tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80320425912650581502024-03-05T02:07:50.189-06:00Sometimes a Painting...Paintings by Shirley Fachilla Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-79265878360123251082021-12-21T18:41:00.000-06:002021-12-21T18:41:30.121-06:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSiG_AxpYDVzv0GuYc6LIy9fu0QpbwdRfw5s24OgK6VRsrX9UUprdnOeKOfFsvRO-4mEtjL32DhAwyC5MKPY_MIEuZpsC-BgpBWDweXqpIupffvif9-3FwI6YXPVc_CDGUYx9BJ1ZZFbXm7Fa8N1RV9A86M2woKLrUPM_jIgTdNUbQN3PAhMo0MOOXqQ=s850" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSiG_AxpYDVzv0GuYc6LIy9fu0QpbwdRfw5s24OgK6VRsrX9UUprdnOeKOfFsvRO-4mEtjL32DhAwyC5MKPY_MIEuZpsC-BgpBWDweXqpIupffvif9-3FwI6YXPVc_CDGUYx9BJ1ZZFbXm7Fa8N1RV9A86M2woKLrUPM_jIgTdNUbQN3PAhMo0MOOXqQ=s320" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Please Notice that Ear!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">She's a little elf working for Santa, making those toys. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Actually she one of the wonderful models who pose for open studio at Warehouse 521. I painted her just a few weeks ago at the Warehouse. She came to us complete with neck bow, green pants, pointed hat and wait for it... pointed ears!!!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now that's a model who takes her modelling assignments seriously.</span></span></div><p></p>Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-63492764425998935862020-03-28T15:36:00.000-05:002020-03-28T15:36:38.637-05:00Focusing on the Good <div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8-t0Gmr_WzqMvw2ybngqAG7vCFVc31Uk2jCIG6Nj0vFNJ0qD4kCt71n6945jeEaW_vLRlkJ2JmVHQs1W-bUdSErhK1Hg5lqn-tpMyoR0RIxORZV1olKlUMkoxl4v3rMsZXkpOaUD4p2b/s1600/P1110804_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="679" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8-t0Gmr_WzqMvw2ybngqAG7vCFVc31Uk2jCIG6Nj0vFNJ0qD4kCt71n6945jeEaW_vLRlkJ2JmVHQs1W-bUdSErhK1Hg5lqn-tpMyoR0RIxORZV1olKlUMkoxl4v3rMsZXkpOaUD4p2b/s640/P1110804_edited-2.jpg" width="508" /></a></div>
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<i>Coffee Bean Alchemy</i> by Shirley Fachilla.<br />
This guy is making one great cup of coffee, something he does very well.</div>
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During a workshop several years ago, the instructor
mentioned that he was going to be a workshop student himself in order to learn about composition.
I was really surprised: first that an <i>instructor</i> was still taking<i> instruction</i>
and second that this particular instructor thought he needed help in design. I thought he was already very good at that essential skill. </div>
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Later I realized that he must have wanted to take something he was good at and become even better. </div>
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So often we artists
focus on what we do badly when maybe we should also spend time improving what we do well. </div>
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Just think of some of the famous artists whom you admire. Chances are you love them because of certain things they do extremely
well. For instance, I don’t love <a href="https://www.wikiart.org/en/edouard-vuillard/interior-1">Vuillard</a> for his drawing expertise or even for
his color sense, wonderful though it often was. I love Vuillard because of the way he used
pattern to shape and inform his paintings. I don’t know of another painter who is his equal in that regard. I doubt if we would remember Vuillard if he had not been able to manipulate pattern in such unique and interesting ways.</div>
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There’s also a side benefit to polishing a skill rather than
always plugging away at problem areas. Doing something well feels good; doing something even better should make a person feel great!<br />
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And feeling better right now? That would be a very good thing. </div>
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Stay safe.<br />
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Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-34446120227861495162018-12-18T15:58:00.000-06:002018-12-18T15:58:15.094-06:00Dear Santa...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFMyaRQLwHE_tSzOfrgpH3sdhKxt2_8hiKFfgtbFj5VkALuQ2f8cL0LnRydonSMiM3sXZ1NnO7mEknxzWIspg34NwEBM2LhBu0sWhzTNDjUDT_l7b0UEkRPQqivSbBeAGTknVfdCEEw7o/s1600/P1130145_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="777" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFMyaRQLwHE_tSzOfrgpH3sdhKxt2_8hiKFfgtbFj5VkALuQ2f8cL0LnRydonSMiM3sXZ1NnO7mEknxzWIspg34NwEBM2LhBu0sWhzTNDjUDT_l7b0UEkRPQqivSbBeAGTknVfdCEEw7o/s400/P1130145_edited-1.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Dear Santa, </i>an oil painting<i> </i>by Shirley Fachilla</span> </h2>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every year
Santa comes to the open studio at <a href="http://www.warehouse521.com/">Warehouse 521</a> to pose for us painters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
especially nice of him to come at his busiest time when he has so much to do. And
though it may seem otherwise, posing is no easy task especially when you must
keep a happy spirit throughout. Our Santa manages to be happy cheerful, patient, generous and kind the whole morning through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you,
Santa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">And thank
you, Jeanie of Warehouse 521, for another year of painting pleasure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-46276814521655219252017-09-05T14:42:00.000-05:002017-09-05T14:42:47.801-05:00Is it too early to send an invitation?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoItPS-laVoTS98muNBDpnMkrbhjpwpw2sTvyGIAXNQpgLmN2X6JEfJqpX7I-XNTp1TetvbK1EqVrhD6u7_P5iSqGzepTYpDmYPV4FmKBl5skE-P_JlglYQCF6ESu2spbxCxzXbOome4u/s1600/Art-in-The-Barn--Postcard-proof-1-%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEoItPS-laVoTS98muNBDpnMkrbhjpwpw2sTvyGIAXNQpgLmN2X6JEfJqpX7I-XNTp1TetvbK1EqVrhD6u7_P5iSqGzepTYpDmYPV4FmKBl5skE-P_JlglYQCF6ESu2spbxCxzXbOome4u/s400/Art-in-The-Barn--Postcard-proof-1-%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pieces by <i>(clockwise from left to right)</i>: Susan Harlan, Janet Garner, Shirley Fachilla, Mike Martino and Topper Williams.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So many ways now to send an invitation; I won’t bore you
or confuse myself by listing them. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I don’t know if it’s too early for this particular way (the blog way). But I’m
excited so I’m doing it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Susan Harlan, Topper
Williams, Mike Martino, Janet Garner </b>and<b> I</b> are having an art show and sale. It’s a one day affair in Susan’s
historic barn behind her lovely house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our show is <b>Saturday,
September 30<sup>th</sup></b> from <b>10 in
the morning to 8 in the evening</b>.<i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The address is <b>1312
Lewisburg Pike, Franklin, Tennessee</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We think the show will be especially interesting because our
art is so diverse. We are all two dimensional artists, but that’s where similarities
end. We use different mediums, work in different sizes and often tackle
different subjects. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is your invitation to join us on the 30th. You'll see art, hear music and have drinks and munchies to keep hunger away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please fit us into your Saturday plans
