Just a Thought

People who are afraid of being copied are worrying about nothing. There is no such thing as an original idea. (June Szueber)

Studio class at River's Edge

We have a great group of artists working together at the studio. This is a recent picture of painters hard at work. Lots of art work is created, and we love to share our ideas and help and support one another in our creative efforts. We all grow as artists when we get inspiration from our collegues. I'm so lucky to have the privilege of working with a great group of artists! It makes the day a better one when we can create in harmony together.

Set designs for "The Convent of the Devil"

I was honored to be part of a multi-national performance project recently. A collaboration between ACDT of Asheville,NC and Asheville artists, and dancers, choreographer and composer from Merida Mexico, this show is about the Urbain Grandier affair. Its a dark true story - Alexandre Dumas and Aldous Huxley wrote about it and Ken Burns made a movie. The cross above is part of my set design that was just shipped to Merida for a Dec 1st performance. It has been a great experience - and there were no indifferent viewers in the audience at the debut of this provocative show.

Featured Artist at Woolworth Walk Gallery this August

I have the Featured Artist spot this August at Woolworth Walk Gallery. A reception will be held August 12th from 2:00 - 4:00. Hope you can come and see some new work.

"Freedom of Expression" Exhibition- Students at River's Edge Studio showcase their work

Isabel Taylor's interpretation of The Statue of Liberty

John Clifford's Statue rises like the Sun


River’s Edge Studio painters are pleased to present a special show at the Dripolator in Asheville from July 1st through 31st. Painting in oils, acrylics, pastels and mixed media depict each artist’s interpretation of The Statue of Liberty created specially for this exhibition.
Abstract Interpretation by Robert Lashaw




Maureen O'Leary's Statue in Stark Relief



In addition, other works punctuate the diverse styles of the artists who paint together and participate in group critiques and other studies held at River’s Edge Studio.


Kathy Hemes' Statue in Abstract style
The artists exhibiting are Jen Barton, Sara Bentley, John Clifford, Kathy Hemes, Robert Lashaw, Julia Masoka, Betty McClung, Fleta Monaghan, Maureen O’Leary, Bee Seiburg, Randy Siegel, Isabel Taylor and Angelika Wagar. The Dripolator is located at 144 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC.

Betty McClungs Mystic Vision - Ellis Island

These are just a few of the paintings that will be on display this July. The public is invited to a reception Saturday, July 7th from 5:30 until 7:30. For more information about the show and River’s Edge Studios call 828-776-2716 or email fleta@fletamonaghan.com.

Painting in the Park

Betty is painting in the Amboy Road Dog park in this photo, as a participant in the Landscape Intensive workshop in May 2007. We had perfect weather, and enjoyed the views of the French Broad river while we practiced plein aire painting techniques. There is nothing that can compare to working on location and getting up close to nature.

This beautiful park is just minutes from the studio, and as an added benefit, we saw many dogs taking a walk with their people, out for a lovely day in the sun.

Portrait Studies

We worked on portraits last weekend in class. Everyone chose a family member to draw and paint from photos. There were three portraits of grandchildren (CUTE!), a teen daughter and even an ancestor who was an American artist living in Paris in the early 20th Century.

It is challenging to work from photos, so we practiced ways to give the feeling of life, movement and the artists personal style in the paintings, and practiced underpainting. Everyone worked hard and did a great job. Fun!