DECEMBER 2023 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Arlene Szypulski

Co-President

Jeani Gustafson

Co-President

Susan Ettl, Deb Nealy, Deanna Brooks

Treasurer, 2nd Vice President, Secretary

At our November, General Meeting, the members of the Art League overwhelmingly voted for the new Board of Directors for 2024.

These officers are all seasoned veterans and know exactly how to run the Art League. In addition, each has a keen and inventive mind which they will continue to use for everyone's benefit. Of course, they can't do everything by themselves. However, with your input and your help, everyone in the League will benefit and 2024 will be one of our best years. The next time you see them, introduce yourself and assure them that you are ready to help continue to make our organization vibrant and active.

SRAL Presidents' Message

Both Arlene and Jeani visited cold climates over Thanksgiving.

Boy are we happy to be back in our mild Arizona weather!

We are celebrating many things this season. The Santa Rita Art League is very thankful for all of our volunteers and especially Rich Metcalf. This is his first e-Blast as editor and he has a long list of information for you. So we shall keep this short.

• Come to the Color of Energy Reception on December 7th , 5:00 to 7:00pm at Las Campanas.
• As always, we encourage you to participate. The more you are involved in SRAL, the more you will get from SRAL.
• As a reminder, please pay your membership renewals by December 31st.

Happy Painting!

Arlene and Jeani

Quotes for you to enjoy:

As artists, we tend to admire other artists who can sum up what we do and think, by using only a few words. So here are a couple of quotes for you to think about.

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." -- Edgar Degas

"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others." -- Salvador Dali

Current Art Shows

We visited three art shows to see what our members have created for the enjoyment of our residents. We were simply amazed at the quality of the art.

All we can say is that you must view these paintings before the shows end.

The art is outstanding. So make sure you see each show, and have fun.

"The Color of Energy"

At the Las Campanas GVR Center, there are three walls (the lobby and two other hallway walls to the left as you walk in). There are two more walls inside a hallway that leads to the pool. Make sure you carry your GVR ID, because you need to swipe your ID card to open the door that opens to the hallway near the exercise room and leads to the pool.

This show ends on December 29th so don't dilly-dally. Get over there and see the paintings, they are beautiful.

Below are a few pieces -- just a sample of the great art in this show.

"Salsa"

by Sharon Wirth

"Three Birds"

by Jan Harnish

"Golden Energy"

by Joan Cawthorn

"The Eyes Have It"

by Delores Marinello

"Fall Floral"

by Hana Hanleigh

"On the Rocks"

by Bonnie Gore

"The Permanent Show"

At the Desert Hills GVR Center this show ends on December 19, 2023. The Permanent Shows are a big hit with Green Valley folks; they love them.

On entering the Center, walk through the lobby to the auditorium.

If the auditorium is dark, there is a light switch on the back wall on your right.

The wall on the right side of the auditorium is where the paintings are displayed. This Center is used quite a lot so the paintings get much exposure.

This particular show has many, many wonderful pieces. Take your time and enjoy. Below are a few paintings, just to give you a sample.

"Coppertop Cliff Dwellers"

by Jeani Gustafson

"Peonies"

by Pamela Guard

"Reflections &

Refractions"

by Tracy Sear

**Reminder to all artists who have paintings in the Desert Hills Permanent Show—please pick up those items on Tuesday, December 19, between 10-11am. The next call for entries will be in early January. 

"The Collage/Mixed Media Show"

This show is at GVR's West Center and ends on December 31, 2023. The paintings are displayed on three walls just to the left of the lobby.

This is a magnificent show. You will be amazed at these outstanding pieces -- they show such astonishing quality. We are so proud to have such talented artists in our League. Below are a few pieces to wet your appetite.

"Sing"

by Paula Richards

"Blooming Beauties"

by Joannie Eastridge

"Fearless"

by Janet Johnson

Highlighting our

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Periodically, we plan to visit each Interest Group to see what's happening and learn more about them. Each Interest Group has their devoted volunteers who vigorously work to provide meaningful sessions for their members.

Knowing more about each group may be right up your alley. Who knows, you may find another interest to pursue and that may be a good thing.

