Kim Roth Fine Art

Valentin's Day Specials

2012-01-11T23:49:00.003-05:00

Thought I would share these specials in case you want to take advantage of the deals. Buy yourself or your favorite artist a Valentine gift!

Valid Now Until 2/15:

Get a MyPix2Canvas $50 photo canvas gift certificate for $14. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

Valid Longer:

Get 20% discount at MyPix2Canvas.com with coupon code MYPIX20.

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10% Off Sitewide from PictureFrames.com Use Promo Code: AF0212 (*Valid 2/1/12 - 2/29/12)

Frame your loved one's in style without spending a fortune!

(click on Save Now)

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Did you get your 2012 Calendar yet?

Have you been wanting to make a photo book? It's hard to pass up this deal. (Click on Banner)

Winter 2012 Class Schedule

2012-01-03T15:46:00.007-05:00

E. W. Poore Art Studio:
Call or email to register
603.622.3802
ewpoore@comcast.net

Acrylic Painting

Tuesdays - Jan. 10 to March 27

10:00 AM to Noon
or

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Thursdays - Jan. 12 to March 29

10:00 Am to Noon
or

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic

Tuesdays - Jan. 10 to March 27

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Kimball Jenkins School of Art:
Register online or call
603-225-3932

Acrylic Painting from Photographs
Mondays - Jan.16 to March 5
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Painting in Oil or Acrylic

Fridays - Jan. 10 to March 9

10:00 AM to Noon

Learn to See, Learn to Draw I (adults)
Mondays - Jan. 16 to March 5
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn to See Learn to Draw II (adults)
Wednesdays - Jan. 18 to March 7
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Intro to Drawing for Kids (grades 4-6)
Mondays - Jan. 16 to March 5
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Intro to Drawing for Kids II (grades 4-6)
Wednesdays - Jan. 18 to March 7
4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Register for classes by contacting E. W. Poore & Kimball Jenkins by phone or email, or KJ online. You can also email Kim at rothart@msn.com.

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-12-27T05:00:00.014-05:00

"Painting is the grandchild of nature. It is related to God."

"Practice what you know, and it will help to make clear what now you do not know."

Rembrandt van Rijn

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-12-20T05:00:00.002-05:00

"Daylight is too easy. What I want is difficult - the atmosphere of lamps and moonlight."

Edgar Degas

Sharing Some Holiday Cheer!

2011-12-15T16:55:00.000-05:00

Creativity is a beautiful thing to share!

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-12-13T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Poor is the pupil who does not surpass his master." - Leonardo da Vinci

The Importance of Contrast

2011-12-08T03:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a very gray and rainy day. Although I suppose there is some kind of beauty in that type of weather, but it was causing me to feel a bit blue, or bored, and rather disinterested. It was a day without contrast and I found myself longing for it to be over.

That's kind of what it's like to look at a piece of art that is lacking contrast. We get bored with it quickly and move on, looking for something more interesting. Contrast is essential to good art, be it light & dark, smooth & rough, large & small, or any other variations of the theme. It draws us in, causes us to linger, and helps to define what we are looking at.

Contrast gives definition and depth to various shapes or objects. Contrast in color creates excitement and vibrancy. Contrast in texture helps us relate to what we are looking at and enriches our experience. Well placed contrast creates movement and helps us identify the focal point in an artwork.

So, as you draw, paint, design or create, think about how you are using contrast. Look at your work and ask yourself, "Is there enough depth, have I added highlights in the right places, is there movement and have I used contrast to create interest?" If you have an unsettled feeling when you look at the work there may be something out of balance.

Is there ever too much contrast? It is possible, depending on your subject matter and the emotion you are trying to evoke, that too much or too little contrast can be a problem. Sometimes contrast can be subtle and still be very effective for the particular work you are doing.

For example, yesterday as I was driving north on 89 there were quite a few low hanging clouds, or maybe it was rising mist, circling the mountain tops and clinging to the valleys. They were light in color compared to the dark green mountains, the dark gray sky and the pouring rain. If I had wanted to create a work of art of my experience yesterday I would have focused on the interesting shapes, patterns and texture of the clouds compared to the rest of the day. But it would have been subtle, nothing dramatic, which totally expresses what a gray, rainy day is like.

I hope you find this helpful. Feel free to share your own thoughts on contrast in a comment below.

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-12-06T05:00:00.003-05:00

"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art." - Paul Cezanne

Question of the Week

2011-12-03T05:00:00.013-05:00

Some people enjoy having conversation or listening to music while they create. Others prefer being in nature or their own private studio. Do you find more inspiration in quiet solitude or do you enjoy working with others or having a busy environment?

Giving Prints or Paintings?

2011-12-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

For those of you who may be sharing your art as a Holiday gift for someone special, I've come across some deals that may help you. Savings is a big issue this year as the economy continues to drag, so check out the savings here. With PictureFrames.com you can get 30% off on all photo frames by clicking through the ad on the right sidebar, plus use the links below or copy the promotional codes for even more discounts.

