Field Trip: The Studios of Louis Copt and Jim Brothers

Last Friday, at the end of my 'vacation,' I had the pleasure of visiting the studio of my artist friend Louis Copt, who then brought me over to his friend Jim Brothers's studio. The Copts' house, pictured above, was designed to accommodate Louis's studio and their art collection. While I was there, I got to see pieces by local artists including Dan Coburn and Phil Epp.

Here's Louis in his studio surrounded by several of his landscapes.

In this picture, you can see that a garage door leads to his studio, facilitating the movement of art in and out of the place. I'm a little jealous of this, since to get work out of my studio I either have to take the stairs and then get through 3 small doorways and down hallways or I can take the elevator to the same doors and hallways. That's really going to be a pain when it's time to get the sins out of the studio!

Louis is known for his prairie fire paintings, like the ones pictured above. However, he also does some great figure paintings, figurative sculpture, and abstract/mixed media collage.

After chatting about various things for a while, Louis, his wife Phyllis, my husband Derek and I hopped in our cars and visited Jim Brothers's studio. Or rather, we visited his studios. Jim has 3 or 4 buildings on his land that act in some way as work space for him. The amount and variety of work he has was incredible... there was the figurative and portrait sculpture you primarily see in these photos, plus pieces carved out of wood, and assemblages created from old machines and little bronze gargoyles.
Here Louis and Jim are walking between two of the buildings.

Various historical busts, and also notice the many animal skulls Jim has collected on the walls.


Notice the scale of the full figure in the background! (I think that's Eisenhower.)
Here's an in-progress wood sculpture in one of Jim's buildings. He creates it by attaching various-sized pieces of wood to each other and then carving them, so that the finished piece will have a mosaic-like surface.

It was a fun and interesting field trip, and I loved meeting yet another talented artist. This Friday, Louis Copt will have an opening at the Leopold Gallery in the Brookside area of Kansas City, MO. I certainly plan on attending!

Back from Vacation

This past week to week and a half I have been on a vacation of sorts. I've been visiting with my mom, my husband took time off from work, and we started to clean out our house so we can try and sell it. So, no painting of any sort got done. Today I just got back into the swing of things with the Sunday painting class. Same model as last time, but this time I decided just to focus on her costume. This picture isn't totally accurate, as I think the shadow on the flesh was a bit darker, but it'll have to do since Steve Sweigart took it home with him!

This week will be back to work for me, and I really hope to be able to somehow double my efforts. Maybe I will skip going to the gym!

Finally, I want to share the following series of YouTube videos. It is a recording of a debate of the validity of the following statement: "The art market is less ethical than the stock market." Participating in the debate are artist Chuck Close, art dealer Richard L. Feigen, Amy Cappellazzo of Christie's Fine Art Auctions, gallery owner Michael Hue-Williams, art critic Jerry Saltz, and Adam Lindemann, art collector. If you listen to all 13 parts of the debate and are still interested (as I am) please do a Google search of those names and you will find even more interesting related info!

Lust Facial Expression, Life Painting

We will have just two life painting sessions in my studio this month, and the first one was yesterday. I was surprised how quickly I pumped out the above sketch, and haven't decided if I am going to work on this more or start something new next week.

Today I just worked on the ecstatic expression of the middle figure. Still plenty of work to do, but I am getting there. Of course, I can't work on this without thinking of the ultimate ecstatic expression on Bernini's "Ecstasy of St. Theresa." This may be my all time favorite sculpture.

Heartland Artist Exhibition and "Lust"

Last night was the opening reception for the Heartland Artist Exhibition in Merriam, KS. I met a lot of great, talented artists at the opening last night that I hope to see again soon. I am also pleased to announce that my painting, "Reflection," above, won a merit award. Please do stop by and view this great exhibition before it closes on the 29th!

13th Annual Heartland Artist Exhibit 03-07-09 through 03-29-09
Reflection, Solitude, and Self Portrait were accepted into this juried exhibition at the Irene B. French Community Center in Merriam, KS.

• Irene B. French Community Center Art Gallery
  5701 Merriam Drive
  Merriam, KS 66203
  (913) 322-5550

I am also finally posting my first layer on the painting, "Lust." It is at 72" x 48" and there is still a lot to do!

Human Form Exhibition at Hilliard Gallery Opens Tomorrow Night!

First Friday March 6th
Show runs through March 27th
Opening Reception: 6-9 pm
Regular Gallery Hours: Tuesday 10-5 Saturday 11-4

"The Human subject forces the viewer to engage the artwork and enables the artist to express an entire range of ideas from the subtle to the intense." With this in mind the "Human Form", a group show comprised of artist from throughout the Midwest area, will open on March 6th and run through March 27th at the Hilliard Gallery. The "Human Form" show is the second annual figurative show comprised of artist and their work that was selected from submissions for the show. The show will feature artwork inspired by the human form, from different artist working in all types of mediums from oil, photography, ceramics, sculpture and more.

