure to be there and participate with our youngest community artists.  It was a wonderful opportunity to serve these young artists.

On the same day EBAG participated in the Girl Scout Fly Away Fiesta at Sugarloaf Open Space in Walnut Creek.  The event was well attended by over 150 brownies and girl scouts.  The children moved from booth to booth participating in Environmental Activities.  They included representation from the Audubon Society, Save Mt. Diablo, Worth A Dam (save the beavers), and many others.  Each booth had an activity for the girls to participate in.  FROgard Butler was there to represent EBAG and help the girls with their art work as they decorated draw string back packs and Cheryl Reynolds was there taking lots of photos.  The event was fun, well attended, and in a beautiful location.  The girls and parents appreciated EBAG’s help.

On the following Wednesday I received the following email from Meredith Davis of the Girl Scouts:

From: Meredith Davis

Subject: MANY THANKS!!

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 2:37 PM

I can’t thank all of you enough for making the Girl Scouts Flyway Fiesta at Sugarloaf Open Space last Saturday a truly awesome event!  We hosted more than 200 Girl Scouts of all ages – from Daisy Girl Scouts in Kindergarten to 11th and 12th grade Ambassador Girl Scouts.  I was walking around all day, and everyone – including the parents – was having a blast.  All of you are to be commended for bringing wonderfully fun activities that captured their interest while they learned a great deal.

On behalf of the Girl Scout Council of Northern California, I extend our appreciation of all your efforts.  We look forward to working with all of you again to bring exciting opportunities to our girls as part of our Green By Nature initiative.

Best regards,

Meredith

Report Prepared By:

FROgard Butler

Education Director

Photographs by FROgard Butler

(Photographs by Wenda Pyman and Nina Tyksinski)

Crescent Drive and the plaza were indeed overtaken by the Pleasant Hill Art, Jazz & Wine Festival on the mild-weather weekend of October 10 and 11. EBAG successfully staged two days of working artists, as requested by the realty development company that allows us to use the empty storefront at 105 Crescent Drive.

Thank you’s are in order for our set-up and take-down crews of Walter Crew, Nina Tyksinski, Joan Alexander, Cynthia Tubbs, FROgard Butler, Kori Kisielprice, and Keiko and Bill Stong who worked together handling our display panels and patio umbrellas. We were represented by jeweler (and painter) Rana Miller-Owen and photographers Mark Pemberton, Wenda Pyman, and Kasia Kessler (whose large format camera on tripod, complete with the black shadow cloth drew plenty of interest). One of our colored pencil artists, Glynda Dixon, particularly enjoyed interacting with several family groups, letting the children experiment with her impressively organized colored pencil collection. Participating painters included Walter Crew, Lorraine Botsford, Roz Zinns, FROgard Butler, Kori Kisielprice, Sandy Cornelius, Christopher Georgeovich, Wendy Oliver, Elizabeth Kennen, Nina Tyksinski, Joan Alexander, and Keiko Stong. Painter Sandy Cornelius expressed how beautiful the afternoon (Saturday) was on the plaza, and how she may have found a new member for EBAG, a woman who became very excited at the thought of joining an active and supportive group such as EBAG. As always, our guild benefits when any of us can spread the word about all the positives EBAG offers, such as our monthly membership meetings (with either speakers, demos or critiques), website exposure, exhibit opportunities, and fun outreach events.

Kasia was great in bringing her 6×7 film camera as well as her monster 4×5.  People were fascinated with the equipment, especially the younger ones who only know digital cameras. We distributed a lot of EBAG info.  There were a lot of positive comments with our photography and art work.  People like to see the artists in action.  The location was great, lots of people that filtered through there and enjoying the music.

We thank everyone for their involvement, even if any names were inadvertently omitted.

On August 18, EBAG member Egmont van Dyck gave an inspiring and informative presentation of his creative method, which he refers to as Abstract Realism. A failed attempt to hold the monthly meeting at our normal location of the Winslow Center, due to having the wrong key, turned into a successful meeting at member FROgard Butler’s nearby garden home. We caravanned over to FRO’s, leaving a note with her address on the door of the Winslow Center.  Two additional guest visitors found their way to FRO’s and showed up just as Egmont was beginning his talk. We apologize for any inconvenience this last-minute change of venue may have presented to anyone else coming to attend the meeting.

