The Heavens book by Joel Collins

If you love beautiful images, I think you'll enjoy this new book.

"The Heavens" (on Amazon.com)

by Joel Collins

It's filled with real photos of distant space taken by NASA's Hubble telescope. The book contains about 80+ glimpses of the real heavens in all their glory. The real life colors of space are more stunning than I imagined and the photos are illuminated by corresponding scripture from the King James bible. I've enjoyed showing it to my son as he drifts off to sleep - hoping he'll have wonderful dreams.

Silverbrush Grand Prix Brushes *NOW* available at Plaza Art materials' FAIRFAX / VIENNA store

Hello Artists!!

The manager (Lisa) at Plaza Art materials in fairfax just e-mailed to confirm that they now carry

Silverbrush Grand Prix Brushes

http://www.plazaart.com/

3045 Nutley Street

Fairfax va 22031

703.280.4500

Please pass the good news along to other artists. I requested these brushes *very* recently and have been impressed by how quickly the management responded and got them in stock. Let's reward their customer responsive service by letting everyone know where to find quality materials.

American Painting Video Magazine ...

Ok - wow - I can't wait to see what this is about. Check it out in April when they are expected to go on-line. (I'll post this link again in March as a reminder).

http://www.americanpaintingvideomagazine.com/

Having Fun with Landscape

Hi Everyone,

As I continue preparing for upcoming exhibits, I thought I'd share this new painting. I have been enjoying the relaxation of painting landscapes. Looking forward to seeing you at the Green springs garden opening on March 7th!!

A little twilight adventure

11x14 Oil on Canvas

My Upcoming Exhibits and Events : Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

Hello Everyone,

You are invited to my

upcoming exhibits. This year, I'm only planning *2* local shows

of my work in order to have time to travel and paint. In response to student requests, we also have two fun, short workshops coming up (To register fo

r a workshop, e-mail Kathleen okleen2@yahoo.com. For those who have homes or friends at the beach, I've

included the listing for Peninsula gallery in Lewes DE

(near Rehoboth / Bethany). Please share this invitation and encourage your friends to attend!

www.TriciaRatliff.com

Fruit & Flowers - paintings by Tricia

Cherrington Ratliff

March 7th (SUNDAY) 1:00 - 3:00pm (Meet the Artist Reception)

Green Springs Garden Park Historic House

4603 Green Spring Road Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Exhibit continues: March 1st - April 25th (Mon-Sun noon-4:30pm)

This one time exhibit includes a survey of oil paintings created from

2000-2010 by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff. Come enjoy the

freshness of springtime paintings over punch, tea and

cookies at the Green Springs Garden Park Historic house in Alexandria Virginia. The house and gallery are open

Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m. For more information about the venue, call 703- 941-7987

----------------

Spring and Summer Moods - oil paintings

by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

March 27th - April 24th (Tue-Sat 10am-5pm / Sun 11am-3pm)

"Meet the Artist Reception" March 27th 5-7pm

Peninsula Gallery

520 E. Savannah Road Lewes Delaware (302) 645-0551

Get in the mood for spring and summer weather with

Tricia Cherrington Ratliff's artwork at Peninsula Gallery March - April. Her newest series of landscape paintings focused on beautiful skies will be featured along with her scrumptious still life paintings in oil. Meet the artist at this opening reception on March 27th from 5:00-7:00pm.

----------------

"Phases of Life" fresh new paintings by Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

May 29th - June 30th

"Meet the Artist Reception" 6:00pm May 29th

Applegate Gallery

101 Church street, Vienna Virginia 22182 703.281.1364

Be the first to discover artist Tricia Cherrington Ratliff's latest oil paintings to be revealed beginning May 29th Applegate gallery. Trained in both classical and contemporary methods, Ms. Ratliff uses dramatic light effects to illustrate the many phases of life in this exhibit of new works.

