Cache Valley Fall Workshop Review

"Three Ladies and Artful Expressions"
   Eighteen student artists, ranging from beginner to accomplished artists, enjoyed three days of artful felicity during a three day workshop sponsored by the Utah Watercolor Society-Cache Valley Chapter. The workshop was taught by seasoned artists Dianne Adams, Lynda Burruss, and Kristi Grussendorf, all members of the Cache Valley chapter.
    Lynda took us back to some basics with lessons in Elements of Design (line, color, shape, value, texture, and space/form), and Principles of Design (rhythm, harmony, repetition with variation, unity, balance, contrast, conflict, gradation, dominance, and emotion.) “All principles are part of each element,” she said. Gene Klatt one of the students artists said, “It was very helpful to learn how the elements of design and principles of design can be used to critique your own work and the work of others.”
    Dianne’s goal for the workshop was to teach us about value: “ If you want your focal point to pop out,” she said, “paint your focal point with your darkest dark and your lightest light. Also remember that value trumps color.” Dianne also suggested using red cellophane over a photograph to see the values easier.
    Kristi emphasized the importance of art education, whether formal or self taught, and impressed us with the importance of daily drawing  practice and exercises. Kristi loves the freshness of white paper left untouched in an art piece. It makes a piece of art sing, she said, and she very gets emotional when a piece of art work comes together harmoniously.
    The workshop was invigorating and put us on a three day high! No caffeine needed here! Gene Klatt overwhelmingly said, “The drive up to Logan was very worth the workshop with these three artists.”
    A huge “Thank You” goes out to our workshop organizers, Sherrill Gordon and Cindy Budge, for the preparation of the three days of workshop and, of course, to our three artist teachers, Dianne, Lynda, and Kristi, for the days spend with us and the days they had spent in preparation as well. Last but not least, thanks to all the student artists who attended and asked their questions and shared their knowledge with us all. You made it a great workshop.