Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Class/Workshop Information!

Hi there,
...had a great time at DK gallery last night for their Christmas reception/small works show.  Thanks, to those of you who came by in the midst of the busy holiday season.  The show remains up through end of year....so please drop by!

And, as promised, here's some info on my upcoming classes, for all interested oil painters....

First, the ongoing 6 week class at The Art School in Sandy Springs kicks off on Monday morning, January 14th, (9:30am-12:30pm). I understand the signups are pretty strong, so I suggest contacting them soon. You can see their link on the side bar....select their 6 week class schedule for details....
I'm sure you'll find this a challenging and worthwhile class.

Next up is a 'first'....a 2 day workshop at the great Booth Museum of Western Art in  Cartersville, GA. (February 9,10).  It'll be held in their adjacent Art Academy building.  I've added the link to the side bar as well.  In addition, here's a link, which should provide some additional details:

http://boothmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/John-Guernsey-Workshop-2013.pdf

This workshop will focus on how to incorporate cityscape items into your landscape repetoire. (buildings, streets, cars, people, signs, etc).  Bringing these things into your paintings can be exciting, is easier than you think, and can greatly expand your subject matter options.
Hope to see you there!

Let me know if any questions about these upcoming sessions, regarding supplies, or anything.

  I look forward to another enjoyable year of painting and teaching, and hope you'll be in touch.

Best wishes for a very merry Christmas !  (and happy new year).

December Show / DK Gallery

For some early Christmas time fun, check out the December 'small works' show at DK Gallery, right on the square in Marietta.
The opening reception  is 12/7 6-9pm......hope to see you there!
I'll have several new pieces in this very festive show. The art is perfectly sized to bring home in time for Christmas, as a wonderful gift , or just to add beauty to your home throughout the year.

upcoming....information on January classes and workshops.......

back soon
john

November

November greetings!

Above is a painting which sold recently at group show at DK Gallery in downtown Marietta.
More details upcoming, but the latest news is that I've just signed on to be represented at this fabulous contemporary gallery.  Stay tuned for comments about their upcoming December show....
Also, upcoming will be some class and workshop information for the upcoming winter season.

Workshop announcement/John's Creek Art Center

hello again
...just a reminder....still time to get in on my upcoming workshop in John's Creek, GA....(a bit north of Atlanta). Sponsored by the John's Creek Art Center., this workshop should be real enjoyable and informative; a great opportunity for painters, before the rush of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday activity sets in. Here's a link to the website and a summary of the workshop.
See you there!
John

http://johnscreekarts.org/education/classes/adult

OIL PAINTING WITH JOHN GUERNSEY (FALL WORKSHOP)

In this valuable and enjoyable workshop you will learn how to create dynamic oil paintings in the "alla prima" or "plein air" style. This workshop is geared towards those students with some experience up to more advanced students. Through numerous demonstrations, lectures and one-on-one painting assistance, we'll reinforce the basic concepts of painting (drawing, value, color theory, composition, brushwork, etc.). as well as be challenged with unique and exciting concepts of light and shadow, which will help take your painting to a more professional level. Learn how to give impression of detail by painting the light on complex objects. Expect to come away with some good "study" painting and at least one or two formal paintings. The subject will vary from a simple still life arrangement to landscapes/cityscapes from photographs.
Wednesday November 7 from 9:30am to 4:30pm
AND
Thursday November 8 from 9:30am to 4:30pm

Instructor: 

 John Guernsey

Date: 

 Wed., 07 Nov. 2012 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

 Thu., 08 Nov. 2012 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Price: $150.00

San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

hello friends

...just returned from the 12th annual San Luis Obispo festival, and here's a few of my paintings from the event. It was a real nice affair, and I was mostly satisfied with my painting. I was pleased to receive the Artist's choice award for the above painting, (blue and red houses), and a quickdraw 2nd place award for the green- grey house painting. 

The week started off ominously with record heat in san luis obispo....(105), and some of the beach areas (90's).  So there were a lot of us painting beach scenes those first couple days.

back shortly with some teaching updates.....

thanks for checking in!

john

Fall classes!

