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.

Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Printing Courses Near Atlanta

            GRIFFIN, Ga. (February 2019) -- Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel will teach two eight-week watercolor painting courses south of Atlanta in Griffin and the Peachtree City/Fayetteville area this winter and spring.


            * The course in Griffin will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting Feb. 27 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 27; March 6, 13, 20 and 27; and April 3, 10 and 17. 

            * The course in Peachtree City/Fayetteville will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Thursdays starting Feb. 28, 2018 at Heritage Christian Church, 2130 Redwine Road in Fayetteville. Sessions will occur from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 28; March 14, 21 and 28; and April 4, 11, 18 and 25. Class will not meet on March 7.

            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.

Photo of Gail McDaniel 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 1,500 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."

English cottage of Beatrix Potter painting by Gail McDaniel

            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.

Gail McDaniel to Teach 'Pouring Your Art Out' Watercolor Painting Workshop March 8-10 in Nashville

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (2019) -- Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel will return to Nashville this spring to teach a new three-day workshop on brushless watercolor painting.

            The "Pouring Your Art Out" watercolor workshop will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists from March 8-10, 2019 at Plaza Artist Materials, 633 Middleton St. in downtown Nashville. Sessions will occur from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sunday.

            The artist/instructor, who taught and painting in Franklin for more than 20 years, will show attendees how to create glowing watercolor paintings by pouring pigments in primary colors without the use of brushes and palette knives. 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.

            "Have you ever wanted to set your brushes aside and just have the freedom to pour your watercolor pigments across the watercolor paper?" asked McDaniel, who now teaches and paints near Griffin, Georgia, south of Atlanta. "This is a chance for artists to release that child within them."

Gail McDaniel's brushless watercolor painting titled "Garlic Shadows."

            Because space is limited to 20 participants, reservations are required. Tuition is $195 for all three days of training. Attendees are eligible to receive a 30 percent discount on the purchase of art supplies from Plaza Artist Materials. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com.

 

            McDaniel explained that brushless watercolor paintings are achieved by using only the three primary colors. As one pours, transparent veils of watercolor pigments flow to produce glowing paintings, resulting in an exciting "finale." The paints seem to have minds of their own. As the primary triad mixes on the white paper, the paints create luminous, secondary colors that capture light.

            "That is part of the magic of this special technique," McDaniel noted. "Artists won't be using brushes and palette knives. They can learn a technique that, at first glance, seems quite impossible. This fun activity allows you to work on two paintings at once, pouring one while allowing the other to dry."

            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, Tennessee. 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 of their own. 

Award-winning artist/instructor Gail McDaniel

            "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."

 

            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.

            "Gail can get more color out of watercolor than you can imagine," said Bev Silsby, an artist/student in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who helped host McDaniel for a similar workshop in 2005. "She is literal, impressionist and abstract."

            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 (Georgia) Choral Arts group. The choir, which is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, is celebrating its 11th anniversary season. 

            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.

Internationally Respected Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel to Lead Watercolor Painting Course in Griffin, Georgia

            GRIFFIN, Ga. (December 2018) -- 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 an eight-week watercolor painting course this winter in Griffin, Georgia, near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting Jan. 2 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, and Feb. 6, 13 and 20. 

            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 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 or http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.

            "Participants 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 1,500 students in classes and workshops around the world while raising almost $90,000 for student arts supplies through the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards."

            "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. My 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 Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards. 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 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" 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."

            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. The choir, which is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, is celebrating its 12th anniversary season.

            "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 Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta

            ATLANTA (July 2017) -- 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 summer near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting Aug. 9, 2017 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive in Griffin, Georgia. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 9, 16, 23 and 30; and Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

            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.

            McDaniel recently 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 1,300 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 is 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 10th anniversary season.

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

Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel to Teach Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta from March 2-May 4

            ATLANTA (February 2016) -- 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 in London, will lead an eight-week watercolor painting course this spring near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting March 2 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive in the Atlanta suburb of Griffin, Ga. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on March 2, 9 and 16; April 6, 13, 20 and 27; and May 4.

            The artist/instructor will provide insights on composition, perspective, 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.

Gail McDaniel teaches students in one of her classes. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. 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.

            Before moving to Georgia, McDaniel spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Franklin, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,300 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 almost $90,000 for the visual arts in 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.

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

City Winery Nashville to Host 'Behind The Lens' Exhibition Continues through Sept. 20

     NASHVILLE -- Morrison Hotel Gallery announces the expansion of its acclaimed music photography exhibitions with the kick off of an original national tour of its legendary music photographers Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd.  