if you can. We’d love to see you sometime during that last day of September.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And by the way, the barn inside is just the greatest. </span></div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-58605586584051465302017-08-23T21:19:00.000-05:002017-08-23T21:19:39.063-05:00Bare Naked Ladies<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtrTjqkY_pUUMvpFRVSxpnunO42Q6R7pt2jhZwlLzTh6lRCPsWUw3EUDF_TBE4teOX36YQvLd3UcO2FdaKZr30IwY5kzYH2yMbhBEsiURtrEs5QTB_lLfH-tYZ7FaHlCa1FATnCTiqKmP/s1600/P1130013_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="681" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtrTjqkY_pUUMvpFRVSxpnunO42Q6R7pt2jhZwlLzTh6lRCPsWUw3EUDF_TBE4teOX36YQvLd3UcO2FdaKZr30IwY5kzYH2yMbhBEsiURtrEs5QTB_lLfH-tYZ7FaHlCa1FATnCTiqKmP/s320/P1130013_edited-1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<i>Iris with Flowers </i>- oil - 18x14 - by Shirley Fachilla</div>
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The band <i>Barenaked Ladies</i> made it big; but bare naked ladies in art have
a more checkered past. </div>
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Sometimes they’re in; sometimes they’re out. Medieval
artists almost never saw the unclothed so almost never painted them; later Renaissance painters joyously celebrated bareness, reprising myths galore to lavishly illustrate.</div>
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Today bare naked ladies, and to a lesser degree bare naked
gentlemen, are the way artists learn their craft. Drawing and painting the nude
not only teaches human anatomy but also how to really see and reproduce what we
see on canvas and paper.</div>
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Sadly the products of all that study, drawings and paintings
of the nude, are not a staple of art galleries or shows. Occasionally they find
a place on the walls, but it’s a hard-won place. </div>
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So I was truly surprised and delighted to learn my latest
bare naked lady did find such a spot in one of my favorite juried shows, the
<a href="http://www.thebennington.org/">Laumeister National Exhibition at the Bennington Center for the Arts. </a> It makes me especially happy and honored to know noted artist <a href="http://calvinliangfineart.com/">Calvin Laing</a> was the judge of
selection and will be the awards judge as well. </div>
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To see all the paintings in the show click on
this <a href="http://www.thebennington.org/laumeister-fine-art-competition">link</a>. (And by the way she’s the only bare naked lady around.)<br />
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P.S. <i>Please if you can</i> <i>save the date of September 30th. I'm having a show with friends. More later.</i></div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-68352639972889937762017-08-01T10:12:00.000-05:002017-08-01T10:12:11.133-05:00Feeling Important...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkVvYjqxYWqDzBtg8ZNxcEbE7uSz3PdoIbdLUomTuuzVsIKvzG4dFz26JHShc_DIqZkptm9sdTBn_9Xtjs1IfTBzI4Ocw9xsOIgdGojWWCLqoz8nwqQH6WDKXt2xfGJpLw7l7UJc95kvM/s1600/Queen-Anne%2527s-Lace-%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="390" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkVvYjqxYWqDzBtg8ZNxcEbE7uSz3PdoIbdLUomTuuzVsIKvzG4dFz26JHShc_DIqZkptm9sdTBn_9Xtjs1IfTBzI4Ocw9xsOIgdGojWWCLqoz8nwqQH6WDKXt2xfGJpLw7l7UJc95kvM/s640/Queen-Anne%2527s-Lace-%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Queen Anne's Lace</i> (detail)</div>
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That’s how I’m feeling because NOAPS (National Oil and Acrylic
Painters Society) interviewed me for a post in the official <a href="https://noapsblog.com/2017/07/18/shirley-fachilla-figures-with-a-story/">NOAPS blog</a>. Called <i>Figures with a Story</i>, it concerns my
process but it’s mostly about my paintings. </div>
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What artist doesn’t like to talk about painting in general
and their paintings in particular! In my case, <a href="http://patriciatribastoneart.com/">Patricia Tribastone</a> made the
talking easy. She’s the blog director and author. Because she’s also an artist,
she brings a special understanding to her articles. I enjoyed the interview and
getting to know Patricia a bit. </div>
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If you've got a second, do read about me and my paintings.</div>
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Thanks so much, Patricia and NOAPS. </div>
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Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-68842363994985921122017-07-17T15:16:00.000-05:002017-07-17T15:16:12.411-05:00Crooked or the Charm of Imperfection<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnKZ5HBAPMyFSQ9FzYvv5pzHB1K-F3mVRsZRMzZOY99CZ5VrcJ2lkD0QHfbgoQN3jUgrIsAyNU-8vcR5lJm67Tc96SslDCgUSp-TbiblXQZ6RwrcLcuyd8VCkpMGHs-tuPlhG3rxb_F4R/s1600/P1130043_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="850" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnKZ5HBAPMyFSQ9FzYvv5pzHB1K-F3mVRsZRMzZOY99CZ5VrcJ2lkD0QHfbgoQN3jUgrIsAyNU-8vcR5lJm67Tc96SslDCgUSp-TbiblXQZ6RwrcLcuyd8VCkpMGHs-tuPlhG3rxb_F4R/s400/P1130043_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was raining, very hard. We were outside with our easels,
palettes, hats and assorted paraphernalia. Thankfully there was also a porch otherwise
we could have never delivered on our given assignment: to produce a “concept”
painting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was the last day of a <a href="https://marchansonart.com/">Marc Hanson</a> workshop, and this was
to be our last painting. Marc is a landscapist who produces gorgeous
poetic paintings chock full of concept. He was trying very hard to help us do the same. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My concept? The title tells it all. Everything in and of
this little shed (with the exception of the cylindrical birdfeeder hanging from
a hook on the left) is crooked. This is both its charm and its imperfection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I can start with a concept and sometimes the
concept, the real point of the painting, only shows itself midway through. <i>Sigh</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P.S. According to marketing people, one should never
apologize for failing to post on a regular basis. I have not posted for more
than a year on this blog. I think that deserves a mention and an apology. I
hope to do better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">P.P.S. The upper left corner of the painting caught all sorts of reflection. Photographing paintings can be maddeningly difficult. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The painting: <i>Crooked or the Charm of Imperfection</i> is an 11x14 oil done in plein air by me, Shirley Fachilla.</span></div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-81443807477002714372016-07-06T19:27:00.000-05:002016-07-06T19:27:03.455-05:00Strolling from Paris to the Salmagundi!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWq_FKTJf037lHFv1e3NWMXP7KyjLzol3Ca7DkScOw_SzAYTEaQ7NSXIpRibOe8kRldhbt4tZ7EzuMd2ximP5_NLqwwPsPXEKJmIFj4VHz2cWGjEAwRSH9i634BocW6ul_-AJ45UB65G8/s1600/P1100865_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWq_FKTJf037lHFv1e3NWMXP7KyjLzol3Ca7DkScOw_SzAYTEaQ7NSXIpRibOe8kRldhbt4tZ7EzuMd2ximP5_NLqwwPsPXEKJmIFj4VHz2cWGjEAwRSH9i634BocW6ul_-AJ45UB65G8/s320/P1100865_edited-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A Stroll Beside the Louvre</i> by Shirley Fachilla</div>
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This little trio should be arriving at <a href="http://salmagundi.org/index.cfm">The Salmagundi Club</a>
in NYC any day now. It’s one of my favorite paintings, and I guess some jurors
at the fabled club liked it, too, for it’s has been juried into the club’s
annual Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition. </div>
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I’m very honored and quite thrilled by my painting’s inclusion.