Photo by Mark Pemberton

Egmont uses his career experience in graphic design and professional photography to create his current works of fine art. Applying torn scraps and staples he collects from billboards, particularly Berkeley telephone poles, to either canvas or recycled wood pallets, Egmont creates thoughtful collages that not only follow the basic principles of design, but also document sociological events. He showed us a painting he developed based on an actual section of the Berlin Wall to commemorate the end to that era. His works are reminiscent of the abstract collages of  Rauschenberg, but are actually realistic renditions of sections of industrial walls and cluttered billboards he has observed with his keen artist’s eye, hence his term: Abstract Realism.

Photo by Erika Goldstein

Three EBAG members helped at the Second Annual Beaver Festival on Saturday August 1st in downtown Martinez.  FROgard Butler, Keiko Stong, and Cheryl Reynolds helped the children create beaver tiles for a future wall display near the Alhambra Creek in downtown Martinez.  Sponsored by the group Worth a Dam, the festival had good weather, good turnout, and many environmental booths, as well as many children activities.

Children and Art go hand in hand and we love to help encourage them to create.  The event was lively with tours of the creek and four different bands playing throughout the day.  It was a perfect opportunity to share both an appreciation of art and environmental responsibility.  We hope to be there again next year and see even more EBAGers participate.  Perhaps a booth with EBAG artists doing pleine aire painting would be a good public educational opportunity.  See you then!

Thank you to Keiko, Cheryl, and FRO for encouraging and helping the children create the tiles.  We look forward to seeing them on display in the future.

Arthur Scott King explaining proper framing and matting. (Photo by Egmont van Dyck)

On July 21, Arthur Scott King, curator of the art gallery at Diablo Valley College gave a wonderful presentation about the operations of art galleries.  He presented a wide-ranging discussion about many topics that are of great concern to artists seeking to display their work in the most effective manner and what art directors expect to see.  There was an extended discussion on proper framing and matting of artwork.  This included an excellent presentation on color theory and colors effect on the perception of artworks.  Scott also explained what art directors and curators expect to see in the way of proposals for an exhibit.  Most proposals and portfolios today are presented on CD or DVD, something I didn’t realize.  The meeting ended with a lively Q&A period.  It was a highly entertaining and educational experience.

Guest's Choice Winning Photograph by Egmont van Dyck

We also had our final Meeting Art Contest. The Guest’s Choice went to a black and white photograph by Egmont van Dyck. Congratulations! First place went to Nancy Robinson’s figurative acrylic, second place to FROgard’s van Gogh ceramic, and a tie for third place to Nina Tyksinski’s abstract acrylic and new member Mark Sloane’s color photograph. Thank you to all artists who have participated in these contests.  In the future we will focus on quarterly salon-style group critiques as a way to benefit from sharing our art, the next being the subject of our September meeting.

Use the impasto technique with watercolor? Add a couple of drops of enzyme from an ox’s gall bladder to reduce surface tension of water, allowing for easier distribution of washes? From lifting preparations to permanent masking fluids, Winsor & Newton’s Education Advisor, Christine Hanlon demonstrated ways to turn watercolor painting into a painting medium more versatile than ever before imagined. She even demonstrated a simple paintbrush washing technique that none of us had ever seen. EBAG’s June meeting informed, entertained, and inspired. Our monthly art contest fell by the wayside due to the length and intensity of the demo, but we thank the artists who brought in work to share regardless. Did you see FRO’s ceramic of a van Gogh?

Join us in July to listen to DVC’s art gallery curator Arthur Scott King talk about the ins and outs of the gallery business.

Photo by Egmont van Dyck

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EBAG’s Third Annual Art on the Plaza

Our April meeting was very informative. Mark Roberts was our guest for the evening and gave a presentation on portraiture and figure drawing. Mark is curator at the Lynn House Gallery in Antioch, an instructor at the San Francisco Art Academy and at Walnut Creek Civic Arts. He works in oil in the tradition of impressionistic realism.
With the assistance of our Education Director, FROgard Butler as a model, Mark produced an excellent graphite sketch over a period of about 40 minutes while maintaining a continuous stream of commentary about the technique. Many thanks to Mark for his wonderful presentation and to FRO for consenting to “model” for us.

