The Revolving Arts Gallery

A wonderful contemporary Gallery has opened at 511 South Main Street in Hendersonville, NC. I am delighted to be exhibiting in this very modern space right in the heart of town. Please drop in when you are in Hendersonville!
http://www.fletamonaghan.com

310 ART Opens!!

It has been a busy winter at the studio. A new gallery space has been created at River's Edge Studio, and it all happened fast and furious. The project involved painting floors and walls, putting up drywall, improving the lighting, adding doors, baseboards, and the final work of our Trompe L'Oeil door which invites art lovers inside. Many thanks to Randall, Isabel, Maureen, Elizabeth, Kathy, Mark, Nick, Mary, Sean and Helaine for pitching in with work and contributions to make this happen quickly! There is still work to do, but the art is up, and the door is almost done (Maureen is a pro at Trompe L'Oeil murals and signs) and we have already had a very well attended Open House, and visitors from Maryland, Kentucky, Atlanta and lots of visitors from WNC. We are looking forward to a fun and busy spring season here in the River Arts District at Riverview Station. You can find the gallery at the north end of the building, behind the painted door. I will post more photos soon. Above is a shot as the work was being installed.

Studio Painters - Diversity of Style

One thing is for sure, the painters working together at River's Edge Studio each have their own vision and style. We encourage one another to fine our individual visions and paint what we want!

Color II Workshop - Pigments and How to Use Them

NEW, added to the schedule!
This class is for intermediate and advanced painters. Find out which paints are opaque and which are transparent, what tinting strength means and how you can use these properties when you paint. Learn how to read the labels on your paint tubes and how can you save tons of money when purchasing paints. Make a lightfastness chart using your own paints. How does particle size effect the appearance of paint? What is direct and indirect painting and how do you paint in these styles? Bring all your paints, a few brushes, solvent if needed (odorless) and four sheets of canvas paper.(This class has been added to the schedule, so write in the class name if using the online registration form.)

This is knowledge that all serious painters must have!

Course Details
Sat, Aug 16th, 9:30 - 3:00
Tuition - $65.00, includes detailed reference handout

Bob Martin, Guest Artist at RES in June

It was a pleasure to watch Bob Martin, lifelong artist and resident of Candler NC, demonstrate his palette knife techniques at the studio in June 2008. The painting above was completed in three hours of delightful demonstration and discussion. Participants rushed out to purchase palette knives after the demo, and there has been plenty of experimentation in the studio classes since at RES. One painter remarked that trying palette knife painting made her realize just how good a painter Bob is! He made it look so easy (it is not, try it!).

I am looking forward to hosting another demonstration/lecture this fall, where Bob will demonstrate and discuss his sumi-e techniques. Watch for the fall schedule, and sign up for the email newsletter at http://www.fletamonaghan.com/ for notices of upcoming events and classes delivered right to your email inbox.

Thoughts on Donating Art

Every artist everywhere must get dozens of requests to donate their art. If we gave to every cause, there would be nothing left to sell! The financial life of most artists is challenged, so why us? For an essay and comments on this subject go to Joanne Mattera's blog - here is a link:
http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/2007/06/no-i-will-not-donate-to-your-auction.html

Guest Artist Bob Martin visits River's Edge Studio in June!

Bob Martin Demonstrates – Painting with the Palette Knife
Sat, June 21st, 11:00am until 1:00pm
$30.00
Watch while Bob Martin creates a painting from start to finish with the palette knife. This relaxed session includes an informal lecture by Bob while he works, and active discussion and question and answer during the demo with participants.

Call or email for more information and to register -828-776-2716 or fleta@fletamonaghan.com

Space is limited!

About Bob Martin
Born on Long Island, NY in 1932, Bob began painting at an early age. His many professional credits include working as an illustrator for the 6th Army training aides at Fort Ord, California and at the Army Language School in Monterey, California beginning in 1952. In 1954, after apprenticing for an architectural illustration firm in Los Angeles, he left to freelance in architectural rendering, a skill he continues to practice. He worked as an illustrator for Bob Jones University for 10 years (1974-1984), continuing in the architectural work as well.
His public work, still extant, includes a fresco secco mural for the Church of Religious Science, Las Vegas. He illustrated the book “The Voice Celestial” by Dr. Ernest Holmes, Dodd-Mead, publisher, in 1960.
Bob has five children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and now lives in Candler, NC with his wife, Betty Carlson. He continues his painting in palette knife oils, sumi-e and sumi-e with watercolor.