2017 Texas Top Ten Competition is OPEN

Texas Top Ten Competition Call For Entries All Artists Living in Texas The "Texas Top Ten" is a FREE online competition open for artists living in the state of Texas; Portrait Society of America membership is not required. This online competition is presented to you by the Texas State Ambassador, Gaye Sekula, in coordination with the Portrait Society of America.  Certificates recognizing the Top Ten winners will be awarded. The winners will also be featured in the Portrait Society of America's Website, State Ambassador E-News and our quarterly journal, The Art of the Portrait . The submission form is available now through Sunday, December 11, 2016 at midnight. Rules and Eligibility Artist must reside in Texas. (Portrait Society faculty, juror, board members, and Texas ambassador are not permitted to enter the competition.) Only one work may be submitted per entrant. (Sculptors may submit up to four views of a single work.) Submit Portrait and Figurative works only No works involving photographic printing or mechanical processes in the actual final product will be permitted. No classroom works or works produced under assistance of instructors will be permitted. Image Specifications The .jpg format is required. Your file dimensions should be at least 400 x 400 pixels but should not exceed 1024 x 1024.  Please label your .jpg image with your first and last name. For example, gaye-sekula.jpg   ENTER  If you have any questions or concerns about the Texas Top Ten Competition, please contact the Portrait Society's  Texas State Ambassador, Gaye Sekula, at sekulastudio@gmail.com.

Portrait Society of America presents: The Art of the Portrait Conference April 20 - 23, 2017, Atlanta, Georgia  The Portrait Society of America is returning to Washington, D.C. to celebrate our 19th annual conference. Attendees will have a chance to fuel their artistic journeys with exciting programs from new and returning faculty. Join us, along with 800 artists from around the globe, to spend four days experiencing a diverse array of demonstrations, illustrated lectures, portfolio reviews, our 6 x 9" Mystery Art Sale, an exhibit of finalists of the prestigious International Portrait Competition, and so much more. Click HERE to visit our website for more information and to register today.   STAY CONNECTED

Art News DFW Article, "We the People" Exhibit, Keller, Texas

There is a very nice article on the Art News DFW website about the current "We the People"  exhibition in  Keller, Texas. The exhibit features six Texas members of the Portrait Society of America, including yours truly. If you are in the area, please come by and visit with D.K. Richardson, Kathryn Holter, Gene Dillard, Ken MacFarlane, Tim Woolsey, Stefan Huyghe and me, Gaye Sekula,  at the Artist's Reception and Face-Off!

An Evening with the Artists Reception

Date: 11/10/2016 7:00PM - 9PM

Join us for refreshments and enjoy as Texas Members of the Portrait Society of America participate in a "Face-Off". 

"We the People" Exhibit 

November 1 - 23, 2016; 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday

LOCATION:
Keller Town Hall

1100 Bear Creek Parkway 

Keller, Texas 

"We the People" Exhibit, Reception and Face-Off

"We the People" Exhibit, Reception and Face-Off

EXHIBIT: WE THE PEOPLE November 1 - 23, 2016; 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday An Evening with the Artists Reception Date: 11/10/2016 7:00PM - 9PM Join us for refreshments and enjoy as Texas Members of the Portrait Society of America participate in a "Face-Off".  LOCATION: Keller Town Hall 1100 Bear Creek Parkway  Keller, Texas
Featured Artists: Texas Members of the Portrait Society of America: Gene Dillard, Kathryn Holter, Michael Holter, Ken MacFarlane, DK Richardson, Gaye Sekula and Tim Woolsey. 2015 Keller's Got Talent "Best in Show" and 2016 First Place - Oil Painting awards recipient, Stefan Huyghe.

  

As we come together to elect a new president, the Keller Public Arts Program shares an exhibit of portraits which draws the viewer into the diversified citizenry that encompasses our societal melting pot. The Texas Members of the Portrait Society of America; Gene Dillard, Kathryn Holter, Michael Holter, Ken MacFarlane, DK Richardson, Gaye Sekula and Tim Woolsey, along with our own 2015 Keller's Got Talent "Best in Show" and 2016 First Place - Oil Painting awards recipient, Stefan Huyghe bring their interpretations of the human face and its similarities and complexities to life through oil, acrylic, pastel and scratchboard media. 

Visit Keller Town Hall between November 1 and 23, between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, and view the portrait creations of these nationally known, award winning artists. You are invited to attend Thursday evening, November 10th for our Evening with the Artists, from 7 to 9 pm. Some of the artists will be demonstrating their artistic talent while our guests enjoy the art, conversation and refreshments.

