Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Out of the Fire Celebration with new paintings by Michael Orrwick


Fire pix_flyer                      
photo by Lidia Covaci
Join us for our "out of the fire" celebration, featuring works created by heat and fire, including raku, blown glass, custom jewelry and bronze sculpture as well as delicious applewood smoke-fired pizza by Veraci!
Troutdale First Friday Art Walk Caswell Gallery July 2nd 5pm ~ 9pm

Gay Liebert, raku Gaypullingpot Raku pottery is created with a specific ceramic firing process that uses both fire and smoke to create unique patterns and designs. With raku pottery, the piece is first bisque fired. Then, it is glazed and undergoes a raku firing process. The raku firing process requires a special raku kiln that is fueled by propane and reaches temperatures of about 1800°F (about 982°C).
Dennis Mullen, blown glass1174728360_glass_blowingGlassblowing involves three furnaces. The first, which contains a crucible of molten glass, is simply referred to as “the furnace.” The second is called the “glory hole”, and is used to reheat a piece in between steps of working with it. The final furnace is called the “lehr” or “annealer”, and is used to slowly cool the glass over a period of a few hours to a few days, depending on the size of the pieces. 
Ali Peret, fire opal jewelry Mex_fire_opalsFew gemstones evoke the excitement of a precious fire opal. The flashy show of this gem makes each specimen unique, a fountain of mystery, enchantment and legend. Some say that opals convey foresight and good health. No wonder that it is the October birth stone. Pre-historically, the Aztecs are said to have decorated their most prized artworks and figurines with inlaid fire opal. Today precious opals produced from Mexican mines are sought after in the U.S.A., Canada, Europe and the Orient.
Firecropped-horizontal
 Rip Caswell, bronze sculpturefoundry_workerToday’s bronze is made up of copper, silicon, manganese and trace elements. The bronze is heated to over 2,000 degrees before pouring occurs. Generally, it takes three foundry workers to complete this task. The first is the “lead pour” who directs the crucible that holds the molten bronze. The second is responsible for maintaining the balance of the crucible and is called the “dead man.” The third of the trio pushes away the impurities or “slag” (like skimming milk) that collects on the surface of the bronze. Teamwork is essential to a successful pour. 
Wood fired Pizza will be available to purchase by the slice or whole pie!
                                             Pizza_oven The Veraci wood burning oven
Veracci_logo 2We design and build each oven as a unique work of art using a special refractory clay mixture that withstands temperatures up to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit! We normally cook our pies between 850-1000 degrees F. At these extreme temperatures, Veraci pizza is ready in about ninety seconds!
When a pizza is made in this time-honored, traditional way it tastes completely
different than all other pizzas. Part of that difference can be found in the relationshipbetween the extreme heat and our legendary hand-mixed pizza dough. The intense energy released from the burning apple wood is transferred to the pizza
three ways: through convection, conduction and radiant energy. After the "pie" is placed on the bricks, a great deal of water in the dough is rapidly vaporized and released as steam. Miniature steam vents form all over the pizza as it is transformed by the screaming heat.This change of state from water to steam generates pressure and uplifts the crust, creating a puffed-up, slightly-charred, crisp and chewy outer crust (the "cornicione")
and a delicious, uber-thin, melts-in-your-mouth softer inner crust. Delizioso!
Live Music with Bryan Arakelian who specializes in music from the sixties and seventies.Bryan_guitar 2 Bryan has been playing around the Vancouver and Portland area for years and has developed quite the fan base. Bryan will be playing during our Art Walk celebration from 6pm to 8pm.
pizzainoven-283x200            Delicious_-283x200
Wine Tasting with Mt. Defiance Wine Co.
Hellfire_08_label-164x197 3             Brimstone_label-162x198 2
At the turn of the 20th Century a professional baseball player traded the diamond for the pulpit. Reverend Billy Sunday captured the nation's attention as he vigorously preached by 'fire and brimstone' the virtues of prohibition and creationism. Following a nation-shaking career, Sunday sought tranquility in Oregon's Hood River Valley -- now the center of the country's most exciting wine growing region.

