Arts on Main

Community Arts Center in Gloucester, Virginia

July 2023 First Friday: “In the Marsh” Group Show featuring Jason Abbott, Bill Casto, Carolyn Dudley, Michael Kravchak, & Kathleen Noffsinger

July 2023 First Friday: “In the Marsh” Group Show
featuring
Jason Abbott, Bill Casto, Carolyn Dudley, Michael Kravchak, Sr., & Kathleen Noffsinger
Friday, July 7
6:00pm-8:00pm

During the month of July 2023, Arts on Main will exhibit, “In the Marsh,” a group show that will feature five local artists: Jason Abbott, Bill Casto, Carolyn Dudley, Michael Kravchak, Sr., & Kathleen Noffsinger. This exhibition will include both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional works, and both abstract and realistic representations of life in the marsh. The opening of the show will take place at our First Friday event on Friday, July 7 from 6:00PM-8:00PM. The body of work will be on display from July 7 – July 29.

Jason Abbott

   

“Art has always played a major role in my life.  It wasn’t until recently that I decided to share my art. I am a self-taught artist.  I have spent my life experimenting, learning, and building my technique. My desire is to create art that evokes an emotion in the observer.” Jason Abbott

Bill Casto

   

“I am an Interpretive Wood Sculptor concentrating primarily on wildfowl. I use driftwood from local waters and found weathered wood to carve interpretive or stylized pieces of art. I attempt to capture the essence of the wildfowl rather than a realistic duplication of the subject. My sculptures emphasize form, content, movement, and are totally original and one of a kind. I am a former College Football Coach and Athletic Director locally at the College of William and Mary and The Apprentice School. I have been carving wildfowl sculptures for over 20 years competing at the top level for the past level ten years at the prestigious “Ward World Wildfowl Carving Championships. In 2013 my entry “Crane Dance” placed “Third Best in World” (Interpretive Division). In 2014 my sculpture “Swan Dive” was judged “Second Best in World”. In 2015 my carving “Wild Riders” placed 1ST “Best in the World”. In 2016 “Arctic Tern” was awarded 2nd in “Masters” Interpretive Division. In 2017 “Wingman” placed 2nd in “Masters” and “Lil Egret” won 3rd place.” –Bill Casto

Carolyn Dudley

   

“My artwork comes from my perception of the landscape and the people around me. Whether it be through realistic or abstract representation, the goal of my work is to not only document my experience in a setting but to create an experience for the viewer as well. The following poem By Mary Oliver, “At Blackwater Pond”, inspires me greatly.” –Carolyn Thompson Dudley

“At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled
after a night of rain.
I dip my cupped hands. I drink
a long time. It tastes
like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold
into my body, waking the bones. I hear them
deep inside me, whispering
oh what is that beautiful thing
that just happened.”

Michael S. Kravchak , Sr.

   

“I majored in architecture in college, with a minor in art history. I studied under Professor Amy Fell, Professor John Gardner, and Sculpture Professor, J. Cherry. I have always enjoyed the Arts, and I have experimented in many mediums, i.e., pencil, oils, acrylics, pen and ink, and clay sculpture.

For many years, I painted and sketched for relaxation; however, I always wanted to learn to work in watercolor. Upon my retirement as a District Manager from UGI, an energy company, I took my first course in watercolor with Robert Burnell at Portsmouth Fine Arts Institute. I have also taken a semester course with Betty Anglin at Christopher Newport University.

I have found my greatest challenge and satisfaction working in watercolor. I enjoy painting local and historical scenes from the Tidewater area and along the Chesapeake Bay. I also enjoy painting scenes from the Outer Banks of North Carolina and many other beautiful places I have been fortunate enough to visit.” -Michael S. Kravchak, Sr.

Kathleen Noffsinger

   

Painting and drawing since childhood, Kathleen Noffsinger has taught painting and drawing classes since 1998, including “Travel and Paint” workshops in Bermuda and the Florida Keys. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she majored in elementary education and chose all her electives in art and design. A popular instructor, she has taught workshops for art leagues in Virginia, Maryland and Florida. Her paintings have won numerous awards, been featured in several publications including Chesapeake Bay magazine and been purchased for both private and corporate collections throughout the world

Kathleen is currently a Signature/Lifetime member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, the National League of American Pen Women (Art), the Rappahannock Art League, and a past member of the National Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor Society. Her paintings have been included in numerous juried art shows and are available in fine art galleries throughout the East Coast and the Florida Keys. She may be reached through her on-line studio gallery www.kathleennoffsinger.com or at her studio in Hartfield, VA (804) 832-1387.