Abstract Group

Amy Pilger

Bonnie Nelson

This active Abstract Group meets the second Monday of each month. Amy and Bonnie are professional artists and they invite all members interested in abstract art to participate in their sessions. At the session we attended, everyone was very friendly and delighted to describe their area(s) of interest.

Several brought pieces that they had been working on and encouraged the class members to give their impressions and possible advice as to the beauty of each painting. This editor was very surprised at the very high quality of the pieces presented. What a wonderful pleasure it was to examine the various sizes, to see the various combinations of color, and the various compositions that each artist envisioned.

Oil Painting and Pastels Group

The Oil & Pastels SIG is coordinated by Debra Nealy and Linda Peterson, both who have extensive knowledge of creating fine art with oil paints and with pastels.

Their sessions are divided so those artists using oil paints are in Studio A where there are air ventilators to expel any odors and the pastel folks are in the Main Studio, which also has good ventilation.

When we visited this group, there were a number of artists working on their special projects but they easily stopped to discuss what they were doing and explained the techniques they were using.

It was fun to meet them and to learn more about their different techniques and the materials they prefer. It was obvious to us that they will offer their advice if you ask and are delighted to help you with your art projects.

This Group operates as an Open Studio where artists work on their own projects.

Above at the top is

Debra Nealy and below

is Linda Peterson

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

If you wish to explore either oil painting or pastels, this is a group you need to visit.

They meet at the SRAL studio every Monday from 1pm to 3pm.

ART 101 Workshops (Two Workshops held in November)

"Reflections in Acrylic"

November 11, 2023

Art Instructor, Darilyn Ronn introduced a number of very important points when painting a landscape. Everyone worked on an 11"x14" canvas board using acrylics. She took the time to explain several difficult images, such as the addition of a body of water with reflections in a lake or pond. She explained color mixing especially when addressing perspective such as how the atmosphere effects color as your eye looks into the distance.

She asked the class to determine color changes when looking from foreground, to middle ground, to background.

Darilyn spent a considerable amount of time, one on one, with each member helping them understand the concepts she was presenting.

This session was great fun and well worth attending.

"The Wonderful World of Color"

November 18, 2023

Art instructor, Susan Ettl offered several handouts and art materials, as well as acrylic paints, which she had the members mixing to produce wondrous colors. This appeared to be similar to an art school course on color theory, but with much more clarification as the members were excited about the subject and asked for more. Susan did a wonderful job of explaining every aspect of colors and how to combine them for vibrancy as well as matching colors that naturally go together.

Susan wished to answer each member's questions so spent the necessary time to walk around and discuss any concerns, as everyone else continued to mix colors.

At the end of the session, the students expressed their appreciation for the tremendous amount of information and how Susan took the time to explain everything in simple terms. It was an excellent session.

Art 101: New Workshops in December

Are you a beginning artist and want to learn the basics about different mediums, design, and color? Are you an artist that has wanted to learn a different medium? Then Art 101 is perfect for you. The Art 101 classes offered this fall and winter will be presented by SRAL members volunteering to share their time and expertise. 

•  Each class will be held in the SRAL studio, from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. A few may have a different time slot. 
•  Materials for classes will be provided by SRAL and include paints, paper or canvas, and an appropriate paint brush. 
•  Participants will need to bring a water container, paper towels, an apron, or any appropriate working clothes.
•  The class size is determined by the instructor; generally, 12 - 18 people. We encourage members to sign up for only one media class per month to enable everyone to participate. This will ensure participants a fuller mastery of the new medium and allow us to accommodate more members.
•  Registration for each class will be on Art 101 webpage. A small material fee of $10.00 is required to complete and validate your registration. Each class list is compiled on a first come first serve basis. You will receive notification after you have registered. You will then be notified about how and when the material fee is to be paid.

Two More Free Art 101 Classes

“Beginner Intro to Acrylic Paint” 

Instructor: Nan Lux

Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Maximum Number of Participants: 10

For More Information Click Here

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“Creative Design”

Instructor: Angelique Gillespie, AFCA

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023

Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Maximum Number of Participants: 15

For More Information Click Here

FRAN SUTHERLAND WILL BE OUR DECEMBER DEMO ARTIST

December 14th From 1:00 - 3:00 PM

"Reflecting and Reflections"

Fran uses Eastern influences and meditation in her art. Her mixed media paintings use the surface, as well as the medium to express reflection and reflecting. In her presentation she will discuss the intrinsic qualities of mixing media and demonstrate how to use oil sticks and acrylic paints to create a resist and stain the canvas. She will talk about using acrylic paints on different surfaces, mixed media, and how media has changed over the years.  