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Salmagundi is one of the oldest and most respected art
organizations in the country; it’s housed in a beautiful, historic brownstone located
on <st1:street>Fifth Avenue</st1:street> in <st1:place>Greenwich
Village</st1:place>. Some of our country’s best artists have been members, artists like <st1:place><st1:city>Tiffany</st1:city>, <st1:state>N.C.</st1:state></st1:place>
Wyeth, Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase.</div>
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The Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition runs from July
18th to July 29<sup>th</sup>.</div>
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If you can, stop by the exhibition promises to be great, and
the Salmagundi itself is an experience!</div>
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P.S. Christine asked about the "engagement activity" in my prior Ordinary People Exhibit post. Christine's question was quite some time ago!!! But here's the much delayed answer:</div>
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The activity was a large journal where exhibit attendees were asked to write the story they saw in an exhibit painting. Obviously, the answers were varied, and none were wrong! It was a neat activity. Perhaps something to try in your own exhibit? </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-48522387393772122072015-11-03T17:07:00.000-06:002015-11-03T17:07:44.856-06:00The "Official" Invitation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfy5qkDs4Wt73_q0DYoaxgJrtfRigfvndlz1U76Z07KuECmY8-JO5WKm28lAVvqyz9bHLXmZlTwk7K6FL12FCRqgCLFtOiXSyJ6iOXr4py1Sif2t3SEE2Zi-yxctfTQJovhmPQ24A4W4E/s1600/OrdPeopInvite-%25282%2529-%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfy5qkDs4Wt73_q0DYoaxgJrtfRigfvndlz1U76Z07KuECmY8-JO5WKm28lAVvqyz9bHLXmZlTwk7K6FL12FCRqgCLFtOiXSyJ6iOXr4py1Sif2t3SEE2Zi-yxctfTQJovhmPQ24A4W4E/s320/OrdPeopInvite-%25282%2529-%25281%2529.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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The image is the official invitation to that gallery reception this Thursday. During the reception, the curator promises to have an "engagement activity" to enhance the gallery experience for those in attendance. She says viewers will be able to finish the story of each work. An interesting premise I think.<br />
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Perhaps more about this later...<br />
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<i>For an electronically challenged person (like me!), the above image was a bear to transfer from an attached file in an email to... well... to the image you can see here! Maybe next time I'll remember what I did this time and manage to do it quicker!</i>Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-12572252438982234282015-10-26T11:54:00.000-05:002015-10-26T11:54:58.867-05:00Ordinary People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRa_pb37Y1wY5FYTbzrSFr7v1tKEkSQ7ny0b3wZMBv-YRg68R7C_XGqsmBHt-_QFWMKBox-LriXF2NlHyMk-RLdt48Dz4fvEuTAbrPuLMSjjqzM4V6TyxYprUyzDlVh4HLJDPTYk58k6K/s1600/P1100793_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRa_pb37Y1wY5FYTbzrSFr7v1tKEkSQ7ny0b3wZMBv-YRg68R7C_XGqsmBHt-_QFWMKBox-LriXF2NlHyMk-RLdt48Dz4fvEuTAbrPuLMSjjqzM4V6TyxYprUyzDlVh4HLJDPTYk58k6K/s320/P1100793_edited-1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Ordinary People...that’s the name of the show down <st1:city>Columbia</st1:city>
way. My paintings will be with works from a bevy of wonderful artists. There’s <b><a href="http://pap-se.com/dataviewer.asp?keyvalue=13003&subkeyvalue=13153&page=artistbio">DawnWhitelaw</a></b> (portraitist and landscape painter extraordinaire), <b><a href="http://tnws.org/members-bios/john-wilkison/">JohnWilkison</a></b> (signature member of the National Watercolor Society), <b><a href="http://www.margaretdyer.com/">Margaret Dyer</a></b> (Georgian creator of glowing pastels) and <b><a href="http://www.ediemaneyart.com/index.html">Edie Maney</a></b> (maker of
abstracts that suggest the figure). </div>
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I can't wait to see what artists <b><a href="http://helliluckfineart.com/">Helli Luck,</a> AJ
Holmes</b> and <b>Anne Carothers </b>have brought to the show as well.</div>
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Oils, pastels, watercolor, photography… lots of different media, lots of different approaches to ordinary people for no two of us see in exactly the same way.</div>
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It would be delightful to <i>see</i> you at the reception on
Thursday, November 5<sup>th</sup>, from 5 to 8 at <st1:place><st1:placename>Pryor</st1:placename>
<st1:placename>Art</st1:placename> <st1:placename>Gallery</st1:placename></st1:place>,
1665 Hampshire Pike, <st1:place><st1:city>Columbia</st1:city>, <st1:state>TN. </st1:state></st1:place></div>
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<st1:place><st1:state><br /></st1:state></st1:place></div>
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<st1:place><st1:state>The show runs from October 27 to November 23rd.</st1:state></st1:place></div>
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<i>Pryor is on the
campus of </i><st1:place><st1:placename><i>Columbia</i></st1:placename><i> </i><st1:placetype><i>State</i></st1:placetype><i>
</i><st1:placetype><i>Community College</i></st1:placetype></st1:place><i>. It’s
in the last building on campus fronting the highway when coming from </i><st1:city><st1:place><i>Columbia</i></st1:place></st1:city><i>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-91858496628560398342014-11-03T08:30:00.000-06:002014-11-03T12:19:24.759-06:00Taken for a Ride by Tim Horn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaHbQwymWBDUI4YbfR2qpC-iVyDuKwqbv_dEe_hWMlcw2YMQwfE8rF2Tlm5HRVvR22ISqeTfuFv2wU8986v1X89nEM6Uuu4RztmvXXFegz9MAr7v-VcmJ1NZ2UOYf9MAoZ8W0BP4hdpEz/s1600/P1110336_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaHbQwymWBDUI4YbfR2qpC-iVyDuKwqbv_dEe_hWMlcw2YMQwfE8rF2Tlm5HRVvR22ISqeTfuFv2wU8986v1X89nEM6Uuu4RztmvXXFegz9MAr7v-VcmJ1NZ2UOYf9MAoZ8W0BP4hdpEz/s1600/P1110336_edited-1.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p> <i>So Ready to Party</i> is an 10x8 oil done plein air by Shirley Fachilla.</o:p></div>
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I find <st1:state>California</st1:state>
artist Tim Horn to be a very different sort of landscapist. His <a href="http://raymarartcontest.com/painting/51653">paintings</a> have such
a crisp contemporary edge. You would never mistake one of his pieces for a 19<sup>th</sup>
century work; both style and subject (even when it’s a <a href="http://www.timhornart.com/paintings/available/">cowgirl on her horse</a>)
shout “now.” </div>
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So I was delighted when the Chestnut Group invited Tim to
give a workshop this fall. I was even more delighted when the workshop began
because I felt I spoke Tim’s language.