In his honor we offer divinely inspired blends of the best grapes from the Columbia Gorge area. Blessedly rich
fruit balances wicked spice tones. A sip could make one a disciple. Although it promises to evolve in the bottle, rest assured: all our wine is intelligently designed.
FREE WINE TASTING! Or enjoy Mt. Defiance wine by the glass. Wine is also available for purchase by the bottle. Enjoy Hellfire and Brimstone delicious  blends or the newly released Pinot Gris with your pizza! 
Exhibiting Artists Include: Laurel Barbieri, Eric Bowman, Bill Ernst, Rob Harbeck, Eileen Holzman, Ike Leahy, Grace Lim, Michael Orwick, Kris Paul, Norman Thomas and Gayle Weisfield
2010 web little Creek crop    Weisfield_Harmony.in.Nature    Fiat    Holzman_Clouds.over.Pendleton
 
Logo_B_W_tight
Rip Caswell Sculptures & Gallery of NW Ar
201 W. Columbia River Hwy
Troutdale OR 97060 503.492.2473 
Visit RipCaswell.com or become a Fan on Facebook       facebook_logo 2
 



Caswell Gallery
201 W. Columbia River Hwy
Troutdale, Oregon 97060

purple paintings

Friday, June 18, 2010

Fine art gallery rises in Beaverton from business owner’s imagination

Beaverton Valley Times article on Amato's


Area fine artists find Beaverton does have a gallery to serve their needs

(news photo)
KRISTEN FORBES / TIMES NEWSPAPERS
Gretha Lindwood (from left) Brenda Boylan and Michael Orwick are three local artists whose work is displayed at Amato’s on First Street in Beaverton.


From floral arrangements to gift items to wine, chocolate and coffee, Amato’s on First Street in Beaverton offers a wide variety of products. Still, when 2010 began, owner Karen Amato was looking to diversify her business and decided to put a posting on Craigslist, seeking local artists interested in displaying their work. Beaverton’s Brenda Boylan was browsing Craigslist on New Year’s Day when she came across the listing.
“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, who is doing this?’ We know a lot of artists who have really been wanting to have a gallery in Beaverton for some time. There’s nothing out here that you would call a fine art gallery in the Beaverton area,” recalls Boylan.
Boylan began gathering artists whose work would complement one another, including Michael Orwick, who lives blocks away from Boylan, and Cedar Mills resident Gretha Lindwood. The facility operates as an artist-run gallery; each of the hand-picked artists displays work, helps pay the cost of rent and works together as a team – especially when preparing for the shows they host every few months.
“This area has a lot of creative people,” says Lindwood.
Apparently, this area also has a lot of people who appreciate creativity. At its first gala in February, the gallery was so packed, visitors had to leave and come back to wait for the area to clear out.
“We counted around 120 people,” said Boylan. “Throughout the course of the evening, from the time it opened until it closed, there were people here, which was fabulous. We loved that we had that kind of response.”
Most of the artists at Amato’s are veterans of the art scene and display their work at various shows throughout the region – and sometimes throughout the country. Many of the painters have been meeting for years for plein air (painting outside in the tradition of French impressionists). They take monthly field trips throughout the area to paint outdoors and spend time together, combining art, friendship, sunshine and nature.
The background of the artists who display at Amato’s is as varied as the artwork itself. Orwick began as a children’s book illustrator and was able to get his illustrations into galleries.
“It was more whimsical work,” Orwick says. “I began to daydream about what I’d do when I retired and was able to make the transition over to do landscapes. So, now I know what I’ll do when I retire.”
Boylan has a degree in Applied Art & Design. She says graphic design did not come naturally; she was always drawn to illustration and painting classes in school.          
“But that was where the money was, and my parents encouraged it so I’d have a career,” Boylan says. “I slogged through that until I finally decided I just couldn’t take it anymore and decided to stay home, paint and raise kids. People kept asking me, ‘Why aren’t you selling in a gallery?’ I started looking into that and, step by step, got into shows regionally and now nationally.”
When Lindood graduated from art school in Seattle, her first job was as a retail illustrator doing fashion illustrations.
“That was really fun. I really liked that,” Lindwood says, “But that sort of went away when photography took over. I was doing graphic design also – layout, they called it in those days – and it was a good creative outlet for me. That was mostly in black and white. When I started working in color, it was like Dorothy in Kansas when she steps out of the black and white world and lands in Oz.”
Until last year, Lindwood was working as a graphic designer for Joe’s. Since that company shut down, she has been focusing more and more of her creative energy on painting.
Though Lindwood, Boylan and Orwick are all painters, the Westside artists who display at Amato’s work in a variety of mediums. Painters, sculptors and jewelry makers all come together to bring the best of their work to the Beaverton community.
A fine art gallery in Beaverton is refreshing, but perhaps most refreshing is the camaraderie, lack of competition and passion these artists have for their work.
“I love the social aspect of being an artist,” says Boylan.
“It’s very rewarding when somebody loves a piece enough to part with their money because that represents their time and their energy,” says Lindwood. “What did it take for them to make that money? It’s very validating and humbling.”
“How many jobs get celebrated?” asks Orwick. “When we come out, there’s music and food and wine and people. It’s a party.”
This is the reward of being an artist, a reward that only comes after many, many hours of hard work. To see the fruit of their labors and celebrate their artwork, too, visit Amato’s Floral, Fine Art, Artisan Jewelry & Gifts at 13230 S.W. First Street in Beaverton or call 503-601-3300. Also visitwww.amatosflowershop.com andwww.amatosgallery.blogspot.com.