Live music will be provided by The Tidewinders.

First Friday is on July 7 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. This event is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

If you would like to sponsor this monthly exhibit & First Friday event, call the gallery at (804) 864-9464.

“Painting Incredible Flowers in Watercolor” Workshop by Kathleen Noffsinger

“Painting Incredible Flowers in Watercolor”
Workshop by Kathleen Noffsinger
Saturday, May 21
10am to 3pm

“Color” will be the emphasis in this challenging class where Kathleen will share her color-mixing secrets for clear vibrant “no mud” washes, using both demonstrations as well as one-on-one instruction. Open to all skill levels, the one-day workshop will review color basics and then explore the use of clear transparent color to create luminous floral paintings that are exciting in value, color dominance and design. Students will make studio color charts and complete challenging exercises designed to push them to try new aspects of using the medium, taking them out of their current comfort levels of painting in watercolor and into intermediate/advanced levels. Exercises will include developing color exaggerations and creating a “road map” for painting incredible light. Each student will work individually on paintings of their own choice of subject including both garden landscapes and flower portraits. Prior knowledge of basic watercolor technique is helpful but not required. A supply list will be given at registration.

Outline for Discussions, Ideas and Lessons:

I. Introduction to Painting Incredible Florals:

II. Technique vs. Creativity

III. Black and White Studies Equal Creative Color

IV. The Painting Plan – The Road Map to Great Paintings

a. Thumbnails

b. Positive and Negative Shapes

c. Value Studies

d. Creative Thinking

V. Drawing Flowers

VI. The Pigments

VII. Color Basics

VIII. Color Exaggerations

IX. Painting Flowers in the Studio

X. Painting Flowers in the Garden

 

 

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Painting and drawing since childhood, Kathleen Noffsinger has taught painting and drawing classes since 1998, including “Travel and Paint” workshops in Bermuda and the Florida Keys. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she majored in elementary education and chose all her electives in art and design. A popular instructor, she has taught workshops for art leagues in Virginia, Maryland and Florida. Her paintings have won numerous awards, been featured in several publications including Chesapeake Bay magazine and been purchased for both private and corporate collections throughout the world

Kathleen is currently a Signature/Lifetime member of the Virginia Watercolor Society, the National League of American Pen Women (Art), the Rappahannock Art League, and a past member of the National Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor Society. Her paintings have been included in numerous juried art shows and are available in fine art galleries throughout the East Coast and the Florida Keys. She may be reached through her on-line studio gallery www.kathleennoffsinger.com or at her studio in Hartfield, VA (804) 832-1387.

 

Registration deadline: Thursday, May 19 @ 5pm

Cost is $100 per student.




 

Watercolor Workshop by Kathleen Noffsinger

“Painting the “WOW” of Nature in Glorious Watercolor”

In this two day workshop, you will learn how to sketch and paint everything from trees and roots to birds and flowers in this painting class of the natural world. Then watch as the instructor shows you how to mix luminous “no mud” color for glorious contrasted backgrounds for your “nature” studies! In this workshop we are going for the “wow” factor to give each simple subject an awesome punch of luminosity. Artists should bring their own favorite photos of nature including background ideas for sky and water. Demonstrations will be in watercolor.

*Supply list will be provided after registration.

Please bring your lunch and beverage or plan to purchase off site. (A refrigerator is available on site.)

Cost is $220 per student for the 2-day workshop.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

“When I was twelve, I painted my bedroom purple. And at age five my butterfly drawings had rounded wings, not at all like the “triangle” wings of my first-grade classmates. I didn’t realize until I grew up that God had not only given me a gift as a “creative” who sees the world through artist eyes, but that I was meant to share my gift with others by teaching.

My journey as an artist goes both backward and forward. What has come before as I worked with pencil and paint and what will happen next as I experiment with new ideas and techniques are both my history and my future. My story continues with my new oil and cold wax and transparent watercolor paintings. I love to create an impression of luminosity in my subjects of wildlife and nature and call my style of painting “impressionistic realism”. While balancing good design concepts, my goal is always to render a likeness creatively rather than photo realistically.”

