The first morning we met at the Academy studio and  Albert laid out the plans for the four days.  Four days packed full of learning and experimenting.  Albert shared with us some basic principles that he follows such as– Value matching, hard and soft edges, pastel box layout, and so forth.  Over lunch we talked about his travels and background training.   That afternoon we went to the Southwest painter’s, DeGrazzio, former home and museum nestled in the Catalina foothills.  Albert worked with each of us individually as we chose a site and began painting. Most of us were pastel painters with a few oil painters.  In late afternoon, we gathered  around for a critique of our work.  Albert zeroed in on our strengths and gave excellent criticism.

The next morning we met early in the studio for an oil painting demonstration,  again emphasizing, color and composition.  That afternoon we headed for Catalina state Park looking eastward at the Catalina’s.  We  painted for a few hours followed by critique.  In the evening  we brought examples of our previous works for Albert to assess and give suggestions for improvement.  He again zeroed in on our strengths and really urged us to work to our strengths. Albert shared a slide show of many of his paintings and the techniques used in painting each painting. The next day Albert gave a pastel demo and we headed again for DeGrazzio’s studio.

The last day we met early in the morning at Aqua Caliente State Park where we painted along with Albert as he mentored us in our compositions and techniques. The spot was an oasis in the desert and we certainly enjoyed basking in the sunshine with incredible views of mountains and water.  That evening we gathered for a goodbye dinner at a local restaurant.  We all were so upbeat and  thrilled by the terrific experience we had with this master painter.

Cathy McFarland Harvey

Oro Valley, Arizona

Here we are again… and…welcome to another blog posting on my teaching trail!

Our latest travels brought us  to Tucson  Arizona for the Four-Day On-Location workshop that was hosted (for the fifth annual year) by the TUCSON ART ACADEMY. Christine and Gabor Svagrik  the owners/artists, opened their professional studio/school for my morning  instructions and demonstrations.

The first morning session, I gave information and precise examples of my color value system and how this principals can greatly benefit  both pastel painters as well as oil painters and their work.

The second morning’s demonstration was a pastel painting on sanded paper followed by a pastel with a watercolor under-painting.

Then… the third day was an exciting and eye-opening oil demonstration.

Jeanine getting a closer look at the oil painting demonstration.

Each afternoon for the first three days…we drove to the most exciting locations for out-door painting for  the participating artist…with assistance by me at their easels. The fourth and final day of the workshop…I painted in the morning on location and invite the participants to paint along with me. Such a wonderful experience for all of us! (There are a few additional blogs presented by the artists.)

My painting the fourth morning on location at the beautiful Aqua Calienta oasis within the desert surrounding Tucson.

Closing day… all the artists, a number of their spouses, Christine and Gabor,  myself and Jeanine had a fair-well dinner at a fine.. delicious  local restaurant.  The conversation and enthusiasm was truly magnificent!

We will be traveling to Albuquerque the week end of March 1st for a truly inspiring workshop for THE NEW MEXICO ART LEAGUE.

An invitation to come follow along with all the news!

And for you… friends and fellow artist…an invitation to check back here on my blog for up-dates on our travels… the colorful stories…our  insights… and a few personal  “artistic tips”from one  fellow artist to another.  Looking forward to our our next time together!