-----------------

"Beautiful Cumulus and Cirrus Clouds" Painting Workshop:

Saturday April 17th 9:30am - 3pm ($85)

Location: Herndon Virginia 20170

During this workshop, students enjoy learning how to create beautiful cloud paintings and take home at least one or two large finished pieces of artwork in a day. Understand how light differs within clouds and how to make decisions about color intensity, structure and light to create different moods. The workshop focuses on cumulus and cirrus clouds for first time students while repeat attendees may have the time to work on stratus, sunsets, fog and other light effects in the sky. To register: e-mail okleen2@yahoo.com

Painting the Portrait in Oil Workshop

October 9th 10th and 11th (Columbus day weekend) 10am - 4pm ($250 + model fee)

Location: Herndon Virginia 20170

During this workshop, students will learn to paint an oil portrait from a live model using a combination of both classical and contemporary painting methods. The 3 day session includes multiple demonstrations and is limited to a small group. So, every student will receive plenty of support and individual attention. (Students wishing to complete a portrait project from photos may contact the instructor in advance to make preparations.) To register: e-mail okleen2@yahoo.com

Newest Gallery in Washington DC - Grand Opening March6th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2010

CONTACT:

Phil Hutinet

City Gallery

804 H Street, NE #1

Washington, DC 20002

PHONE: 202.468.5277

EMAIL: info@citygallerydc.com

WEB: www.citygallerydc.com

City Gallery Grand Opening

Washington, DC—Located in the bustling H Street corridor, City Gallerywill join the growing list

of existing arts destinations in the area including Connor Contemporary, the Atlas Theatre and

Industry Gallery.

City Gallerywill bridge the burgeoning artistic community of the Capitol Hill-H Street corridor

with the growing art market of the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. Greatly under-rep-

resented, the local arts community in the eastern half of DC will find a permanent home at City

Gallery. DC artlovers will now have immediate access to the works of the many talented local

artists who live in their midst.

The galleryrepresents over 20 local painters, sculptors, photographers, engravers and printmakers.

Every year, all artist members will display their work in a group show. The gallery will then host

solo showsmonthly and an annual juried showover the summer. In addition, City Gallery will

provide galleryspace rental and catering, artadvisory and curatorial services, art installation and

new collector consultations.

The Grand Opening of City Gallery will be March 6, 2010 from 6 to 9 pm.

Rob Liberace Video - Anatomy, The Torso

Hi Everyone,

Robert Liberace, an outstanding tonal painter and realist has a new video out which I think is an important training opportunity to consider.

Anatomy, The Torso.

Rob's forte is his amazing knowledge of anatomy and he has a very clear method of teaching this subject for figure artists. I haven't seen the video yet but do plan to review it and have total confidence that he has done his usual outstanding job.

Take a look at the video and send me your comments / reviews to post here.

http://www.robertliberace.com/dvds.htm

Robert Johnson Oil Painting Workshop - Still Life

Demo photos from Robert Johnson's workshop. Enjoy!

The start: An artistic tone on good quality canvas followed by a block in transparent red oxide (my favorite!)




Then - filling in the darkest darks to better identify the value of the lights. Some tips he shared - Keep soft edges on the shadow side of objects.

Add a little color in the background and begin using thick paint to block in the lights.

Add the shadow side of the sugar bowl and then work in the turning shadow very softly with plenty of paint.

Ultramarine blue and a dab of medium are used to float in the impression of "flow blue" on the sugar bowl.

Next, Robert Johnson continues blocking in lights and then uses cobalt purple to create the shadows on the rose form. He then pulls out the petals with simple strokes that change direction with the forms. He simultaneously works on the leaves keeping crisp edges.

Finally, making sure to give as much attention to the leaves as the petals ... bring the other roses and the environment up to the same level.

He then moved to the grapes with large blocks of alizeron for the grape clusters. Adding white to cobalt blue, he creates the "lit" side of the grapes which reflect the powder that makes grapes look unique. He cautioned everyone not to paint every grape but to select a few in each cluster.

While we were working on our own paintings, Robert gave a lot of great direction.

I will hopefully have a couple of "after" photos to share soon.

