" A Journey through Britain in Watercolor." Daniel Turner Thomas

The attached is a small preview of the show entitled " A Journey through
Britain in Watercolor." 9 paintings from the 48 will be available for
viewing in May. Full exhibit opens next year. Reception of British goodies
at 1-3pm on May 6th at the Gourgaud Gallery in Cranbury, NJ. Hope to see you
there. Dan

MAY EXHIBIT AT THE GOURGAUD GALLERY:

"Local Paintings & Preview of the Journey through Britain in Watercolor Exhibit"

PAINTINGS BY DANIEL TURNER THOMAS

By Bob Gilbert

The May 2012 exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery features the watercolor paintings of Daniel Turner Thomas, a member of the Cranbury Arts Council.  The following question and answer session with Mr. Thomas gives us an insight into the artist: 

How and when did you get interested in painting?
When I was young around 8 years old and in primary school in England

Have you had formal art training?  If so, describe.
None at all

You work primarily in watercolor.  Why do you prefer this medium?
I like the effects that watercolor provides. It’s the perfect medium for landscapes

How do you select subject matter for paintings?
I look for mood & lighting in a landscape whenever I can. I also look for unusual angles/perspectives for my works

In the United Kingdom painting collection on your website, http://www.danielpturnerthomas.com/index.html some paintings are listed as “NFS” (not for sale).  Are these paintings of places that have significance to you?
Yes these are family places or ones that are held in a private collection in UK galleries

What artists have influenced or inspired you?
Geoff Kersey from Derbyshire in the UK.

In your opinion, what is the relative importance of “raw talent” vs. training when it comes to becoming an artist?  Can a person with modest talent benefit substantially from proper training, and does a person with great talent require training?
I think that raw talent can be developed. Many people have no idea they have this creativity and need someone to encourage them and motivate them. I see a lot of so called talent that is not that creative in my opinion. Damien Hurst is attracting a lot of controversy as I write in the UK. Does he have talent or is his work grotesque?

The May exhibit runs from May 6 - May 27, 2012. 

The reception will be on Sunday, May 6th from 1-3 PM in the Gourgaud Gallery, located in Town Hall.
As part of the non-profit Cranbury Arts Council, the Gourgaud Gallery donates 20% of any art sales back to the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs that support and promote the Arts in our community. The gallery is located in Town Hall and is free and open to the public Mon- Fri from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and the First, Third & Last Sunday of the month from 1-3 p.m. New exhibit receptions fall on the First Sunday from 1-3 p.m. unless otherwise specified.  Anyone wishing to exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery can obtain an application in the gallery or at www.cranbury.org.  Check the Gourgaud Gallery site www.Gourgaudgallery.blogspot.com  on Facebook and Gourgaud Gallery Blog for information on upcoming programs and events. If you are interested in CAC membership or participating in any way, please email us at cranburyartscouncil@gmail.com. 

View at Lambeth Bridge

                                                       London Eye

Additonal pictures of Dan's exhibit may be viewed on Facebook at Gourgaud Gallery Page:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Gourgaud-Gallery/108657442495068

                                                                            

                   

NEW EXHIBIT AT GOURGAUD GALLERY – “SPRING INTO SPRING”

By Bob Gilbert

The new exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery, which runs from March 31 – April 29, 2012, features the paintings of the artist, Mary Ellen Brennan. 

It is always interesting to know more about the person behind the paint brush, so we present the following question and answer session with Mary Ellen concerning her work, her background, and her perspectives:

How would you describe your work?

My artwork is varied in subject, size, medium and color. Might say a reflection of the way I live my life.

How did you get interested in Painting?

My parents were great readers. Herald Statesmen, Time & Life, Saturday Evening Post, Daily News, Herald Trib, Readers Digest. Between reading, there was always time for the radio and we all listened together but while they read my sister and I had choices. Since we loved being in the living room where Mom and Dad were we did what kids did back then.....crayons, pencils, and coloring books. I found the Sunday comics were more interesting to copy than to read and so I drew them and everything else I could find.

Have you had any formal training?

I went to Katherine Gibbs in NYC after HS. My parents thought it important to give us a good background so we could always support ourselves. After that it was up to us to pursue anything we wanted. I sought out art. I had taken art & art appreciation in HS and went to classes every chance I could, studying with those that could teach me. Our next door neighbor was a professional artist who had come to the US in the late '30's when war was evident in Europe and designed bread wrappers for companies like TipTop Bread. Knowing I loved to draw, she took me under her wing and taught me about oils, composition - shadows-perspective - mixing of colors. I had my first set of oils and easel at the age of 8. And that's another story for another time.

What materials do you use? Why do you prefer this medium?

Watercolor is it. It is a challenge, does not require a large studio, and is fun, even though frustrating at times. Have used oils, pen and ink and still have oils. Love the smell of turpentine! I never used acrylics or pastels. Really don't have a desire to.