http://www.michaelorwick.com

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Trilogy returns; Molzahn is host

Trilogy Winemaker's Dinner

Wine country — ‘The Bachelor’ finalist will host food, wine and art event


  • By: David Sale  
  • Published: 6/9/2010 12:00:00 PM
   “Trilogy,” the festival of food, wine and art, will return this summer with a special guest host — Tenley Molzahn, local star of ABC’s “The Bachelor.”Molzahn will return to the Allison Inn, scene of her hometown date with bachelor Jake Pavelka, and members of “Team Tenley” will have the chance to get up close and personal with the reality TV star.
   “Tenley is a true modern-day princess,” said Sheryl Kelsh, executive director of the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Her real-life story mirrors the trials and happy ending of a quintessential fairytale.”


   Although she may not have taken the final rose, Molzahn won the affection of viewers in Newberg and across the nation — and is rumored to be returning to TV as the star of “The Bachelorette.”
   On June 25, she will host a four-course winemakers’ dinner prepared by chefs from The Joel Palmer House, Farm to Fork, The Allison’s own Jory restaurant and Sweetest Thing Cupcakes, with wine pairings by Willamette Valley Vineyards, Elk Cove Winery, Erath Winery, Rex Hill and Lange Estate Winery.

Winemakers Dinner
   Later that evening, the Artist Quick Draw features a live demonstration and question-and-answer with 18 local artists, including Ramona Youngquist, Michael Orwick, Shannon Ray and Susan Day, working in a variety of mediums.   The pieces created by the artists will then be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce. For sales, call 503-538-2014.



http://trilogywinemakersdinner.com/artist-bios/

   Tickets to the dinner and auction are $125 per person, but the event continues — at a more modest price — from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Oakhurst Thoroughbred Farm, 18715 N.E. Highway 240. It will feature food, wine and art from more than 60 regional vendors. For more information, visit www.TrilogyNewberg. ccom






