Calendar of Art Events 2010

By Popular Request, the 2010 Art Events Calendar:

These are primarily DC events with a few I personally need to remember thrown in. Addresses and Info for each venue are detailed at the end of this post. This list is updated occasionally to add new events and to delete past dates. Most events are deleted as they pass.

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Friday February 12 & 13, 6-11pm Workhouse Arts Center Valentine’s Date Night - Share your creative side with your partner and join the Workhouse Ceramics, Glass and Dance Instructors for a fun evening. $75/couple. www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 13, 6-9pm: Workhouse Arts Center 2^nd Saturday Art Walk - Meet the artists, as buildings stay open late from 6-9pm second Saturday of every month! Meet featured studio artists of the month and talk with local interior design professionals! Free www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 13 & 14, 10am-5pm Workhouse Arts Center ‘The Working Artist-Principles and Practice for Success’ Business Seminar. Glass artist Milon Townsend returns to the Workhouse to address many of the issues facing you as a working artist today. Cost: $100/both days. www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 14, time TBA. Workhouse Arts Center Stars on Sunday: South County Secondary School String Chamber Ensemble. Experience their delightful sounds as they perform in the Workhouse Arts Center’s unique gallery setting. www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 14, 2-4pm Workhouse Arts Center Gallery W-16 Art…for a Change! Opening Reception featuring work of Advanced art students from West Springfield High School and Woodbridge Senior High School. Free. www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 20, 7:30pm Workhouse Arts Center Gallery After Hours: Word Beat. An evening of percussion and spoken word poetry from Word Beat.Global jazz percussionist Tom Teasley and acclaimed singer/actor Charles Williams pair inspirational words with inventive percussive sounds. Cost: $15-25 www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 21, 2-4pm Workhouse Arts Center Black History Month Exhibition Closing Reception. Join artists: Margo Humphrey, Martha Jackson Jarvis, Michael B. Platt, Preston Sampson, Stanley Squirewell and Therman Statom for a closing reception. Free www.WorkhouseArts.org

February 26, 7pm & 27, 3-7pm The Workhouse Film Institute: A Man Named Pearl. Join the Workhouse for Film Weekend! We will be hosting an Artist Workshop/Lecture with Pearl Fryar and a screening of the film A Man Named Pearl. Cost: $10 www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 7 2-4pm Workhouse Arts Center Gallery W-16 presents opening reception for 6 Abstract Women as part of MINDS WIDE OPEN: Virginia Celebrates Women in the Arts. Features Andrea Cybyk, Marcia Dale Dullum, Michele Hoben, Joyce McCarten, Jan Sherfy and Roberta Thole. Free. www.WorkhouseArts.org (Exhibition March 3-March 27)

March 6, 7pm Workhouse Arts Center Gallery After Hours: Together Paul Reisler and Terri Allard will create an entertaining evening of songs and instrumentals you won't want to miss! Cost: $15-25. www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 7th (SUNDAY) 1:00 - 3:00pm Green Springs Garden Park Historic House: Opening reception of Tricia Ratliff "Fruit and Flowers". www.TriciaRatliff.com

March 7th (SUNDAY) 1:00 - 3:00pm Green Springs Garden Park Horticulture Center: "Finally Spring" Watercolor paintings by Marni Maree exhibited in main building. http://www.marnimaree.com/

March 7th (SUNDAY) 1:00 - 3:00pm Green Springs Garden Park Horticulture Center: Photography by Jeff Evans

March 1st - April 25th (Mon-Sun noon-4:30pm) Green Springs Garden Park Exhibits of new paintings by Marni Maree and Tricia Cherrington Ratliff

March 10 - 21, 2010: McLean Project for the Arts Youth Art Show featuring the works of elementary students from McLean area public schools. Reception and gallery talk, Sunday,

March 12th (FRIDAY) 6-9pm Photographer Ed Hahn exhibiting at Frazier Gallery, Bethesda MD http://www.thefrasergallery.com/FraserMD.html

