PROGRAM - JULY 6, 2016
Before introducing our Presenter for July, Claudia Taylor, Program Chair, told us about upcoming programs: August - Carolyn Hibbard, Pouring; Sept. - Peter Frederick; Oct, - Deb Ward; and Nov. - Nancy Neville.
Dick Close, Design Director for Ionic Communication, gave a demonstration of one of the topics that he has been passionate about for a while: Candy, Cakes, and other Sweets, being inspired by Wayne Thiebaud years ago. As a designer and illustrator, his career has been very structured, but on his Bucket List was an interest in painting in a more creative and loose fashion. He is now able to indulge that wish. Lately, he has become interested in finding everyday subjects and buildings in Over the Rhine, and Findley Market, etc. He is looking forward to painting “plein aire” on his vacation.
He has been juried into a variety of outdoor shows, such as Summer Fair, and does shows around the country. One of Dick’s paintings was one of the 78 selected from over 400 (from 39 states), submitted, to be shown in the Watercolor USA National Show.
Dick explained how he purchases such things as gummy bears and other candy, with wrappers or without, sets up the still life - making sure there are interesting shadows - and then takes photos from many angles until he gets the desired composition. He often takes his pictures with a cell phone and believes it is good when they are printed out and are not “true” - therefore encouraging him to use his own ideas of color. Dick believes that shadows offer a perfect place to bring in unexpected colors, and makes his all the same in order to unify his painting, many times using Burnt Sienna under or over other colors to warm them, and likes to mix Indigo and Sepia to make a good
black.
He tends to use smooth paper, and usually only 3 or 4 brushes. He purchased the palette he was using at Sudors Art Store. He likes to put the paint (usually Windsor Newton) on heavy and then “lift” where he wants it to be lighter. He doesn’t want his paintings to be photo-realistic, but does use more detail in the middle of his work. He does use masking fluid sometimes, but finds it difficult to be precise with it. Dick did a Critique after the Presentation. Members are encouraged to bring in paintings each month for this purpose, to improve your work.
Submitted by Joyce Grothaus, Secretary, GCWS
Photos by Deb Ward