Graphite drawing of FROgard Butler by Mark Roberts

Our April Art Contest winners are: 1st place Mark Pemberton, 2nd place Cheryl Crews, a three-way tie for 3rd place Egmont Van Dyck, Barbara Rockhold, and George Rammell. Our guest artist’s choice was Mark Pemberton’s “Urban Homestead” print. Congratulations! Thank you to all seven members who brought in work.

FROgard Butler coaching a young artist on the sculpting of a clay beaver. (Photo by Cheryl Reynolds)

On Saturday April 18th, the John Muir Association of Martinez, California celebrated John Muir’s birthday and Earth Day with an all day festival at the John Muir National Historic Site. Activities included exhibits for children and adults, live entertainment, self-guided tours of the historic Muir Home and the California Native Plant Garden, and much more. Michael Muir (John Muir’s great grandson) was also present.

As part of the activities, our Education Director, FROgard Butler was there to represent EBAG. FRO shared a booth with Cheryl Reynolds from the local group Worth a Dam, dedicated to protecting the beavers that have taken up residence in Alhambra Creek, downtown Martinez. Cheryl is also a member of EBAG. Working with a group of about 200 children they sculpted clay beavers and placed them in a diorama of the beavers home in Martinez. Activities began at 10 am and continued throughout the day until about 4 pm. Congratulations to FRO, Cheryl, Worth a Dam and EBAG for their efforts to build awareness about the environment and the arts.

Tesia Blackburn showing examples of Golden Paint's line of modern pigments.

Last month’s meeting with Golden Paint’s rep Tesia Blackburn was packed with info. Tesia’s website is blackburnfineart.com if you’d like to visit her blog, learn about her classes, etc.

In addition, at the meeting we tried something new: an art contest. First place went to Yvonne Brown’s mattboard etching, second went to Keiko Stong’s patterned landscape, and third went to Cheryl Crews’ landscape painting. Guest artist’s choice went to new member Egmont Van Dyck. Thank you to everyone for the overwhelming participation! We’ll work out the kinks so things can proceed more smoothly next time. The running tally of points won for each place indicates Yvonne Brown in the lead as EBAG’s Guild Artist of the Year, to be awarded in December 2009.

The town of Clayton held its 6th Annual Creekside Arts Festival the weekend of March 6th. The Festival was a 2 1/2 day celebration of the arts and cultural events. Activities included live painting demonstrations, cultural presentations, poetry readings, music, art sales and much more. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation in cooperation with the City of Clayton, it was a well organized and impressive effort.

In addition to the above activities, the Festival hosted a juried art contest. The theme was “Cultural Legacies…Reflections of our Past”. Thirteen artists entered the contest and submitted 38 pieces of art. Among the entrants were EBAG members Brian Condran, Carol Jurasin, and Mark Pemberton. The entries represented the diversity of artists in EBAG with Brian submitting two oak cabinets, Carol entered three watercolor paintings, and Mark, three photographs.

Awards for the juried competition were handed out in a special presentation Friday evening. One of the big winners was EBAG member Brian Condran who took home 5 awards. For his work “Master Watching” he won Best Technique and 2nd Place Non-Photography. His “Heritage Oak Cabinet” won the Judges Choice award, Best Theme and 1st Place Non-Photography.

In the Photography category, Mark Pemberton took 2nd and 3rd Place ribbons for his works “Reflections on Lincoln” and “Ghosts of Bodie”. First place in the Photography category went to Tom O’Connor for his visually impressive photograph of petroglyphs in Canyon de Chelly, NM.

On February 4th, Suzanne Cerney, artist extraordinare, and I were invited to Career Day at Irvington High School in Fremont.  The invitation was through an organization called Learning for Life.  Christian Gargaro, the coordinator for speaker’s events asked FRO if she would be interested in talking with high school students regarding the life / career of being an artist in today’s world.  Approximately 60 studends attended this extra-curricular event.