I don't know about you but shopping gives me a headache, especially when there's crowds and traffic. I like shopping online when I know what I want, because I can do it anytime without spending time & money on travel.

If you're planning to give framed art to a couple people you can probably save a lot. They also do canvas photo printing, so if you have a high quality photo of your artwork you can have it printed on canvas to give away and keep your original. Just click the links or the ad to see if what they have to offer fits your needs and saves you money. No obligation unless you find what you want and decide to buy.

15% off Custom Canvas Photo Printing from PictureFrames.com! Use Promotional Code: AF15CVS (Valid 11/24 - 12/9/11)

$15 Off Print and Frame Shop Orders Over $125 from PictureFrames.com! Use Promotional Code: AF15PF (Valid 11/24 - 12/9/11)

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10% Off Anything from PictureFrames.com! Use Promotional Code: AF1211 (Valid 12/1 - 12/30/11)

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-11-29T05:00:00.015-05:00

"If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all."

Michelangelo

Question of the Week

2011-11-26T05:00:00.007-05:00

Is it hard for you to focus on your art during the holidays? Do you take a break during this time of year or do you keep right at it?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

2011-11-24T05:00:00.033-05:00

On this wonderful day that we celebrate the founding spirit of this great nation, and God's blessings on our country and in our lives, we are thinking of you. Thank you for following this blog, thank you for visiting, commenting and possibly even purchasing through the ads. Thank you for your friendship, and thanks to Kim's students.

We wish you all a very lovely Thanksgiving holiday!

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-11-22T05:00:00.010-05:00

"Surrealism is destructive, but it destroys only what it considers to be shackles limiting our vision." - Salvador Dali

Question of the Week

2011-11-19T05:00:00.018-05:00

When planning a painting or work of art, do you focus more on composition, color theory or scheme, or your technique? (This is not a trick question, it's more like a poll.)

More....

2011-11-17T05:00:00.011-05:00

More Hidden Trees

In case you didn't get to the Londonderry Library yet, I thought I would post a couple more paintings from the show. There are 9 paintings in all.

More Matisse

Have a look at this slideshow of lovely paintings at the National Museum of Art:

http://www.nga.gov/feature/artnation/fauve/window_1.shtm

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-11-15T05:00:00.017-05:00

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them." - Henri Matisse

Question of the Week

2011-11-12T05:00:00.022-05:00

How old (or young) were you when you first felt the desire to do something artistic?

Everyone is different, and everyone is creative in some way. Our interests and abilities unfold at various points along the journey we call our lifetime.

Hidden Trees

2011-11-11T19:19:00.001-05:00

The Londonderry Library is hosting Kim's exhibit of 9 paintings called "Hidden Trees", from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, 2011. Please stop by and have a look if you're in the area.

Kim and I always wonder at the beauty and uniqueness of trees. One day he asked me to take some photos of specific trees at Kimball Jenkins Estate. I didn't really know what he had in mind so the photos I took were of a documentary nature and not really artistic. Later he asked me if I had more photos of trees and I ended up giving him over 100 photos. He used the photos to do studies.

As we drive through the countryside we see trees passing quickly, sometimes catching only glimpses of hidden beauty. Walking or sitting in a wooded area or park gives us more time to observe the beauty of trees. But still, they are so easy to take for granted and some may always remain hidden.

Open Doors Trolley Night

2011-11-10T05:00:00.189-05:00

Last Thursday Kim & I took the trolley around town for Open Doors Night. We started briefly at Sage Gallery, then hopped on the trolley over to the Art Institute. We could have walked that stretch but we had not really come up with a plan at that point. The Institute was having it's Biennial Show, and it was quite good. I enjoyed some of the digital art and Kim was admiring several acrylic paintings.

Hoping back on the trolley we joined Linda Feinberg and many other folks who were on their way to the mill area.
Some got off at City Hall while others got on there. I was surprised to see how many people and families with young children were enjoying the night's festivities.

East Colony had a full house and we could barely find time to speak to everyone as well as look at all the artwork. We did enjoy a few goodies from the "treats" table, but it looked like quite a crowd had been there before us. A quick trip through Hatfield and we were back on the trolley headed toward our final destinations.

The MAA Gallery was our next stop and a rather bittersweet one. I think we missed the crowd and most of the entertainment here, but fortunately there was a group of fine young musicians still willing to perform a few last pieces. We enjoyed the music as we wished this gallery farewell and hoped that perhaps it could find a new location in the future.

We had just a few minutes to visit Art 3 before the next trolley. I decided to leave Kim there and head back to Sage Gallery on my own as he was still browsing and I didn't want to take a chance on missing the last trolley. Actually he missed the last trolley of the night and walked back to Sage Gallery. Although the rest of the events seemed to be winding down when we arrived, Sage Gallery was going strong and more people were just arriving.

