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In 2008 I was approached by the owner of The Picture Framer & Gallery, Ann Hearn, in Cheshire, Connecticut. Ann wanted to host a solo exhibition for me and my paintings. Of course, I said yes to my first solo exhibition. There was a Record-Journal Article by Jesse Stanley in conjunction with the show.
The Interview – Record Journal Article
Jesse Stanley and I knew each other from previous articles he wrote about my daughter and her lifelong struggles with a debilitating skin condition known as Epidermolysis Bullosa. As he did when writing her pieces, he came to the house with a photographer and interviewed me about my mid-life journey into landscape oil painting. He also printed the dates of my solo exhibition at the Picture Framer & Gallery. The cover story was titled “Painting puts beginner in a zone.” Following is a copy of the 2008 Record Journal Article by Jesse Stanley.
(Click on the article to open in a new browser window.)
Knowing thousands of people would read this article about me was a strange feeling. As I mentioned earlier, I had been through the process before when Jesse wrote about my daughter’s health struggles. In those instances, the family was trying to build awareness of her condition in our local community, hoping that people would contribute to research and ongoing work to find a cure. However, it was only about me and painting this time, so I was more self-conscious. Jesse did a great job!
The 52nd Regional Exhibit by Mystic Art Association was my third group exhibition. Participating in this exhibit was more costly because it was far from home. Subsequently, each trip to the exhibition hall was a 1-hour 45-minute drive one way, and I had to go three times. In order: the first trip was for drop-off, the second for the reception, and then lastly, the pick-up. Also, it was a family trip each time that included eating out, gas, etc. As a result, it was a time-consuming and costly adventure. However, I needed to connect with the art scene, meet people and make contacts.
Event Literature – 52nd Regional Exhibition by Mystic Art Association
Another excellent opening reception is at the Mystic Art Center on August 14th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The gallery was packed, and I was surprised to get into this show after seeing all the beautiful paintings dropped off during the receiving hours. Upon arrival at the opening reception, I was further surprised to see my artwork hanging in the main gallery directly next to the first-place winner. Therefore, I could not have asked for a better-hanging location.
John O’Keefe Jr and “River Through the Adirondacks”
Main Gallery, “River Through the Adirondacks” hangs to the right of 1st prize winner!
Main Gallery
Meeting other Artists – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Later, after the awards ceremony, Jennifer and I had time to mingle with the other artists. Before the evening ended, we met several artists, some of whom you can see in the following pictures.
Edward Bissel and his wife (left) Jennifer and John O’Keefe Jr (right)
Jennifer and John O’Keefe Jr (left) Annelie Skoog and David Madacsi (right) (Showing our artworks that did not get accepted into the Exhibit.)
Overall I had another excellent experience at the 52 Regional Exhibition by the Mystic Art Association. Even though the journey from my home to the venue is long, I definitely would like to exhibit with them again.
About the Judge – 52nd Regional Exhibition
Susan Swinand
Susan Swinand is a visual artist from the Philadelphia area who has been living and working in Shrewsbury, MA, since 1984. She has taught painting at the Worcester Art Museum in central MA for over 20 years and was an adjunct painting and design instructor at Clark University from 1992 to 2004. She also currently teaches painting classes in the greenhouses of Wellesley College.
Susan graduated from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia in 1965. An Emily Sartain fellowship allowed her to travel in Europe and to study in Austria with Italian painter Emilio Vedova. On her return, she attended the Barnes Foundation for two years, where she studied the Philosophy and Appreciation of Art.
She has been active in many art organizations, serving on the boards of Moore College of Art, ArtsWorcester, and the Artists’ Equity Association. Also, she was president of Philadelphia Artists Equity in 1978-80, receiving their Distinguished Service Award in 1981. Additionally, she was the director of the ArtsWorcester Gallery at the Forum Theatre for many years.
Her work has been exhibited in over a hundred juried, invitational, solo, and group shows. 1, 2
Footnotes:
Image of Susan Swinand from her website ~ 8-15-08.
Bio information for Susan Swinand from her website ~ 8-15-08.
The Summer Exhibition by Lyme Art Association was my second group exhibition. This significantly boosted my confidence because I was a newcomer to the Connecticut art scene. All of this was new to me, and I would be lying if I didn’t admit I was very nervous. Therefore, I was grateful to have Jennifer at my side, encouraging me.
Opening Reception (6-27-2008) – Summer Exhibition
The Summer Exhibition by Lyme Art Association held the opening reception on the 27th of June, 2008, from 6:00-8:00 PM, and over 200 guests attended the reception. Jennifer and I had the opportunity to meet and talk with David Leffel and his wife, Sherri McGraw. Specifically, we discussed my painting that they accepted into the exhibition.
“Excellent graphics. I love the contrast between light and dark. Unanimously accepted.” ~David Leffel
Meeting other Artists – Summer Exhibition
Later, I met Graham Scott, Photographer, and Advertising Director for ‘The Art Guide.’ Graham was the one who directed me to the Lyme Art Association after viewing my work several weeks ago, and his compliments and encouragement led me to join the association as an Associate Member. Thereafter, he introduced Jennifer and me to Diane Aeschliman (Elected Member and Board of Directors). Also, Anna Grenier congratulated me on being accepted into the exhibition. Anna is the Managing Director of the Lyme Art Gallery. Additionally, she said, “This was a tough show to get in. Out of more than 200 submitted paintings, the number accepted was 60.”