Gene Dillard, currently a Plano resident has a background in graphics. He received a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Texas, Austin and another from The Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles.  Visit his website at www.legacyportraitpainters.com. 

Kathryn Holter, "has a passion for creating realistic images that tell a story. Every person has their own unique inner beauty which I hope I've captured on canvas." See more of Kathryn's work at www.kathrynholter.com. 

Michael Holter says "My work is impressionistic. I like to represent people or places and allow the painting to evolve from the recognizable. The challenge is to balance the care needed to make the representation interesting...and perhaps believable.."

www.michaelholter.com 

Stefan Huyghe, born in Antwerp, Belgium and raised in Switzerland, says "My art has been the means to an end, the tool to find my true self and to discover the real world around me. Painting for me is a spiritual experience. I try to bring straight-up photo realism with a twist. When my hand adds or subtracts from reality I don't only report, I create." www.facebook.com/stefanoilpaintings

Ken MacFarlane was raised in Carrollton, Texas and has homes in both Tucson, Arizona and Breckenridge, Texas. He has used pencil as his primary media, "turning a flat piece of white paper into horses and people and rivers or anything I want." More recently he has discovered the art of scratchboard. "It is like pencil in reverse." www.muleheadstudios.com 

DK Richardson offers, "For millions of years humans have portrayed their story on cave walls, animal hides, papyrus, linen, and silk in their fundamental need to leave their legacy for a measure of historical eternity." Her art is a mix of contemporary and classical painting, with the focus on realism. www.facebook.com/DKRichardsonPortraitsAndFineArt

Gaye Sekula believes "Painting is much like meditation. It is being present and keenly aware, but at the same time, letting go and trusting in all you have learned thus far. Whether it is described as "following the muse," "Feeling the hand of God on yours," or "being in the flow," it is something undefinable, yet undeniable. The following quote sums it up quite well, "We lose ourselves in the things we love. We find ourselves there, too." www.sekulastudio.com 

What Could Be Better Than Taos?

Taking a workshop with Albert Handell in Taos! 

I took hundreds of photos and pages of notes; inspiration and guidance for a long time to come. Thank you Albert and Jeanine!

It was a wonderful, informative and enlightening week. 

Albert Handell, Demo in Progress

Adobe Demo, Albert Handell

A Visit with Walt Gonske

 Walt Gonske & Me

My husband, granddaughter and I visited New Mexico this past June. The highlight of this trip was getting to finally meet one of my very favorite artists, Walt Gonske. After a tour of his beautiful home and studio, we sat down to visit for a little while. I had always wanted to meet him and being able to visit was something really special. It was interesting to learn that we are both of Slavic descent. This may explain why we are both so drawn to the work of Nicolai Fechin, who also once lived in Taos, NM. Walt's work very much reminds me of Fechin's. He has even had the honor of exhibiting his work in Fechin's home, now the Taos Art Museum. 

Plein Air in Taos, New Mexico

Walt Gonske's Garden

It’s always a good time to visit New Mexico so, when I heard that Ron Rencher was offering a plein air workshop in Taos, I signed up! It had been years since I had painted en plein air, a fancy, schmancy way of saying “painting outside”, and boy, was I ever rusty! That’s ok…it was Taos after all!

The above photo is our group and Walt Gonske after painting in his beautiful garden. In the back right of the photo you can see the view poor Walt has to endure…the Sacred Taos Mountain. 

Monochrome Head Study, Drea II

"Drea II", 8"x 10", Study in Oil.

It's a bit of a shock to look into the camera and see a beautiful young woman instead of a little girl. That's what happened when I took a picture of my granddaughter, who was our model for portrait group yesterday. This is a one hour study on Utrecht 100% Cotton Panel, using Rembrandt Burnt Sienna and Gamblin Titanium White. 

(Aint no substitute for painting from life!)

Monochrome Head Study

"Dennis", 8"x 10", Study in Oil

Study using Burnt Sienna and Titanium White. 

Thank you, Dennis, for being such a great model! 

Playing with Acrylics...

...on Arches Oil Paper. Colors used were Ivory Black, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Red and Titanium White. I love the Zorn palette!

Featuring Texas Members of the Portrait Society of America

Texas Delegation, Portrait Society of America Conference 2016

The annual Portrait Society of America Conference was a wonderful experience with so much knowledge, beauty, and expertise under one roof!  I must say it ran like a well-oiled machine. Every event started and ended on schedule, no small feat for an event of this size, and each presentation and demo was of the highest quality. My hat is off to all who organized the Conference and who run this organization day in and day out. I am very proud to be a member and to serve as the Texas Ambassador.

