AmericanaFest 2023: Emmylou Harris and Rufus Wainwright Tell Their Stories During Insightful Interview

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

Friday (Sept. 22) at the Westin

Friends of Folk: 

A Conversation with Emmylou Harris and Rufus Wainwright  

Moderated by Celia Gregory

     Emmylou Harris and Rufus Wainwright told their stories during an insightful interview at The Westin in downtown Nashville. 

     Emmylou met Rufus’ mother, Kate McGarrigle, through Linda Ronstadt.  Kate of the folk duo The McGarrigle Sisters wrote “Heart Like a Wheel,” which Linda recorded in the 1970s.  Harris recorded the Kate’s and sister Anna’s “Love Is” in the early 1980s, inviting them to Nashville to sing backing vocals, where a friendship was born.  

     Celia asked what impression they had of folk music growing up.  Wainwright responded, “I had no concept of the real world other than folk. My first crib was a guitar case.” Rufus’ father is folk singer Loudon Wainwright.  His parents divorced when he was 3 and he was raised by his mother in Montreal. 

     Harris said she had no concept of folk music at all.  In her teens she listened to a radio show out of DC that played folk, and she was hooked.  She asked her parents for a guitar and began to play the songs off the radio.  

     Rufus injected that he started out in folk and then explored opera and show tunes.  He recently returned to folk with his new album “Folkocracy.”

     Emmylou said that she wanted to write with people she loved.  She would invite Anna and Kate to Nashville to write and would travel to Montreal to visit them and write.  She loved that Kate and Loudon remained friends after their divorce and that their children all got along.  She felt embraced by this extended family that also included Richard and Linda Thompson.

     When asked if they felt their parents encouraged them in music, Rufus said his mother Kate gave him great confidence.  He told the story that when he was 6 months old, she would sing “Old McDonald,” and he would sing the “E, I, E, I, O.”  Rufus had his doubts if that was actually true.  

     Emmylou said her parents paid for piano and sax lessons when she was an adolescent. They knew she could carry a tune.  But they were strict.

     Celia asked if they encouraged their own children to go into music.  Wainwright admitted, “That is a difficult question. We live in LA, and the arts are all around us.  My daughter Viva, whose birth mother is Leonard Cohen’s daughter, has a nice voice.  We want her to make her own choices.” 

     Harris added, “The most important thing for your child, really all of us, is to find your passion.”

(Text by Wil Comstock)

(Photos by Chuck Whiting)

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AmericanaFest 2023: Kentucky Kicks A’ at Big Commonwealth Party

AmericanaFest 2023: “If the United States can be called a body, then Kentucky can be called its heart.” — Jesse Stuart, writer (It was great to get outside into the sunshine Saturday afternoon for the annual Commonwealth of Kentucky Party at the Basement. This year’s AmericanaFest event featured live music (all Kentuckians), a variety of Louisville-style bourbon drinks, and all the Kentucky fried chicken you could eat. I enjoyed sipping on a “Bourbon Classic” while watching a performance by outstanding Nashville mainstay Leah Blevins. She’s the blonde Bluegrass girl in the short skirt. The rousing Boa Boys kicked things off with good, old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. Other performers to take the stage were Brit Taylor, Jeremy Pinnell, Laid Back Country Picker, Nine Pound Hammer, and The Jesephines. Souvenirs/giveaways included drumstick key chains, guitar picks, hand fans, and plastic drinking cups with the boastful words, “Kentucky Kicks Ass.” Kentucky clobbered Vanderbilt, 45 to 28, so that was definitely true on Saturday. This former Alabama boy was quite impressed.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #JesseStuart #Kentucky #KentuckyParty #TheBasement #FriedChicken #Bourbon #BoaBoys #CommonwealthofKentuckyParty #AmericanaFest #Americana #Music #LiveMusic #LeahBlevins #BritTaylor #Art #Arts #MusicCityArts 9-24-23 

AmericanaFest 2023: Celebrating Blues Great Bettye LaVette

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

22nd Annual Americana Music Awards

 

     As I put my hands to the keyboard, I know you have already heard, read or seen who the winners were at this year’s AMA’s.  I would like to write about one winner in particular who has been overlooked for more than 50 years. She has always been here in plain sight. Finally, her day has come… the unstoppable, Bettye Lavette, winner of the Legacy of Americana Award in Lifetime Achievement. 

     Accepting the award, Bettye said, “I have been in this business for 62 years. And I have lost all humility; I deserve this award!”  The New York Times called her “one of the great soul interpreters of her generation.” 

     Jon Bon Jovi says of Lavette, “Some singers sing – then there is Bettye, she doesn’t just sing the song, she lives in each one of them.  I’ve stood close enough to see it in her eyes.”  