He said many things that I have been thinking but hadn’t put into words.
And his emphasis on <a href="http://raymarartcontest.com/painting/51656">composition and color</a> is where my art has been going (at
least, I hope so!)</div>
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One of Tim’s favorite subjects, <a href="http://raymarartcontest.com/painting/48656">vintage cars</a>, was not on
my radar. But following his example, I decided to give it a try. I must admit I
mostly wanted to paint this orangey red Jeep because of those fairy lights
draping the building behind. But once I got started, the car showed me its
personality (I saw it as basically a party animal) and it became the star of my
piece. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-83983452427233648132014-09-23T14:04:00.000-05:002014-09-23T14:04:22.650-05:00Finding the Square Within<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN12H27DHacEvs4SFnPBxFXgSrYmeeRAlMW-rQRajmWvrORjmrhibOlnYRun2qUbj58Zy3W2sszmJzNJlSRjUr6XLGeqEfc9p2_TNBbmnACYdyfZHcMq0ssQ3C2d_9IskSHJF7XFIh88r3/s1600/P1110284_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN12H27DHacEvs4SFnPBxFXgSrYmeeRAlMW-rQRajmWvrORjmrhibOlnYRun2qUbj58Zy3W2sszmJzNJlSRjUr6XLGeqEfc9p2_TNBbmnACYdyfZHcMq0ssQ3C2d_9IskSHJF7XFIh88r3/s1600/P1110284_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></div>
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<i>A Flora for a Roma</i> is a 14x11 oil done from life by
Shirley Fachilla.</div>
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Inside every rectangle is a square. Well, of course, you can
find many squares. But the one I’m referring to is the square whose sides are
the same length as the short side of the rectangle. </div>
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As illustrated by the dashed line inside the rectangle
below:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkKAqTzX_OCrbL9jIH3r94iefzNfSVwp3ZPwybzP4686_QgToc_5zvDRWlk5GiZFzJ7RKHh2bRBgVzV1HPJm7YmXUQzYLeyjSoowUweTRt5_AXL6jYOKrVg48gy95JnTIQLkMDqZimPe4/s1600/P1110286_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkKAqTzX_OCrbL9jIH3r94iefzNfSVwp3ZPwybzP4686_QgToc_5zvDRWlk5GiZFzJ7RKHh2bRBgVzV1HPJm7YmXUQzYLeyjSoowUweTRt5_AXL6jYOKrVg48gy95JnTIQLkMDqZimPe4/s1600/P1110286_edited-1.jpg" height="117" width="200" /></a></div>
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This sort of square is called a rabatment. Why this lesson
in geometry? </div>
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Simple. If you put the major elements of your painting
within the rabatment, you will have taken a big step toward a good and interesting composition. <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/104447.html">Cassatt </a>used rabatments as did <a href="http://www.antiquesandfineart.com/articles/article.cfm?request=170">Winslow Homer</a> and most especially
Degas. Rabatment explains some of
Degas’ most elegant designs, those wonderful <a href="http://www.canvasreplicas.com/Degas118.htm">ballet studio paintings </a>where
empty floor space takes up a third or more of the canvas. </div>
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Elements outside the rabatment often lead the viewer’s eye
into the square and should be secondary to those contained within the square
portion. There are many interesting things an artist can do with rabatment.