It was truly an enjoyable evening being out on the town, seeing such beautiful artwork and meeting so many friends. I hope the city and residents continue to support this event and it can get better each year. There are several places we missed this time and hope to visit next time around.

What were your impressions of Open Doors Manchester, did you enjoy it? Will you go next year?

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-11-08T05:00:00.016-05:00

"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

Ansel Adams

Question of the Week

2011-11-05T05:00:00.019-04:00

What is your favorite way to get artistic inspiration?

Perhaps you listen to music, visit galleries, look at artist magazines or read books on famous artists. Maybe you go out in nature, read poetry, or go to the theater. Different activities work for different people. Share the things that motivate & inspire you in a comment below.

Painting Winter

2011-11-03T05:00:00.117-04:00

We hate to admit it, but winter is at our doorstep. Yes, literally, when we woke up last Friday morning the grass was white and we had to defrost the cars. Then a snowstorm on Oct. 29th, this must be a record for early snow. It wasn't even Halloween yet, crazy.

Although winter may not be our favorite time of year, it is a time for beautiful snow scenes. Snow scenes offer some unique challenges for artists. How do you capture the subtle variations in hue & value of the white drenched world? How do you capture the glitter of new fallen snow? How do you capture the beauty & wonder in the cold and sometimes dark winter days?

Will you paint from a photograph or set up your easel next to the kitchen window? Or will you venture out with a sketch pad and work from memory later? Even if you would rather escape winter by painting a tropical paradise, consider trying a snow scene as an exercise in capturing subtlety.

Some general tips for painting snow:

1. Keep your white clean, although you will be mixing small amounts of color with white to capture subtleties in the snow, don't let your white become muddy.
2. Look for hints of blue, yellow or even pink in various parts of the landscape due to shadows & reflections off of various objects. Snow is almost never pure white.
3. Snow is similar to water in that it reflects the environment around it. Although in a much more subtle way, snow will reflect color from the sky, trees, buildings, weather, etc.
4. Look for planes, how the light hits directly on certain areas while other areas are in shadow or are reflecting light.
5. Notice variations in the shadows. Because the snow is reflective even the shadows will not be completely one value.
6. Keep your lightest values for highlights so the snow will appear very bright.

If you've had success with a particular method or technique in painting winter scenery please share it in a comment below.

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-11-01T05:00:00.014-04:00

"The beautiful is everywhere; perhaps more in the arrangement of your saucepans on the white walls of your kitchen than in your eighteenth-century living room or in the official museums."

Fernaund Leger, painter

Question of the Week

2011-10-29T05:00:00.010-04:00

Who is your favorite artist and why?

In a previous post I described why Kim's favorite artist is Rembrandt. My favorite artist is Kandinsky, because he saw something beyond the literal. The shapes, color, line, texture & movement expressed meaning which began in the natural world and was transformed in Kandinsky's mind and manifested through his skill. We'd love to hear about your favorite artist(s) too, just leave a comment below.

How Kim Became An Art Teacher

2011-10-27T05:00:00.108-04:00

It was an accident really. No I mean seriously, a sledding accident changed his fate. Actually it was 2 accidents; first a slip on black ice in Boston on his way to work, then not long after that a sledding crash with the kids. That's what happens sometimes when you transplant an Aussie to the northern part of the northern hemisphere.

It's not that those two events changed his fate all of the sudden, as that's not usually how life happens. After these accidents his knees continued to get worse until he suddenly needed surgery. After the surgery he didn't recover as quickly as expected, and that's what led to losing his business. Not being able to get to Boston, managing from a distance, and customers going elsewhere because he was in physical therapy instead of being
there, these were all contributing factors.

Finally after a few months, his doctor told him he should look for another occupation where he didn't have to stand for 8 hours a day. Then his business partner said he couldn't run the business without him, so he wanted to sell. In the moment this course of events seemed tragic, but in the long run we have found the silver lining in the cloud.

It took some time, almost 2 years of physical therapy, and research into the various possibilities for a new career. One day in the course of this research he saw a sign on a house near S. Willow St. & Queen City Ave. "Modes of Expression Art Studio - classes". He went to investigate and met a wonderful fellow artist - Sheila Psaledas. Their conversation led to new possibilities, and not too long after that he started teaching his first classes there at "Modes of Expression Art Studio".

As time went on Kim found other venues for teaching classes. As it turns out this has been a good vocation for him, perhaps it was his fate in the first place but it took some extreme circumstances to realize it. Life can be that way, a bit of a bumpy road while we find our way.

A special 'Thank You' to Sheila for her support at that right time and place when Kim was deciding which direction to take. We also want to warmly thank all the places where Kim has taught over the years, as well as all the students who've taken his classes. Far too many people and places to list, but you know who you are. Our best wishes & sincere gratitude to all of you.