     Bettye performed the Randall Bramblett classic “In the Meantime” with all of the grit and soul this 77-year-old woman has acquired over her lifetime.

     In 1962, at 16, she recorded her first single, “My Man, He’s a Lovin’ Man,” produced by local record producer Johnnie Mae Matthews, which Atlantic records later picked up. It became a huge R&B record between 1963-1964.  In 1965, she charted with “Let Me Down Easy” on Calla Records.  She continued to record but without much commercial success. Atco did not release her “Child of the Seventies” album. In 1979, she was asked to join the touring company of “Bubbling Brown Sugar”cast as Sweet Georgia Brown. She appeared with Honi Coles and Cab Calloway during the show’s six-year run.

     French soul music collector Gilles Petard got a hold of Lavette’s previously unreleased master of “Child of the Seventies,” which she recorded for Atlantic. He released it as “Souvenirs” in 2000. At the same time, Dutch fan Ben Mattijssen recorded Bettye at a live show in Utrecht, Holland, and released it as “Let Me Down Easy – In Concert” on hisMunich label. These two CDs, released almost simultaneously, created a renewed interest in Bettye, and showed that she was still in great voice.

     In 2002, Grammy Award-winning producer Dennis Walker got her signed to Blues Express, and they made her “comeback” CD, “A Woman Like Me.” Later that year, Mike Kappus, president of Rosebud Booking Agency, signed her on, prompting the release of “A Woman Like Me” in 2003. Bettye won the Blues Foundation’s W.C.  Handy Award in 2004 for Comeback Blues Album of the Year, as well as the Living Blues Critics Pick as Best Female Blues Artist of 2004!

     Kappus invited ANTI- Records President Andy Kaulkin to see one of Bettye’s shows. On the strength of her performance, Kaulkin asked Bettye to sign a three-record deal. Her first album was with Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Henry, who suggested an album of songs written entirely by women. The result was the album “I’ve Got My Own Hell to Raise,” which was on many critics’ “Best of 2005” lists.  Her second album for ANTI, “The Scene of the Crime,” was recorded in Muscle Shoals’ FAME Studios with Drive-By Truckers. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

     In 2006, she received the Pioneer Award from The Rhythm and Blues Foundation.  She received a Blues Music Award for Best Contemporary Female Blues Singer in 2008. In December of that year, she performed a critically acclaimed version of “Love Reign  O’er Me” at The Kennedy Center Honors in a tribute to Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend of the Who, who were among the honorees.

     In May 2010, her third ANTI- CD, “Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook,” was released to rave reviews. Lavette’s husband, Kevin Kiley, suggested the idea after her performance of “Love Reign O’er  Me” at The Kennedy Center Honors.

     The year 2012 saw the release of her no holds barred auto-biography, “A Woman Like Me,” co-authored with David Ritz, who has written biographies on Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye. 

     Verve Records released “Things Have Changed” in late 2016, an album of Bob Dylan covers. Grammy Award-winning Producer Steve Jordan was at the helm. In 2019, It was nominated for two Grammy Awards, one for Best Americana Album, and the song “Don’t Fall Apart On Me Tonight” for Best Traditional  R&B Performance. 

     In 2020 Bettye’s second Verve album, “Blackbirds,” was released. It consisted of songs by black female singers from the ‘50s and ‘60s that inspired her early in her career. Again, she teamed with drummer/producer Steve Jordan. She was also inducted into The Blues Hall of Fame and received a Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Female Artist. In 2021, Blackbirds received a Grammy Nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

     This year saw the release of “Lavette!”, an album of Randall Bramblett covers produced by Steve Jordan.   Bettye declares Bramblett to be “the best writer that I have heard in the last 30 years.”  This album has a stellar line up of musicians including Steve Winwood, Jon Batiste, John Mayer, and Larry Campbell, as well as Jordan. Lavette is daring and vulnerable as she stakes new ground on this collection of gems.

 

Gail McDaniel to Teach Spring Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta

            GRIFFIN, Ga. (February 2020) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor of the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, will lead a watercolor painting course this spring in Griffin, Georgia, near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting March 4, 2020 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on March 4, 11, 18 and 25; and April 1, 8, 15 and 22.  

            McDaniel will provide invaluable insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists of all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt or http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.   

"Lavender Farm," a watercolor painting by Gail McDaniel

            "Students are encouraged to paint their own choice of subject matter, in their own style, at their own speed, all the while being challenged to work out of their comfort zone and having fun along the way," said McDaniel, who was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. "My classes provide opportunities for artists to develop their skills and find success.

            Before moving to Georgia, McDaniel spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,600 students in classes and workshops around the world while raising almost $90,000 for student arts supplies.

            "The Griffin area has a host of artists, so it's the ideal community to teach classes," McDaniel added. "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."