     "Behind The Lens" is a live show presented by the artists themselves as they share their amazing stories and iconic images with audiences nationwide. The first in this series features two photographers: Henry Diltz, considered one of the greatest music photographers of the last century with over 400,000 images in his archive and over 400 album covers to his name - The Doors, Crosby, Still and Nash, James Taylor to name a few; and Pattie Boyd, the “Queen of the Sixties” drop-dead gorgeous model, the inspiration for the timeless love songs "Something", "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight", and acclaimed photographer, her intimate and revealing photographs of George Harrison and the Beatles and Eric Clapton among others.

     In association with Monterey International booking agency, the tour will be presented in Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville and New York City. The Nashville date will be on Sept. 13, and there will be a full exhibit happening at the City Winery for this show.  Premiering at the Behind The Lens show and exhibit are never before seen images Henry Diltz too of Glen Campbell at the “last official” photo shoot Glen did, with his family at their Nashville ranch. Glen’s family and producer for the shoot personally asked Henry, and he won’t be doing any other photo shoots. 

Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd (Photo provided by The Press House)

     These touching and intimate images will be included in the "Behind The Lens" show and exhibit at 8 p.m. Sept. 13 (Sunday) at City Winery at 609 Lafayette St. in downtown Nashville. The exhibition will continue for public viewing through Sept. 20. For tickets to the show, visit http://www.citywinery.com/nashville/tickets/behindthelensmeetandgreet091315.html.

* Update: Henry Diltz and Pattie Boyd shared their photographic journeys with personal stories and on-screen photos. 

     The tour will feature a live presentation of still and moving images along with the stories told by each photographer. Morrison Hotel Gallery, as the leader in fine art music photography, will also create a gallery exhibition and sale to travel with each show.

     “This concept is not new to us as we have been presenting our photographers and their work for years in our SoHo, New York Gallery space. We saw the constant approval from our audiences and the demand that we knew would be there in other cities for this kind of entertainment, says Peter Blachley one of the founders of the gallery. “These people were witnesses to music history and they possessed the talent to uniquely document the music from the audience, backstage and on the road. Many of these stories will contain surprise, humor and reality. But most of all, authentic and honest recollections of music history backed up by the stunning visuals we all know and many we have never seen.”

Pattie Boyd and George Harrison (Photo provided by The Press House)

About Henry Diltz:

     Henry Diltz is considered one of the greatest music photographers of the last century. He has published three books about his life as a musician and photographer. A documentary about his life will be released this fall and he will receive the prestigious Lucie Award for lifetime achievement in photography at this year’s ceremony at New York’s Carnegie Hall. Diltz is a guest lecturer at the Berklee School of music in Boston and has had three museum shows dedicated to his works. 

About Pattie Boyd:

     The muse behind some of the greatest love songs ever written, Boyd’s career as a model, music, artist and writer, her New York Times bestsellers list book Wonderful Tonight first brought her story of drama, struggle and, ultimately, affirmation to the public. A photographer of musicians and landscapes, Boyd has been a member of the Royal Photographic Society for many years. Her life was lived with two of the twentieth-century’s greatest musical icons: her husbands George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

     For more information on BEHIND THE LENS and Morrison Hotel Gallery, please visit www.morrisonhotelgallery.com.

     For media inquires, please contact: Kiva at The Press House – kiva@thepresshouse.com, 347-804-4675

Album cover art (Photo provided by The Press House)

Laura Powers Adds Color Inserts to Earring Renaissance Product Line

            NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2015) – Internationally known Nashville visual artist/musician Laura Powers has created a new line of innovative custom-made pendants called Earring Renaissance that allows individuals to wear family heirloom jewelry items as necklaces, including single or "lonely" post/stud earrings and pins.

         In related news, Powers has added a new feature. The artist has designed matching color inserts to help accentuate the color of gems displayed on her pendants.

            Powers officially launched her Earring Renaissance product line in August with a month-long fundraising campaign on Indiegogo. She spent more than two years developing an easy-change pendant system for those women who have lost post-style earrings and just have the one earring left. The silver and gold pendants, which easily open and close, are specially designed to securely display and hold small jewelry keepsakes.

            An accompanying contest giveaway called "Pin (Share) It To Win It" allows potential buyers and/or investors to win a free necklace pendant and chain of their choice by sharing personal stories and product information on the company's social networking pages. To learn more about pre-ordering Earring Renaissance limited-edition pendants or entering the giveaway, visit http://igg.me/at/earringren .