Fran is excited to help artists explore their creative process, while referencing her own artistic journey.  We look forward to having one of our own members share their creativity and wisdom!

Fran Sutherland, a native New Yorker, is a classical trained painter and educator who developed an art curriculum that coordinated with global students. She has taught watercolor, acrylic, oils, mixed media, in addition to photography, silk screening, and encaustics. Fran’s creative paintings synthesize both Eastern and Western formats in multi-media works. Her teaching objective is to show how the chosen media and techniques express personal ideas.

An award-winning artist and teacher, Fran Sutherland earned her BS and MS degrees at the State University of New York at New Paltz, NY. She is a member of the Arts Society of Kingston (ASK) Kingston, NY, Woodstock Art Association and Museum (WAAM), Woodstock, NY, Tubac Center of the Arts, and the Santa Rita Art League (SRAL), Green Valley, AZ. View works by Fran at http://www.fransutherland.com/.

Please Bring a Treat to Share with Members!

SRAL MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

for 2024, began on October 1^st  

Still only $35 for the 2024 year

BENEFITS:

• Monthly live artist demonstrations
• Free learning workshops
• Over 10 different Special Interest Groups to work with
• Participation in membership exhibits throughout GVR Centers
• Participation in juried and judged shows
• Use of our art studio and wonderful library
• Camaraderie and developing great friendships.

APPLICATIONS:

• You can now go onto the SRAL website to:
• Fill out an application and pay online.
• Print out an application and pay by cash or check.  
• Pick up an application in the studio from the file folder located by the entrance.
• Pick up an application at the General Meeting and pay there.

NOTE: PLEASE read the renewal form carefully as it gives you information you need to renew and make your dues payment.  

For a Membership Application Click Here

LOCKER AND SLOT FOR RENT

There are lockers available to rent in the SRAL studio ($20 per year).

There are currently no slots available - if you would like to rent a slot ($15 per year), your name will be put on a waiting list for the next available. 

For more information, or if you no longer want your locker or slot this year, PLEASE contact Valerie St.Marie by clicking here.



It is time to prepare for the

2024 Masters Show!

Georgia O'Keeffe

Mary Cassatt

Hilma af Klint

Learning Opportunities at

Tubac School of Fine Art

The Tubac School of Fine Art is offering workshops from a variety of artists. Please click below for information.

Phone: 520-398-2589

Email: workshops@tubacschooloffineart.org

"Finding Your Voice in Creating Abstract Art"

Instructor: Bethany Robert

December 8-9. 2023

Additional Workshops at Tubac School of Fine Arts

Leslie Miller: Explorations in Oil & Cold Wax, Dec. 14-16, 2023

For More information Click Here

Upcoming Art Competition

at

The Community Performance & Art Center

"Icons of the West"



Featuring Works by Arizona Artists

Location: Harry & Ann Paxton Gallery and Theater Lobby

January 2 - February 1, 2024

Reception: Wednesday, January 10, 5:30 - 7:00pm

Click Here for More Information About This Exhibit



Learning Opportunities at CPAC

Workshop

"Plein Air Watercolor to Studio Creations"

Instructor: Roberta Rogers

January 4-5, 2024

This workshop will give students of all levels the opportunity to work “en plein air” with outstanding views of the Arizona Desert. Learning to see and choose landscape elements will lead artists to express an authentic view via the extra exposure to nature.  Click here for more information.

ON-GOING CLASS

Studio Sessions at CPAC

Instructor: Fran Sutherland



"Developing individual objectives and participants sharing experiences. Format will be Discuss. Identify. Critique."

Every Wednesday, November 8 - December 13, 2023

and February 7 - April 24, 2024

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

SRAL MEMBER'S NEWS

"The Art of Awakening"

Solo Art Exhibit by

Rev. Paula Richards

East Center

7 S Abrego Dr, Green Valley

November 1 – December 31, 2023

Contact Paula, click here.

