Pastel Society of El Paso Demo

What a fun time I had doing the demonstration for the Pastel Society of El Paso last Thursday.  About 20 people watched me create this 20 x 16" painting of a garden with red flowers:

I love painting in pastels.  They are so direct and have such a powerful punch of color.  They are also a very fast medium for me.  This painting took me about an hour, and that was while I was talking!

I had a terrific group of artists join me for my "Small Jewels" class on Saturday!  We each created between two and five paintings.  The artists learned that they could create powerful, colorful "jewels" of art on small formats in a very limited period of time in almost any medium.  These pieces encourage fluency of drawing, composition and painting, and result in lovely pieces that fit anyplace!  Remember--the more pieces of art you produce, the better you get!  Production is even more important than product.

My next class is Friday, May 11, beginning about 9:30 a.m. at the Hondo Iris Farm in Hondo, NM (east of Ruidoso, Hwy 7, Blue sign at Mile Marker 284, just off highway).  It is aptly about "Painting Irises".  See info at the right for details or go to my website:  www.SaraJChambers.com

Remember that early, discounted registration deadline for the "Creative Composition" class is June 1.  You save 10%!  Such a deal.

PayPal Options and Ruby Jewel

Heads up!  I have added payment by PayPal options to my classes at the right top of my blog.  You can use credit cards, as well as funds transfer.

Note that two of the classes have discounted rates for early registration/payment.  The "Brush-free Oil Painting", April 18-20, is 10% off if you register by April 1 with full payment of $180 (instead of $200).  "Creative Composition" is only $295 for the five days (June 18-22) if you register and pay by June 1.  Otherwise it is $325.

This is my latest painting, "Ruby Jewel", 6"x6" oil on gallery wrapped canvas.  I am thinking about adding a "Buy Now" button for these small pieces.  What do you think?

Demystifying Composition

Composition is one of those art topics that can stir up a fire-storm in a hurry!  Nearly as many definitions for composition exist as there are artists.  Yet the ability to create strong "compositions" in painting continues to elude many artists.

"Why isn't my painting working?"

"How do I get harmonious color?"

"How do I get strong design into my painting?"

These are just some of the questions that plague artists.  Almost every art magazine has at least one article promising a "quick fix" one of these topics.  Nearly all the explanations about design are about as "clear as mud."

I am teaching a class called "Demystifying Composition," presenting an innovative approach to designing successful artwork.  We will explore abstract structure and review drawing and color study, in order to help create stronger paintings.  The sign of a really good artist is when she or he can break the rules and get away with it!  But you need to know the rules in order to break them.

The class will be in my studio July 6, 7, & 8th.  Hours are 9-4 daily, with a break for lunch.  Cost is only $200, with all supplies.  I only have a couple places left in the class, so if you feel the need to release your creativity by freeing yourself to compose, sign up today!  Contact me by phone (575.430.6148) or by email (sarajchambers@yahoo.com).

Creative Composition Class

Much has happened in my life since my last post.  The most important event was losing my mother, Patricia Jacobs, on June 29th.  Our dad is doing well in the face of the loss of his wife of 64 years.  He cared for her almost 24/7 for the last five years.  We will miss her very much.

Meanwhile, I have continued plans for my class:

"Creative Composition for Stronger Paintings"

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., August 2-4, 2010 (an hour break for lunch)

Sara Chambers Studio, High Rolls, NM

Cost $180

• Learn how to put structure into paintings/drawings in order to make good art even better.  
• Learn the most common compositional problems that can cause paintings to fail or to be "not quite right".  
• Bring the painting or drawing mediums you prefer, in order to employ your lessons while creating works that you enjoy.  

I will provide some materials to facilitate our explorations.  I can also provide easels and drawing boards.

You may also bring existing paintings that you would like to have critiqued or that seem less successful than you would like.

Additional info:  You will need to bring a lunch, as there are no good places to go that are nearby.  I will have drinks available.

I have a few slots left for the class, in case you discover that you have time and inclination.  To register by e-mail:  sarajchambers@yahoo.com.  To register by phone: 575-430-6148

We will be using my demos and your paintings to learn approaches to stronger and more effective compositions.