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

            ATLANTA -- 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 an eight-week watercolor painting course this winter/spring just south of Atlanta in Griffin.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting March 7, 2018 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on March 7, 14, 21 and 28; and April 4, 11, 18 and 25.

            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.

Tofino Pearl watercolor painting by visual artist Gail McDaniel

            McDaniel was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin 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 1,400 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."

            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 crowing 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 Estes Park, 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 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 more than $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" 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 and named (as an eighth generation Kentuckian) to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels 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 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 11th anniversary season.

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

Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Painting Course in Fayetteville, Georgia

            FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. -- Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel is expanding her teaching to more locations in Georgia by offering a new eight-week watercolor painting course 22 miles south of Atlanta in Fayetteville.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Thursdays starting March 8, 2018 at Heritage Christian Church, 2130 Redwine Road. Sessions will occur from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 8, 15, 22 and 29; April 5, 12, 26; and May 3.

            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.

"Entrance Island Lighthouse," a watercolor painting by Gail McDaniel

            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.

            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 1,400 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."

Award-winning visual artist/instructor 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 crowing 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 Estes Park, 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 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 more than $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" 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 and named (as an eighth generation Kentuckian) to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels 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 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 11th anniversary season.

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

Nashville Realist Camille Engel To Celebrate Tennessee With 'My Tennessee Home' Art Exhibition at Parthenon Museum

By Chuck Whiting

Editor of Music City Arts Network

             NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Internationally awarded Nashville visual artist Camille Engel will celebrate her home state of Tennessee with an exhibition of original contemporary realism paintings at the Parthenon Museum of Nashville from Sept. 9-Dec. 31, 2017.

            "My Tennessee Home: the Paintings of Camille Engel" will kick off with a reception from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 15 (Friday) in the American art galleries section of the historic Parthenon Museum, 2500 West End Ave. in Nashville. Engel has spent the past two and a half years researching, referencing and creating these contemporary realism, trompe l'oeil, and encaustic paintings that present unique and surprising depictions of state symbols such as the state beverage, cultivated and wild flowers, fruit, wild animal, insects, butterfly, gem, reptile, fish and more.

            The exhibition will also spotlight original artworks by the 12 winners of the "My Tennessee Home Student Art Competition." Winning student artists, grades 1 to 12, from across Middle Tennessee were chosen by jurists Engel, abstract expressionist Jan Batts, and abstract expressionist and contemporary realist Sandra Vanderpool. All are members of the Nashville Artist Guild.


            "I am thrilled to celebrate my beloved state in the 'My Tennessee Home' exhibition," said Engel, who has won dozens of awards from organizations such as Southwest Art Magazine, International Artist Magazine, and the International Guild of Realism. "I have had so much fun learning about each subject and creating these artworks."

            Highlights of Engel's "My Tennessee Home" paintings include

            * "Glory!," an oil painting on canvas measuring 66 inches by 44 inches that features the state cultivated flower, a purple iris. The artist’s focused view of this flower closely examines the inner quietude of a single iris to evoke much larger atmospheric feelings of awe. "I used a variety of soft lavender tones and flowing curves complemented by brilliant golden strokes to illustrate a breathtaking grandeur that is always within reach," Engel said. Interesting Fact: In 1919, the schoolchildren of Tennessee chose the wild passionflower as the state flower. However, in 1933, the Legislature designated iris as the “State Flower of Tennessee” but failed to formally rescind the passionflower as the state flower. To eliminate confusion, in 1973, the General Assembly designated the passionflower the state wildflower and the iris the state cultivated flower.

            *  "Tough Crowd," a 24-by-24 contemporary realism painting on panel, depicts a red tomato seemingly hurled and splattered against a crisp, white surface. "My choice portrayal of this fruit with its insides exposed and juices forming seed-filled puddles, intrigues the imagination with questions as to what actually happened and why," the artist added. Interesting fact: The tomato was designated Tennessee’s official state fruit in 2003. While commonly considered as a vegetable, the tomato is, botanically speaking, a fruit.

 

            *  "Little Rascal," a 24-by-24 oil on panel, features a friendly raccoon curiously popping through the artist’s crumpled canvas. "His eyes, though masked, shine with playful innocence," Engel noted. Interesting fact: Named the state's wild animal in 1971, raccoons were hunted aggressively in earlier times, mostly for their water repellent fur. In the days of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, the coonskin cap was a common clothing item.

            * "Revealed," a 24-by-24 trompe l'oeil on panel, is a painted display of simplicity. Engel’s linear composition of various river pearls is flanked by the iridescent interior of an opened shell. According to Engel, "the elegance of this shimmering arrangement against a pure white background brings forth the feeling of an enlightened balance." Interesting fact: Named the state's gem in 1979, Tennessee river pearls are remarkable iridescent products of nature, emerging from the indigenous washboard mussel in the fresh water rivers and come in various shapes and colors and are among the most beautiful and durable in the world.

 

 



            * "Fish Tale," a 12-by-12 trompe l'oeil on panel, is a clever trick of the eye. The artist suggests that an instructional card describing the smallmouth bass is taped to a weathered board. "A trick of surrealism suggests the fish tail is flipping up off the card," Engel continued.  Interesting fact: Named Tennessee's sports fish in 2005, the smallmouth bass will fight ounce for ounce harder than any other species of sport fish in Tennessee. The current state/world record of 11 pounds, 15 ounces, was caught by D.L. Hayes at Dale Hollow Lake on July 9, 1955. 

 

 
            * "The Way The Cookie Crumbles," a 12-by-12 trompe l'oeil on panel, suggests that a tasty photo is taped to a weathered board. "In truth, I have painted every last crumb, crease and indentation in this appealing rendition," Engel said. "The featured glass of creamy milk, the cookies and the jettison crumbs, all stir the viewer’s senses with memories of this legendary snack." Interesting fact: Milk became the state's official beverage in 2009. Tennessee is home to approximately 45,000 milk cows that live on 317 dairy farms.

 

            "Camille Engel’s trompe l'oeil paintings, with their clever ideas, take the Tennessee state symbols and make them active participants in each picture plane," said Susan Shockley, curator of The Parthenon Museum. "Her vision invites interest."

            Engel, whose paintings have been chosen or commissioned by art collectors from around the world, has emerged as one of America’s most respected realist painters. She was named an "Artist to Watch" by Southwest Art Magazine in 2014 and Fine Art Connoisseur magazine in 2010. A self-taught oil painter known for her passionate oil paintings with rich lighting, colors, textures and intricate detail, Engel works in the "indirect layering" techniques of the Dutch Masters to create her art.

            "Realism, for me, is the most intrinsic and true form of self-expression," the Nashville artist added. "Much like the notes in a musical composition, every stroke is a statement and each one an essential part of the whole."

            Pursuing the aims of the realist movement with passion and skill, her oil paintings have been accepted into prestigious museum tours and art exhibitions from California to New York City. She has won numerous awards, and her paintings have been featured in magazines such as Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, Western Art Collector, Southwest Art, The Artist's Magazine, American Artist, and International Artist. Major commissions include the Tennessee State Museum, Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

            Each painting in "My Tennessee Home" exhibition invites the viewer to momentarily step into her world and share in her joy of these subjects. For more information about this exhibition, including museum location and hours, visit http://www.nashville.gov/News-Media/Calendar-of-Events/Event-Details/ID/7130/begin/9-1-2017/My-Tennessee-Home-Paintings-by-Camille-Engel-at-the-Parthenon.aspx . To learn more about Camille Engel and view her award-winning artworks, visit http://www.Camille-Engel.com.