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!

Interview for the Asheville Citizen Times

PORTFOLIO: Fleta Monaghan
published January 14, 2007 12:15 am



credit: SPECIAL TO THE CITIZEN-TIMES
Fleta Monaghan used young painter Carlee Freeman as the model for “St. Lucy” (acrylic on birch panel, 16 by 16 inches, $950). All subjects for Monaghan’s historical/allegorical paintings are local artists, some involved in dance and performance and some in music. Prices at Monaghan’s show range at North End Gallery range from $245 to $8,000.
Enlarge this photo



THE ARTIST
Name: Fleta Monaghan.Business: Visual artist, teacher.Studio/gallery: River’s Edge Studio at Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St., Asheville.Media: Acrylic, oil and mixed media painting.Contact: 776-2716, fleta@fletamonaghan.com.


How do you describe your art?
“I am concerned with the need to continue to improve technically and to explore ideas that carry a message beyond the immediate visual experience. I usually begin with some idea and intention. It is like starting out on a treasure hunt — I know I am looking for something, I have some clues, I just don’t know where I will end up or what I will find. For me, this is stimulating and exciting.”
What are you doing that no one else is?
“About a year ago, I began exploring the sculptural aspects of the painting as an object that will fit into a space. Now I am taking this idea further, using both color and compositional perspective concepts with the actual size of the canvases to create paintings that fill space in different ways.”
What influences your work?
“Paying attention to the small things is very important. A visual experience that is studied and remembered, a spoken word, a poignant poem, a joke and a laugh, a stunning performance, a dream — all these things can go into a big mix of ‘clues’ that can set me off on a new path. I have found that if I try too hard, I miss some simple thing that I can draw or paint that will open a new door.”
When is your most creative time?
“I like to get up early, plan my day over coffee, go the studio and work undisturbed until about 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Morning hours are the most productive. I reserve time for business tasks and personal interaction on days that I will not be painting.”
How did you get started in your art?
“I was drawing, using ‘learn to draw’ books, by the time I was 6 or 7. By 12 years old, I was copying Botticelli paintings with pastels, and I began painting in oils as a young teen. It has always been a natural inclination, the only profession that seemed natural and right.”
What or who is your favorite muse?
“I am indebted to the women artists I know who have devoted their lives to art and shared their knowledge, thoughts and encouragement with me and many others. Finding the muse is the easy part — the muse is everywhere. Taking the risk to live the life of an artist is another matter. So, thank you Susan Collard, Elma Johnson, Connie Bostic and all the other wonderful women artists I know.”
Who is the artist you most admire?
“I most admire artists who continue to experiment and grow, are intellectuals as well as practicing artists, who constantly step outside their comfort zones, take big risks in their art and live quixotic lives. I love seeing art so much that it is impossible to choose a favorite. I do love Kahlo, Gauguin, Monet, Dali, Krasner, Nerdrum — the list goes on.”