            During her career, McDaniel has trained 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 Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

Artist/instructor Gail McDaniel

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools by staging January "Chase Away the Blahs" parties. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year." The Tennessee State Senate honored participants and attendees of the fundraiser with a special proclamation in January 2007.

            The couple also hosted fundraising events such as the "Chase Away The Blahs Party Artistically" benefiting school children in their Franklin, Tenn., home and the "Building Bridges Through Art" exhibition at CharacterEYES Boutique in Franklin, Tenn., benefiting Bridges Domestic Violence Center.

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel 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. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Other commissions have included painting the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes; 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar; and 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."

            The artist has showcased her original paintings at 56 solo exhibitions. She also has served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. She created and painted the design for the theme poster and t-shirt for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair" two years in a row.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group, a choir led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder.

            "Griffin has a wonderful arts community, and I'm delighted to contribute," McDaniel said.

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.

Award-Winning Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel to Teach Fall Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta

            FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (October 2019) -- Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel will teach a new eight-week watercolor painting course 22 miles south of Atlanta in the Peachtree City/Fayetteville area this fall.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on eight Thursdays starting Nov. 7 at Heritage Christian Church, 2130 Redwine Road in Fayetteville. Sessions will occur from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 7 and 21; Dec. 5 and 12; and Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30. The class will not meet on various dates during the holiday season.

            The artist/instructor will provide insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists at all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt and http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.

Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel (Photo by Ken McDaniel)

            McDaniel is an acclaimed watercolorist who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor for the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London. She was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin (Ga.) Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. Before moving to Georgia, McDaniel spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,600 students in classes and workshops around the world. A number of her former students have developed into professional artists with exhibitions and commissions.

            "Like me, others love the look of watercolor paintings and want to learn the medium," said the artist, who painted the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes. "Many come for the change of pace and the new, wonderful, relaxing challenge it brings. The intermediate and advanced students come to me to grow in the medium."

            Over the years, McDaniel has seen the positive change that comes over many people when they spend three hours with her, creatively thinking from the right side of their brain.

            "It's truly a night-and-day change, not to mention the fun they have," McDaniel added. "Many who come to me with no art background find they really have a true talent for painting. Some of them never had the slightest notion they had any talent. It's such an outstanding reward for them and a source of real pleasure for me."

            A good example is Phyllis Tatum, a watercolorist who studied with McDaniel for 14 years in Middle Tennessee. She and her fellow students were thrilled when she won four blue ribbons and a red ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair. Her crowning achievement came later when she won the fair's "Best of Show", a rare occurrence in watercolor circles.

            McDaniel fondly remembers receiving a thank you note from former student Suzy Foy of Boulder, Colo., who wrote, "My whole life I have dreamt about being an artist... I never believed I could live that dream, one painting at a time. Because of my nine workshops, mentoring and support (from McDaniel), it is happening."

            "One of the obvious results of classes is the togetherness that comes upon the group," McDaniel noted. "Friendships develop, and with that interest in each other's lives and the happenings and events in their world. The group watches children grow up, grandchildren being born, and members die. The group celebrates the joys together, as well as the sad times, giving special support. Sometimes, our paintings reflect those experiences."

            The classes near Atlanta should be no exception. McDaniel will demonstrate the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that she has developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. She plans to show her students everything she knows, holding nothing back. Her goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed.

            During her career, McDaniel has trained 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. She also served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art.

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year".

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            In 2001, she was invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group. The choir, which is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, is celebrating its 12th anniversary season.

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.

 

Watercolor Painting Course to Provide Hands-On Training for Atlanta Area Artists

            FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (August 2019) -- Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel will teach a new eight-week watercolor painting course 22 miles south of Atlanta in the Peachtree City/Fayetteville area this fall.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on Thursdays starting Sept. 12 at Heritage Christian Church, 2130 Redwine Road in Fayetteville. Sessions will occur from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 12, 19 and 26; and Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31.

            The artist/instructor will provide insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists at all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt and http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.

"Brit Bonnets," a watercolor painting by Gail McDaniel

            Two of McDaniel's Peachtree City/Fayetteville students won awards for their watercolor paintings at the Peachtree City Library Art Initiative, a juried art exhibition in July 2019. Celia Phillips of Peachtree City won first place in the "People's Choice Award" category. Three of Phillips' paintings were exhibited during the show. Rachel Lindsay of Fayetteville won second place in the same category.

            A third student, Dixie Randall of Peachtree City, recently sold one of her paintings.

            "They've all worked hard and done really well," said McDaniel. "This is all the more outstanding when you remember watercolor being the most challenging and specialized medium.

            McDaniel is an acclaimed watercolorist who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor for the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London. She was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin (Ga.) Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. Before moving to Georgia, the artist spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,600 students in classes and workshops around the world. A number of her former students have developed into professional artists with exhibitions and commissions. 