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-10-25T05:00:00.002-04:00

"Don't look for obscure formulas or mystery in my work. It is pure joy that I offer you. Look at my sculptures until you see them. Those closest to God have seen them."

Constantin Brancusi

Question of the Week

2011-10-22T05:00:00.002-04:00

If you could go anywhere in the world to paint or draw, where would you go?

Rembrandt

2011-10-21T00:14:00.002-04:00

1660 self portrait

Kim's all time favorite painter is Rembrandt. Why you might ask? His viewpoint revolves around internal and external excellence, which he feels can be seen especially in the portraits he painted. Rembrandt's work reveals an intense probing into the essence of humanity through his study of character and motivation. He was a man who respected everyone and painted from the heart.

He developed and perfected the techniques and concepts begun in the Renaissance, and produced an enormous number of paintings and etchings. Aside from portraiture he also did many landscapes and narratives. He was praised by other artists of his time as being a master of interpreting Biblical stories because of his skill in representing emotions, and his attention to detail.

The stoning of St. Steven

Rembrandt was born on 15 July 1606 (death 1669) in the Dutch Republic, now the Netherlands. His family was financially secure; his father was a miller and his mother was a baker's daughter. As a boy he attended Latin school and later was enrolled at the University of Leiden. He was apprenticed to a Leiden history painter, Jacob van Swanenburgh, for three years. Later he had a 6 month apprenticeship with the famous painter Pieter Lastman in Amsterdam. Rembrandt opened a studio in Leiden in 1624 or 1625, and shared it with friend and colleague Jan Lievens, and by 1627 he began to accept students.

He was also discovered in 1629 by a politician who helped him get important commissions from the court of The Hague and Prince Frederik Hendrik. Because of this connection, the Prince continued to purchase paintings from Rembrandt until 1646.

1630 self portrait etching

In the 1630’s Amsterdam, was rapidly expanding as the new business capital of the Netherlands, so Rembrandt move there by the end of 1631. He began to practice as a professional portrait artist for the first time, and was very successful. He later became a member of the local guild of painters and acquired a number of students.

He is considered to be the most important Dutch artist and one of the greatest European artists of all time.

This painting was stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990.

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-10-18T05:00:00.002-04:00

"All my life I have worked to be able to earn my living, but I thought that one could do good painting without attracting attention to one's private life. Certainly, an artist wishes to raise himself intellectually as much as possible, but the man must remain obscure. The pleasure must be found in the work."

Paul Cezanne

Question of the Week

2011-10-15T05:00:00.003-04:00

What is your greatest artistic challenge?

Do You Exercise Your Eyes?

2011-10-13T05:00:00.184-04:00

(Due to Kim's busy schedule this week I'm writing this one from my own experience as an artist - Cheryl)

With all the visual stimulation we get from the moment we wake up in the morning until we close our eyes to sleep at night, you would think that your eyes get plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, they may not be getting the kind of exercise that helps you as an artist. As a matter of fact, our eyes sometimes become desensitized to the subtle beauty that is around us all the time simply because there is too much too take in.

In the same way that information overload can make us want to stop reading or listening, visual overload can cause us to subconsciously stop looking. This state of being could be called artist block, when we lose inspiration about what to draw, paint or create. You might think the solution is to close your eyes, but it's not. On the contrary, taking some focused time to observe more carefully can give you quite a lot of inspiration.

In my early art days I made a habit of taking a sketch pad & pencils with me everywhere. This was not to sketch everything I saw or catch an inspiration, but to remind myself to exercise my eyes every day. If I had to wait for an appointment, felt bored in a class, or otherwise had a few spare minutes, I would look at the outlines of shapes and negative spaces and do simple line drawings of these. It's an easy way to continuously train your eye to see beyond the literal objects in the environment, to the way these objects relate in space to form the lines and shapes we create on the two dimensional plain. Sometimes if I didn't have pencil & paper I would simply observe and trace object outlines with my eyes.

Another use for my sketch pad & pencils was to record patterns & textures. There are patterns everywhere, for example the weave of a wicker chair or a basket, the leaf patterns of a plant, or wood grain, flooring, tiles, fences, fabric designs, etc. Patterns and textures can be fascinating to observe but quite tricky or tedious to copy. Once again, my purpose was not to imitate exactly what I saw but to train my eye to focus on subtleties and interesting details and figure out how to represent those on paper.

As a photographer I found myself more naturally focused on composition, but I would do similar exercises to train my eyes to notice a good composition quickly. By holding my thumbs & fingers in the shape of a rectangle I would observe the possibilities for compositions all around me. Sometimes I would use a small pre-cut mat as a sort of window to frame my views of the world. Even while carrying a camera sometimes I would just practice composing in the viewfinder without taking the photograph. This kind of practice allows the subconscious to take over the work of composing while you consciously note the other factors like light & shadow, color, focus, etc.

