This is cheating, but I’m sure Erin O’Connor will forgive the indescretion. I’m going to repeat other people’s comments about O’Connor’s latest successes. She’s on the short list for a certain summer plein air event, but I’m not allowed to tell you about that quite yet.
It’s cheating even more to boil down a description of Erin’s light to this: She paints like Dixon. O’Connor is not as well known (yet) as I think she should be, but that may soon change. Notices and awards are piling up, the latest being an article featuring the artist in Spring 2011’s issue of Plein Air Magazine. The article, “Living Lightly and Painting Boldly,” describes O’Connor’s artistic learning process, talks about her mentors and the life she lives as a plein air artist; a life that dictates small spaces, creative use of time, flexibility and an ability to swiftly capture landscapes that capture her. Fine examples of the artist’s work are depicted. Here’s a comment from O’Connor’s Facebook page:
“As a plein air painter who also lives out of his vehicle, when necessary … I can really relate to you, and your approach to the direct-study of landscapes. And SUCH beautiful images … you have a perfect eye for developing the sweep of your compositions [no cameras necessary]. Your article confirms what I suspected the moment I first saw you ‘working’ that morning at Winter Park … when you paint, you are in ‘direct conversation’ with the natural world. Never let anything keep you from your work and workplace … you set a high example for the rest of us! Thank you for sharing your experience.”- Williamson Tapia
O’Connor was selected as the 2009 Joshua Tree National Park Artist-in-Residence. Congrats on all past and presents successes, Erin.
•
Hot Glass, Cold Beer, Be Here.
Friday, March 25, blow yourself to a fun evening with the Teton Art Lab Glass Gang. The latter is hosting its first fundraiser at Jackson’s newest arts venue, the Factory Studios. $20 gets you in and goes to support the non-
profit Factory mission. Artists Danny White and John Hogan will be executing a “hot glass performance” and you can probably leave the party with your own piece of hand blown artisan glass.
Oh, says Travis: “Free Beer!”
The party starts at 6:00 pm, ends at 9:00 pm. ONLY fifty (50) tickets are available, and that ensures a good time to be had by all. No crushed glass. Call Rob Hollis at 307-248-1785 or respond on FB to reserve tickets.
•
This is just fun. I did not know the National Museum of Wildlife Art had this link to play with.
If you click here, you will find a neat art exercise. “Create a Composition with Carl Rungius” explores basic art principles; famed landscape painter Tucker Smith leads you through the game. The home page I found bobbled back and forth like a seesaw; balance is a component of strong paintings. You can review a series of principles or just jump ahead to creating your own “painting.” A nice interactive project, an enjoyable addition to NMWA’s interactive offierings.
This week’s NMWA “Art Alive @ 12:05” features demonsrations by sculptor Sandy Scott .
Tammy Christel 