We brought an extensive and well rounded collection of art samples, as well as many “tools of the trade”.  These included brushes, palette knives and paints. and encouraged the students to get up and examine everything.  We also challenged the students with a number of questions, such as:   In what ways do you think art has been beneficial to humanity?  How many of you know someone who is in a similar field? What have you learned which now interests you?  Worries or concerns you?

As representatives for the East Bay Artists Guild we explained to the students that there are many such groups in the Bay Area with which they could get involved.  Web site information was handed out and questions were answered.  One girl in particular was very excited. She drew sketches the whole time.    It was education in action and a wonderful experience.

I want to thank Suzanne for graciously volunteering to assist me with this presentation.

FROgard Butler – Education Director

Artists Submit Work for Anonymous Critique

At the February 17 meeting EBAG members brought a variety of art works and submitted them to the membership for anonymous, written critique.  This was a wonderful opportunity to obtain valuable feedback about the artistic and technical merits of our work.  Each artist received multiple written critiques that they could take home and evaluate.  When the evaluation period was over, representative comments for each work were read out loud.  Participation in the process was very enthusiastic and the results very constructive.  Thanks to our president, Walter Krane for suggesting this format and to FROgard Butler and Glynda Dixon for organizing the meeting.

At the January 20 general meeting the members of the East Bay Artists Guild elected a new Board of Directors for 2009. Prior to the election of officers, outgoing President, George Rammell congratulated the Board and Executive Committee members for a highly successful year. Highlights for the year included two successful exhibits at Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill’s Art on the Plaza, the “Gift of Color” show in December and many informative monthly meetings.

The newly elected Board of Directors consists of:

President, Walter Krane
Vice President, Walter Crew
Secretary, Glynda Dixon
Treasurer, Keiko Stong

An active discussion followed the election in which Walter Krane elucidated his vision for EBAG in the comming year. Discussion focused on two areas: A “signature event” for EBAG and how to enhance membership participation. Based upon the conversations in the meeting it should be another interesting year for EBAG.

From L to R: Glynda Dixon, Keiko Stong, Walter Krane, Walter Crew

EBAG’s December 2008 Show, “The Gift of Color” – A Rousing Success!

The East Bay Artists Guild show “The Gift of Color” at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Art Gallery in San Ramon was a huge success in promoting the Guild and raising the awareness of the importance of art in the community. The exhibit was capped by a well attended artist’s reception on Saturday, December 20 that will go down in EBAG history as one of our best events ever.

Thirty two of EBAG’s 75 members exhibited a total of 69 pieces of wall art, plus two glass cases of ceramics and jewelry. Works exhibited ranged from oils and acrylics, to colored pencil drawings, abstracts, photographs and much more. Sixteen of the artists also brought in items for the reception’s small sales table.

The vibe at the reception was positive and the refreshments yummy. Many positive comments were overheard from the public in attendance.

EBAG’s December 2008 Show- The Gift of Color!

Plans for EBAG’s December show, The Gift of Color, are ramping up.  The call for art has been emailed to membership. Signup deadline is November 16. If you failed to receive the call for art email, please contact ebag.exhibits@yahoo.com.

In addition to the usual exhibition of artwork this show will be unique.  EBAG will have a table set up for the artist to sell smaller items to the visitors.  The sale of these smaller pieces of artwork should significantly enhance the excitement of the attending public.

We will be hosting an Artists Reception on December 13 from 11:30am to 3:30pm. The reception will also serve as our December general meeting/year-end social gathering. Excitement plus! Come and enjoy to art and the atmosphere.

Member News

EBAG artist Bob Wahrhaftig will present an interactive demonstration of his figurative painting method at the Moraga Art Gallery, 570 Center Street, Moraga on Friday, November 7 from 7 to 9 PM. He has titled his demo, “Masterpiece or Mess?” He will set up a canvas and invite members of the audience to apply splashes of color, after which he will transform the piece before our very eyes into one of his colorful figuratives. One lucky member of the audience will get to take the artwork home. This will be an exciting project-come and support EBAG’s most colorful artist!!

