First Friday Gunnison Arts Center

The Colorado Watercolor Society first show on the Western Slope opens at the Gunnison Center for the Arts Friday, Aug 4, 2017.  I will show three works; two florals, “Orchids,” “Cosmos,” and an equine themed work, “No Hoof, No Horse.”  The two florals celebrate the glory of light on natural forms.  “Orchids” is backlit, providing for a dramatic composition, while “Cosmos” shows reflected light of flowers in full sun.  “No Hoof, No Horse” explores lost and found edges and the fading of form through the phenomenon of smoke.

both paintings image 7.5″ x 22″  (frame size 13.5″ x 28″)  copyright C Isgreen          $350 each

award winning painting:  “No Hoof, No Horse” copyright C Isgreen                                                     22″ x 15″  (frame size 28″ x 21″) $500

In the upstairs gallery, the Arts Center is showing its annual fundraising exhibition, “Tiny Treasures.”  I have submitted two watercolor paintings of birds inspired by Japanese scrolls.  These “tiny treasures” were painted in a diamond format to give them a dynamic composition.  Both watercolor on paper and oil/acrylic on canvas will be offered.

from  GAC website:                 

Upper Gallery: Tiny Treasures “Fortune Cookie Quotes”
Celebrate the little things in life! For the third year in a row, the GAC’s fundraiser, Tiny Treasures, really is proof that good things DO come in small packages. Featuring a plethora of tiny treasures on canvas, all created by local artists. Treasures will be on sale at affordable prices all month where 100% of the profit goes to the GAC. A theme has been added this year; artists will pick a fortune cookie quote to use for inspiration. Enjoy tiny appetizers, a live tiny gallery concert with tiny instruments and more at the First Friday ArtWalk & Music!

New works at GAC:

In keeping with this month of tiny treasures, I am offering framed prints from my travels ($25) and small framed floral watercolors, all affordably price below $200.  I also completed an aspen series, where I fractured the light.  (see featured image preview above) These charming small works will complement the small niches in your home.

Painting Experimentation

Researchers say that teaching deepens the teacher’s understanding, so she is learning along with her students.  As I have been preparing for numerous classes and workshops this summer, I paint examples that I can use in my workshops.  As I paint, I reflect on what I’m doing, the decisions I am making, and the results of those decisions.  These reflections go into my lesson plans.  Often these reflections lead to experimental paintings.

“Cowboy Up,” explores lost and found edges despite using masks (hard edges) to preserve the layers in the pour.  This was achieved from two approaches.

• in the initial masking by softening the edges through “scratchy dry brush” edge treatment
• after the mask was removed, I softened the edges while adding neutralized wash to the wet areas

“Cowboy Up” was painted for my poured watercolor class to be held at the Ah Haa School of the Arts in Telluride, Colorado July 28 & 29, the last weekend in July.  Register through Ah Haa at this following link:  Poured Watercolor Registration

“A Splash of Poppies”

“Upsy Daisy” (feature image) and “A Splash of Poppies” show a myriad of techniques to employ to create loose watercolor paintings, including outlining, dripping, splashing, and wet-into-wet alla prima painting.  The next “Getting Loose” class is set for September 30th as a benefit for the Montrose Center for the Arts.  Register for this very playful, relaxing workshop with this link: Poured Watercolor Registration

This summer, I am teaching every Wednesday at the Gunnison Arts Center through the program, Wednesdays at Western State University.  You can register for the Gunnison classes at the following link:  Wednesday at Western Registration Cheri Isgreen  or by calling the university at (970)943-2885.

Sketch Journals– Wednesdays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9.
Back by popular demand! Explore ways to combine text with image using creative expression, visual design principles, and art techniques. All levels welcome; beginners
will be given extra support, and advanced students will receive design challenges. 5 sessions, classes need not be taken sequentially. Instructor: Cheri Isgreen. $35.

Bringing The Art Masters Alive – Wednesdays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2.
Do you love art? Bring it alive through creative discovery. Take a multimedia approach to exploring periods, movements, geography, and master artists through making art. No prerequisite; each session is a stand-alone class with new content each week Emphasis is on creative expression and discovery. We will not be copying masterworks.  All levels welcome; beginners will be given extra support; experienced artists are given design challenges to deepen their understanding. 5 sessions, classes need not be taken sequentially. Instructor: Cheri Isgreen. $35.