Some of the artists that are in the show are; Lacey Lewis, Guinotte Wise, Tarin Eicher, Erick Warner, Jessica Logsdon, Dorrie Koller, Adam Crowley, Orly Cogan, JoeRay Kelly, Kale Van Leevwen, Aaron Newell and Tyson Schroeder. The figurative work in this show ranges from near life-size sculptural portraits to fragment or abstractions of the figure. The figurative form can be used as the ideal medium to convey a spectrum of ideas with which the viewer can resonate.

• Hilliard Gallery
  404 E. 18th St.
  Kansas City, MO 64108
  Contact: Bob Swearengin
  816-561-2956
  

"Jake"

Here is "Jake" finished: 40" x 30" oil on canvas. I wanted it to be included in tomorrow's opening at Hilliard Gallery, but it just *will not dry!* I am so upset. I worked so hard to get it done in time, but the background is still very wet. Part of me wants to throw it in a frame anyway, but I know better.

Busy Week

This is going to be a very busy week for me. In fact, I think last week was busy, too!

Let's see, last week Ed Dwight visited Kansas City, KS and came through the Pressroom Studios on Thursday. Friday I took a trip to the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and then went to a talk Mr. Dwight was giving down at the YWCA. Both were very interesting and educational and it was a great evening, however Ed Dwight's talk made me laugh more than the museum trip did. What a talented and insightful character.

This week I am hustling to get "Jake" finished, varnished, and framed in order to have it included in Friday's Figurative Show opening at Hilliard Gallery. I've also been framing other paintings for the show, and I really need to send out some more invites and put out my newsletter to let people know what's up.

I'm also working on "Lust," but since not all of the white of the canvas is covered, I am not ready to post it. There's so little left to cover, too! Just give it another couple days.

After all the hubbub of the week, I have yet another opening to attend on Saturday. I have three pieces that have been selected for the Heartland Artist Juried Exhibition in Merriam, KS. I will try and post all the details this week, if anyone is looking to attend the openings.

Finally, I am listing work on Ebay again. I'm starting off with some still lives, and will add some knife landscapes in a day or two. After that, I might start adding some of my figure sketches. Please check my Ebay page for listings!

Jake - Progress

Still working on "Jake" and I hope to complete it relatively soon. I'm also working feverishly on "Lust" in the studio. Sometime in the next couple days I will post my first layer of that painting.

Life Painting Completed

I'm really very happy with the way this painting turned out. This model and another model from December also both posed for me last night for my next sin painting, "Lust." I can't wait to get started on it this week!

Sunday Figure Painting Classes

Above is the painting I am currently working on during the Sunday Figure Painting classes in my studio. There's room for more to join us, so if you are interested please be sure to contact me at Lacey (at) Lacey-Lewis.com. We will meet March 1st, 8th, 22nd, and 29th from 10am-1pm and the cost is $120 for all for classes. All skill levels welcome.

"Jake" Progress

I didn't get to work on this Tuesday or Wednesday because I was running around getting other stuff done, but I did get a few hours in on it today. The pictures aren't that great because it's not with the good camera, but you can still get a decent idea of what's happening.

"Sloth"

I totally forgot to come and post this now that I am done with it. "Sloth" oil on linen 48" x 72". I should be getting started on the next deadly sin next week. This week I will be working on "Jake."

One Finished, One Started

I finished the painting above yesterday, though I still don't have a name for it. Suggestions, anyone? It seems the subject has come out looking a little upset, and she's kind-of squashed between those black stripes on either end of the canvas, so I have had little ideas of what she might be apprehensive about, but am interested in what others see in this one. You will notice if you look closely that, relatively speaking, I have left the fabric in the background unfinished. I decided I don't leave things as-is enough, and felt the fabric was fairly-well defined and added a contrast to the flesh.

On to the next one. This is a quick scrub-in I did last night for my painting, "Jake." All that is on this canvas right now is ivory black+OMS in the background and a couple other spots, burnt umber+OMS scrubbed into the flesh areas, and then black+titanium white (to make it look cooler, or more 'blue') +OMS for the jeans. I really look forward to working on this one again, and hope to get it finished-up in a jiffy!

P.S. My painting "Sloth" is practically finished. Just a couple details and a signature and I will be all set. I'd post an update, but I don't have a picture from my good camera.

Sloth - Getting So Close!

I'm working really hard to get this finished up! I have yet to work on the lower section of red on the sofa, the legs, or the floor. After I get to that stuff, I think it will just be a little tweaking here and there across the composition.

This pic is cropped from the larger image, so some of the detail is lost.

I've been adding highlights by scumbling. I start by mixing up a very light color, in this case titanium white mixed with ultramarine blue, pthalo turquoise, and ivory black. Obviously, the mixture is almost completely white. I dab a small amount onto the canvas in the areas to be lightened. Then, I take a clean, old bristle brush that is in pretty bad shape and I would not otherwise use for painting, and I use it to scrub the paint thinly over the surface.

As paint builds up on the brush, I wipe it off on a rag and then begin scrubbing again. This helps create a nice glow as the underneath layers are visible through lighter top layer. In the above images, already scumbled areas include the forehead, brow bones, and upper cheek. The nose, chin, and lower cheek are waiting to be done.