Painting is really fun for me and when I paint I am in my “happy place”! Whether working in oil or watercolor, I begin each painting with a compositional plan of lights and darks in a 2” x 3” pencil sketch. When working in oil on canvas, wood or aluminum panels, I first apply a layer of white acrylic gesso or liquid color such as acrylic transparent ink, colored gesso or watercolor straight from the tube and let it dry. In order to build texture, I mix my oil paint with cold wax medium and apply it with brushes, scrapers, brayers, and palette knives. When working with watercolor the process is similar and I apply the paint with brushes or mix the paint with water and spray or “pour” the paint onto watercolor paper. Working in both mediums, I paint many layers of transparent and opaque glazes that create a “history” of color, brush strokes and texture to create each original “deconstructed” painting.

I am an artist who loves to teach and a teacher who loves to paint and it is an honor to share my paintings with you.” -Kathleen Noffsinger

Watercolor Workshop by Kathleen Noffsinger

“Painting the “WOW” of Nature in Glorious Watercolor”

In this two day workshop, you will learn how to sketch and paint everything from trees and roots to birds and flowers in this painting class of the natural world. Then watch as the instructor shows you how to mix luminous “no mud” color for glorious contrasted backgrounds for your “nature” studies! In this workshop we are going for the “wow” factor to give each simple subject an awesome punch of luminosity. Artists should bring their own favorite photos of nature including background ideas for sky and water. Demonstrations will be in watercolor.

*Supply list will be provided after registration.

Please bring your lunch and beverage or plan to purchase off site. (A refrigerator is available on site.)

Cost is $220 per student for the 2-day workshop.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

“When I was twelve, I painted my bedroom purple. And at age five my butterfly drawings had rounded wings, not at all like the “triangle” wings of my first-grade classmates. I didn’t realize until I grew up that God had not only given me a gift as a “creative” who sees the world through artist eyes, but that I was meant to share my gift with others by teaching.

My journey as an artist goes both backward and forward. What has come before as I worked with pencil and paint and what will happen next as I experiment with new ideas and techniques are both my history and my future. My story continues with my new oil and cold wax and transparent watercolor paintings. I love to create an impression of luminosity in my subjects of wildlife and nature and call my style of painting “impressionistic realism”. While balancing good design concepts, my goal is always to render a likeness creatively rather than photo realistically.”

Painting is really fun for me and when I paint I am in my “happy place”! Whether working in oil or watercolor, I begin each painting with a compositional plan of lights and darks in a 2” x 3” pencil sketch. When working in oil on canvas, wood or aluminum panels, I first apply a layer of white acrylic gesso or liquid color such as acrylic transparent ink, colored gesso or watercolor straight from the tube and let it dry. In order to build texture, I mix my oil paint with cold wax medium and apply it with brushes, scrapers, brayers, and palette knives. When working with watercolor the process is similar and I apply the paint with brushes or mix the paint with water and spray or “pour” the paint onto watercolor paper. Working in both mediums, I paint many layers of transparent and opaque glazes that create a “history” of color, brush strokes and texture to create each original “deconstructed” painting.

I am an artist who loves to teach and a teacher who loves to paint and it is an honor to share my paintings with you.” -Kathleen Noffsinger

Multi-Media Workshop by Kathleen Noffsinger

“Abstracting the Essence of Flora and Fauna”

(All Levels and All Media)

This is a two day painting composition and design class for artists already skilled in their chosen media of graphite, charcoal, oil, oil and cold wax medium, acrylic or watercolor. The focus of instruction will be “deconstructing” shapes and colors to create expressive impressionist and abstract paintings.
*Please note: This is not a “how to” instructional class for each medium. The instructor will be demonstrating compositional work with graphite pencil, watercolor and oil and cold wax medium.
Cost is $220 per student for both days.
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
· Painting supplies in your choice of medium (graphite pencil, charcoal, oil, oil and cold wax medium, acrylic or watercolor).
· Your painting support – paper, Gessobord or stretched canvas
· Sketchbook
· Graphite pencils in sizes 2H, HB and 4B
· Plastic and kneaded erasers
· Pencil sharpener
· Tracing paper
· Saral Transfer paper (optional but helpful for transferring your own drawings). The instructor will also have some to share.
· Your own or non-copyrighted photos of flowers, gardens, seascape, landscape, birds, fresh flowers (optional) and an adventurous attitude!
Please bring your lunch and beverage or plan to purchase off site. (A refrigerator is available on site.)