Passionate Pursuits Opens this Friday, June 2, 2017

You are invited to an art reception featuring my watercolor paintings celebrating horses, gardens, and travel.  The reception begins at 5:30 PM.  I will give a gallery talk about my inspirations, techniques, and processes beginning at 6:00 PM.  Along with my watercolor paintings, I am offering a wide selection of prints, notecards, and tiny paintings.  Live music and refreshments are planned.  This event is part of the Gunnison Colorado First Friday Artwork, with many venues in downtown Gunnison participating with art, spirits, music, and food.  For more information, please call Anne at 970-641-6111.

“Passionate Pursuits”  runs through the end of June.  Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM and Saturdays 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

“For a Good Time, Call Ed” copyright C Isgreen 2015 $500

Conversano Mima White Horse Vale Ranch, Goldendale, WA Lipizzan Stallion

Along the San Antonio Riverwalk, 2/14/16

 

Workshop Update

Have you registered for “Getting Loose” watercolor workshops?  Workshops are offered in Montrose and Gunnison.

• Oct. 22  10 AM – 3 PM (with working brown bag lunch)  Gunnison Arts Center  Workshop #1- Harvest themes; benefit for Gunnison Arts Center
• Nov. 5  2-6 PM  Montrose: Cedar Creek Clubhouse #1- Harvest themes; benefit for Montrose Center for the Arts
• Nov. 13 10 AM – 3 PM (with working brown bag lunch)  Gunnison Arts Center  Workshop #1- Holiday themes; benefit for Gunnison Arts Center
• Dec. 10  2-6 PM  Montrose: Cedar Creek Clubhouse #1- Holiday themes; benefit for Montrose Center for the Arts

format #1- long & skinny

Students in the Harvest Workshop will learn a variety of techniques to successfully create colorful, expressive watercolor compositions including:

• masking for dramatic lighting
• wet-into-wet with pure pigment to model glowing natural forms with spontaneous color mixtures
• negative painting
• complementary and analogous splatter
• calligraphic brushwork
• drip wash

Students will learn when to employ these techniques for maximum effect and how to avoid common pitfalls .

standard photo format

Students will  complete 2 paintings working in different formats.  Students will learn compositional considerations for working both horizontally and vertically, as well as designing a long, skinny format and a standard “photo” rectangle.

click this link to register

Happy painting

 

 

 

“Getting Loose: watercolor workshop offered in Montrose & Gunnison

 

“Painted Daisies” framed watercolor 12″ x 15″ $200 copyright C Isgreen

“Sky Lights” 10″ x 19″ $200

“Pot of Gold” 10″ x 19″ $200

Looking for a way to loosen up your art? Are you interested in learning some new watercolor techniques? Have you wondered if you could be successful painting in watercolor? Do you love gardens, flowers & color? Cheri Isgreen will offer ideas, suggestions, techniques, and support to create lively watercolor compositions during each 4 hour class.  Pick and choose the classes that fit your interests and calendar:  $70/class

REGISTER HERE   (click the link)

HARVEST SERIES:

October 22, 2016  10AM-3PM  Workshop in Gunnison at the Gunnison Arts Center; a portion of the proceeds for this workshop will benefit the GAC.  12:00 – 1:00 brown bag lunch & critique

November 5, 2016  2-6 PM   Workshop in Montrose at the Cedar Creek Clubhouse; a portion of the proceeds for this workshop will benefit the Montrose Center for the Arts.

HOLIDAY SERIES:

 November 13, 2016  10AM-3PM  Workshop in Gunnison at the Gunnison Arts Center; a portion of the proceeds for this workshop will benefit the GAC.  12:00 – 1:00 brown bag lunch & critique

December 3, 2016  2-6 PM   Workshop in Montrose at the Cedar Creek Clubhouse; a portion of the proceeds for this workshop will benefit the the Montrose Center for the Arts.