I invite you to take a look at our blog, the Texas Portrait Network,  which is dedicated to Texas Members of the Portrait Society of America. We have many world class artists in our midst, many of whom offer classes and workshops, and you will find them featured here.  You will also find announcements for shows, demos and exhibitions. Enjoy!

Southwest Sentinel

    "Southwest Sentinel", 6"x 8", Pastel

2016 The Art of the Portrait Conference, Daniel Gerhartz

The final day of the Art of the Portrait Conference featured Daniel Gerhartz painting the beautiful Grace Arnold, daughter of artist, Carol Arnold. Notice Grace is able to hold her pose for this 3 hour demonstration. What a pro! Most of these photos were taken from the big screen, which is why the color and photos are askew. Still, I think you can see Dan's progress and get a good idea at the beauty of the final painting,

The Start


.

2016 The Art of the Portrait Conference, Carol Arnold and Max Ginsburg Breakout Session

We had several Breakout Sessions from which to choose. I selected the Drawing Workshop with Carol Arnold and Max Ginsburg.  

Carol Arnold

Max Ginsburg

My Treasured Max Ginsburg Sketch

2016 The Art of the Portrait Conference, Everett Raymond Kinstler

Saturday morning began with an excellent presentation by Everett Raymond Kinstler entitled: Yesterday is Tomorrow. 

Everett Raymond Kinstler

Sunday afternoon we visited the National Portrait Gallery and Mr. Kinstler's painting of President Gerald R. Ford. 

President Gerald R. Ford

2016 The Art of the Portrait Conference, Rose Frantzen and Quang Ho

What a treat to watch Rose Frantzen and Quang Ho Paint the same model in their segment entitled Style/Personality: The Connection

Their Starts

Progress

The Images Emerge

Almost Done!

Quang Ho's Painting

Rose Frantzen's Painting

2016 The Art of the Portrait Conference, Artist-to-Artist Face-Off

The Face-Off is one of the most exciting events at Conference. There are usually three artists painting one model and this is going on all throughout the room. Where else can you see so many of your favorite artists at work? 

Michelle Dunaway

Max Ginsburg

Quang Ho

Robert Liberace

Judith Carducci

To see more, please go to the Portrait Society of America Facebook Page

2016 The Art of the Portrait Conference, Shout-Out to My Fellow Texas Artists

I have just returned from the 18th Annual Art of the Portrait Conference in Washington, D.C. There is so much to share, I hardly know where to begin.The next several posts will be dedicated to this event.  All four days were simply amazing! Hat's off to all who coordinated such a gigantic event. You did a wonderful job!

I would like to start by giving a big shout-out to my fellow Texas artists. It was so good to see all of you. My apologies to those I couldn't round up for the group photo. 

Our Texas Delegation

On My Easel

Now that I have the room to spread out, I have several paintings in the works. This one is a 5"x 7" pastel on primed gatorboard. I am pleased with how it is coming along. 

The Texas Portrait Network: Spotlight on Gaye Sekula, Texas Ambassador

The Texas Portrait Network: Spotlight on Gaye Sekula, Texas Ambassador: While waiting to hear from the rest of the Texas Top Ten Competition winners, I thought you might be interested in knowing more about me,  y...

Introducing Jocelyn Mendez, Writer and Poet

I have been wanting to brag on my niece for a long time. Her talent and passion for writing began to emerge at quite an early age. She is a keen observer of the most minute of details and her ability to translate them into words...well, yes, she is an artist. I have some of her early poems and have them stashed away for safe keeping. They are treasures, as is she. I proudly introduce to you Jocelyn Mendez, Writer and Poet. 

Kim Roberti, Portrait and Figurative Artist

I would like to introduce you to a dear friend and very talented artist, Kim Roberti. Kim was born in Viet Nam and came to America when she was 19. The following interview gives only a glimpse into her life. I encourage you to look through her blog and website in order to learn more about this very prolific artist. 

                              Website: http://kimroberti.faso.com       Blog: kimsartblog.blogspot.com




1) When and how did you first become seriously interested in Art?When I turned 50, I realized life was too short to stay at an unrewarding, but high paying job and be in drudgery.

2) What is your training, and what medium(s) / subject matter do you work in?At first I tried learning from books. I worked in all mediums: Acrylic, WC, Pastels and Oil,
learning how to handle each medium in different set ups, various landscapes,  both contemporary and chiaroscuro,  still life and  figures and portraits.