March 14, 3pm Workhouse Arts Center Gallery W-16. Stars on Sunday: CrossCurrents Dance Company. www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 14, 6pm The Workhouse Sunday concert series is proud to present Ericka Ovette. Cost: $15-25. www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 19-21 Workhouse Arts Center “Mind Over Matter-Printing with Colored Clay” Workshops. The Workhouse welcomes internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Mitch Lyons who will host clay monoprinting workshops. www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 19, 7-9pm (Opening Reception) - April 25 Exhibit at Workhouse Arts Center Gallery W-16. See the work of internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Mitch Lyons. www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 20: McLean Project for the Arts Family Art Workshop Dreamworks (4 - 8 years old) 10 - 11:30 am http://www.mcleancenter.org/classes-trips/familyart.asp/

March 20, 5pm Workhouse Arts Center. Gallery After Hours welcomes Tom Teasley for a hands-on percussion workshop followed by a performance at 7:30pm. Listeners enjoy original music combining world instruments and rhythms in ways most people have never experienced. Cost: $15-25 www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 25 -April 4, 2010: McLean Project for the Arts Youth Art Show featuring the works of middle and high school students from McLean area public schools. Reception and gallery talk Thursday, March 25, 5:30 - 7:30 pm www.mpaart.org

March 27, 6pm: Peninsula Gallery - Tricia Ratliff "meet the artist" reception and solo exhibit (free) Lewes DE (near Rehoboth Beach) www.TriciaRatliff.com

March 27, 7:30pm. The Workhouse Film Institute: Who Does She Think She Is? This film examines some of the most pressing issues of our time: parenting and work, partnering and independence, economics and art. Cost: $5-10. www.WorkhouseArts.org

March 31-April 4 Workhouse Arts Center Gallery W-16. Artists Palette Exhibition. Art…for a Change! exhibition provides advanced art students with the opportunity to be considered for a juried exhibition in a professional gallery. Free. www.WorkhouseArts.org

April 17th 9-3pm 1 day Cloud Painting Workshop with Tricia Ratliff www.TriciaRatliff.com $85

Thursday April 15th, 7-9pm: McLean Project for the Arts Opening reception and gallery talk, Thursday April 15, 7 - 9 pm

Free and open to the public. www.mpaart.org

April 15 - June 5, 2010: McLean Project for the Arts Emerson Gallery Everybody Knows this is Nowhere: Photographic/Video Installation by Jeremy Drummond exploring how communities evolve within the seemingly homogeneous landscape of Suburbia. www.mpaart.org

April 15 - June 5, 2010: McLean Project for the Arts Atrium and Ramp Galleries Works by Michael Mansfield Works by Michael Mansfield featuring both wall mounted video pieces and large scale drawings exploring a sense of place. www.mpaart.org

April 23rd - 25th: National portrait society conference Reston Va http://www.portraitsociety.org/

April 26th-30th: Sherrie McGraw workshop sponsored by Herndon Council for the Arts @ Coomber School of Music. http://www.herndonarts.org/

May 29th - June 30th: Applegate Gallery: "New Still Life" paintings by Tricia Ratliff. Vienna Va

http://www.applegateframing.com/

June 17, 7 - 9 pm McLean Project for the Arts(free) Reception and gallery talk. www.mpaart.org

June 17 - July 31, 2010 McLean Project for the Arts Fantastic Journeys Juried exhibition - Emerson and Atrium Galleries (juried exhibition of multi-media works inspired by the spirit of adventure, exploration or utopian pursuits.) www.mpaart.org

June 17 - July 31, 2010 McLean Project for the Arts MPA/Corcoran Student Exhibition - Ramp Gallery. www.mpaart.org

September 23rd - 26th. Weekend with the Masters, Laguna Cliff's Resort, Laguna California www.aamastersweekend.com/

October 3, 2010: MPAartfest One day juried arts festival in McLean Central Park. www.mpaart.org