“Bouquet” copyright C Isgreen

“Upsy Daisy” framed watercolor 19″ x 10″ $200 copyright C Isgreen

 

New Works at Gunnison Arts Center

“I WISH FOR A PONY”    copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                                                         mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, mixed metals, horseshoe, antique rhinestone and glass button on board  $40

Based on the success of last year’s collages at the GAC Holiday Market, I have started a new series for spring 2016.  I build my collages on wood substrate from an inspiration taken from my paintings and drawings.  I add found objects, then give the collage a quote or a border.  I love pattern- repeated shapes and coordinating colors.  My patterns are decorative and organic, evolving by hand.  Sometimes I add text when I feel the piece needs it.  Text complements visual objects by combining two forms of communication.  Maybe in the future, I may also add a sound track….

I do my collages in two formats.  The first examples show a single image on an 8″ square board.  The second format is a vertical triptych of three images mounted on 4″ square boards, linked with colored copper.

The pieces featured here can be found at the Art Shop at the Gunnison Arts Center.  The GAC is open Tuesday – Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-2.  GAC offers many evening venues, with the Art Shop is open during special events.  The GAC is located at  102 S Main St, Gunnison, CO 81230.  For more information, call (970) 641-4029 or visit the website: GUNNISON ARTS CENTER

“BOUQUET” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                                                         mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, mixed metals, garnets on board  $40

 

“BEST FRIENDS” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                                                         mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, nickel, glass bead on board  $40

 

“WHEN HORSES FLY” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                                                         mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, mixed metals & beads on board  $40

“POWER” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, pewter on board  $40

 

“A PAUSE IN THE DAY’S OCCUPATION”  copyright Cheri Isgreen 2016 mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, silver on board  $40

SECOND FORMAT

“INDIAN SUMMER” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                                                         mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, mixed metals, antique button on board  $40

“HIGH COUNTRY” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016                                                         mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, pewter, handmade bead on board  $40

“TURNOUT” copyright Cheri Isgreen, 2016  mixed media collage on board: ink, paper, mixed metals  $40

 

 

 

 

 

Now Showing at the Gunnison Arts Center

I have been invited to show with the Gunnison Arts Center Shop Artists.  The Arts Center Shop features the work from  about one dozen artists.  For the shop, I will feature my ceramic work: fish and 3D Dream Horse sculptures; mixed media collages; small paintings; and gifts: note cards, origami, and journals.  I will be at the shop on a monthly basis, as well as weekly in the summertime.

mixed media collage $40

Dream Horse sculpture $120 each

“Peach Valley” watercolor $125

ceramic fish $50-$65

 

 

 

ABOUT THE GUNNISON ARTS CENTER

The 12,000-square-foot Gunnison Arts Center is a community arts center dedicated to exhibiting and developing visual, literary and performing artists in the Gunnison Valley. With three gallery exhibit spaces, a gallery shop, a dance studio, a 72-seat community theatre/stage, a clay center for ceramics, meeting rooms and a visual arts classroom all under one roof, there is truly something for everyone at the Gunnison Arts Center. Please come visit us soon and GET INTO IT!

To learn more about the Arts Center, visit

GAC

Poured Watercolor Demo

“Riding for Rain” poured watercolor, sold/private collection; copyright Cheri Isgreen

Why Pour?

Painting wet-into-wet is so much quicker and uses far less paint.  Why would I bother to mask and pour?

• Because the amount of paint applied to the surface of the paper is so saturated, (even when making early light value layers), spontaneous color mixtures combine in unique ways that can’t be achieved any other way.
• Layers can be built undisturbed by any brushwork, resulting in luminous, clean colors with neutral mixtures occurring without muddy passages.
• Though it appears that masking would restrict the element of spontaneity, pouring allows the artist to exploit the unexpected by controlling how the pour will run.  This is particularly effective in areas with large passages of color where there is potential for  a great variety of subtle variation in color, value, and texture.
• Pouring allows the artist to emphasize shapes and negative space, as well as to imply meaning through the use of lost and found edges.