Five members of EBAG are also currently members of the Moraga Art Gallery, while at least two others are past members. Come visit! The Moraga Art Gallery is in the Rheem Valley Shopping Center, tucked in between Long’s Drugs and Loard’s Ice Cream.

EBAG’s December Show- The Gift of Color!

Our December 2008 show at the Lindsay Dirkx-Brown Gallery in San Ramon, The Gift of Color! , will be a show you won’t want to miss! Not only will it be EBAG’s most ambitious show to date, but it will be a show with a twist. One of the aspects that will make it our most ambitious show will be the “small sales table” coordinated by member Carol Jurasin. More details are forthcoming. The twist is that each participant will participate with a capital P; meaning, not only will you show art, but you will be part of the production team. The different jobs are being broken down into small tasks: many hands make light the work. The Initial Call for Art email will be sent out soon, and will include the list of volunteer jobs. The Gift of Color! is going to be a blast–an extravaganza! The Artists Reception will double as EBAG’s December General Meeting, but bigger and better than ever!

Innovative ways to reproduce your original art

Several EBAG members will share ways they have found successful to turn their original art into smaller, more “immediately saleable” products. Please contact ninawm@comcast.net if you’d like to participate in these small demonstrations. Possible products include turning two-dimensional art into greeting cards, jewelry, coasters, matted prints, T-shirts, and calendars. Contact Nina with more ideas. This topic should be of particular interest to EBAG members who would like to participate in the December show’s “small sales table.”

Welcome New Members

The Guild welcomes new members Jane Connelley, Katrina Martin Davenport, Margaret Kus, and Mika Phinney. Our membership is up to 71.

Open Studio Workshop

There are still plenty of openings in the Pleasant Hill open studio workshop. Contact EBAG member Walter Crew for more information (phcrew@juno.com). Since it’s a new deal, we can only hope that the idea will catch on-if not this session, then the session beginning November 5.

The sign-up information, as shown in the Pleasant Hill Spotlight, is repeated below:

Painting Open Studio (6 meetings per class session) Come paint with us. Open to both experienced painters and current painting students. Work on your own in a relaxed group setting. No instructor. Artists provide their own materials and are responsible for their own clean-up. No storage.

Monitor: Juli Gianti.

4559.401 Sept 17 – Oct 22; 4559.402 Nov 5 – Dec 17 (no meeting Nov 26, Dec 10).

Wednedays, 12:30pm-3pm. Fee: $22. Location: Art Studio, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive (off Taylor, PH). Register online now at www.pleasanthillrec.com or by phone (925) 682-0896 or by FAX (925) 682-1633, or by mail PHR&PD 320 Civic Drive, PH 94523. Online registration offers a $5 discount!

Member News

EBAG member Chris Garthwaite is trying to collect donations of art supplies to send to his daughter who is in Chile doing volunteer art therapy work. Please contact Chris directly if you’d like to learn more about his daughter’s group or if you’d like to donate supplies or money (cathectio@sbcglobal.net).

Open Studio Workshop

The East Bay Artist Guild continues its strong community involvement. In cooperation with local artist and Pleasant Hill arts representative, Juli Gianti, an open studio has been organized through the Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, modeling it after a similar program offered by Walnut Creek.

The following announcement was published in the Pleasant Hill Spare Time Spotlight:

Painting Open Studio. Calling all artists! Come paint with us. Open to both experienced painters and current painting students. Work on your own in a relaxed group setting. No instructor. Artists provide their own materials and are responsible for their own clean-up. No storage.

Monitor: Juli Gianti. Sept 17 – Oct 22, Oct 29 – Dec 17 (no meeting Nov 26 & Dec 10).

Wednedays, 12:30pm-3pm. Fee: $22. (6 meetings) Location: Art Studio, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive (off Taylor, PH).

You may register online at

http://www.pleasanthillrec.com/Registration.htm

Member News

The East Bay Artist Guild continues its strong growth. This month we welcome three new members: Keiko Stong, Claudia Harper, and Jan St. Onge. Membership is up to 68.