With <i>A Flora for a Roma</i>, I’m just beginning to explore. </div>
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Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-18760891171285930032014-09-02T21:25:00.001-05:002014-09-02T21:25:49.456-05:00So Busy Composing My Thoughts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagKDP-i_EPrGs3ee_tawLY9eV0REX1Z2sM0LB6hWv35k915AyMK7HYFHlhBcXgh2uHcyh9Iw35kLHPdjsWU578XqmedzaV_NBJs1TnSt1XR5PLg7H8TbUifTSq_UMqo3ewXFAmVgk8N8V/s1600/P1110147_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagKDP-i_EPrGs3ee_tawLY9eV0REX1Z2sM0LB6hWv35k915AyMK7HYFHlhBcXgh2uHcyh9Iw35kLHPdjsWU578XqmedzaV_NBJs1TnSt1XR5PLg7H8TbUifTSq_UMqo3ewXFAmVgk8N8V/s1600/P1110147_edited-1.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A Bermuda Shorts Day</i> is an 18x24 oil painted from life by Shirley Fachilla. </div>
On September 14th, I'll be teaching a one day workshop focusing on composition. When I began gathering my thoughts on this enterprise, I thought it would be very straightforward. I wanted to emphasize how easy it can be to achieve a painting you like (and might want to frame) when painting either in plein air or painting the figure from life in an open studio... easy <b><i>if</i></b> you pay attention to composition issues before you paint. <br />
Of course, it won't always result in a painting you'll be proud of (too many other factors can intervene), but sometimes it does. And when it does, it feels very good. For instance, the guy shown above was painted in a morning in an open studio. He won a Meritorious Entry in the latest Richeson75 Figurative Annual Exhibit which made me quite happy.<br />
Anyway, after I started planning and thinking, my lesson started expanding exponentially. I still plan to lay out my thoughts on quick composing whether in the field or open studio. And we'll practice what I'm preaching! But I do plan to include more, for the more I thought, read and looked, the more I realized just how truly vital good design is. Now I'm convinced that an artist's approach to composition is a big factor in that artist's style, and the effectiveness of that artist's message.<br />
I hope and think our little group will have a very good and informative time discussing and planning good design. And I'm going to try to give everyone take-home thoughts to explore long after our day is done.<br />
Here's a full listing of the <a href="http://chestnutgroup.org/events/paint-your-heart-out-workshops-september-8-28/">day-long workshops</a> sponsored this September by the Chestnut Group, here in Nashville. You just might find one or more that appeal.Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-55751389460759132402014-08-04T09:30:00.000-05:002014-08-04T09:30:00.722-05:00Portraying the Human Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkOQcZM2ikXfp2Bb2Uv2eaaL4_P1ofoigY4L5Rwnw7x9t9W_RAH68Zn5BXT9KZeRwdDGd9K8nAJcAbOoi4C0yfc4OM5pCj8jJQj97MOMYh1g3SF6B7gJ1AhqQ5BySac0d7Ygb3vxfL_1k/s1600/Passage-Through-Saint-Lazar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkOQcZM2ikXfp2Bb2Uv2eaaL4_P1ofoigY4L5Rwnw7x9t9W_RAH68Zn5BXT9KZeRwdDGd9K8nAJcAbOoi4C0yfc4OM5pCj8jJQj97MOMYh1g3SF6B7gJ1AhqQ5BySac0d7Ygb3vxfL_1k/s1600/Passage-Through-Saint-Lazar.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
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<i>Passage Through St. Lazare</i> is a 24x20 oil by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
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I’m very proud to have work in the exhibit <b>Portraying the
Human Spirit</b> at the <st1:place><st1:placename>Bennington</st1:placename> <st1:placetype>Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>
for the Arts in <st1:state>Vermont</st1:state>. It’s a
juried show of only 26 paintings which will be on display at the center from
August 2 through December 21. I’ll quote the center on the theme of the show, “Our
goal in jurying Portraying the Human Spirit was to find portraits that were
more than portraits…”</div>
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Each artist was asked to do an audio for their work
explaining process, inspiration, etc. For me, the audio may have been more
difficult than the painting! However, I was delighted to have the opportunity to
put into words what this painting meant to me. Finding those words? Definitely,
a challenge. </div>
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A bit about the Bennington: This year, the venue hosted the
national juried show of Oil Painters of America, and every year has an
invitational wildlife art exhibit that is probably the very best east of the Mississippi,
perhaps the very best nationally. </div>
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Again I’m so honored to have work at the <st1:city>Bennington</st1:city>
in such a meaningful exhibit. </div>
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Here’s the<a href="http://www.thebennington.org/portraying-the-human-spirit/"> link</a> to the show.</div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-45509627475253369422014-07-06T18:32:00.000-05:002014-07-06T18:32:46.050-05:00Improbable Painted Daisies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9smxqss3Mf1A4_lMh7olGpNDftLjanoiCtKBkcGbkLBuMPmyvAAcNdoozFei7WvC7LSpzGzKADMdDRwFgfx8QmamKJ7ry0wWW6HRaoVy-nr9zpxAijdWnhHcP3l3kObvIIsMq-R7F9o6/s1600/P1110115_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9smxqss3Mf1A4_lMh7olGpNDftLjanoiCtKBkcGbkLBuMPmyvAAcNdoozFei7WvC7LSpzGzKADMdDRwFgfx8QmamKJ7ry0wWW6HRaoVy-nr9zpxAijdWnhHcP3l3kObvIIsMq-R7F9o6/s1600/P1110115_edited-1.jpg" height="640" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Improbable Painted Daisies</i> is a 20x10 oil done from
life by Shirley Fachilla. </div>
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Actually I don’t know if the flowers were really daisies,
much less the painted daisy variety. I found them at the grocery store and
couldn’t resist the color combination of deep purple petals and neon green
centers. I also loved that they were so perfect… well except for the one that
I almost beheaded. That one had to be included in my painting in all its
imperfection. </div>
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This particular still life let me utilize one of the perks
of painting on an untoned white canvas. </div>
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See that sort of luminous red and blue in the middle of the vase?
Using oil you can only achieve that sort of color if you are floating a
transparent oil color (in this case permanent alizarin for the red and a combo of blues for the blue) on a white, untoned
canvas. The white of the canvas shows through the transparent paint like the white of the paper shows through a wash in watercolor. But with oil,
the color keeps a very high degree of saturation (definition found in <a href="http://sometimesapainting.blogspot.com/p/artful-definitions.html">ArtfulDefinitions</a>). </div>
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Every once in a while, I have the opportunity to make use of this
little trick. I love the look it gives. </div>
<br />
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On the subject of still life (which rarely comes up in this
blog), Brian Sherwin has something interesting to say in one of his latest <a href="http://fineartviews.com/republish_newsletter.asp?bid=77605">ArtEdge emails</a>. I think I may agree, at least in part, about the value of symbolism with still life though I do think his symbolic examples may be too straightforward. Personally, I find a great deal of very subtle whimsical symbolism in <a href="http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/carol-marine-1/artwork/#/category=Pigs&mode=search">Carol Marine's little still lifes</a> (whether or not they include her porcelain pig). How about you?</div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-63974825468830562692014-06-23T16:46:00.000-05:002014-06-23T16:46:11.683-05:00How is a Max Like a Carolyn?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tj5LGT-w9r8MPTEnt1Xhdm9YPSEkG5eWWSzI1iYHxO-iYvM5yN1gqobXhhvRaIWq1eyuyZMz_3XnQxG0uRz0ngQm_uDl7wyUpbxy46G0PMx9j50CMY_1Le3GwR2RI6bYdizaacQw3n5L/s1600/P1110093_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tj5LGT-w9r8MPTEnt1Xhdm9YPSEkG5eWWSzI1iYHxO-iYvM5yN1gqobXhhvRaIWq1eyuyZMz_3XnQxG0uRz0ngQm_uDl7wyUpbxy46G0PMx9j50CMY_1Le3GwR2RI6bYdizaacQw3n5L/s1600/P1110093_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The last painting I did in the Max Ginsburg workshop on day five.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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I made a surprising discovery during Max Ginburg’s workshop,
