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A Conversation.   If I had a transcript of my Artist Showcase interview in the Fontana City Council Chambers, I would post that here.  The interviewer asked good questions about my experience as an artist, which I had long considered.  So, I was comfortable with my answers.  

However, I do not have a transcript…I have a LINK to the interview.   It was  posted on YouTube just a few days ago.  I know this week is filled with gift wrapping, family, and Chinese food. But, if you have twelve minutes and thirty-five seconds to spare, I will share our art conversation with you.  Have a great week and a Happy New Year.

Of course I should be packing for our short getaway to Palm Springs.  The weather will be great, the Art Museum is always a pleasure, the Palm Desert galleries will be a highlight…not to mention a few deli sandwiches and nice dinners thrown in.  But I am disappointed.  

It turns out that this getaway was hastily planned. It came to being when my workshop at an Art School was cancelled.  I had long awaited this opportunity to paint for five days with an instructor.  Then the School cancelled the class due to insufficient enrollment.  

I was going to return from my week of painting refreshed, well-fed, and turbo charged. I would come home and ply my trade with renewed enthusiasm. And, I would share my uplifting experience with you. After all, the Art School catalog indicated that the instructor would “help students become the painter they want to be.”  But instead, I am missing out on new ideas, techniques, approaches, and constructive critiques.  I fear I will not become the painter I want to be. 

Of course, I know that I do not have to rely on this course to improve as a painter. Perhaps, the  catalog description of the workshop itself can be my guide.  Let’s see…the class offered “models in engaging poses and vignettes.” The class offered attention to “composition, value, color, and edges.”  I can work on those things.  I can try to create contexts for seated models.  Certainly, I can give more consideration to the elements of my paintings. For now, my growth as an artist will not be predicated upon a teacher, timing, or tuition. I feel a little better.  

Time to pack.