FRO Butler reports that she sold one of her sculptures during The Kiss of Color: “Before the Kiss.” Congratulations, FRO!! She also writes that she will have about 3 pieces on exhibit at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Wiget Lane on Aug. 3 at their 20^th annual Artist’s Showcase. And finally, FRO would like to advertise an opportunity for plein air painting for EBAG, as shown on the following page.

On April 17, 2008, the East Bay Artists Guild held a membership meeting where member artists were encouraged to bring in their most controversial artwork for display and discussion. Chipotle Restaurant provided burritos and chips for everyone as part of their community outreach. The hot salsa was the perfect complement to the hot topic. Artwork ranged from sensitive anti-war pieces to equally sensitive nude studies.

Thank you Chipotle Restaurant for sharing your awesome food!!

East Bay Artists Guild is a local non-profit art group that shows member art at two locations on Crescent Drive in Pleasant Hill and currently has an art show in the Diablo Valley College Library, Pleasant Hill Campus, until May 10. Find out more about EBAG on the web at ebag.wordpress.com.

February 19 Membership Meeting Topic:

Move over Giclee, here comes Magna Chrome!!!

Thank you to those who attended EBAG’s February 19 meeting (7pm-8:30pm) to meet Tim Lutz and learn about his fascinating printing business. And thank you to Tim as well!!

As a founding member of Nova Chrome, Tim Lutz has been involved with sublimation printing for over 25 years. Sublimation is an extremely versatile method for custom imprinting a variety of substrates including metal, plastic, ceramics and polyesters. It is used extensively by screen printers for custom imprinting ceramic mugs, tiles, metal award plates, plastic signs, T-shirts and myriad gift items. Some of the benefits of this versatile printing system include: no screen set-up; extremely vibrant colors; high resolution printing up to 2800 DPI for true photographic reproduction.

A year ago, Tim started another company called Magna Chrome (what’s with all the Chromes?) that involves fine art reproduction of photographs onto large sheets of high gloss metal. This unique process offers photographers a new medium for displaying their photos. Colors are rich and vibrant and because the dyes are infused into the high gloss coating, images have an almost magical luminescence.

The photo at the top of this page is Tom thigh-deep in water giving the swamp test to a piece of metal imprinted with a photo. The product passes with flying colors.Read more about it at magnachrome.com.

Guest Speaker Dick Reeves

Plein Aire painter Dick Reeves shared his outdoor painting process and his beautiful art at EBAG’s November 20, 2007 meeting. 

Dick Reeves is an award-winning photographer who has chosen to be a Plein aire painter. He has painted for the last ten years, almost daily for 2-3 hours, and works exclusively on site. The tools he uses to work outside are an old Jullian Easel (http://www.jullian.co.uk/plein-air.asp), a large white Utrecht Umbrella, 9”x12” Fredrick gesso panels, French Ultramarine Blue, Cad red light, Cad yellow light and white oil paint. Dick shared helpful hints such as using bungee chords to stabilize the easel, and attaching the necessary brushes, paper towels, trash bags, etc., to have right at hand.  

The works he showed were his paintings of historical homes in the Bay Area.  He called these paintings “portraits” of houses. He said that lighting and values play an important role in capturing the realism and character of the homes. Dick has a real passion for historical architecture, and these “portraits” celebrate the uniqueness of each structure -his work is wonderful! 

Dick often sells his paintings on the spot to home owners, and works on commission. 

Thank you Dick, for a great presentation!!

At the October meeting, our own member photographers presented their work. 

Fabulous photographs, fun people! 

Christopher Georgeovich – has found a way to create his love of Impressionism in photography of people on the beach, portraiture and still life photography. Chris shared with us his unique style of capturing movement and composition 

Wenda Pyman- has found a way to incorporate Ansel Adams technical expertise to her own artistic impressions of our beautiful Bay Area landscape. Wenda is also exploring architectural abstractions.  

Andy Goldman – has created some beautiful digital photography of his travels to Hawaii and India.  Today he is working more in multi media. 

Frank Cunningham – presented his new projects in photography.  Some were shots of SF festivals and close up photography of cars.  He has developed a new technology for laminating his photos on large sheets of aluminum. 

Michael Warwick – has found that his artwork is a reflection of his own personal experience.  His most important advice was to listen to your own voice.  His voice has directed him to new possibilities in his work.

