Barbara Benda Nagle

Boating, jet skiing, relaxing at a lake cabin?   Our “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is a summertime treasure when we know long winters are ahead.

I found my joy last week at Lake Cormorant, MN, but not on a dock or a pontoon.  I had the pleasure of leading a group of 16 wonderful women in my 3 day “Creative Journey: Exploration in Drawing and Watercolor” workshop.   It was sponsored by the Cormorant Area Art Club and held in a spacious, sunlit room that ensured amazing art would emerge.

While some may find the basics of drawing a bit tedious, I believe this is the starting point for creating works in art.  Understanding basic forms, the effectiveness of lights and darks (also called value), and composition are the foundations of an effective painting.

Comments from participants at the Lake Cormorant workshop included:

“Barbara’s approach to everyone was very positive and non-threatening.  She is an excellent art teacher.”

“I learned the very basics, which Barbara said would be taught at this workshop.”

“The encouragement of the teacher was most helpful.”

“I liked everything.  I do suggest she add vitamins to the supply list!”

“Barbara was very structured and encouraging.  I learned I can draw!”

“I liked that Barbara started on time and had a definitive lesson plan.”

Having taught for 30 years in the public school and BIA school systems, I have learned that lesson planning, starting on time, and being organized are important to me.  Teaching and working with amazing artists in beautiful Minnesota lake country made it a fabulous workshop for me, too!

I look forward to the upcoming year as more community workshops and art events are on the horizon.  Here’s a summary of what ahead this fall, so mark your calendars now!-

Community Classes

Sept. 13th    9-12 a.m. Seeing Things Differently: The Short Course in Sketching – Red Door Art Gallery, Wahpeton, ND   701-591-1010 www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com

Sept. 20th   9-12 a.m. Seeing Things Differently Part II – Red Door Art Gallery, Wahpeton, ND (must have taken Part 1)  701-591-1010 www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com

Oct. 19th     6 – 8:30 p.m. Seeing Things Differently: The Short Course in Sketching – Moorhead Community Ed  218-284-3400 www.moorheadschools.org

Oct. 26th     6-8:30 p.m. Seeing Things Differently Part II     218-284-3400  www.moorheadschools.org

Nov. 9th      6- 8:00 p.m. Sketching Cartoon Characters the Easy Way – Moorhead Community Ed    218-284-3400  www.moorheadschools.org

Events

Sept. 8          Featured Artist Art Reception – September 8, 2016 Art Gallerie on Main Art Reception, Bismarck, ND  701-425-8439  www.artgalleryonmain.com

Oct. 1-2        12 noon – 6 p.m. Studio Crawl – Mourning Dove Studio (Barbara’s home studio) 809 20th Street North Moorhead, MN

And as usual, I will be working at Gallery 4 at 114 North Broadway in downtown Fargo a few times a month.  Please stop by to say hi!

Barbara

Interested in subscribing to my new newsletter that will keep you informed of all of my upcoming classes and events?  I promise to limit newsletters and emails to about one per month, and would never share or sell your email address.  If interested, please send your first and last name and your email address to me at barbara@barbarabendanagle.com with the word “subscribe” in the subject line.  Thank you!