  Hello again

Here's an updated list of my fall painting classes and workshops. I hope you'll consider signing up for one of these enjoyable and informative sessions.  Now's the time to jump in and get going on painting, before the busy holiday season hits.  Hope to see you there. As always, feel free to contact me if any questions.  (johnbguernsey@bellsouth.net)

      Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art   (Marietta, GA)

      oil painting class/all levels

      starts Tuesday evening, October 16th (This is new corrected date)

      (6 sessions, 5:30pm-8:30pm)  

      www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org

     

      Plein Air oil painting class!....

      starts Saturday, October 13th. (six Saturdays, 9-12pm)

      www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org

    

      Gadsden Museum of Art  (Gadsden, AL)

      Two day Oil Painting workshop , October 19,20

      (specific hours TBA)

       256-546-7365

      http://www.gadsdenmuseum.com/

                      

      John's Creek Art Center (John's Creek, GA)   

      Two day Oil Painting workshop, November 7,8  

       www.johnscreekarts.org (follow to classes/workshops)

       770-623-8448

     

September

"...but the days grow short when you reach September" *

"Autumn... that bittersweet time of regret, for moments that had ended, and things that were left undone" **

*September Song: Kurt Weill/Maxwell Anderson
**Peyton Place/Movie 1957

Gallery show coming up!

Hello again,
 I invite you to 'check out' my most recent cityscape paintings, created especially for a show at DK Gallery in Marietta.  DK is a prestigious gallery right on the historic Marietta Square. The show is called  'Oh the places I will go', and will also feature two other fine artists, Shane McDonald and Terence Gasca.  The show will be up from Setember 5th through the end of the month, with a special opening reception to be held on Friday night,  September 7th,  from 5-9pm, coinciding with Marietta Square's monthly Artwalk.
Live jazz, plus some tasty treats and beverages, too.  Hope you can fall by, check it out, drop in , it will be a happening! (that's about all the 60's lingo i can come up with at the moment).

upcoming september show

Above is one of my new paintings to be presented at a September show at the popular DK Gallery, on Marietta Square.  I plan to have eight new paintings in the show; and they'll be a couple other artists participating as well. The theme of the show is related to landscapes and cityscapes.  More details forthcoming, but in the meantime I invite you to drop by the gallery for this great show,  starting September 5, with opening reception to be during the Marietta Art Walk, on Friday night, September 7th.  Show remains until end of September.  Hope to see you there!

the passing summer

Hello again
...sorry to pull you away for a minute from the exciting Olympic TV coverage of ping-pong, badminton, the spice girls and george michael, all which exemplify so well the  high standards and glory of  athletic competition, but just thought i'd remind you once more of the upcoming class and workshop events coming soon (as posted previously).....some of them start as early as next week!...would love to have you join in.

The above painting is from this past April's Southeastern Plein Air Festival, in Gadsden, Alabama. There's some interesting rock formations there....

upcoming Oil painting classes and workshops!

Hello,

Here's the schedule on my various late summer, early fall classes and workshops.  Some of them are starting very soon, so don't delay if interested. For more details, please feel free to contact me, at johnbguernsey@bellsouth.net, or contact the various venues. 

      Art School in Sandy Springs  (Sandy Springs, GA)

      intermediate/advanced oil painting

      starts Monday, August 20th (hurry!)  (6 sessions, 9:30am-12:30pm)

      www.theartschoolinsandysprings.com

      Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art   (Marietta, GA)

      oil painting class/all levels

      starts Tuesday evening, October 16th (This is new corrected date) (6 sessions, 5:30pm-8:30pm)   

      Also...

      Plein Air oil painting class!....

      starts Saturday, October 13th. (9-12pm)

      www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org

      Bowen Arts Center (Dawsonville, GA) 

      Oil Painting class

      Starts Friday, August 24th (hurry!)      6 sessions, (9:30am-12:30am)

       info@dawsonarts.org

     (706) 216-2787 

    

      Gadsden Museum of Art  (Gadsden, AL)

      Two day Oil Painting workshop , October 19,20

      (specific hours TBA)

       256-546-7365

      http://www.gadsdenmuseum.com/

                      

      John's Creek Art Center (John's Creek, GA)   

      Two day Oil Painting workshop, November 7,8  

       www.johnscreekarts.org (follow to classes/workshops)

       770-623-8448

     

Cashier's Plein Air Festival II

Hi again,

Here's a handful of paintings from last week's festival.....