It becomes a habit after awhile, these exercises, so that every moment becomes an opportunity to notice shape, form, texture, line, pattern & composition. In this way the world becomes filled with artistic inspiration and never ending possibilities. Every person is unique and feels inspired by different things. For some people going to art shows or museums will get their creative juices flowing, for others it is nature, and for some it's taking classes. However all artists need training & practice as we strive to improve our skills. I hope these ideas stimulate your own thoughts or help you find new methods for artistic practice.

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-10-11T05:00:00.002-04:00

"Great art picks up where nature ends."

Marc Chagall

Question of the Week

2011-10-08T01:47:00.001-04:00

Which medium do you most enjoy & why?

Mary Dunning Retrospective

2011-10-06T05:00:00.007-04:00

It was a privilege to attend the Mary Dunning Retrospective last week. We wanted to share some of our favorite pieces here for those who could not attend or didn't know Mary. Her work captures the light, warmth, innocence and beauty of humanity and everyday life. Enjoy!

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-10-04T05:00:00.002-04:00

"The beautiful is in nature, and it is encountered under the most diverse forms of reality. Once it is found it belongs to art, or rather to the artist who discovers it."

Gustave Courbet

Question of the Week

2011-10-01T01:44:00.006-04:00

Which Museum has top priority on your "Bucket List"?

Mary Dunning Retrospective Tonight

2011-09-30T13:16:00.000-04:00

Let's honor this beautiful person and artist, join me tonight at Kimball Jenkins Estate in Concord for this wonderful event. For more info click the link below.

http://www.kimballjenkins.com/marydunning.html

Composition Is Fundamental (part 2)

2011-09-29T19:10:00.003-04:00

What Are The Elements Of Good Composition?

Like ingredients in a good recipe, if you want to create beautiful art you need to start with knowing your elements and how they combine to make the best "taste". In art, the ingredients of your composition are:

Line
Shape
Value (light & dark)
Color
Texture

How do these elements combine in your artwork to create the most attractive composition? Do the elements emphasize the focal point? Do they create movement within the
artwork, or combine to express an overall emotion or message?

Understanding The Principles Of Composition

Following certain principles can help you put the elements together in a way that creates a pleasing composition. Not all the principles have to be applied in every artwork, but these are like guidelines to consider when thinking about your composition and what message or feeling you are trying to express.

Unity or Harmony - Sometimes this word is misunderstood. It does not mean that everything has to be the same or similar, it simply means that everything has to work together to accomplish the goal. When someone looks at the artwork, if there is no sense of unity the piece will not hold their interest because it will fail to evoke "feeling", or it will not be pleasing.

Proportion - The size & shape of objects & effects, in relation to each other & the whole piece, is what proportion is about. Do the proportions create depth? Do they make sense, or are they emphasizing the focal point, expressing the message and supporting the unity of the piece? Using the Golden Mean, the Rule of Thirds, and perspective are three ways of achieving proportion.

Balance - This refers to the shape & mass of the elements in relation to each other. Large & dark shapes are considered heavier than small & lighter shapes. Do the objects in the artwork weight the piece in an unbalanced or unpleasing way? Balance can be achieved through symmetrical or asymmetrical placement of objects or through using color, light, dark, texture, movement & repetition in a way that creates balance through out the work.

Variety - Variety within the elements can be very subtle to almost chaotic, depending on the subject matter and the intention of your piece. For example, you could have a painting of only rocks, but there could be a great deal of variety within the sizes, shapes, value, and color scheme. On the other hand, you could have a painting of a wide variety of objects in a still life, but harmony is created through placement, color, value, etc. Ideally there should be enough variety to keep the observer interested, but not so much that the viewer becomes disturbed or feels the work is unpleasant to look at.

Contrast - Light & dark values create shape and give objects definition and depth. If there is not enough contrast in a work of art it can look flat, lacking depth or monotonous. Line, shape, color, and texture can also be combined in ways that create contrast.

Movement - When your eyes are naturally stimulated to move through out a piece of art it is because the elements are combined in a way that creates movement. Your mind may subconsciously follow lines, repeating shapes or colors, or the nuances of relationships in the work that drive the viewer to find and understand your focal point.

Repetiton & Rhythm - Repetition creates rhythm and rhythm creates movement, just as the repetition of notes in music creates harmony and a melody that carry us through a piece of music. Repetition needs variety, or a slight variation in the elements or objects that are being repeated. It's through the variation of repeating elements that a particular rhythm is created. Repetition can also be thought of as pattern, and a pattern can cause the eye to move through out the piece.

These are a few basics to keep in mind when composing your work. Ask yourself questions about your subject matter. What attracts me to this? What do I want the focus of attention to be? What is the emotional experience of the work and how will I express that? Think of the elements of composition as your tools for expression, and the principles as methods for using those tools.