3) What do you try to express in your work?Personally, I found working with Figures and Portraits more suitable for me. This genre provided endless challenges in not just painting pretty pictures.  I want more than that. I want to create a sense that there's a dialog between my subjects and the viewers

4) What artists/professionals have been your biggest influences?David Leffel and Sherrie McGraw nurtured my patient and diligent work ethic. They are also who taught me the art of mastery and the subtle beauty in simplicity.In Milt Kobayashi,  I learned the dynamic of shapes and colors, the ease, and pleasure in painting what I want to see.Through John Asaro, I learned to see the world in beautiful shade of greys with exciting, bold brush work.And Tasha Tudor (who wrote and illustrated children books) from whom I learned determination and independent spirit. Quoted from Bernard Shaw she said " I can't quoted it exactly but the idea is that so many people complain about their circumstances, but those who get ahead made their own circumstances" Tasha Tudor has no studio, just a small corner "like a chipmunk's nest" in the kitchen where she sit beside the north facing window, balancing her work on her lap...wrote Richard Brown in The Private World of Tasha Tudor.

5) What do you do to gain new inspiration for your work?Often I found inspiration in books, music, and often take refuge in my garden..

6) What would you like to be doing with your art ten years from now?Maintain the same level of passion for creativity.

7) Do you set goals for yourself concerning the making of your art?I don't have any particular goal, except  to stay hungry (for knowledge) and curiosity (of all things) and the need to paint everyday.

8) Are you happy with your job choice as an artist? Do you have any regrets in this career choice or things you would have done differently?I don't see my work is a job. It is  life, a part of living, it's like taking a breath...it's not a conscious decision to make. AS IS LIFE, ART IS A GIFT & I'M GRATEFUL.

9) Any fun or interesting facts about yourself that you'd like to share?Being an introvert, I favor being with my books and my garden. However...now and then I love to share a margarita and or some cheap wine with a few that are dear to me.

10) Best piece of advice for other artists?I want to share the sound advice I got from Oleg Starvowsky (western artist from Lago Vista TX)earlier in my career "Shut your door and paint" which I took to heart.

Clearing the Clutter

There is a lot to be said for clearing out clutter. What is clutter? Clutter is often unmade decisions... unanswered questions...like where should this go?..do I still want/need that?...could someone else get more use out of it? Passing things along that one no longer uses makes space for moving forward. It also brings a new energy, not only to you, but to your space.

How do I know? Because I've done it. I had a space I hadn't used in years. It was my former pottery studio. An injury led to my having to quit making pottery and deciding what to do with everything was, well, depressing and overwhelming. The building sat idle for years, gathering dust and mud dabber nests. I was outgrowing the bedroom I had converted into an art studio and the solution was just outside the backdoor.

Late last fall my husband and I took a deep breath and began the task of clearing and cleaning out the building. We sold some equipment, donated items, threw some away and organized what we wanted to keep. Once that was done, we cleaned the building from top to bottom, while discussing what changes needed to be made to convert it into an art studio. We added insulation, paneling, lighting, and a new sink. Once it was painted, it was time for more practical shelving and climate control. By the middle of January, my husband, who was the designer, builder, plumber and contractor, handed me the key. (Yes, I DO know how blessed I am!)

A force was set in motion the day we determined to clear out that space. With the clutter gone and things clean and organized, I felt my creativity begin to expand. An added benefit is that it spilled over to my husband, too! It began with making a decision not to hang on to things no longer needed and made room for untold possibilities.  

My Adventure in Acrylics Continues

Portrait Study #2, 8"x 8", Acrylic

I am having a blast painting portraits in acrylics! This is the second one I did. The next three didn't fall off  my brush like the first two. Glad it wasn't the other way around or I may not have wanted to pursue acrylics any further.  I know what happened with the ones I did after the first two...I switched to a smaller brush, and a filbert at that. It wasn't THAT much smaller, but I've never much cared for filberts and that combination is what I blame. That's my story and I am sticking to it! Back to flats for me, and a BIG one. 

Acrylic Workshop, First Assignment

"Drea", 8"x 8", Acrylic

I am currently taking an online acrylic workshop, offered by Chantel Lynn Barber. I have long been an admirer of her work and an online workshop fit right into my schedule. Acrylics are a new medium for me and one in which I have never had instruction. With guidance on which materials were needed and tips on using the Masterson Palette, I launched on a new adventure.  I have to admit that this is the best time I've ever had making art and that says a lot! Anyone within earshot of my studio would have overheard  a very joyous declaration of FUN, FUN, FUN!!!