(above is a painting of a flower and vegetable garden near the little downtown area of Cashiers...painted on the afternoon of the first day of the festival).

...a little Botanical/Anitque store downtown, called 'White Rabbit'.  ((12x12). My first painting of the week

a view of Whiteside Mountain, (16x16) painted on the morning of day two.

...slippery rock falls..(16x16)...painted on day two as well....(i decided to edit out the scores of kids and others sliding down the falls and their friends standing on the beach yelling to them (and blocking my view!)...a real challenge...This piece was selected for a 3rd place award by judge, Julyan Davis.

This one is of the Village Commons, (18x14), painted on day three....

..a mountain top home...(12x16)..sorry, not a great quality photo...this was a bit tricky to paint, as there was a serious thunderstorm happening at the time; knocked out the power for hours that afternoon/evening....

That's all for now......!

Cashiers Plein Air Festival 2012

Hello
I just returned from the Cashiers, NC festival, sadly leaving the cool mountain weather and gorgeous scenery behind.  Here's a few camera shots from the trip....
Above, the Cashiers Village Commons; the center of activity throughout the week, where the opening and closing receptions were held, and where we displayed our paintings for the public throughout the week. What a great venue.

...here's a view of local landmark, Whiteside Mountain......I had the pleasure of seeing a similiar view each day while having breakfast on the deck of my wonderful host family's home. I painted this mountain from a different angle during the festival.

This is Bridal Veil Falls in nearby Highlands; where you can drive underneath. One of the artists painted it from an underneath/looking up view. Another falls nearby, Dry Falls, is a stronger and more dynamic waterfall which you can walk underneath; but it was temporarily closed.

I was pleased and grateful to sell all my paintings, (8),  for the week and pick up a 3rd place prize as well.  Thanks to the Cashiers volunteer organization, to my host family, and to the wonderful community participation during this unique and wonderful event.

p.s. I'll try loading some Cashiers painting pic's when i get a minute. Also, some dates on upcoming classes/workshops.....stay tuned....thanks!

July 5th

"You can stand here with me if you want but you'll have to agree not to talk about the heat".....so went a line from a clever suspense movie a while back.....so thus, I'll skip the heat wave talk for now.  Here's a very pink plein air painting from early spring, in a nearby neighborhood. when the azaleas were in bloom.

Last Day of June

.. temperature yesterday 103, today 105...whew......I would gladly give up that for my  old California 'June gloom' any day....but for now,  I'm sure glad someone invented iced tea.!

 Here's some dates for upcoming teaching events ( there are several more in the works, so visit here frequently):

Oil painting class at Art School in Sandy Springs starts Monday, August 20. Note, the class this time is for more advanced students...should be fun...
2 Day oil painting workshop at John's Creek Art Center, Nov 7-8...(they'll be adding info to their website shortly).
Also expected early this fall season ... a plein air class and an evening class at Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. Also, working on a 2 day workshop at Gadsden (AL) Museum of Art, so standby for word on that......
..upcoming..... week long plein air festivals in Cashiers NC and San Luis Obispo CA..

what's that old Irish saying.?......may the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back, may the temperature drop well below 100 as soon as possible!! (something like that).

Brumby Garden

Greetings

Here's a plein air from this past week, painted at a location not far from Marietta Square. Big brushes, this time; since it was a 20x24 size. I've taken my plein air class here several times, but this time it was just me painting....along with swarms of univited mosquitoes...ouch.........I forgot that essential plein air supply item.....bugspray!

In the month of June

..above, a recent plein air painting from here in Marietta
best wishes
john

Late Roses

....painted the above scene a few weeks ago at a beautiful vegetable and flower farm in the North Georgia mountains.  I was able to join a group of painter friends there for an enjoyable day of painting. 


...some upcoming plein air festivals, which I'll be participating (in)...

