Our own Don Magid will
create a portrait to illustrate how creativity happens. He intends to
uncover how we discover anything, by discovering the lines and colors
that make the image on canvas match that which we perceive in our minds.
This process, which is so evident in art, can be generalized to apply
almost anywhere. By doing art we absorb the process, improving our
creativity in all areas of our lives. Come stretch your mind. We will
meet at the Central Presbyterian Church, 9191 Woodway Drive. Come at
1:30 for refreshments and conversation. After a brief business meeting
at 2:00, which will include the nominating committee's report, Don will
present his demonstration. Bring some art for Show and Tell, and bring
friends. The program is very much intended for the general public as
well for artists.
Don began his program with
a short description of the benefits of art in seeing and adapting to our
rapidly changing world. He distributed a pamphlet which summarized his
philosophy, and he emphasized the following ideas:
-
Art media teaches
people to slow down and really see the world around us.
-
There is creative
potential everywhere, and we aren't always taking good advantage of
the possibilities before us.
-
Art should be promoted
by artists who work together to give it a better place in society.
-
Art has global
applications for all fields in that it helps us to communicate and
gives meaning and visualization to all of us.
-
Painting and drawing
will last and give permanence in a fast changing atmosphere.
-
Drawing and painting
have a real place in society because they help people realize they
are capable of great creativity.
-
Art as play disconnects
the artist from the past and fosters exploration of new
possibilities.
Don
began work on a canvas which had a soft lavender tone-ground of
acrylic
in order to get rid of the white of the canvas. He had made a charcoal
drawing on the tone-ground of a girl with her head resting on her hands
(upper right). He mixed flesh tones by using more or less of his primary
colors of red, blue, yellow, and white. To these he added an odorless
medium to dilute the colors
and make the paint flow easily. He applied darker tones first, then
lighter tones, and
finally highlights.
He built up the flesh and hair colors by glazing with thin layers,
giving the face a luminous quality. The highlights were applied using
thicker paint and white blended in for the eyes and hair. This proceeds
to upper left, lower right, and finally lower left by the end of the
demo. While unfinished at the end of the demo, the progression and
refinement was evident. This is what Don means by playing. A good deal
more playing will be needed before he will declare it finished.
We thank Don for an
interesting discussion and demo. Thanks also to those who brought
refreshments and those who brought art for Show and Tell, examples of
which are shown below.
Show and Tell:

Mary Behrens
Nancy Cagle
Julie Cash
Charleen Isbell

Gloria Meadows Christine
Niekamp
Violet Piper
Kit Travis