For a more in depth study of composition you may want to attend some of my classes or workshops.

This Famous Artist said...

2011-09-27T05:00:00.004-04:00

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."

Edgar Degas

Question of the Week

2011-09-24T01:42:00.002-04:00

What do you love most about art?

Composition Is Fundamental

2011-09-22T14:45:00.002-04:00

"The composition or design of a picture can be compared to the foundations of a tall building. Without this solid, underlying framework, the whole thing would collapse. Even the simplest subject needs to be composed so that it fits effectively within the confines of the picture space and - most importantly - so that it emphasizes the message behind the work."

Chronicle Books, Artist's Manual, Angela Cair

When I teach art I try to begin with the most fundamental points and build on that. Composition is the backbone of any artwork and should be considered before making any other choices. Through doing preliminary sketches one can deliberately think about where the emphasis or focal point of the subject matter will be, and how the various elements of the piece will bring the viewers eye to that point.

The composition should reflect the intent or message of the artist. Why did you chose this focal point? What is the overall feeling or experience you are trying to convey. For example. in a portrait, the eyes are the most likely focal point as the eyes are "the mirror of the soul". However in a painting of two or more people the relationship between the subjects is more likely the focal point. The choices in composition you will make to
emphasize these points will depend on what you want to express about the person or the relationships.

Composition should be carefully considered before choosing your medium, size or palette. Through doing preliminary sketches and coming up with the best composition for your work you will often naturally come to the conclusion that your piece should be large or small, and what medium & colors scheme will best enhance the composition and convey your intent. In this way, composition is the gateway between internal purpose and external expression.

Why Photography Is Art

2011-09-21T05:00:00.005-04:00

It has come to my attention recently that some people have a hard time accepting the idea that photography is art. I want to address this by doing a comparison between photography and drawing or painting.

To take an artistic photograph first and foremost you have to understand what makes a good composition. An illustrator or painter will also first establish their composition before rendering their subject. A photographer needs to understand how light and shadow will affect their subject and make choices based on their desired outcome. Is that not what all artists do? Most of all, like any artist, a photographer needs to learn to "see" how line, form, color, texture, value & perspective relate to each other and influence the image they are trying to capture. All of this does not happen just because you point and shoot any more than it would happen just
because you put paint on a canvas.

If you draw or paint you have probably had to spend some time getting to know your medium and materials. In the same way a photographer has to get to know their camera. Just because it's expensive or fancy doesn't mean it does all the work. Do the most expensive paint & brushes paint by themselves? There may be other things photographers consider while creating art, such as film or digital, black & white or color, edited & enhanced with software or not. Making these choices is similar to considering what type of canvas or paper to use, what type or drawing or painting materials to use and so forth. These choices my be made for a wide variety of reasons all relating to the artistic vision of the artist (or photographer).

Not every painting or drawing is great art, not every photograph is great art either. Some photographs are just snapshots, and some snapshots are good enough to be considered artistic. However I doubt that happens totally by chance, but more because the person who took the photo has an "artistic eye" and a good sense of timing. Photographers do need to be able to recognize the potential elements that are coming together at a certain place in time and get in place to capture it. Some people can do this very naturally, just as some people can draw because of natural talent.

Natural talent does not determine everything though. An illustrator or painter will get better at their art with study and practice just as a photographer will. All artists at times will make "fortunate mistakes" by allowing the creative process to guide the outcome of the work. Artistic photography is a creative process like any other, only the tools are different. Tools don't make art, people with an artistic vision & skill make art.

So that's the final word as far as I'm concerned - Photography is an Art - as much as painting, drawing, sculpture, collage or anything else is an art. I hope you agree. (Photograph & article by Cheryl Roth)

This Famous Artist Said...

2011-09-20T00:42:00.000-04:00

"What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough."

Eugene Delacroix

Think Outside The Box

2011-09-19T11:32:00.000-04:00

Question of the Week

2011-09-17T01:41:00.000-04:00

I'm going to have a regular post schedule from now on, here's how it goes:

Tuesday - Quote of the week.
Thursday - A short article or art topic.
Saturday - Question of the week

So please feel free to invite your friends and leave your comments. I'd like to make my blog more interactive.
Today's question: What is your favorite subject to draw or paint?

Still Time to Sign Up!

2011-09-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

Classes at E. W. Poore started this week but you can still jump in.

Classes at Kimball Jenkins start next week so there's still time to sign up.

What are you doing to enjoy the changing season? Painting, drawing, and enjoying the beauty of nature I hope!

