Nelson Shanks Master Painting Demonstration

I was in Philadelphia last night at Studio Incamminati, School for Contemporary Realist Art, where Nelson Shanks is the Founder and Art Director.  I witnessed a rare opportunity observing Nelson Shanks himself conducting a live painting demonstration. To observe this Master Portrait Painter in action was inspiring to say the least. Nelson Shanks talks about his portrait painting here. His palette was fascinating to me so I took a picture and am sharing it below.  It was full of mounds of beautiful colors kept from one session to the next. Studio Incamminati is an amazing nonprofit school in the heart of Philadelphia offering rigorous instruction in advanced techniques of drawing and painting by a faculty which studied extensively with Nelson Shanks.  Nelson Shanks will repeat his live demonstration again August 22, 2012.  Click here for this and more events taking place at Studio Incamminati this summer.  It’s a great way to enjoy Philadelphia, see the school and meet the faculty.

Ikebana Style Flower Holder

I wanted to share one of my favorite finds with you from the St. College Arts Festival I attended last week.  This festival is alway around the second week in July and draws artists from all over the country.  I spent two amazing days absorbed in discussions with artists and have returned to my studio inspired to share

Among the hundreds of amazing artists, I was drawn to this Pottery artist from Malabar Pottery.  All the pottery is created by Mike and Laura Meyer.  Their card does not have a website listed but they are located in Malabar, FL and can be reached at this email address:  malabarman@aol.com

I was drawn in by the simplicity of the flowers standing on their own, the top surface of the clay made by the pressed leaves and the functionality of the pieces. Upon further discussion with the artist, I learned a new term, Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.  Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together drawing emphasis toward shape line and form. The 'envelope' vase requires few flowers arranged in a row to look stunning. These are just some daisies I picked from my garden. The other smaller piece has in the center what I have been told is a florist accessory that has little plastic spikes coming up so you can take the flower and press it onto one of the spikes so it will stand the way it does so regal.  If you contact them, let them know you heard it from me... an artist who attended the St. College Arts Festival because I hope they return next year!