Tallapoosa School of Art began its Fall 2017 season on September 25th with a three-day studio workshop arranging and painting still life in oils with instructor Barbara Binford Davis.
Barbara brings her love of painting en plein air indoors to the studio where she focuses on light and shadow and on composition. She taught a congenial group of eight painters, some new to oils and some seeking improvement of their painting skills, and all returned home inspired to create better art and appreciative of their learning experiences.
Barbara moved from studio demos in the mornings to plein air demos in the late afternoons, always reminding her students to be aware of the light and shadows in their still life painting, whether painting cool light with warm shadows or warm light with cool shadows.
We created beautiful art from arrangements of sunflowers, white roses, hydrangea, and yellow lilies, incorporating Barbara’s enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge into our own paintings each day. Barbara knows her Gamblin colors and taught us the importance of knowing which colors are transparent and which are opaque, as well as whether the colors are warm or cool when composing our still life whether in the studio or en plein air.
Colorful sunsets over the quiet waters of Lake Martin were a perfect end to each evening.
Although we spent most of our days painting in the studio, we all enjoyed the early evening boat rides we took to the lovely dinners prepared and served by Chef Brad in a beautiful lake front setting. We returned to the Blue Heron each evening tired from our day of learning, painting, and dining, but inspired by what we had learned, seen and experienced.
Final thoughts...
Thanks, Barbara, for sharing your knowledge, skills, enthusiasm and energy with all of us. Thank you Paige, Susie, Rebecca, Anne, Diane, Beth, Georgeanne and Denise for bringing the art spirit with you to Tallapoosa School of Art and for your enthusiasm and high spirits throughout. Thank you Bob and George for assisting us with our heavy loads and ensuring our safety on the water. And, as always, special thanks to Chef Brad and Pam for opening your home to all of us. Until we meet again….
Peace, Dorothy
P. S. George and I truly appreciate the kindness of Barbara’s students and our guests at the Blue Heron lodge whose comments are included below.
Thank you so very much for providing me the fantastic opportunity to participate in your recent art workshop with wonderful, fantastic Barbara Davis! It was absolutely one of the best times I have ever had!! Your setting on Lake Martin in Blue Heron and your new art studio is ideal! And your attention to all the tiny details is invaluable to all the participants! You and George have done an absolutely fantastic job!! When I left on Thursday, I felt like I left behind a wonderful new family of friends! Everyone was so congenial and endearing! I anticipate keeping up with everyone!!
- Geargeanne Long
Thank you Dorothy for hosting the Barbara Davis workshop. Your place was the perfect setting and you and George went beyond the call of duty to make sure all our needs were met not to mention all the extras--boat rides, catered meals on the lakeside, and in your pretty new home. I enjoyed it so much and feel I learned a lot.
- Anne High
Thank you for your hospitality and providing a beautiful venue for learning art. We can’t wait to revisit the Tallapoosa School of Art!
- Bob and Rebecca Broderick
Indeed, it was a congenial group and we all just seemed to fall in, work and learn together. My only regret is that I attended as a "day student" and did not get to stay at the Blue Heron! Next time, and there WILL be a next time for sure, I plan to spend then entire time there. Thanks to you and George for providing such a wonderful space and great hospitality!
- God's Peace, Susie Caffey