Fall Art Classes

2011-08-22T23:05:00.001-04:00

E. W. Poore Art Studio

Tuesdays starting Sept. 13 for 12 weeks:
10 AM to Noon - Acrylic Painting
1 PM to 3 PM - Acrylic Painting
6 PM to 8 PM - Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic

Thursdays starting Sept. 15 for 12 weeks
10 Am to Noon - Acrylic Painting
1 PM to 3 PM - Painting Development Series (3 Topics, 4 weeks each)

To Register: Email Kim rothart@msn.com
or call E. W. Poore at 603-622-3802

Kimball Jenkins School of Art

Mondays starting Sept. 19 for 8 weeks
1:30 PM to 3 PM - Learn to See, Learn to Draw (Adults & Teens)
4 PM to 5:30 PM - Intro to Drawing (kids grades 4 to 6)
6 PM to 8 PM - Acrylic Painting From Photographs

Wednesdays starting Sept. 21 for 8 weeks
1:30 PM to 3 PM - Learn to See, Learn to Draw Level II (Adults & Teens)
4 PM to 5:30 PM - Intro to Drawing Level II (kids grades 4 to 6)

Fridays starting Sept. 23 for 8 weeks
10 AM to Noon - Acrylic Painting From Photographs

To Register: Call Kimball Jenkins 603-225-3932
or go online www.kimballjenkins.com

Manchester Summer Classes

2011-07-04T15:01:00.001-04:00

E. W. Poore

Acrylic Painting

Tuesdays 10 AM to 12 noon

Starts 7/12

Thursdays 10 AM to 12 Noon

Starts 7/14

8 weeks $130

No previous experience required. Discover the ease & versatility of painting with acrylics. Enjoy this user friendly medium & have fun at the same time. Good introduction to painting.

Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic

Thursday 6 PM to 8 PM

Starts 7/14

8 weeks $130

Choose from a variety of media to develop your creative potential. All levels welcomed.

Drawing for Painters

Wednesday 10 AM to 11:30 AM

Starts 7/13

8 weeks $130

Learn the fundamentals of drawing in an easy & fun class. A great foundation for painters.

Summer 2011 Classes

2011-07-04T14:20:00.005-04:00

kimball Jenkins

Acrylic Painting

From Photographs

Wednesdays 6 to 8 PM

7/6 to 8/24

Fridays 10 AM to 12 Noon

7/8 to 8/26

8 weeks $240

No previous experience required. Take your own photos and turn them into paintings! What interests you – people, places or things? Capture it on film and then discover a new way to look at it through the world of painting. There is so much you can do with acrylics. Paintings make great personalized gifts & keepsakes. Be prepared to be creative and paint, paint, paint!

Materials List Provided

Three Day Workshops

Drawing Intensives:

July 12, 13, 14 or August 2, 3, 4

1:30 to 4:30 PM

$100 per 3 day session

Learn the basics of drawing in 3 days! These workshops are a condensed version of Learn to See, Learn to Draw. A workshop is a great way to build your confidence to move into painting in the Fall.

En Plein Air Garden Painting:

July 19, 20, 21 or August 9, 10, 11

1:30 to 4:30 PM

$100 per 3 day session

Get close to nature. Enjoy the outdoors and spend the afternoon painting in the beautiful Kimball Jenkins Gardens. Any painting medium is welcome, watercolor, acrylic or oils. All levels of experience welcome.

Materials List Provided

E.W. Poore Annual Student Show

2011-05-24T19:38:00.001-04:00

To all my students, you did a great job! Thanks for being part of the show. Sorry we didn't get pictures of everyone, but we did take pictures of your work. Let me know if you'd like a copy.

Visit Kim's Web Portfolio

2011-05-04T19:44:00.000-04:00

www.kimrothfineart.com

Spring Casses

2011-05-04T14:11:00.000-04:00

Although classes have already started, new students are still welcome to jump in. Fees will be pro-rated. Due to Kim's individual teaching style, most regular classes are on a revolving basis and students can join in at any point. Workshops & series are the exception that need to be started at the beginning of each topic. Email Kim for more information: rothart@msn.com

Classes in Concord at KJ:
Mondays:
Acrylic Painting - 10 AM to Noon
Learn to See, Learn to Draw - 1:30 to 3:00 PM
After School Drawing (grades 4-6) - 4:00 to 5:30 PM
Acrylic Painting - 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Wednesdays:
Learn to See, Learn to Draw - 1:30 to 3:00 PM
After School Drawing (grades 4-6) - 4:00 to 5:00 PM

Classes in Manchester at E. W. Poore:
Tuesdays:
Acrylic Painting - 10:00 AM to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic - 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Thursdays:
Acrylic Painting - 10:00 to Noon or 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Fridays:
Painting Development Series - There are 4 topics, each topic is covered in 3 weeks. The second topic is starting this week on May 6 so it's still possible to sign up.
May 6 to 20 - Painting Water, Sky & Rocks.
May 27 to June 10 - Introduction to Watercolor Painting
June 17 to July 1 - Successful Color Mixing

Kimball Jenkins Student & faculty Art Show Dec. 2010

2010-12-13T22:36:00.000-05:00

E. W. Poore Student Art Show

2010-05-10T12:01:00.000-04:00

E. W. Poore did a great job, thanks to all who worked hard to put together a great show!

E. W. Poore Student Art Show

2010-05-10T11:56:00.000-04:00

E. W. Poore Student Art Show

2010-05-10T11:52:00.000-04:00

E. W. Poore Student Art Show

2010-05-10T11:38:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to all my students at E. W. Poore for a great art show.

