Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Painting Classes in Brentwood Starting July 16

By Chuck Whiting

MCAU Editor

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 2013) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year" in 2012, will teach a series of watercolor painting classes for artists of all levels this summer in Brentwood, Tenn.

            Two separate watercolor painting classes will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Tuesdays beginning July 16 at the Brentwood United Methodist Church, 309 Franklin Road. The classes will meet from 9 a.m.-noon and 6-9 p.m. on July 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27; and Sept. 3. Tuition is $150 for eight, three-hour sessions.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required.  Both check and credit card payments are accepted.  For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (615) 599-5115 or send an e-mail inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.gailmcdanielart.com.

            McDaniel has taught watercolor workshops on three continents and in Central America. She has trained more than 1,100 different artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            "My classes provide opportunities for watercolor artists to develop their skills and find success," said McDaniel, a traditional watercolor artist who is best known for her vibrant use of colors when depicting images from nature and real life. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back. My goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed."

            McDaniel also has helped raise almost $90,000 for the arts in area public schools through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards". The fund-raising effort earned McDaniel and her husband, Ken, a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009. She recently received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame. The PENCIL Foundation in Nashville named her 2012 "Volunteer of the Year". An eighth-generation Kentuckian, she has been named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel, who lives in Williamson County, gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France.

            A native of Kentucky, she has studied under 37 noted art instructors. The artist’s reputation as a budding artist grew in 1984 when she was commissioned to paint a family landmark by Kentucky Governor Louie B. Nunn. She has had 52 solo exhibitions during her career. The Brentwood Public Library hosted her first Tennessee solo art exhibition in 1994.  In 1996 and 1997, she was invited to design the theme poster for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair".  In 1998, she was commissioned to paint 18 watercolor paintings for a permanent collection at the newly opened Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Franklin, Tenn.  A year later, she was commissioned to paint 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar.

            In 2000, she became a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. A year later, she was commissioned to paint a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes". In 2003, she traveled to Giverny, France, and painted in Monet’s Garden. She has judged local, regional and statewide art shows, including a statewide competition at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville.

            In 2005, McDaniel was commissioned to paint the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music", a PENCIL Foundation fund-raiser starring LeAnn Rimes. A local newspaper spotlighted the artist after she created a poster commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce. She was invited to be the featured artist for the "Martin's Master Show" in Brentwood, Tenn., in November 2009.

            Other upcoming training opportunities with McDaniel include watercolor painting classes for intermediate and advanced artists at Plaza Artist Materials in downtown Nashville from July 17-Sept. 4.