Artist Bios

Lorie Wolff
Lorie founded One Horse Studio, LLC in 2001. She has 20 years experience in the design industry giving her the vision and passion to explore painting methods which enhance home or commercial spaces. Lorie holds a BS degree in interior design from OSU and an associate degree in textile design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, with a national certification for interior design qualification.
Kathleen BuckWatercolor and acrylic artist Kathleen Buck creates beautiful paintings of figures and animals. Her watercolor and acrylic paintings often portray people in motion. She is an Oregon artist. Newberg and other Yamhill County rural landscapes are often the backdrop for the people and animals. Kathleen emphasizes light and she paints movement in her original art.
Robert FosterRobert is an accomplished painter and sculptor. His paintings are in the mediums of watercolor and acrylics and he sculpts in ceramics and bronze. His paintings are born in impressionism and his sculpture extends to the cosmopolitan art of Neo-Traditional inspired mysticism. All of his works are original pieces. His ceramic sculptures have all been fired and glazed by Joel Cottet.
Michael OrwickGrowing up in Oregon, nature and the rich landscape have had a profound impact on Michael. He has always been awed by the extraordinary ability of landscapes to tell stories, just as art does. He creates what he calls, “inspired expressionism,” painting his own ideas on canvas and inviting you to provide the narrative. He shares his enigmatic vision and invites you to imagine your own story.
Beverly Drew KindleyDiscovering, creating, wherever she is. Beverly is an Oregon artist who paints to understand, enjoy and share the inspiration of unique moments of light and weather. Her impressionistic celebrations are a way of connecting with the visual festival of light, color, form, texture and design in our world and communicating it to others. Her hope is to encourage appreciation and protection of our heritage.
Romona YoungquistRomona was born in California but grew up in Eastern Oklahoma. Technically self-taught, she thinks of nature as her real teacher. In 1994 she was awarded a grant from the Alaska State Council for the Arts to study with Oregon landscape painter Michael Gibbons. In the late 1990’s she studied with Michael Workman, a leading landscape painter from Utah. She has taken their valuable lessons and strengthened her own individual style.
Shannon RayArtwork is lifework. A moment, seen or felt, distilled into expression of form, color, rhythm and well-crafted composition. Let the work dictate, aware of the pull of color, the tension of imbalance. The interaction that makes really good art, is never finished, it only pauses.
Jackie McCartinBorn and raised in the Midwest and Arizona, Jackie received a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Arizona and as called Oregon home for the past 20 years. The vibrant, extreme colors of the southwest along with mystical, fleeting moods of the northwest are reflected in her impressionistic landscape paintings.
Susan DayThe beautiful landscapes of the Yamhill Valley provide Susan limitless opportunities to capture a moment in time with pastel paintings. “Working en plein air stimulates all of the senses; hearing bees buzzing as the breeze brings the fragrant scent of lavender.” Her work studies the way light plays on the fields before her. She hopes you will enjoy her work as much as she loves doing it.
Kym OjalaMs Ojala was born in Burbank, CA across from Disney Studios. She is or Norwegian and Finnish decent. She works out of her Oregon studio, and shows her paintings throughout the US. Although her background is acting in films and TV her love is in painting. Her inspiration is in color, which is seen in her paintings. She also enjoys photographing the Oregon landscape, from which her beautiful paintings come to life.
Clare CarverClare’s formal art education took place from 1989-1996 on the east coast. She recently relocated to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, painting and farming on a 110 year old homestead in Gaston. Her style depicts literal imagery that is rich and immediate, giving her work a signature of depth of color.
Kent Moore“As long as I can remember I have had a need to create.” From drawing to sculpting, charcoal to paint, Kent enjoys many mediums. He finds oil painting en plein air the most freeing. Painting outdoors has its challenge, but he enjoys the pressure of capturing the light before it’s gone. Kent is the proud father of 3 boys under age 7. He loves to draw and paint with them “and no I don’t make them stay within the lines.”
Michael VanNew to Oregon, Michael Van is best known for his series of portraits of ducks and chickens. “I am interested in the animals we consume and our relationships with them. I try to use color, form, and contrast to convey the depths of this relationship.” Michael was born in Dallas, TX 1984 and graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Physics in 2008.
Jean GaleJean believes painting is a gift she has been given to share with others. A favorite quote states “let me show you what I have seen, what I have loved & perhaps you will see it and love it too”. Inspiration has come from many travels to Greece, Italy, Portugal, France, Taos and in the beautiful northwest. Architecture is a favorite subject – be it the antiquity of a stone wall, church or a sunlit window. She also enjoys the challenge of painting a still life and flowers. She is continually seeking new ways to project imagery through watercolor workshops. Her style is realistic, and color, her favorite vehicle. Capturing the feeling of light and emphasizing contrast is what makes her paintings come alive.
Gail TussingGail, a Newberg Impressionist style artist, specializes in watercolor and acrylic, incorporating nature, wine country and floral pieces. She earned a degree in art from the University of Oregon, and began showing her work shortly after graduation. Gail grew up in the Salem area and has been a Newberg resident for the past 18 years. Inspiration comes from all the color in the wine country and the northwest. Gail takes photos wherever she goes and uses them to interpret what she sees. Gail is a member of the Yamhill Arts Alliance and is continually working on new pieces. She has shown her work at a number of Art Walks in the past 2 years. Gail also has work on display regularly at Ken and Daughter Jewelers.
Terry PeasleyWith an emphasis on wild birds, landscapes, vineyards and farm scenes, Terry is dedicated to fine art watercolors, rendering the richness and beauty of the northwest. Whether it be close-ups of birds in their natural habitat or conveying the mood and harmony of northwest scenes, Terry attains great satisfaction in expressing his thoughts and ideas from his observations of the countryside. Terry’s personal approach to painting can be summarized by a quote: “To paint a mountain you must climb it, or you will not be able to capture its essence.” Without such personal involvement in a painting, the life of the work will not come alive.
Chris StubbsAlthough a registered nurse by professional training, Chris has been drawing and painting since childhood. She became enamored with watercolor when she was a teenager, and has loved it ever since. She has attended many workshops but remains essentially “self taught”, and enjoys teaching others how to get started in this wonderful medium. For Chris, a painting needs a reason to “live” and most often for her, dramatic lighting draws her to a scene. Whether she is painting landscapes, florals, still lifes or people, her paintings are infused with light. She is an award-winning watercolorist with Signature Membership in the Northwest Watercolor Society. She is a member also of the Watercolor Society of Oregon, where her paintings have won numerous awards including several “People’s Choice Awards”.
Susan Schenk
Collage is a wonderful way to wake up the sleeping artist within. Collages are unique individual expressions, just like the artists are. I am exploring a range of subjects without a political agenda, welcoming the technical challenge of making realistic renderings from recycled materials. These works are all made from recycled magazine pages, wall paper or gift wrap. I enjoy making something attractive from discards, appropriating images and putting them together in intriguing ways. Like any artist, I am especially thrilled when my work calls to a viewer to come closer and spend some time engaged in the piece. While my pictorial collages are best viewed from a distance, a close up inspection can reveal a very different piece of art.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Strengthen Your Visual Sensitivity and Creative Visual Language