ABOUT THE ARTIST
“When I was twelve, I painted my bedroom purple. And at age five my butterfly drawings had rounded wings, not at all like the “triangle” wings of my first-grade classmates. I didn’t realize until I grew up that God had not only given me a gift as a “creative” who sees the world through artist eyes, but that I was meant to share my gift with others by teaching.
My journey as an artist goes both backward and forward. What has come before as I worked with pencil and paint and what will happen next as I experiment with new ideas and techniques are both my history and my future. My story continues with my new oil and cold wax and transparent watercolor paintings. I love to create an impression of luminosity in my subjects of wildlife and nature and call my style of painting “impressionistic realism”. While balancing good design concepts, my goal is always to render a likeness creatively rather than photo realistically.”
Painting is really fun for me and when I paint I am in my “happy place”! Whether working in oil or watercolor, I begin each painting with a compositional plan of lights and darks in a 2” x 3” pencil sketch. When working in oil on canvas, wood or aluminum panels, I first apply a layer of white acrylic gesso or liquid color such as acrylic transparent ink, colored gesso or watercolor straight from the tube and let it dry. In order to build texture, I mix my oil paint with cold wax medium and apply it with brushes, scrapers, brayers, and palette knives. When working with watercolor the process is similar and I apply the paint with brushes or mix the paint with water and spray or “pour” the paint onto watercolor paper. Working in both mediums, I paint many layers of transparent and opaque glazes that create a “history” of color, brush strokes and texture to create each original “deconstructed” painting.
I am an artist who loves to teach and a teacher who loves to paint and it is an honor to share my paintings with you.” -Kathleen Noffsinger

Multi-Media Workshop by Kathleen Noffsinger

“Abstracting the Essence of Flora and Fauna”

(All Levels and All Media)

This is a two day painting composition and design class for artists already skilled in their chosen media of graphite, charcoal, oil, oil and cold wax medium, acrylic or watercolor. The focus of instruction will be “deconstructing” shapes and colors to create expressive impressionist and abstract paintings.
*Please note: This is not a “how to” instructional class for each medium. The instructor will be demonstrating compositional work with graphite pencil, watercolor and oil and cold wax medium.
Cost is $220 per student for both days.
SUGGESTED SUPPLIES:
· Painting supplies in your choice of medium (graphite pencil, charcoal, oil, oil and cold wax medium, acrylic or watercolor).
· Your painting support – paper, Gessobord or stretched canvas
· Sketchbook
· Graphite pencils in sizes 2H, HB and 4B
· Plastic and kneaded erasers
· Pencil sharpener
· Tracing paper
· Saral Transfer paper (optional but helpful for transferring your own drawings). The instructor will also have some to share.
· Your own or non-copyrighted photos of flowers, gardens, seascape, landscape, birds, fresh flowers (optional) and an adventurous attitude!
Please bring your lunch and beverage or plan to purchase off site. (A refrigerator is available on site.)




ABOUT THE ARTIST
“When I was twelve, I painted my bedroom purple. And at age five my butterfly drawings had rounded wings, not at all like the “triangle” wings of my first-grade classmates. I didn’t realize until I grew up that God had not only given me a gift as a “creative” who sees the world through artist eyes, but that I was meant to share my gift with others by teaching.
My journey as an artist goes both backward and forward. What has come before as I worked with pencil and paint and what will happen next as I experiment with new ideas and techniques are both my history and my future. My story continues with my new oil and cold wax and transparent watercolor paintings. I love to create an impression of luminosity in my subjects of wildlife and nature and call my style of painting “impressionistic realism”. While balancing good design concepts, my goal is always to render a likeness creatively rather than photo realistically.”
Painting is really fun for me and when I paint I am in my “happy place”! Whether working in oil or watercolor, I begin each painting with a compositional plan of lights and darks in a 2” x 3” pencil sketch. When working in oil on canvas, wood or aluminum panels, I first apply a layer of white acrylic gesso or liquid color such as acrylic transparent ink, colored gesso or watercolor straight from the tube and let it dry. In order to build texture, I mix my oil paint with cold wax medium and apply it with brushes, scrapers, brayers, and palette knives. When working with watercolor the process is similar and I apply the paint with brushes or mix the paint with water and spray or “pour” the paint onto watercolor paper. Working in both mediums, I paint many layers of transparent and opaque glazes that create a “history” of color, brush strokes and texture to create each original “deconstructed” painting.
I am an artist who loves to teach and a teacher who loves to paint and it is an honor to share my paintings with you.” -Kathleen Noffsinger