Collage, Mixed Media, & Acrylic Group

Show at the GVR West Center

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs)

There are 10 Special Interest Groups and all of them are open to the members of the Art League.

On the SRAL website there is a complete description for each SIG.

If you wish to learn more about any of the SIGs, Click Here

Below is additional INFO not on the SRAL webpage.

ABSTRACT BRIGGade

Next meeting is Monday, December 11 in the studio at 10:00am. 

ASSEMBLAGE

The Assemblage Group’s next challenge is the 5 Object Challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to provide an opportunity for the artist to reflect on the personal meaning of each object as it relates to the intention or concept of their piece. We are challenged to limit ourselves by using a maximum of five objects to convey the concept of the piece. By doing this, each object becomes a unique statement…or a description for the work of art.

COLLAGE/MIXED MEDIA and ACRYLIC

On Wednesday, December 6 from 1pm to 3pm, we will be printing with gelli plates. Bring paper, paints, and your gelli plate. Share your techniques and ways you use your prints.

FIGURE DRAWING

The next Figure Drawing session will be held on Saturday,

December 2nd, 9am to noon. The model fee is $5.00 per participant. 

OIL/PASTEL

Special Announcement from Deb Nealy

Greetings to Oil Painting & Pastel Artists.

In January 2024, the walls of the SRAL Studio will be adorned with 

Oil Paintings & Pastels -- but we need your work! We prefer to have it 

either framed or matted (take a look at the current display by the Plein Air Group for reference). Let me know if you have any work you would like to be included in this month-long exhibit. Also, I will be away the beginning of January and would appreciate it if someone could organize this in my absence. Email, text, or phone me if you're interested.

PLEIN AIR PAINT OUTINGS

Resuming In December!

A schedule was sent out by email during the last week of November as to the destination and meet places. There will also be a schedule posted at the studio each month. We will meet on Thursday mornings and try to form carpools.

Our destinations are special places around Southern Arizona.

Meet times will vary depending on the weather. If anyone is interested, contact Nanci at nanciwshep2468@gmail.com or text or call 541-519-3780.

Plein Air Schedule for December

• Dec 7. Sweetwater Wetlands. This is a lovely place to paint. Meet at East Center south lot. We will leave at 8:30am so arrive a bit early to form carpools. Temps 69/33
• Dec 14. We will paint locally. De Anza Trail LLano Grande. Meet at East Center South lot we leave at 9am. This is located on Quail Crossing, the road that goes to Quail Creek from Old Nogales Hwy near Walmart. Turn right on Quail Crossing just past Circle K. About a mile down, there is a brown sign, turn left there. There is a ramada, reader boards and a fabulous view of the Rincon, Catalinas, and the Santa Rita mountains from there. Llano Grande means an open grassy plain in Spanish. It was a camping place for the De Anza expedition to San Francisco. Meet at East Center we will leave at 9am or drive yourself. Meeting today at 1-3 at the Anza Room, how appropriate. Temps 61/32
• Dec 21. The Lost Barrio in Tucson. Although I've never been there, I saw a story about it on Arizona Illustrated. Meet at East Center we will leave at 9am after carpools are formed. We will be painting on the sunny side of the buildings, if there is sun. Temps 58/29 very cold, but warmer in Tucson.
• Dec 28. San Augustin Plaza in Tucson. Urban painting. A lovely site off Congress at Convento. Restaurants, bakery, coffee shop and retail. A favorite for locals and visitors alike. Your chance to paint people or ?. Meet at East Center south lot, we will leave at 8:30am ... Temps 59/38

Dress accordingly. These are the current weather forecasts

and not necessarily correct. 

Hope to see you for our beginning Plein Air Year. 

PRINT GUILD

Our next meeting is Wednesday, December 20, at 9:30 AM in the Art Studio Room A, when John McGraw will lead a session using Gelli plates. Bring water-soluble or acrylic paint (Open Acrylic works best).

Print Show: The Printmakers Guild will have a show in the Dessert Hills Lobby during the month of December. Please contact Karen Keim or John McGraw if you would like to participate.

Click here for the list of SIG chairpersons and their e-mail addresses.