What are your favorite topics to paint?

What inspires me... the ocean, roof tops and eaves, scenes with variety of colors, barns, houses, the great outdoors, trees. Never took up anatomy so though I have done people and pets, I would say I have to work harder when doing them.

Do you have a favorite painting of your own?

Yes many, when I sell one it is like losing a friend. I don't realize how attached I am to it until it is going out the door. It doesn't stop me though from parting with it because I know it is going to a good home as it was selected with care by the purchaser. Sort of like when you have puppies for sale.

Is there a particular artist that has inspired you and how has that person influenced your work?

Monet, Andrew Wyeth, Ed Hopper, Salvador Dali, Remington, Renoir and of course Norman Rockwell.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting out as an artist?

Stick with it. Step away from always being available for people and give yourself into your art....don't look at a clock. Friends want you to come out to play but your heart and mind are playing in your creation.

What other interests besides painting do you have?

My home, husband and family, am a member of the Nine Hole Ladies Golf Club at Rossmoor, love music....opera, symphonies, theater, as well as an avid and enthusiastic observer of sports. Learned bridge at slumber parties back in HS and continue to enjoy all card games. Nothing like cooking to put problems out of your mind... but eating out is the best! Mustn't forget travel, travel, travel.  After reading the daily newspapers I have to work hard to find time to get into a book. Love scrabble and crosswords.

Do you have a goal in reference to your paintings, or is it just a hobby?

Art is not my hobby....it is me. It is a gift from God and is as much a part of me and my way of life as walking or eating.

As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”, so why not attend the Artist’s reception for the “Spring into Spring” exhibit, where you can view Mary Ellen’s work and meet the artist herself.  The reception will be held on March 31, 2012 from 12 PM to 3 PM.  Refreshments will be served and all are invited. 

The opening at the Gourgaud Gallery will offer with the purchase of a painting the option to the buyer to purchase a second one at half the price, as long as the price of the second painting is lower originally than the first. Do come out and see how this works. At a time when everything is going up it might be the way to go!!! More for less!

Artwork is for sale with 20% of each sale going to support the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs. Cash or a check made out to the Cranbury Arts Council is accepted as payment. For additional information see www.cranburyartscouncil.org. Gallery hours are daily from 9 am to 4 pm and on the first, third and last Sunday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm. Saturdays are by appointment.  

See Facebook: Gourgaud Gallery : https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Gourgaud-Gallery/108657442495068  for additional pictures.

Paperwhites

Cranbury Farm

March Exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery

                                  "Viewpoints"                         
                                   Students of Susan Winter
                                               March 4-25

Artist’s Reception on Sunday, March 4, 2012, from 1-3 pm. All are welcome.

Gallery hours are daily from 9 am to 4 pm and on the first, third and last Sunday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm. Saturdays are by appointment. The Gourgaud Gallery is located in Cranbury Town Hall, 23A North Main Street, Cranbury, NJ. Artwork is for sale with 20% of each sale going to support the Cranbury Arts Council and its programs. Cash or a check made out to the Cranbury Arts Council is accepted as payment.

 The March exhibit will feature paintings by local artists who study under the direction of Susan Winter in her Hightstown studio. Mediums include pastel, watercolor and oil.

Artists include: Maxine Murray of Allentown; Arline Reisman and Iris Wininger of East Brunswick; Synnova Coleman of Hightstown; Linda Brodsky, Bernice Comerchero, Sheila Kaplan, Roberta Neutuch and Karen Slater of Monroe Township; and Ellen Weiner, Yardley, PA. A photo of one of the paintings.

"Cupcake Cookie"

Susan Winter provides the following information:

"My students range in age and length of time with me, from 40-70 and from 6 months in time with me to 5 years. They all work in either oils, pastel, or watercolor with pastels on top. The last method seems to appeal to would-be watercolorists because pastels are so forgiving and a wonderful drawing tool. Used over watercolors they give a rich and vibrant effect.

My students work mostly from their own edited photos, paying close attention to composition guidelines and working the values and colors to the paintings richest result. Most of the paintings in the show are either landscape or landscapes with figures entwined in the composition. You will notice the wonderful colors in these paintings. I have stressed color and taught them how to choose palettes to enhance their work. I hope all the viewers enjoy their hard work and the beauty of the paintings exhibited. "

INVITATION TO A TEAM ART EXHIBIT

SEE POSTING AFTER THIS TO READ ABOUT A TEAM
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR DETAILS

Gourgaud Gallery February Exhibit

By Bob Gilbert

"Art from the Heart VI"  The A Team Artists of Trenton

February 4-26

Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM - 4 PM
First, Third and Last Sunday 1-3 PM, closed on 2/20.

Special reception: Saturday. February 4 from 1-3 pm

This month’s exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery is a group show featuring art works by members of the A Team Artists of Trenton.

