A Busy Week

The Queen Bee and I had a busy weekend dropping off art at various places for some upcoming exhibits.  "Over the Edge" was dropped at The Gallery at The Garrett County Arts Council in Oakland for the seasonal art change out.  We had a nice visit with Sue and Alan Arnson at The Loft Shop,  while dropping a piece that they are helping us to deliver for jurying in the GCAC's juried event.  Then, it was off to the Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, PA, where we made it within minutes of the drop-off deadline for the upcoming Westmoreland Art Nationals.     This week, I'm looking forward to visiting a company down on the river to discuss a commission.  

Below is the piece we dropped at the Garrett County Arts Council. 

"Over the Edge"
Original Watercolor On Canvas
40"x30"
 ©copyright 2011 Robert Yonke 

Westmoreland Art Nationals

I was pleased to learn last week that "Foamy Falls" was accepted into the Westmoreland Art Nationals annual juried exhibition at Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, PA.  The exhibition runs from Saturday June 2 to Thursday June 14, 2012.  

"Foamy Falls"
original watercolor on canvas with mixed media
36"x24"
©copyright 2011 Robert Yonke 

Annual Bluegrass Concert Celebrates St. Joseph House of Hospitality

 The 14th Annual Bluegrass Concert for Catholic Charities’ St. Joseph House of Hospitality will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27, at Synod Hall, 125 N. Craig Street in Pittsburgh. 

The concert kicks off a year of festivities commemorating  St. Joseph's 75th anniversary of outreach to the homeless. Founded in 1937 by Father Charles Owen Rice at a time when  one third of Pittsburgh's employable were unemployed, St. Josephs'  provided meals, rooms, and other necessities. At one time, both men's and women's shelters were also operating.

Today, St. Joseph's is located on Bedford Avenue in Pittsburgh's Hill District in the former Roselia Foundling and Maternity Hospital where  59 men ages 50 or older receive a room, three meals a day and supportive services.  In addition to celebrating the 75th anniversary, administrator Paul Dvorchak enters his 25th year
with St. Joseph's. He and his son, Paul Jr. will once again be performing  at the bluegrass concert with the group, Fern Hollow Boys.

"The concert has become a family affair as my son and I have played in every one," Dvorchak said.  "My wife and daughter are integral to helping plan and carry off the event that is just plain fun for all involved, the musicians who donate their time, and the audience who enjoy the music."   

In addition to Fern Hollow Boys, Mac Martin & the Dixie Travelers, Allegheny Drifters, Midnight Drive and Mon River Ramblers will also perform. Tickets are priced at $20.00 and festival seating is available.

For more information about St. Joseph’s or to purchase tickets, call 412-471-0666 ext. 227, or pdvorc@ccpgh.org.

First Day of Trout and I Missed It!

Well, the best laid plans..... I had planned on getting out for Pennsylvania's trout opener Saturday with my two best fishing buddies but was waylayed by one of these guys hurting his foot.   Still spent the time with my buddies, just didn't go fishing.

I couldn't pass up the opportunity off the river to do a little watercolor to mark the day.  Almost as good as being there...but not quite. 

"The Drift"| Original Watercolor| image size approximately 9"x12"| ©copyright 2012 Robert Yonke 

The Road to a Successful Painting

In my workshops, I emphasize a set of key guidelines that I believe make the road to a successful painting easier. The guidelines are as follows:

1. Design always trumps technique.
2. Too much color can be dangerous - keep it simple.
3. Don't get caught up in too much detail.
4. Mix up your edges.
5. Paint shapes not things.
6. Don't be afraid to change the direction of your painting.
7. Develop your own style.
8. Look at what other artists are doing.
9. Never throw a painting away.
10. Do something related to your art everyday.
11. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Look for upcoming posts where I will dive into each of these guidelines.