he paints like Carolyn Anderson. If you’re familiar with the work of both, you
will realize that I’ve just made a rather amazing statement. For though both
are primarily figurative artists, their paintings look nothing alike. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carolyn’s are sometimes close to <a href="http://carolynanderson.com/images/DSC01660.JPG">abstraction</a>; Max’s are
sometimes so polished and <a href="http://www.artistsnetwork.com/medium/oil/max-ginsburg-how-to-paint-what-is">finished they might be mistaken for reality. </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both say that they are always drawing as they paint. And both
work in the same intuitive way with a bare minimum of any sort of measuring. Instead they rely on the angles and relationships between shapes to get proportions right. Both
strive to capture the gesture and to do it without losing the <b><i>accuracy of
their</i></b> <b><i>drawing</i></b>. (much easier said than done and so
important when painting the figure.) They both correct throughout the painting process and are always adjusting and refining brushstroke by brushstroke. </div>
<br />
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Their method allows for precision with fluidity, accuracy
with freshness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s what I also strive to accomplish. I'm just so lucky to have found two such different, yet similar, masters to inspire me. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-8009723253560886372014-06-11T17:19:00.000-05:002014-06-11T17:19:43.273-05:00Five Days with the Master, Max Ginsburg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZwDHO4UNmuW1cDogh5FCvcnqDuKMBnYjzYmPhR4pFg1FKhyphenhyphenhgncuLzPlc7vQey4xkkSsurWF5gdpYvrCYWfFVcLAxHe32Luz89qmeJt8Hy741LcUmzBXRjfJf3FZEo2zzukGi5egZhTY/s1600/P1110096_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZwDHO4UNmuW1cDogh5FCvcnqDuKMBnYjzYmPhR4pFg1FKhyphenhyphenhgncuLzPlc7vQey4xkkSsurWF5gdpYvrCYWfFVcLAxHe32Luz89qmeJt8Hy741LcUmzBXRjfJf3FZEo2zzukGi5egZhTY/s1600/P1110096_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My work from the first day </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve just finished a wonderful learning experience, a five
day workshop with <a href="http://www.maxginsburg.com/paintings-life-studies.html">Max Ginsburg</a> right here in my home city of <st1:city>Nashville</st1:city>,
<st1:state>Tennessee</st1:state>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew Max was an amazing draughtsman, and artist friend
Mike Sowers had told us that he was a good teacher. (Mike had taken a workshop
from Max at the Art Students League in <st1:state>New York</st1:state>.)
So I had high expectations, expectations that were not only met but exceeded. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Max’s work ethic astonished. We started early; we stayed
late. Jeanie Smith, the creator of
<a href="http://www.warehouse521.com/">Warehouse 521 </a>Max’s venue in <st1:city>Nashville</st1:city>,
brought in lunch and Max proceeded to lecture during lunchtime! He did demos
for us almost every day, but the demos were quick so we would have time to
paint and learn from his lead. And he
brought a stack of his beautiful little paintings for us to learn from as well.
Some were quite finished and polished; others were very painterly. All were gorgeous. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
More about what I learned from Max in my next post. Some of
that learning was quite surprising! </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-84984091221214810272014-05-19T21:01:00.000-05:002014-05-19T21:01:10.503-05:00Why I Should Be a Vegetarian<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30nl7DxVDjLPUpHkPdJHd_3WXbYru9gCjUEcbVpR6552AZh1iFJKJTFVeeKQj17uyV1Bv88exYyPsslSQceXM0FaG2-oQsf60W5Otbk0WWzi1jQZG0J61GTjFKfi6uYNGZVlFjyn3ZO-R/s1600/P1110009_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30nl7DxVDjLPUpHkPdJHd_3WXbYru9gCjUEcbVpR6552AZh1iFJKJTFVeeKQj17uyV1Bv88exYyPsslSQceXM0FaG2-oQsf60W5Otbk0WWzi1jQZG0J61GTjFKfi6uYNGZVlFjyn3ZO-R/s1600/P1110009_edited-1.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sun and Shade</i> is a 12x16 oil done in plein air by
Shirley Fachilla.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think cows, bovines, cattle (whatever the proper term
might be) are one of the most appealing animals on the planet. They move with a
kind of grace that is just a bit awkward like human teenagers at the
gangly stage. And they socialize together for snacks and naps sort of like
kindergarteners. They look out at the world with their big long-lashed eyes,
taking in everything with a mixture of curiosity and innocence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These attributes make them wonderful subjects for paintings as
well as the fact that they often stay still for rather long periods of time as
did these belted bovines who posed so nicely for me one glorious sunny day. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, I definitely should be a vegetarian. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-75293431537916083132014-05-05T19:01:00.000-05:002014-05-05T19:01:00.129-05:00"All Her Worldly Possessions"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW66SsdqoJFmvv0EuI175p7nMldGHsCLKjR_WmNOEz7esJtKi2yHuhCC3y64Fy222iYMsOoUdVDBC1WDR_D07MhWtkbbGnq8QGETYOBdc-d56srpv3CTQ00s2W9bHYQO5sSawkOl6RswJ3/s1600/P1100965_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW66SsdqoJFmvv0EuI175p7nMldGHsCLKjR_WmNOEz7esJtKi2yHuhCC3y64Fy222iYMsOoUdVDBC1WDR_D07MhWtkbbGnq8QGETYOBdc-d56srpv3CTQ00s2W9bHYQO5sSawkOl6RswJ3/s1600/P1100965_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>All Her Worldly Possessions</i> is an 18x14 oil on linen
done from life by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am very happy to report that <i>All Her Worldly
Possessions</i> picked up an Award of Merit in the <a href="http://noaps.org/html/oli_2014_spring.html">NOAPS International Online Exhibit for the spring of 2014. </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The exhibit features 150 paintings with work from <st1:country-region>Russia</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region>Canada</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region>Japan</st1:country-region>,
<st1:state>British Columbia</st1:state> (I have not listed all the countries) in addition to, of course, the <st1:country-region>U.S.</st1:country-region>
And though this will sound even more braggy and boasty than I’ve already
managed, the figurative work included in the show is, in my opinion,
particularly outstanding. I am honored to be with so many wonderful artists. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am also delighted that my painting was done completely
from life because that’s the kind of painting I enjoy most. I need the push of a deadline (the pose only
lasts for a few hours) and find that painting from direct observation can (if I’m
lucky) give my work a freshness and immediacy that I can achieve in no other
way. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A word about show judge, <a href="http://chenglian.us/index.html">Cheng Lian</a>: he is a National Oil
and Acrylic Painters Society Master who does a lot of portrait and figurative
subjects. He was both the judge of selection and of awards which makes it very
much his show. Often these two functions are performed by different persons.