...   Cashiers NC Plein AIr Festival, July 16-21.....top national artists, beautiful, cool, mountain setting....

....  San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival,   Oct 1-7.....13th annual......premier event...painting all around the beautiful central coast

If you happen to be anywhere near these areas, please drop by and check out the festival action and/or the final show/reception

Also, for those interested,  stay tuned for some upcoming dates for my workshops and classes later this summer and early fall...

John

More May Days

Well, hello again,

quick note: still room in my Tuesday night class at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art......starts this Tuesday, (may 22, 5:30pm-8:30pm).  So, hurry! (info at museum website, listed on right side margin. 


Posted above is another painting from the 4th annual Gadsden festival, held several weeks ago.  One day we were invited to paint in the historic home district there, and I decided to wander off the main area a bit, finding this beautiful craftsman style home, circa (approx) 1924. It took a bit longer than usual to render all the architectural twists and turns, so I had to remind myself that the primary goal was not to create an illustration, but rather, a painting; showing evidence of light and color particular to the existing conditions.
It seems to be a pattern here that neighborhood residents will come by to watch, and end up sharing interesting stories about the particular house and the people that lived there through the years.  Even old secrets and gossip....makes things come to life a bit more.
I post below, some additional scenes painted at the Gadsden festival.

Because of camera difficulties and scheduling I was unable to take photos of my paintings from the Callaway Gardens festival; so am disappointed about that, as I would've liked to share them with you. It was a wonderful festival, and I hope to return next year.
As usual, I'd love to hear your comments or any questions about my work or classes. Thanks for checking in on my blog!
John

May Days

Hello there!

I'm finally getting up to date a bit on news.  Above is a plein air painting from the Gadsden  festival, just a few weeks back.  This was one from the beautiful historic home district.
Both the Gadsden festival and Calloway Gardens festivals were very enjoyable and successful for me, but they sure flew by quickly.  The next plein air festival is in Cashiers, NC, in mid July.   Meanwhile, in the next few days and weeks, I'll plan bring you some thoughts about plein air painting and some recap on these just concluded festivals.

Also, in the meantime, for local painters.....don't forget my Monday oil painting class , at Art School/Sandy Springs starts May 14th! Hope you can join us.  Please contact the Art School website, referenced on the right column for details and registration info...

AND.......!

....something new......evening oil painting class at Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.....!...(5:30pm - 8:30pm Tuesday nights)......Begins....May 22nd !!...Please refer to the museum website referenced on the right column for information and registration; and feel free to email me if any questions regarding the class............johnbguernsey@bellsouth.net

Back soon
John

"April Showers"

....back from plein air festivals; review and commentary forthcoming....stay tuned..

April in Paris*

.....figured i'd keep titling my blogs this month with some well known songs with  'April' in them. There are many, it seems. Good thing I didn't try this in February; no one  writes songs about February, at least that I know of. Maybe they do in South America. 

Anyway, not many lyrics more beautiful than this...

"April in Paris, chestnuts in blossom

Holiday tables under the trees...."

o.k, better make this blog official with some art talk......

camera still not functioning....so here's another older plein air painting......this one showing  the old red pullman car which was recently hauled away from the Marietta  square area.  Anything red, it seems, cries out to be painted.  

forthcoming....breathtaking adventure stories from upcoming plein air festivals...

also.....another pitch for my painting class.....6 week session starts May 14th at Art School in Sandy Springs......join us!
And.....don't forget....Marietta Plein Air Class starts April 14th....I think a few spots still open.....but hurry....(see: marietta cobb musuem of art website)

John

* music: vladimir dukelsky (americanized: vernon duke)

  lyrics: e.y. (yip) harburg

I'll remember April*

.."I'll remember April and be glad"....that's how the song goes, and i hope it's a good month for you 

not much news at the moment....my camera is being difficult, so i can't post anything current here, so thought I'd put up a little study painted a few months ago for a commission I was working on.  ...has a bit of that Russian Impressionism thing going on....or so I think...
John