Gail McDaniel (center) with some of her former students (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            "Like me, others love the look of watercolor paintings and want to learn the medium," said the artist, who painted the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes. "Many come for the change of pace and the new, wonderful, relaxing challenge it brings. The intermediate and advanced students come to me to grow in the medium."

            Over the years, McDaniel has seen the positive change that comes over many people when they spend three hours with her, creatively thinking from the right side of their brain. 

 

            "It's truly a night-and-day change, not to mention the fun they have," McDaniel added. "Many who have come to me with no art background find they really have a true talent for painting. Some of them never had the slightest notion they had any talent. It's such an outstanding reward for them and a source of real pleasure for me."

            A good example is Phyllis Tatum, a watercolorist who studied with McDaniel for 14 years in Middle Tennessee. She and her fellow students were thrilled when she won four blue ribbons and a red ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair. Her crowning achievement came later when she won the fair's "Best of Show", a rare occurrence in watercolor circles. 

            McDaniel fondly remembers receiving a thank you note from former student Suzy Foy of Boulder, Colo., who wrote, "My whole life I have dreamt about being an artist... I never believed I could live that dream, one painting at a time. Because of my nine workshops, mentoring and support (from McDaniel), it is happening."

            "One of the obvious results of classes is the togetherness that comes upon the group," McDaniel noted. "Friendships develop, and with that interest in each other's lives and the happenings and events in their world. The group watches children grow up, grandchildren being born, and members die. The group celebrates the joys together, as well as the sad times, giving special support. Sometimes, our paintings reflect those experiences."

            The classes near Atlanta should be no exception. McDaniel will demonstrate the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that she has developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. She shows her students everything she knows, holding nothing back. Her goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed.

            During her career, McDaniel has trained 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 on historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted. She also served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art.

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year".

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Kentucky, Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            In 2001, she was invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group. The choir is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder. 

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.

Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel to Teacher Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta

            ATLANTA (July 2019) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolorist who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor for the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, will lead a watercolor painting course this summer near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting Aug. 7 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 7 and 14; Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and Oct. 2 and 9).  The class will not meet on Aug. 21 and 28.     

            The artist/instructor will provide insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists of all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt and http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.

Gail McDaniel teaches a watercolor painting course. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            McDaniel recently learned that Emilie Tingle, one of her Griffin students, has been juried into the July 2019 "Peachtree City Library Art Initiative." Tingle's selection was especially remarkable because her painting was judged against two-dimensional artworks in all mediums.

            "This is all the more outstanding when you remember watercolor being the most challenging and specialized medium," McDaniel noted.

            McDaniel was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. Before moving to Georgia, she spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,500 students in classes and workshops around the world. A number of her former students have developed into professional artists with exhibitions and commissions.

            "Some people come to find out if they can paint in watercolor," said the artist, who painted the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes. "Like me, others love the look of watercolor paintings and want to learn the medium. Many come for the change of pace and the new, wonderful, relaxing challenge it brings. The intermediate and advanced students come to me to grow in the medium."

"Antique Teacups," a watercolor painting by Gail McDaniel

            Over the years, McDaniel has seen the positive change that comes over many people when they spend three hours with her, creatively thinking from the right side of their brain.

            "It's truly a night-and-day change, not to mention the fun they have," McDaniel added. "Many who come to me with no art background find they really have a true talent for painting. Some of them never had the slightest notion they had any talent. It's such an outstanding reward for them and a source of real pleasure for me."

            A good example is Phyllis Tatum, a watercolorist who studied with McDaniel for 14 years in Middle Tennessee. She and her fellow students were thrilled when she won four blue ribbons and a red ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair. Her crowning achievement came later when she won the fair's "Best of Show", a rare occurrence in watercolor circles.

            McDaniel fondly remembers receiving a thank you note from former student Suzy Foy of Boulder, Colo., who wrote, "My whole life I have dreamt about being an artist... I never believed I could live that dream, one painting at a time. Because of my nine workshops, mentoring and support (from McDaniel), it is happening."

            "One of the obvious results of classes is the togetherness that comes upon the group," McDaniel noted. "Friendships develop, and with that interest in each other's lives and the happenings and events in their world. The group watches children grow up, grandchildren being born, and members die. The group celebrates the joys together, as well as the sad times, giving special support. Sometimes, our paintings reflect those experiences."

            The classes near Atlanta should be no exception. McDaniel will demonstrate the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that she has developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. She plans to show her students everything she knows, holding nothing back. Her goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed.

            During her career, McDaniel has trained 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. She also served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art.

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year".

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            In 2001, she was invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group. The choir, which is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, is celebrating its 12th anniversary season.

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.