Organizations tend to look for a big name to choose the award winners while
leaving it to others to select the pieces for the show from all the
submissions. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-41338081287372353552014-04-22T15:12:00.000-05:002014-04-22T15:12:32.238-05:00Losing my Edge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPfz9ENa0simHE6xeDgcPS6XhG_Ev7nfzijkuNqyqqxBONR-g8hWmCXvwaHus-wGKAs5L4cmEWhmJtMsukLAGHwyt4r9BVqdjzkGW6irwKnWu67hTIcCMuplI5jQJxVbT1c1tbC5LpVIK/s1600/P1100994_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPfz9ENa0simHE6xeDgcPS6XhG_Ev7nfzijkuNqyqqxBONR-g8hWmCXvwaHus-wGKAs5L4cmEWhmJtMsukLAGHwyt4r9BVqdjzkGW6irwKnWu67hTIcCMuplI5jQJxVbT1c1tbC5LpVIK/s1600/P1100994_edited-1.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Old Teapot, Old Rose, Fresh Pears</i> is a 9x12 oil done
from life by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s an old-fashioned, tried-and-true still life subject,
flowers, fruit and teapot. But that’s not what I mean by losing my edge. (Not
that I’ve ever been very edgy.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edge is a sort of technical term for artists. In a painting, where one value meets another,
where one color meets another, there’s an edge. As you can tell from the
definition, paintings are made up of a series of edges. A primary trick for
representational artists, and for many abstract ones, is to make those edges mimic
three-dimensional reality, to create the illusion of depth, form and weight on a
two-dimensional surface. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Edges can be soft, can stutter and break or simply disappear
entirely. The hard edge (sharp and well defined) is the easiest to create and
the one to use the least. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m thinking a lot about edges these days because I just
attended a <a href="http://carolynanderson.com/Paintings.htm">Carolyn Anderson</a> workshop and toured a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyXxu9e60II">Joaquin Sorolla</a> exhibit, two
masters of the edge. They each succeed at creating beautiful edges in
completely different ways which gives me hope that I may find my own way to
make wonderful edges. So I came home and made a still life, a still life that
is all about the edge, when to hone it and when to make it vanish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-35570365378641619312014-04-07T17:02:00.000-05:002014-04-07T17:02:00.027-05:00A Remembrance of Cezanne<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR4-wfg7lKQ8asuflBXw9ibiEJUPgj8b1CKjU6YnjJUU3N1dS4TjQJbj3Q0nzKosMbEQZ1NpenQgAJnjdVs2BBw93mtl-3DTPf26vHhFS8Ia-44KTTyqZZSwgidVQgBzhYVxiOBIXHG2Q/s1600/P1100988_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR4-wfg7lKQ8asuflBXw9ibiEJUPgj8b1CKjU6YnjJUU3N1dS4TjQJbj3Q0nzKosMbEQZ1NpenQgAJnjdVs2BBw93mtl-3DTPf26vHhFS8Ia-44KTTyqZZSwgidVQgBzhYVxiOBIXHG2Q/s1600/P1100988_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Filagree</i> is a 14x11 oil done from life by Shirley
Fachilla. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may very well be wondering why <i>Filagree</i> is a
“remembrance of Cezanne.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll try to explain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went to a <a href="http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/cezanneinfo.shtm">Cezanne exhibit at our National Gallery</a> in D.C.
a few years ago. Those paintings took my breath away. His still lifes had such
volume and presence with apples and oranges that looked as though they could
tumble out of the canvas and roll across the gallery floor. Then there were the views of St. Victorie, so varied and diverse although they were all of the very
same mountain. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was one painting that especially captured my
attention. It was a simple portrait of one of his father’s farmhands, farmhands
that he often painted playing cards. He painted this man alone with the light
catching his eyelashes, so that the lashes were etched in light. It seemed such
a delicate touch for the study of a <a href="http://www.wikipaintings.org/en/paul-cezanne/peasant-1891">laborer</a> and for a painter lauded for his
ability to convey mass and weight. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My view of our beautiful model at open studio allowed me
just such a view. Her lashes were turned to gold by the light, <i>filigreed</i>
so to speak. Thus she became my special remembrance of Cezanne. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-35301723952763670362014-03-26T16:15:00.000-05:002014-03-26T16:15:15.897-05:00A Different View<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrHzuDBCmiDDFzRoGpG85tIDhuyEWyA4v3MaMytXgtgI637_h5pG_O12F-AhTBilt0DsxRw61vmKAQ0r6GdEsHafz7lPHooY1uwNy7bQWL2_ekq9I-avkjT6AFwUDltEJlNcazIWLFGWB/s1600/P1100977_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrHzuDBCmiDDFzRoGpG85tIDhuyEWyA4v3MaMytXgtgI637_h5pG_O12F-AhTBilt0DsxRw61vmKAQ0r6GdEsHafz7lPHooY1uwNy7bQWL2_ekq9I-avkjT6AFwUDltEJlNcazIWLFGWB/s1600/P1100977_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Once Upon the South</i> is a 12x9 oil painted from life
by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you may know that I
belong to<a href="http://chestnutgroup.org/"> The Chestnuts</a>, plein air painters for the land. It’s a local
organization dedicated to the preservation of the natural and historic beauties
of <st1:state>Tennessee</st1:state>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Chestnuts help preserve and commemorate with their
paintings. This is the second time we’ve used our art to help the<a href="http://www.carnton.org/boft.htm"> Battle ofFranklin Trust</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One hundred and fifty years ago, Franklin (a town in the
next county from <st1:city>Nashville</st1:city>) was the
scene of a horrific Civil War battle. Thousands were killed; and an army
virtually destroyed, all in the small <st1:place><st1:placetype>village</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename>Franklin</st1:placename></st1:place>. The battle was a
pivotal factor in ending the war less than a year later.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Trust was created to gather and preserve that original
battlefield; it has made great strides in the endeavor and Chestnut art has
helped. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find painting for The Trust an emotional experience; quite
literally one is standing on dark and bloody ground. This year, I painted
mostly inside the <a href="http://www.carnton.org/lotz_history.htm">Lotz House</a>, a family home located smack dab in the middle of
that conflict 150 years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Johann Lotz was not slave owner. He was a cabinetmaker from <st1:country-region>Germany</st1:country-region>
who came to <st1:country-region>America</st1:country-region> seeking a better life. His daughter Matilda Lotz
later became a very successful painter (a rarity for a woman of that time). I
find it fitting that painters should come back to the Lotz house to reimagine
and preserve on canvas the times and lives of its former inhabitants. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceQSt7DgsnFKjIgdmzKKI9B_GHHsyiE7xDG7qoLGOBiCmhyphenhyphenr5Svfx04FhQhJvsF2OK8rVGEmp2Bze4iMWAFP-6K32JNtcnpHqdfmrLAdIwdnc0VssA_xFTXJzto8wFo6HUpsH00QN7Q_M/s1600/P1100980_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceQSt7DgsnFKjIgdmzKKI9B_GHHsyiE7xDG7qoLGOBiCmhyphenhyphenr5Svfx04FhQhJvsF2OK8rVGEmp2Bze4iMWAFP-6K32JNtcnpHqdfmrLAdIwdnc0VssA_xFTXJzto8wFo6HUpsH00QN7Q_M/s1600/P1100980_edited-1.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Matilda’s Tea Party</i> is an 8x10 oil painted from life
by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our art will be on sale at <b>The Carnton Plantation,</b> <st1:address><st1:street>1345
Eastern Flank Circle</st1:street>, <st1:city>Franklin</st1:city>, <st1:state>Tennessee</st1:state></st1:address>.