 Thank you Photographers for sharing your fantastic art!!!

Our September Meeting

Great Art – Great Information – Great Friends!

Art on the Plaza Retrospective 

At our September 18 meeting, Art on the Plaza participants presented their art and shared their experiences in communicating with the public. Overall, the plein air art fair sessions proved to be a rewarding experience for members. Some members had painted views from where they stood, and others painted individual projects. The Pleasant Hill community expressed positive enthusiasm to EBAG artists. Families and children were particularly interactive. EBAG members felt that Art on the Plaza Sundays were great, and they very much enjoyed the camaraderie with fellow members! 

Unfamiliar with Art on the Plaza?

Throughout the summer, our Guild demonstrated, exhibited, and “talked” art to a large number of people of all ages in Downtown Pleasant Hill. We made a modest number of sales, attracted some new members, made our Crescent Drive presence known, and even educated curious passersby. Best of all, we were able to get to know each other better. Art on the Plaza was presented each Sunday by EBAG and Downtown Pleasant Hill, and offered a unique, enjoyable, and educative experience for the community.

Other important info from the Meeting:

Many of our members are eager to start fun art/networking activities. Here are some of the activities suggested at the meeting:

1) Field trips to First Thursday open galleries in SFO (plans in progress): Leader: Michelle Brady
   
2) Monthly Sketch Fest -Drawing in pencil/color pencil (so no mess) rotating at different people houses, some snack/pot luck, still life or draped model, once or twice a month.

3)  Plein aire art at different places with different leaders who know that particular area.

4) Have an EBAG Art & Wine, everyone invites his/her own A list buyers, at special location.

5)  If is no outside speakers, let the members do show & tell  

6) To join PH Recreation and Part District Christmas sale 

Thanks again to Martin and Maureen Biro for providing the yummy meeting munchies!

Our Next Monthly Meeting is October 16, from 7-8:30 PM. Everyone Welcome! Come and Enjoy!!

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.

Guest Speaker Rich Radigonda

Rich Radigonda was our guest speaker in our general meeting on July 17, 2007.  The meeting was so much fun with 28 members in attendance.  It was followed by drink and yummy home made cookies provided by Martin Biro and his wife.

Radigonda is an artist who has achieved what many beginning and emerging artists dream of:  he has received many awards and honors through his art, and more importantly, he earns a living at it!  He started drawing and painting as a boy, but when he decided he’d like to attend art school, he was sternly told by his father to “Get a job!”  He did that, beginning in an auto repair company, and soon had his own shop, which he successfully operated until he retired in 1998.  At that point he attacked his artistic goals in earnest, and the rest is history!!  One very important highlight of his art career was winning the annual duck stamp competition in 2005, after having come in the top five in that contest for several years. Rich’s accomplishments are many and surprisingly varied.  His web site is: www.radigonda.com 

During the meeting, Radigonda shared with us his experience in duck decoy carving which has won him many awards.  He brought with him duck paintings and two duck decoys.  All of them were done with such accuracy.  You could feel the realistic and natural motion of the ducks in his art.  This was the result of uncountable hours of observing ducks in nature.  “Know thy subject” he advised us.

In addition to sharing his painting reproduction process, he emphasized the importance of introducing the love of art to children. Radigonda stressed that the impact of a few hours of sharing art making can change a child’s life, and that this is one of the truest rewards of being an artist.

As Art on the Plaza approaches, EBAG artists gear up in preparation for this summer art event.

In this month’s education session of EBAG’s April general meeting, Membership Director, Jeannette Fromm, presented relevant and important topics:

• How to obtain a Pleasant Hill Business License, and Seller’s Permit
• Helpful tips for plein aire painting
• Items that an artist can bring on location, that will maximize publicity and sales

The discussion was well received, and EBAG plans to make the education session a regular part of each general meeting. Some future topics will include:

• Information on creating your own website
• How to write a press release, and whom to contact
• Various marketing strategies for artists
• Any relevant and informative topics

EBAG welcomes suggestions for monthly topics. Please share your ideas on the “Members/Viewers Comments” page of this site.