Barbara Benda

Yee Haw Study- This is one of a series of paintings I am exploring from my latest interest in the rodeo. After attending the Hawley Rodeo and the Red Horse RanchRodeo this summer, I was inspired by the athleticism of the riders and the animals. I am preparing for a show at the Spirit Room in downtown Fargo, ND from November 18th, 2013 through January 15th, 2014. I am analyzing and experimenting with various compositions to improve my overall quality of artwork. I took a great workshop this past summer from Donna Zagotta, hosted by the Red River Watercolor Society. Donna taught me to slow down, and spend more time on methodically working on a good composition. I realized I sometimes rush that process. Therefore, I have made a decision not to have any small interim shows until this event so I can focus on composition and “designing the rectangle”, so to speak. I have completed two large rodeo paintings and am excited about the journey ahead of me.

I will be teaching a two-day workshop entitled, “The Creative Journey: Exploration in Drawing and Watercolor” on August 7th and 8th, 2012, through the Red Door Art Gallery in Wahpeton, North Dakota. The course is an introductory overview of non-threatening techniques to spur the creative energy of all levels of artists. This course will take place at the Tech Building at the North Dakota State College of Science. Currently, the contract is pending, so all details are not in place, but the course will be offered through the Red Door Art Gallery. For more information, you can go to this site to sign up:

http://reddoorgallerywahpeton.com/barb-benda-nagle-water-color-class/

The supply list will be finalized within a couple weeks, by the middle of July. I will be offering a Watercolor Sampler Kit for about $15.00, for use in this workshop, for those who don’t want to invest in supplies without trying out the course first.  It will include a folding palette with a variety  of paints and a brush. Students will also be required to have a journal for sketching and writing. I suggest a journal that is at least 8.5″x 11″ in size. Other supplies will be household items, such as ice cream buckets, saran wrap, and pencils. Anyone who has their own watercolor materials is encouraged to bring what they have.

Stay tuned for more information. I hope to see you at my class!  Class size is limited to 16.

I am happy to announce that my painting, Come Fly with Me, has been included in this year’s Midwestern at the Rourke Art Museum in downtown Moorhead, Minnesota. This year’s theme is American Songbook. I chose Frank Sinatra’s tune, “Come Fly with Me” for my painting of a bird who flies by the window of several trapped, yet contented birds, and urges them to take the risk of flying free. I had a great time with this grid painting, done in acrylic mixed media collage. Painting in grid form is like solving a jigsaw puzzle, trying to make all the pieces fit visually and aesthetically. It isn’t easy, but is totally gratifying when it is finished. The Midwestern will be on display all summer, so I encourage you to stop in and see my painting along with many other interpretations of American Songbook. Jonathan Twingley is this year’s juror and he will be present at the opening on Monday night, June 18th to share his thoughts  and award prizes.