*music/lyrics: Gene De Paul/Don Raye

Spring can really hang you up the most *

I mentioned last time the anticipation of plein air season; when spring is bursting out, demanding to be painted, and when the various paint-outs and festivals appear on the calendar. When T.S. Elliot wrote, 'April is the cruelest month...' , I'm sure he wasn't thinking about the overlapping schedules and date conflicts of plein air events, but he may well have, as far as I'm concerned. Back to back festivals, traveling, teaching in between: it's just a lot to plan for and there's so many unknowns (weather, supply issues, travel plans, lodging and meal arrangements, let alone just hoping to paint well, and hoping to sell some paintings....and all the time hoping also to relax and enjoy the time spent outdoors and mingling with other artists.   Some years ago, the U.S. Secretary of Defense said, in regards to military actions.....you have your 'known unknowns' and then you have your 'unknown unknowns'.  Sounds a bit awkward, but makes sense; even for  everyday things in life, including Plein Air festivals.  In the upcoming weeks I'll plan to share some plein air festival stories with you., the good, the bad, and the....unknown.

We had a great still life workshop last weekend, and thanks to all who attended.  My Monday class is already underway and is quite a talented group, and my next Saturday plein air class begins April 14th, so I hope you'll consider joining in on this always fun and worthwhile class. 

Another item....!  For those local plein air painters.....the buzz is growing for the 1st annual Marietta Plein Air Festival , (march 31-April 1, with pre-reception on March 30). It's sponsored by the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, and is open to all artists.  Not only will they be allowing painting all around the historic areas of the city, but in addition , many private estates will be opening their properties up for the artists to paint.  Please see the museum website  (listed on the sidebar) for event registration, and feel free to contact them with any questions.  Yours truly, along with the excellent local artist, Nikki Davidson, will be co-judging this event.  Should be a great time.  

I visited the Booth Western Art museum (in nearby Cartersville) yesterday, with a few artist friends. We caught the traveling exhibit of the Plein Air Painters of America, (paintings of the national parks). I was familiar with most of the artists' work, but it's always best to see the works in person; magazine photos or website images just can't capture the subtle effects of color mixing and texture you can see in person.  About 100 paintings in all, it appeared that about half were studio works implicitly painted from plein air studies.  All in all, it was very inspirational, and it's always nice to see a museum featuring truly skillful and beautiful artwork. Especially in the same week where I read about a 'work of art' being delivered to the Los Angeles County Art Museum,  the 'artwork' being a 230 ton boulder, under which will be built a series of trenches for the public to be able to observe......the underside of a boulder (!?)  I understand the name of the work is 'Levitating Mass'. 

Best wishes!

*1955/Lyrics Fran Landesman/Music Tommy Wolf

Late February 2012

Looks like a short cold spell here before Spring arrives, and plein air season begins! Can't wait. Thanks to those who dropped by the Arthouse Gallery last night for the demo and the reception for CURE charity. It was a great time.  There's a bunch of art events right around the corner and I'll plan to update you on that shortly, so stay tuned. In the meantime, for those painters interested...here's a repeat announcement on my upcoming classes/workshops.
art school in sandy springs....starts 3/5 (a few openings left...hurry!)
artloft workshop....march 9,10  (should be a great time)
plein air class/cobb museum....starts 4/15
evening studio class/marietta cobb....starts in May...check out their website....more details forthcoming....
Reference the webistes listed on the sidebar for more details.

The paintings posted  here, (including the Piedmont park/autumn scene), as well as the lead pictures from the last two blog postings are all new paintings, and are now available at the Arthouse Gallery....so drop in and check 'em out. Say hello to Debi and Francine!
Thanks for checking in !

Painting demo, class and workshop !

For those interested in my studio painting class in Sandy Springs, the next (6) week session starts again on March 5th. Last time, it filled up quickly, so don't delay if interested. Contact the referenced website for the Art School in Sandy Springs for details and registration.  This class is always a lot of fun, so I hope you'll be able to join in.

For those in a north Georgia location, check out my upcoming workshop at The Art Loft in Dahlonega, on March 9-10 (note date correction; previously listed as 3/8-9). This is an exciting two day workshop specifically set up for painting still life's in oil.  Don't  miss it!  (Contact the website, www.artloft.net, for details, or email me with any particular questions).