The exhibit will be <b>Friday, March 28<sup>th</sup>, through Sunday, March 30<sup>th</sup></b>.
The hours are 9 to 5 on Friday and Saturday, <st1:time hour="16" minute="48">12
to 5</st1:time> on Sunday. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope you can make it. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-42516163187663797082014-03-17T13:30:00.000-05:002014-03-17T13:30:00.214-05:00The Abstract Beneath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWHksby3uWWLQxz6MUCOhkPjT92-ydgjIfgR4BtuWmdXo6FIO996ReYzNwwj1SQAnKvWuLFRdytGfYN7fRLeHzh5RERl25Z57yUobdmQmJPIdMwiWPB-8y4G1gcRwV3ZZwdDjtR7aKpKZ/s1600/P1100961_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWHksby3uWWLQxz6MUCOhkPjT92-ydgjIfgR4BtuWmdXo6FIO996ReYzNwwj1SQAnKvWuLFRdytGfYN7fRLeHzh5RERl25Z57yUobdmQmJPIdMwiWPB-8y4G1gcRwV3ZZwdDjtR7aKpKZ/s1600/P1100961_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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<i>The Blonde at the Window</i> is an 18x14 oil done from life by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
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A month or so ago I went to a wonderful art lecture given by
<a href="http://www.maggiesiner.com/paintings.php?painting=White%20Dress&category=frocks">Maggie Siner</a>. She’s a very accomplished artist, one who has thought deeply about her art. She'd come to Nashville to give one of her rare workshops.</div>
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I didn’t manage to get into the workshop, but I did make it
to the lecture. I’m so glad I did. </div>
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It was not set up as the typical artist
demo. Instead she showed the audience a series of paintings by some of the
greats of the past. Her primary point: that within every successful
representational painting is an abstract and the power of the painting derives
from that abstract play of dark and light. </div>
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For truly great paintings, the power and the meaning of the
representational subject is also reinforced and magnified by the abstract
design that lies beneath.</div>
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She used work by Degas more than once to prove her point.
Degas is one of my favorite painters; I think his <a href="http://www.edgar-degas.org/Woman-at-a-Window,-c.1871-2-large.html">compositions</a> (his abstract
designs) are some of the most innovative, interesting and edgy of any artist
alive or dead. </div>
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When I painted my <i>The Blonde at the Window</i>, I was
thinking of the lecture and of Degas. I was thinking of the abstract
beneath. </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-24961625170315542122014-03-04T09:00:00.000-06:002014-03-04T10:27:11.664-06:00What Lies Beneath...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvIqMX1-ObFziRc0d8XFeH05AeW7rCjdQ3gmIUjfFrWhOGH-Ux9QpNJyDfpmIc0p-hJGrWlx1RHSWjwW5_q5fEJKPxfR0220j4YeGYFwx1caVmEi1VLTbOArxjJ_lDIegzsMJTKme3qj2/s1600/P1100948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvIqMX1-ObFziRc0d8XFeH05AeW7rCjdQ3gmIUjfFrWhOGH-Ux9QpNJyDfpmIc0p-hJGrWlx1RHSWjwW5_q5fEJKPxfR0220j4YeGYFwx1caVmEi1VLTbOArxjJ_lDIegzsMJTKme3qj2/s1600/P1100948.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></div>
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<i>Troubadour </i>is a 24x18 oil done from life by Shirley
Fachilla. </div>
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There’s a very well-known painter who advocates repainting
canvases. By this, I mean he suggests painting over failed works with another.
And he isn’t adverse to letting a bit of the past peek through. </div>
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A branch of a tree there, an arm or a leg here… hmm, hope
you get the idea. </div>
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In fact, I believe he suggests that the painting lurking
beneath the surface can add depth, character, interest to the new painting on
top. </div>
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I’ve followed his recommendation several times and found replacing
the failed with the new very satisfying. </div>
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<i>Troubadour</i> is one of those paint-overs; underneath there’s
the partial wipe-out of a very sad fellow in a golfing tam. The
quality of the above image just captures the remainder of the golfer’s face; it’s
now just a bit of glowy pink in the light coming through the window, the
golfing green is just a slightly darker hazy neutral in that same light. </div>
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I once followed another painter whose process incorporated
the paint-over in her every work. She would paint a figure, wipe it off,
repaint over the ghost image, wipe it off, and paint it again until she was
satisfied with the result. Her work had a real richness and depth derived from
that very process. </div>
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Her art proved that what lies beneath can sometimes inform
the visible in a quite meaningful way. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8032042591265058150.post-68072026349443302242014-02-23T22:26:00.000-06:002014-02-23T22:26:48.827-06:00Shades of Downton Abbey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB9fge-wRKCPJ8nE6wBGPZkFXYdBeZfPKP-3N0hcWm7iHyJDTKnXRv2b068Fpu7Bk2h17mIRbaI2Uj0APslzhHqXQ_x7IP2OHnrZGrjp73HmEJR6t9zY_5GoW6n8M8Omx0SSHyToZ6zQp/s1600/P1100931_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB9fge-wRKCPJ8nE6wBGPZkFXYdBeZfPKP-3N0hcWm7iHyJDTKnXRv2b068Fpu7Bk2h17mIRbaI2Uj0APslzhHqXQ_x7IP2OHnrZGrjp73HmEJR6t9zY_5GoW6n8M8Omx0SSHyToZ6zQp/s1600/P1100931_edited-1.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
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<i>More Alike Than They Know</i> is an 24x18 oil done from life by Shirley Fachilla.</div>
I'm lucky enough to have an open studio available which poses models in interior settings and as you can see above, sometimes in costume.<br />
It can be very challenging to paint such poses with suggestions of the surrounding interior in the limited time of an open studio. It's especially difficult with more than one model. But I'm getting faster and maybe a little better. Anyway it's a lot of fun to try to get an interesting painting from the mix.<br />
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[An open studio is a gathering of artists in the same studio to paint together without instruction; usually, though not always, the artists are painting the same subject.] </div>
Shirley Fachillahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00900078558695081657noreply@blogger.com6