The following is information provided by Amy Amico, Chairperson of the Gourgaud Gallery, regarding the exhibit, the group, and the exciting artists’ reception scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 1 – 3 PM:

The A Team artists will be at the reception to meet and greet the visitors to discuss
their work, and live entertainment by the FunkTASKtics musical group and a performance by a poetry group will be provided.  Food and refreshments will be served.

The A Team began exhibiting with us six years ago and the CAC and
Gourgaud Gallery have developed a great relationship with the artists
and share the same commitment to create and share art with the
community.

We also receive donated frames, art supplies, and other art related
items throughout the year to donate to the group for their use.
"Outsider Art" is a very important part of the art world and the A Team
exemplifies the talent that comes from within and through life
experiences, with no rules to dictate the finished art piece that is
created. Their art is unique and profound, and many "trained" artists
are the A Team's biggest followers.

Please come and support this wonderfully talented and important group of artists who share their work every February at the Gourgaud Gallery. All artwork is for sale and all proceeds will go directly to the artists of the A Team to support their work.

The purpose of the group is fourfold:

1. to promote the work of TASK artists in all media;
2. to work together as a group to support and encourage each other's success;
3. to learn entrepreneurial skills by taking responsibility for developing and maintaining the A-Team as a business entity;
4. to generate good will and public support for the artists, the TASK community and the city of Trenton.

For more information on the A Team, go to their web site http://www.ateamartists.com/

Pictures from Winter Lights Gourgaud Gallery Show

Re-posted interview with Dan Thomas for the current "Winter Lights" exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery. After the interview, see photos taken by Dan Thomas, of the wonderful opening of the exhibit, which took place Jan. 8, 2012.  The show was a great success. A Cappella group from Princeton High School performed. Also, a Celtic tea was served along with the most delicious Prince William Wedding cake, baked by Dan.

The show runs from Jan. 8- Jan. 29.

Daniel Thomas
"Winter Light"

OPEN CALL EXHIBIT – WINTER LIGHT

By Bob Gilbert



The January 2012 exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery features paintings by various artists on the theme of “Winter Light”.



The following is a Q & A with Daniel Thomas, a member of the Cranbury Arts Council who originates and organizes the Open Call Exhibits. In the Q & A, Dan shares some interesting information about this exciting show.



Q: What is the concept of the yearly January "Open Call Exhibit"? (i.e., origin, how long it's been done, etc.)



This is the third year I believe. It was started to give all artists the
chance to exhibit at the gallery based on a different yearly winter theme.



Q: How did you select this year's Open Call Exhibit subject, "Winter Light"?



I thought of a theme that would allow all artists to express themselves in
whatever medium they chose. This year the theme encompasses a Celtic Tea
which plays off the time of year when tea is drunk and music is played to
while away the dark winter nights.



Q: The artist reception for the Winter Light exhibit, which takes place on Sunday, January 8, 2012 (1PM-3PM) features refreshments in the form of a "Celtic Tea". For those unfamiliar, what is a Celtic Tea (history, etc.,) and does it relate to the theme of the exhibit?



Celtic tradition in any of the Celtic nations meant that because of the
inclement weather during the harsh winter months, people would find
nourishment and solace from wholesome foods and good music. Each nation has
its own way of doing it. For example, traditional Welsh cakes are popular in
Wales. Scotland has traditional Bannock Cakes as well. Tea is central to
all, with a strong black tea being a common favorite. For this event, I will
be baking a smaller version of the Wedding Cake requested by Prince William
for his wedding, which should be a fun addition.



Q: If someone wishes to participate in next year's "Open Call Exhibit", when will the topic be announced, how can they find out about it, and what is the process for submitting art work for inclusion in the exhibit?

I need them to provide their contact info, especially e-mail so they can be
included in the November mailings. All the details for submission are
contained in that e-mail. Flyers are also posted around Cranbury and the
gallery.

See additional pictures on Facebook: Gourgaud Gallery....LIKE the Gourgaud Gallery Fan Page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Gourgaud-Gallery/108657442495068

Information and applications for all group shows at the Gourgaud Gallery can also be downloaded from the Cranbury Arts Council Web site: http://www.cranburyartscouncil.org/.

and viewed on the Gourgaud Gallery Blog: www.Gourgaudgallery.blogspot.com

The Gourgaud Gallery is located in Cranbury Town Hall, 23-A North Main Street, Cranbury, New Jersey 08512.
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First, third, and last Sunday, 1:00-3:00 p.m

PICTURES FROM OPENING DAY

Members of the Cranbury Arts Council
Tamara Woronczuk, Linda Glbert, Susan Troost, Amy Amico and Dan Thomas

Celtic Table 

Cappella Group from Princeton HS


See additional pictures on Facebook: Gourgaud Gallery....LIKE the gourgaud Gallery Fan Page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Gourgaud-Gallery/108657442495068