Strengthen Your Visual Sensitivity and
Creative Visual Language


Workshop with Michael Orwick


Dates: 9/6/2010 - 9/10/2010



Firesign Art & Design Studio and B&B
730 Smiths Road, Quadra Island, Quathiaski Cove
Canada

http://www.firesignartanddesign.com/MichaelOrwickWorkshopfiresign.htm



Firesign Studio hosts the 
5th Annual Quadra Island Paint Out Sept 11-12 2010 
as participants in the 
International Plein Air Painters
2010 WORLDWIDE PAINT OUT


Evening discussions/mini demos/critique Class size is very small, so register early


This workshop is designed to explore the fundamental reasons behind a painting's success.

Think of walking into a gallery and instantly being grabbed by a painting from clear across the room. What is it that reaches out to you and pulls you to get a better look? Learn what it is that first draws you and how the painting continues to cast such a spell that you have to get within sniffing distance to learn all you can.

Through informative conversations and step-by-step demonstrations students will gain an understanding of the interrelated components of painting, including value, shape, color and edge relationship. You'll be painting right alongside Michael Orwick with time for each student to receive personal attention and friendly critiques.



Michael will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of photo references. He will provide some reference material and students should bring landscape photos from home which they would like to work on. Michael will emphasize emotion, color and composition, and how to make a photo into a spirited painting.

Starting with composition, emphasis will be placed on strengthening students' skills of editing and selection as well as clarifying light effects for more powerful, personal design. Study the power and importance of balance, unity, variety, interest and contrast through the tonal and color aspects of your paintings.