“Out of the Shadows” poured watercolor, sold/private collection; copyright Cheri Isgreen

 Critical concerns to Ensure a Successful Painting

• The artist needs to make studies before painting.   For each mask layer to be successful, a careful drawing must be executed with accurate shapes and values .  Additionally, the artist needs to consider all the elements, (line, color, texture, form,  and space, as well as shape and value), to insure a balanced composition.  Though pouring is primarily a studio technique and not suitable for pleine aire painting, poured watercolor develops technical skills, habits of mind, and the awareness of compositional elements that are critical in the field when an artist must work quickly to capture the light.
• When developing compositional studies, develop your ideas into connected shapes with three or more values.
• Edges matter- draw and mask shapes very carefully, so the painting will read when the mask is removed.  Buy the best brushes you can afford for masking, (you will need a variety), and take good care of them, so the mask doesn’t destroy them.  Mask brushes and water containers must be dedicated for masking only.
• Exploit lost & found edges, negative space, and counter-change when developing compositional studies.
• Avoid details until the end, when the mask is off.
• When the mask is off, find areas where the edges must be softened.

“Pause in the Day’s Occupation” 21″x28″ sold/private collection; sold/private collection

To schedule a workshop for your organization or find out where the next workshop will be held, comment below.

Tomorrow: steps for completing the demo painting begun at the Brush and Palette Club demo

 

Holiday Market Sampler: “Before Breakfast”

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.”   -Alice; Lewis Carroll from Alice in Wonderland

“BEFORE BREAKFAST”

Mixed media collage on board was designed from a drawing in my sketchbook and printed on archival Reeves paper.  I see my collages as iconic with references and realia enhancing the original artwork.  For this piece, I included a tiny Queen of Hearts playing card and the key Alice is too tiny, and then too big to use.  The March Hare’s pocket watch was made from copper wire and bead, antiqued chain, and a metal watch face.  The border references Alice’s very psychedelic journey to Wonderland.  8” square panel  $40

To purchase visit the Gunnison Arts Center or contact me through this website.  Here’s the link to order:  https://cheriisgreenfineart.wordpress.com/gallery/

Holiday Market opens Dec. 9th GUNNISON ARTS CENTER

SUPPORT ARTISTS: SHOP SMALL, BUY LOCAL ONE-OF-A-KIND, HANDMADE CREATIVE WORKS OF ART FOR LOVED ONES AND SPECIAL FRIENDS

NOW SHOWING AT THE GUNNISON ARTS CENTER THROUGH CHRISTMAS EVE:

•  MIXED MEDIA ICONIC COLLAGE:  on 8” square panels, designed from my original watercolor paintings & printed on archival Reeves paper.  Large variety of subjects.  A unique border was designed for each image and embellished with found objects, vintage buttons, or semiprecious jewelry.  $40
•  MIXED MEDIA ICONIC TRIPTYCH:  designed on three 3” square panels, designed from my original watercolor paintings printed on archival Reeves paper.  Large variety of subjects.  Some triptychs were embellished with found objects, (see individual pieces for design detail).  $40
• CERAMIC FISH:  “One Fish;”  “Two Fish;”  “Red Fish;”  “Blue Fish”  Bas-relief stoneware fish with anatomical and textural detail, fired and finished with hand-rubbed metallics;  prices range from $60- $70
• MIXED MEDIA ORIGAMI:  not just ornaments for your holiday tree; hang in a window, on an exposed beam, or below a swag lamp.  Folded origami horses are made from imported Japanese washi or rice papers, hung from metallic thread with a silver-colored origami crane charm, beads, and a hand crafted copper hanger.  $10
• GREETING CARDS:  large selection of note cards from my original watercolors in sets and singles, including Christmas cards, horse sets, tea sets, and handcrafted cards  Prices range from $5-$16
• ORIGINAL WATERCOLORS:  in a variety of sizes and subjects from florals to landscapes to horses  Prices range from $65 – $350

more work available at Blue Pig Gallery, Palisade; Backstreet Bagels & Coffee, Montrose; Redstone Gallery, Redstone; & through this website

DECEMBER SPECIAL CONTINUES WITH 20% ON ALL FRAMED ARTWORK  Print certificate below, fill it out, and present it with your purchase at any location mentioned above.