Sunday Life Painting - Week 1

I get two more Sundays to work on this one. I am happy with this so far, except for the lower hand. Didn't have time to refine it and get it the right shape and size before the session was over. This is all on a little 10" x 8" panel.

Sloth - Additions and Adjustments II

I have a much better image of this area today. Of course, keep in mind that much of the canvas in this area has still not been painted other than the very first under layer. The bottle, pills, remote, and hand are nearly finished, though. I will add some of the cool blue/turquoise color the pills especially and work some more on the details of the buttons. Oh, and I changed the shadows from last time. Still not sure they are right where they need to be.

I was hoping to go ahead and get this painting done this week, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. Maybe I need to accept the idea that I could be working on this for the rest of my life!

Sloth - Additions and Adjustments

Unfortunately I don't have a better image of this that shows the red of the bottle, etc., but I have added a prescription bottle with pills, and moved the location of the remote. Can anyone guess where the bottle is from? However, I think my shadows might be going slightly in the wrong direction. I am looking into it.

Kansas City, KS Arts Blog

I've started yet another blog! This one highlights the arts in KC, KS. I am posting any info that comes to me about the arts in KCK, and will also highlight local arts groups and individual artists.

Check it out: http://kcksarts.blogspot.com/

Please subscribe by entering your email in the box in the upper right-hand corner. Don't worry, it won't send your email address to me!

Also, don't forget about the KCKSARTS Yahoo! Group!

Painting Updates

Here's a closeup of Sloth's face. Today I worked on the lower hand and started sketching in the remote control. I do, in fact, have an old VCR remote at the studio that I am using for a reference.


I've been working on this one at home, but feel the forward leg went too orange. Back to work I go!

Legislative Alert from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

HOUSE PASSES ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE; ARTS FUNDING INTACT

ACTION ALERT: CONTACT SENATORS

The House of Representatives on Wednesday, January 28, passed the economic stimulus legislation – H.R.1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – with provisions intact allocating $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts. All Republican House members, joined by 11 Democrats, voted against the measure.

TAKE ACTION: The Senate expects to vote on its version of the stimulus legislation the week of February 2. If you have not yet done so, please contact your senators urging their support to retain the $50 million allocation for the National Endowment for the Arts when the economic stimulus legislation takes final shape by including the provision passed by the House, with 40% of the NEA funds going to state arts agencies and the remainder distributed in direct grants to fund arts projects that preserve jobs in the nonprofit arts sector.

Reach your senators by phone through the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or by email at http://www3.capwiz.com/mygov/dbq/officials/

• Public funding for the arts is a sound investment in states and communities facing tough economic conditions.
• The arts generate jobs, tax revenues and consumer spending.
• NEA funds to state arts agencies will enable state support for the arts to continue where a depressed economy has resulted in revenue shortfalls.

In the days leading up to the House floor debate on the bill, the arts funding had been singled out by critics of the legislation as an example of needless spending. When the measure came to the House floor on Wednesday, Rep. David Obey (D-WI), chair of the Appropriations Committee and floor manager for the bill, asserted that such claims caused the debate to become “incredibly trivialized.” In defense of the spending decisions made in the bill, he pointed out that the “arts funding in this bill is a tiny fraction of this entire bill . . . about 6 cents out of every $1,000 contained in this legislation.”

He then aimed his remarks at the economic purposes of the legislation and the economic significance of the arts sector: “People ask, What does funding for the arts have to do with jobs? It is very simple. People in the arts field are losing their jobs just like anybody else. . . . You have local arts agencies, you have local orchestras, local symphonies and local arts groups of all kinds who are shutting down, laying people off, and in a number of instances going bankrupt. This is a small, tiny effort to keep some of those people employed over the next two years. I make no apology for it. We have an obligation to salvage as many jobs as we can regardless of the fields in which people work.”

Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA), chair of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and sponsor of the arts funding in the stimulus package, joined Obey in defending the NEA funds. He cited the arts community as a tremendous cultural resource that “also serves to create jobs in local communities all across our nation.”

Dicks went on to say that the arts sector of the economy “has been inordinately impacted by the severe economic downturn we have been experiencing in this past year . . . and the result has been disastrous for many of our nation's arts agencies and programs. . . . The amount in this bill is intended to provide small grants to try to restore some of the jobs which have been lost in the arts communities over the past year. In addition to retaining jobs, these funds will support programs which provide entertainment and richness in the lives of our communities at a time when they are badly needed. In the context of this large economic stimulus legislation, I believe this is a prudent investment, and that it will contribute measurably to restoring the fiscal health of our nation.”

Speaking in opposition to the bill, Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA) included the arts funding in a list of “special interest groups' pet projects” that “represent an increase in government spending, not job creation.” Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), also speaking against the legislation, cited the NEA funding with others as “some of the most egregious examples of programs within the massive spending bill.”

Democrats voting against the stimulus package were Reps. Allen Boyd (D-FL), Bobby Bright (D-AL), Jim Cooper (D-TN), Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Parker Griffith (D-AL), Paul Kanjorski (D-PA), Frank Kratovil (D-MD), Walt Minnick (D-ID), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Heath Shuler (D-NC), and Gene Taylor (D-MS), including four freshman members of the House, three of whom replaced Republican officeholders.