$625.00
Location: Firesign Art & Design StudioWorkshop Dates: 9/6/2010 - 9/10/2010 Contact Person: Nanci

Students will learn about mixing colors from a limited palette, while still achieving dynamic light and shadow effects with lively color. Discover how values and temperature work to keep your paintings in harmony.

Take home your own light filled masterpiece along with improved painting methods and theory.

Bonus; Get ready for painting outdoors with a Plein-air equipment overview and suggestions list.





"Amazing Oregon painter Michael Orwick teaches September 6-10 to get ready for the 5th Annual Quadra Paint Out September 11-12. American classic realist Timothy C. Tyler comes to participate in the Paint Out and teach "Plein Air Painting" September 13-17. Comox painter Grant Fuller returns September 20-24 to teach "How to Paint the Sea in Watercolour". October 2-3 Teresa Knight brings "Finding the Magic: Exploring your Creativity". Marjorie Turnbull teaches "Broaden your Colour Horizons" October18-22.

Firesign Art & Design Studio and B&B on Quadra Island celebrates its 5th birthday! Nanci Cook and her husband Tracy Tomlinson began Firesign in 2005 with major renovations, turning the ground floor of their home into comfortable bed and breakfast accommodations, with separate entrance and kitchenette, inspected and approved by Tourism BC and the BC Innkeepers.

Nanci Cook also paints in acrylic and sometimes watercolour, and recently has paintings in the Member's Show at the Campbell River Art Gallery. An active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, she is part of the year-round Quadra Island Studio Tour and will show paintings in Herons at the Heriot Bay Inn in September.

Because she likes sharing with other painters, Nanci focuses on finding exciting artists to come teach workshops in her painting studio. Students have come from Puerto Rico, all over the US and Canada to paint at Firesign. Because workshops have maximum eight students, classes have a wonderful dynamic and everyone learns from each other, creating new friendships and new skills in a quiet and safe environment.

Vancouver Island and BC artists are a big focus at Firesign, though some well-known American artists have been added to the roster for 2010. Coming up: Bill Kerr explores various Quadra locations with students during his "Travel Painting" weekend July 3-4. Then July 5-9, luminist David Gallup comes from California "Plein Air Painting". Cortes Island artist Dianne Bersea returns August 1 with "Water Media Rambles". Courtenay artist Marilyn Timms, teaches "The Zen of Quadra Island: Plein Air/Studio Seminar" August 23-27, using watercolour and/or acrylics. Los Angeles artist Michael Newberry teaches "Activate Your Vision" August 30-Sept 3 in any medium.

Amazing Oregon painter Michael Orwick teaches September 6-10 to get ready for the 5th Annual Quadra Paint Out September 11-12. American classic realist Timothy C. Tyler comes to participate in the Paint Out and teach "Plein Air Painting" September 13-17. Comox painter Grant Fuller returns September 20-24 to teach "How to Paint the Sea in Watercolour". October 2-3 Teresa Knight brings "Finding the Magic: Exploring your Creativity". Marjorie Turnbull teaches "Broaden your Colour Horizons" October18-22.

Firesign and the Heriot Bay Inn host the 5th Annual Quadra Island Paint Out, when painters and aspiring painters will be painting out on Rebecca Spit and Heriot Bay September 11-12. More than 20 artists were out last year with more anticipated for 2010, including Timothy Tyler, Michael Orwick, Marilyn Timms, Grant Fuller, Bill Kerr, and Perrin Sparks. This event is part of the International Plein Air Painters Great Worldwide Paint Out.

You don't have to be an artist to stay at Firesign B&B! Check out the new deck and deer-friendly gardens. Ask about the newly subdivided 5-acre property now for sale! Nanci also has beautiful imported amber and silver jewelry for sale in the studio/gallery."

Call for information:

250-285-3390 or check the website at www.firesignartanddesign.com for details.Publish Post


http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&q=Quadra+Island,+BC,+Firesign+Art+&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=104507308082698253735.00000112d32366a1d8a6a&om=1&ll=50.045565,-125.177021&spn=0.012333,0.033023&z=16