            "My Earring Renaissance product line essentially gives treasured jewelry new life," said Powers, whose oil paintings have been exhibited and commissioned around the world. "I created my pendant system because I wanted a solution to the lonely earring problem -- a problem I know all too well. Like many others, I have a jewelry box tucked away with unpaired earrings and long-forgotten pins."

            Powers said she came up with the idea for Earring Renaissance after buying a pair of red coral and sterling dangle earrings, then losing one of them at work on the first day. A couple years later, the same thing happened with a pair of small opal earrings. At that moment, she dropped everything she was doing and started working on a solution for people with similar experiences.

            Development of the Earring Renaissance product line has also been a way for Powers to honor her mother, who died unexpectedly of cancer in 2009. One of the unpaired earrings in her jewelry box was a diamond stud earring that her mother had given to her for her college graduation. Now, for the first time, she can reconnect to the earring and her mother's memory by wearing the diamond stud as a necklace.

            "We've also found that other heirloom pieces such as a father's tie pin or a grandmother's sorority pin also work beautifully in these pendants," Powers added. "I'm excited and delighted to be able to offer something that solves a problem while helping people reconnect to their pasts and to their loved ones."

            For her first Earring Renaissance product launch, Powers is offering four types of custom-made pendants: antique silver, classic silver, antique gold, and classic gold. Pendants feature a unique filigree pattern for the easy insertion of earring studs and pins. Because the front design is different than the back design, each pendant allows the user to have two different looks.

            "To insert a stud earring or lapel-type pin, all someone needs to do is open the pendant at the top, position the jewelry item in the center, insert the stud, place the earring back onto the post, and reclose the pendant," Powers continued. "Each hinged pendant has a bail at the top that can easily attach to a gold or silver chain. You are ready to showcase your family heirloom in less than a minute, with no modifications to the original earring or pin needed. This will help give amethysts, diamonds, cameos, sapphires, turquoise and other precious gems and family heirlooms new life as a unique pendant."

            Like other entrepreneurs, Powers is looking for investors to help her underwrite the high cost of a professional product launch. She has assembled a team of experts to help organize and promote a fundraising campaign at Indiegogo. The campaign will continue through Sept. 5, with investors receiving a range of perks from product discounts and two Giclée paintings to a fully produced family video. Donation levels range from $10 to $2,800 with a fundraising goal of $6,000. Her silver and gold pendants retail for $62 and $70, respectively. Customers and investors will receive their product orders by Dec. 1, 2015. To pre-order a pendant or participate in the campaign, visit http://igg.me/at/earringren.

             Earrings, pins and other jewelry items generally have unforgettable stories behind them, and Powers wants to hear them. She encourages individuals to share their jewelry stories at www.Facebook.com/EarringRenaissance. The most touching stories will be featured on the Earring Renaissance blog.

            People can also win a pendant by participating in the "Pin It To Win It" contest at www.Pinterest.com/EarringRen or the "Share It To Win It" contest at www.Facebook.com/EarringRenaissance and http://www.Twitter.com/EarringRen.

            Early buyers are raving about their Earring Renaissance pendants.

            "No more lonely earrings," noted education professional Kathy Hardin. "Finally, there's a fun, elegant way to dress them up and take them out."

            Author and radio talk show host Barbara Nowak agreed. "I had been keeping my father's fraternity pin in a box for years. Now it looks beautiful attached to the pendant, and I'm proud to wear it."

            "I can customize and create new pieces of jewelry," said professional musician/speaker Lisa Hannah. "It's a beautiful and unique addition to my jewelry wardrobe."

            Powers leads a professional Earring Renaissance team that includes veteran PR professional Chuck Whiting, social media and marketing expert Alex Scanlon, product development coach Lu Anne Puett, and jewelry expert/educator Warren Feld.

              "With my background as a painter, I admit I love the era of the Renaissance when art and science and architecture flourished, so I am drawn to the richness of not only that era, but also the word itself, meaning rebirth," Powers continued.

            Powers is known around the world as an accomplished visual artist, singer, songwriter and composer. She landed national TV coverage in the 1990s after painting portraits of a dozen famous songwriters for a collection of oil paintings called "Golden Muses". Major opportunities followed, including commissioned paintings of Franz Schubert, Frank Sinatra and Jackie Wilson. Her Celtic-accented musical compositions have aired on national television, including PBS.

            For more information about Earring Renaissance, visit http://igg.me/at/earringren.