Spring 2010 Classes at E. W. Poore

2010-03-27T12:45:00.000-04:00

Starting April 13, 2010
Call (603)622-3802 to register

Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic
Tuesdays 6 to 8 PM or Thursdays 6 to 8 PM
10 weeks - $150

Drawing for Painters
Tuesdays 1:00 to 2:30 PM
10 weeks - $150

Acrylic Painting
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays 10 AM to 12 Noon
Also Thursdays 1:00 to 3 PM
10 weeks - $150

Painting Development Series
3 Topics - 3 weeks each
Saturdays 10 Am to 12 Noon
April 17: Pictorial Design & Composition
May 8: Paininng Water, Sky & Rocks
May 29: Successful Color Mixing
3 weeks - $50, or 9 weeks $135

Art & Arrangements at Kimball Jenkins School of Art

2010-01-15T23:49:00.001-05:00

Art & Arrangements at Kimball Jenkins Estate

2010-01-15T23:32:00.000-05:00

I did a series of 5 collages for this show and I'm really pleased with the florists interpretations of my work.

Fall Classes at Kimball Jenkins:

2009-08-09T19:18:00.000-04:00

Call for class listings and to register: (603) 225-3932

Fall Classes at E. W. Poore:

2009-08-09T18:53:00.000-04:00

Call to register: (603) 622-3802

Acrylic Painting
Starting Sept. 8, 9 & 10
Choose Tue., Wed. or Thur. classes
10 AM to Noon

Drawing for Painters
Starts Sept. 8
Tue. 1 to 2:30

Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic
Starting Sept. 8 & 10
Tue. 6 to 8 PM
Thur. 6 to 8 PM

Demonstration Classes
Starts Sept. 10
Thur. 1:00 to 2:30 PM

Art History
Starts Oct. 22
Thur. 1 to 2:30 PM

2009-06-22T12:41:00.000-04:00

New!
Kim's 3 Day Workshops at Kimball Jenkins & E. W. Poore.

email rothart@msn.com and we'll send you a flyer, or contact:

Kimnall Jenkins www.kimballjenkins.com 225-3932
E. W. Poore ewpoore@comcast.net 622-3802

2009-06-08T11:17:00.000-04:00

Watch part of Kim's demo class on MCTV channel 23.

2009-05-15T19:38:00.000-04:00

The Spring Demo class is finished but there will be another one in the fall with tips on setting up your own still life for the best composition, lighting, etc.

Also summer classes will be starting soon.

2009-05-11T15:11:00.000-04:00

Visit Manchester City Hall to see some of Kim's recent paintings and the work of 6 other local artists.

2009-02-06T11:18:00.000-05:00

Kim's painting "Tapestry" was featured in the Concord Monitor and the Hippo Press, in articles written about the exhibit "Art in Bloom" at Kimball Jenkins. The exhibit is well worth going to, featuring the artwork of 6 artists, and floral interpretations of the artwork. The exhibit can be viewed until Feb. 27th.

Current Classes

2009-01-16T13:36:00.000-05:00

E. W. Poore Art Studio
Acrylic Painting - Tuesdays or Thursdays 10 to Noon
Drawing, Watercolor & Acrylic - Tuesdays or Thursdays 6 to 8 PM
Drawing for Painters - Thursdays 1 to 2:30 PM

Kimball Jenkins Art School
Oil Painting - Wednesdays 1 to 4 PM
Acrylic Painting from Photos - Wednesdays 6 to 8 PM

Prime Time
Painting With Acrylics - Mondays 10 to Noon

Pleasant View Retirement Center
Fun With Art (all media) - Fridays 1:30 to 3:30 PM

Paintings in Acrylic

2009-01-13T13:01:00.000-05:00

2009-01-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

About Kim

2009-01-13T12:07:00.000-05:00

Kim was born in Orange, New South Wales, Australia. He was educated in Sydney attending the National Art School, and receiving a degree from Julian Ashton Art School. He moved to Florida in the United States in 1987.

Kim has lived in Manchester, NH with his wife and 3 children for 12 years. He teaches classes in drawing and painting at E. W. Poore Art Studio, Kimball Jenkins Art School, Prime Time, and other locations in Central and Southern NH. He is a member of the Manchester Artist Associationon and is on the Board of Directors for the MAA Art Gallery. His work has been displayed in shows and galleries in Florida, Washington DC, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.