And, don't forget to save the evening of February 24th, (between 5:30pm-8:00pm) to visit The Art House Atlanta gallery, where I'll be giving a demonstration painting along with the benefit for Cure Children's Cancer.  The public is welcome for this wonderful event. Art, Wine, Hor d'oeuvres.....see you there!

Demonstration at The ArtHouse Atlanta

latest news.....a special charity event at The ArtHouse Atlanta gallery in Buckhead, on the evening of February 24th; and I'll be painting there 'live'. I'll let you know some details shortly.  The painting above is one of several new gallery paintings I'll be bringing with me that evening.
As always, feel free to contact me if any comments or interest in acquiring my work.  I hope this year is off to a good start for you; and thanks for checking in on my art blog!

John

'Art with Heart' Celebrity paint out

Friends.....this event will be pretty wild, (and fun).  A Celebrity paintout at the gallery/store,  'Paint the Town', right on Marietta Square, this Friday, February 3rd, 7-9 pm!  The 'celebrities' are prominent civic leaders (mayor, supt.of schools, etc, and high profile business owners; and they've invited me to paint as well. (does that mean I'm a celebrity?)  There will be a high powered auction of the paintings at about 8:30pm, with proceeds going to a local charity.  I hope you can swing by and join in the fun for at least a few minutes. The press will probably be there mucking things up a bit, but please just barge right in...it is, by all means, for the public.
I'll see you there!

Art Gallery Reception!

I invite you to a gallery reception this Friday, 1/27, 6-9pm at 2 Rules Fine Art, in Marietta. I'll be joining about eleven others artists for this group show. It's a very eclectric group of artists, so it should be interesting.  They'll be refreshments, music; all the usual stuff!  I hope you can drop by and say hello, even vote for people's choice!  If you can't make it Friday night, please drop by during regular gallery hours 11-5pm, today through Saturday, 1/28, to see the artwork. Hope you can make it!

1st annual marietta plein air festival coming soon

a small painting from this past summer at marietta square....
can you guess what time it was when this was painted?

Announcement preview!!!........the 1st annual Marietta Plein Air Festival is to be held March31-April 1. It's sponsored by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, and it should be a great event. More details will be forthcoming, but for now, check out the museum's website for details....

back soon
John

January 2012

New years greetings, with best wishes to you for a happy and fulfilling new year.  

...been working on my art calendar a bit....here's a few forthcoming events 

January

-painting class at the bowen center in dawsonville, 'oil painting concepts',  ...starts January 25th ...(see previous post for details)

-one of several featured artists at a weeklong show at the new and well appointed gallery on Marietta Square, '2 Rules Fine Art'. I'll have about 6 paintings there, including the painting posted above. Dates 1/24-29...reception is 1/27, 6-9pm.....food and beverages and music....should be a grand time. Open to the public...see you there!....(come by and vote for the people's choice award! ...)

www.2rulesfineart.com

February

-I'll be doing a live demonstration at the fine gallery 'The Arthouse Atlanta,  Friday, 2/24, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Please come by and see this great gallery and say hello! 

TheArtHouseAtlanta.com

March

-New workshop!..(still life painting with oils!), March 8,9  at the ArtLoft studios in Dahlonega, GA....here's the website. 

http://www.artloft.net/workshops.html

 You can read about the workshop there...don't miss this opportunity for great tips on still life painting! And in the quaint and beautiful Georgia mountain town of Dahlonega. 

April and beyond

-Just got accepted into the 3rd annual Callaway gardens plein air festival april 16-21....25 nationally known artists....a premier event...

-Also just invited again to the wonderful Gadsden plein air festival....15 invited artists...a fantastic event, in it's 4th year! April 9th-13th

-Pending acceptance, the 8th annual plein air festival in San Luis Obispo, CA.....featuring a top field of nationally known artists as well....(will update you soon on that)

-2nd bienniel Cashier's plein air festival in July. If the innaugural event in 2010 is any clue, this event should be a smash hit...I'm honored to be invited back to this wonderful event high in the NC mountain paradise.

Back soon with another blog posting.....maybe something of general interest , rather than just self promotion stuff!