Saturday October 9th - Monday October 11th (Columbus day weekend) 3 day Portrait Workshop with Artist Tricia Ratliff www.TriciaRatliff.com $250

January 22nd 2011 7:00pm ArtSpace Herndon Art Blast / Art Jam - Artist's, poets, musicians, designers etc. bring your latest ideas or works in progress for a night of creative exchange and feedback. Sponsored by Herndon Council for the Arts www.ArtSpaceHerndon.org

VENUE DETAILS:

ArtSpaceHerndon

750 Center Street, Herndon VA 20170

http://www.artspaceherndon.com/

McLean Project for the Arts

1234 Ingleside Avenue McLean, VA 22101

www.mpaart.org

703-790-1953

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm; Saturday 1 - 5 pm

Workhouse Arts Center

9601 Ox Road Lorton, VA 22079

www.WorkhouseArts.org

(703) 584-2900

Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am-7pm; Sundays 12pm-5pm

Green Springs Garden Park

4603 Green Spring Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22312

Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4:30 p.m.

For more information, call 703- 941-7987

http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gsgp/manor.htm

Ed Hahn - Juried into Frazier Gallery Competition

Hi Everyone,

Ed Hahn, a talented new photographer was recently juried into Frazier Gallery's 9th International Photography competition.

Show: 12 March to 3 April 2010

Reception: March 12th 6pm-9pm

Fraser Gallery is located at 7700 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite E, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Interested in Ed Hahn's work? Here's a link to his Blog:

http://heinousbokeh.blogspot.com/2010/02/9th-international-photography.html

I am looking forward to the exhibit and hope to see you there!

Paint from life - Every Wednesday night. 7-10pm

Looking for an opportunity to paint from life? For a year and a half, a few artists and I have continued to meet every Wednesday 7-10pm to paint portraits with live sitters. If you'd like to paint with us, let me know.

The History of Art Jams - in Ancient Greece.

The History of the Art Jam

The Art Jams - While an awesome collaborative environment for artist's to share their latest work and newest discoveries ... are an old established tradition ... older than I realized! Check out this quote from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Exhibit which is coming to ArtSpace Herndon soon. Sent in by Becky Anzelone. (Thanks Becky!)

Greece panel 3 from VA Museum of Fine Arts:
A Celebration of Ideas
Greek city-states varied greatly in their essential character, their forms of government,
and even in the dialect of Greek that they spoke. Many different aspects of Western
culture, from architectural styles to scientific concepts, grew out of this mix of ideas and
customs. One of the most important threads in this rich heritage was the emphasis
given to human achievements. Greeks, particularly in Athens, celebrated the concept of
the individual and the importance of freedom.
The symposium, a drinking party that included poetry and music, provided an
excellent forum for exploring these new ideas and
artistic creations. Surviving guest lists of symposia
include the names of politicians and poets, soldiers
and scoundrels—as well as the three great
philosophers of ancient Greece: Socrates, Plato,
and Aristotle.
The scene that appears around the top of this
rhyton (drinking vessel) shows men enjoying a
symposium.

See the following illustration at ArtSpace Herndon in March.
Red-figured Rhyton, Greek (Attic), attributed to Triptolemos Painter,
ca. 480 BCE, terra cotta

Art Jam Photos! "artist's underground"

More Art Jam photos!

Thanks for sharing Aivar

Great News! The next Art Jam is moving to a larger venue. The Council for the Arts of Herndon is thinking of sponsoring the next event (January 2011). The Arts community is thriving.

Thanks to Vicky Dorman!

The artist's underground started as a few artists getting together to show their works in progress and share ideas, feedback, career boosts etc. Now, it's booming with the yearly Art Jam, a weekly painting group and much more. These are exciting times.

Under one roof, we saw the freshest new artwork (and work in progress) created by independent artists from all over the DC area *plus* artwork from artists working with a diverse group of organizations: Great Falls Atelier, Alexandria Art League, Loudoun Academy, League of Reston Artists, The Workhouse in Lorton and more. It was just amazing to see everyone come together.