News from the Art Center of Estes Park

“Pathways of Light and Color” featuring Artist Members Marie Massey – Oil/Acrylic and Cheryl Gratias – Watercolor withInvited Guest Judi Mitchell – Sculpture

Cheryl Gratias: I am at heart both an artist and a scientist. As such, I am a careful observer of the world around me and am continually challenged to experiment in my approach to creativity and my choice of subject matter. Although I have worked in a variety of media, I LOVE watercolor! I am inspired by its unique ability to embody light, color, energy and life – many of the same qualities I played with as a physicist working in laser optics. Visually, I love the transparency created by light bouncing off the paper and coming back to the viewer through layers of color. Creatively, I love the way this lively medium plays an active part in the creation of every painting. Watercolor is a little bit of a dance with the movement of water, carrying and mixing pigment on the page and laying it down in an ever-changing pattern. This controlled chaos can lead to surprises that keep painting sessions fresh and interesting.

Life is truly a journey and, in my life, art and science have often switched roles between work and pleasure. After undergraduate work in physics in the ‘70’s, I spent over a decade doing business as a technical illustrator, an illustrator for the U.S. Patent Office and a graphic designer. The strong drawing and design skills honed during that time continue to inform my paintings and have given me the freedom to tackle a wide variety of subjects. I returned to physics in the ‘90s and earned my doctorate in physics from CSU with a focus in laser optics. It was with retirement that art again switched roles with science, and painting became a profession for me.

It is my hope that our exhibit, “Pathways of Light and Color,” has captured a little of the bright energy and life I see around me every day and that these paintings will resonate with viewers to enliven and bring joy to their personal spaces.

Cheryl Gratias Fine Art at www.stoneridgestudio.com.

Also on display in the gallery are the outstanding work of the other Art Center artist members, including other works in oil painting, watercolor, pastel, jewelry, ceramics, charcoal, graphite, glass, wood, sculpture, fiber, photography, printmaking and mixed media.

The Art Center is Open Daily 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Aug. 5, 2023 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Art Center Members: $67.50 Non-Members: $75

We’ll explore painting reflections in both still and moving water. To paint believable reflections we need to consider our viewpoint, the color and depth of the water, and how shadows and surface air is affecting the water. We’ll paint ‘vignettes’ that focus on a close up of land and it’s reflection. Bring your pastels and dive in!

Lydia is an award winning artist whose studio is located near Lyons. She received a BA in fine art and graphic communications at Metropolitan State University in Denver, and over the last 20 years, she has pursued pastel and oil painting, both plein air and studio.

Aug. 14, 2023 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Art Center Members: $50 Non-Members: $55.50

Join us for a class of exploring art in a FUN way. Sandy will guide you through her FUN art process. Great for any artistic level. “You ARE creative – you just don’t know it yet.”

Ever wonder how to make FUN whimsical artwork? Find your inner silly self in this three hour class. You will do some prompts that will get your creative juices flowing. Then you’ll learn some mark making techniques to tie it all together. Sandy will guide you thru her art process and you will have several small artful pieces on paper ready to frame. All supplies included!

Our leader into the exciting world of “Creating Playful Art” is popular Loveland mixed media/collage artist, Sandy Fritz, currently RV’ing around the country with her husband. Fortunately, she stops in Estes Park each summer to visit her Dad, the Art Center’s own Bill Fritz, and enjoys teaching at the Art Center. “My art expresses how I view the world; full of life, color and emotion,” says Fritz.

Materials/Supply List: Provided

Aug. 16 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Art Center Members:$72 Non Members: $80

We will study the water patterns. Once again, this is a study of shapes and value!

Aug. 19, 2023 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Art Center Members: $40.50 Non-Members: $45

Discover a fun mixed media approach to Zentangle-inspired art with this lovely butterfly tile. Combine ink, pen, markers and colored pencils to create this sweet image of butterflies and flowers in bright, bold summer colors. I love working with butterfly images in my art as they are symbols of transformation, hope, rebirth and new beginnings. Let’s spark some creativity with this class inspired by Annie Reiser and send out ripples of gratitude and joy as we draw one stroke at a time to create these small masterpieces.

This class is appropriate for intermediate or advanced tanglers who have taken a few basic Zentangle classes.

Dr. Minette Riordan is a mixed media artist, writer and creativity coach. She is an advocate for creativity as essential to the well-being of people and the planet. She has been teaching creative programs for over 10 years and has been a Certified Zentangle Teacher since 2014. You can learn more about her work at www.MinetteRiordan.com.

Materials Provided by Teacher as part of Class Fee:

Each student will receive handouts, butterfly template, Distress inks to share, colored pencils to share and pencil sharpeners.

Materials List: Provided for those who wish to bring their own supplies. However, you may purchase a kit directly from the instructor on the day of class for $15 that will provide you with all supplies you will need. The kits will contain: Micron .01 black pen, White Gelly Roll pen, two Zentangle Phi tiles, Tombow ABT Water-based black N15 marker.

They just need a place to stay and are expected to take care of themselves otherwise. The Estes Valley Plein Air event features artists from across the country. They are coming from NV, MI, NY, OR, NM, TX, MD, WI, ID, CA and MN. Most of them will be here between Aug. 16 – 25 and we are attempting to defray some of the expenses by seeking hosts. We are requesting your consideration of hosting an artist. If interested or need further information, please contactLars Sage at the Art Center.

Estes Park Health featuring Cynthia Price Reedy and US Bank featuring Laura Davis. Ongoing exhibits at VERT andSnowy Peaks Winery. The public is invited to visit these exhibits.

The Art Center can be viewed not only on our website (www.artcenterofestes.com) but we are on Face Book (Art-Center-of-Estes-Park), Instagram (artcenterofep) and Twitter (artcenterestes).

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