Art Share February

Saturday was a lovely day. The sun was out, I did some reading about artists, and then stepped out for a journal-making demo. It was surprisingly simple, but I am holding off on supplies until I take a bookbinding class later this spring.

Being in a crafty mood, I perused Tom Thumb where I had such fun observing children discovering the store. The exclamations of “Look at this!” and “I want to make this!” filled me with joy.

That evening I attended the Chicago Painters and Artists’ Group Art Share.

Works shared during Art Share

About 20 of us gathered at Edenton Studios where we perused the varied work of a few artists.

Edenton Studios

Brett Edenton recently moved into his bright and spacious studio, and creates portraits (human and canine) and still lifes with oils and charcoal. He also hones his trade by copying the works of masters.

Brett Edenton introduces us to his work

Oil paintings by Brett Edenton 

Edenton Studios will host open studio sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings in April.

I brought a few pieces too.

Civic Center submissions by Maike’s Marvels

Shane Zimmer described himself as an occasional painter who strives to find a balance between representational and abstract motifs.

Oil painting by Shane Zimmer

Brave Rhonda Goldstein brought pieces she had never shown outside of her home before and invited comments on a painting she had just started. We had a lovely conversation about drawing the balance between the materials we have on hand with discovering new mediums and embarking on a new collection of art supplies.

Collages and oil paintings by Rhonda Goldstein

Started in September last year by Jennifer Yang, the Chicago Painters and Artists’ Group has grown to 100 members in 5 months. The group’s mission is to share resources and support each other as fellow artists, since we often tend to work alone.

Sharing the vision and goals of the group

Upcoming events will include learning more about art materials, a digital art workshop, more art shares and art challenges such as plein air painting, or theme-based works.

Discussing our work, the artist’s life and the joy of creation at Art Share

Marina Muze shared some lovely digitally drawn illustrations for a children’s book she is working on. She also creates murals, which weren’t as easy to transport.

Digital illustrations for a children’s book by Marina Muze

Tony Brown brought in a selection of his handmade jewelry.

Jewelry by Tony Brown

Jason McPhillips brought in one of a three-panel series based on past, present and future that each incorporate the elements of black, red and white. He likes to see what impressions people bring to the piece.

“Past” by Jason McPhillips

Perusing Art Share’s art works

David discussed the difference between working on-screen and then printing his work out. His work is based on photo references and hand-drawn on a tablet.

Hand-drawn digital art by David

Piotr Wolodkowicz, whose work was also too big to transport, announced his upcoming gallery opening event, which will be held February 25 from 8 to 11 pm with Lewis Rice, Alan Emerson and Kathryn Gauthiers in Ravenswood through Phantom Galleries.

Mingling at Art Share 

Sharing is daring is caring. It was a fun evening of bonding, making new connections, and being inspired and uplifted by fellow artists. I’m excited about the next event.