Jennifer and I met Barbara Lussier (Elected Member and Vice President of the Board of Directors). And before the reception ended, we had an opportunity to meet ‘Smiling’ Don, a lovely older gentleman who had previously modeled for artists. We had a friendly conversation about our previous careers (before art), and he wished us success on this adventure.
Lastly, we met the Director of Sculpture for the Hudson Valley Art Association. Subsequently, We discussed the steps required to become an elected member, and he said he would help start me on that process.
Overall the evening was inspiring and fun, and I received many commendations for my work. And people said they looked forward to seeing more of me and my paintings.
About the Judges – Summer Exhibition
David Leffel
David A. Leffel has been internationally recognized as a “20th Century Old Master,” an honor that very few living American artists achieve. If we travel back to the 17th century Dutch Masters, most notably Rembrandt, who casts a powerful shadow on Leffel’s work, not only the shades of history but the artist’s immediacy that awakens us to his brilliance. Leffel is said to be a true master of chiaroscuro, not only with his shadow and light but with brilliant visual concepts. David Leffel is highly sought after not only as an artist but highly respected as an “Artist who Teaches.” Lyme Art Association is proud to welcome Mr. Leffel. 1, 2
Sherri McGraw
Sherri McGraw is a highly accomplished artist who firmly believes in developing as an artist through observation. She doesn’t encourage any mechanical means, such as measuring systems, to provide the artists to capture a likeness or the essence of an object. The artist must observe through visual relationships for creative expression. Ms. McGraw was born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Ponca City, Oklahoma. She is considered a highly accomplished painter and master draughtsman. Her serious art studies took place at the famous Art Students League in N.Y.C. after five years of college. She is also a practitioner of Chiaroscuro’s “way of seeing.” She has exhibited both nationally and internationally. Also, she is the author of “The Language of Drawing from an Artist viewpoint.” The Lyme Art Association welcomes Sherri McGraw. 3, 4
Footnotes:
Image of David Leffel from www.oldmastersmaroger.com.
Bio information for David Leffel as printed on Lyme Art Association’s 2008 Summer Exhibit event brochure.
Image of Sherri McGraw from www.oldmastersmaroger.com.
Bio information for Sherri McGraw as printed on Lyme Art Association’s 2008 Summer Exhibit event brochure.
Hanging and Receiving (4-2-2008) – Annual Visual Arts Exhibit
I volunteered to help hang the exhibit. In addition, my family, wife, and children also assisted with the hanging process. During the hanging, I met several artists I would get to know better in the coming years.
Hanging
Hanging Team (from left to right) Paul Miller, John MacKay, Jennifer O’Keefe, John O’Keefe, Dale Spaner, Danielle O’Keefe, Angela Orsene, Joan Shackford, and Joshua O’Keefe (taking the picture)
Award Ceremony and Reception (4-9-2008) – Annual Visual Arts Exhibit
With great excitement and anticipation, we arrived early for the award ceremony and reception. There were about 40 people in attendance. As a result, I met and talked with many people, including some artists in the exhibit. During the evening, I received an award and cash prize for my painting, “River Through the Adirondacks.” My family and I had a good time at the 2008 Annual Visual Arts Exhibit by Cheshire Art League.
John O’Keefe Jr. and “River Through the Adirondack’s”
Meet the Judge (4-30-2008) – Annual Visual Arts Exhibit
John O’Keefe Jr. and Dianne Gorrick
“Technique and brushwork with attention to detail outstanding. The use of the difficult color green is well executed. Distance – good 3D effect. Hudson River School quality.” ~ Dianne Gorrick
About the Judge – Visual Arts Exhibit
Dianne Gorrick
Artist Dianne Gorrick’s formal education in the visual arts includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University and a Master’s Degree from Wesleyan University.
She is the recipient of two National Endowment Fellowships; a research grant concerning the Hudson River School of Painters and a fellowship to attend Dartmouth College, where she studied the art and culture of New England.
A painter and teacher with over thirty years of experience in the visual arts, Ms. Gorrick is represented in many private and public collections, including a prestigious sculpture installation for the Russell Library in Middletown, Ct. A lengthy exhibition history includes the Wadsworth Athenaeum, the New Britain Museum, the Slater Museum, and the Ward-Nasse Gallery, SoHo, N.Y.C.
Ms. Gorrick is an elected artist at the Mystic Art Center and the Essex Art Association. She is a member of the Ct. Plein Air Painters Society and the Lyme Art Association. Working in oils and watercolors, landscapes are the artist’s favorite subject matter. 1
Footnotes:
Biography information for Dianne Gorrick from her website.
This was my 11th painting. This painting was a direct study of an old Victorian engraving. It had been several weeks since I last painted, and I wanted a miniature warm-up painting. Trees have been a little difficult for me until now, so I decided this study would be about trees. Please enjoy my tutorial “Old Olive Tree Path” by John O’Keefe Jr.
Composition and Materials – “Old Olive Tree Path”
When I came across the Victorian engraving below, I knew it was the scene I wanted to paint. I researched the Internet for color photographs of olive trees for a good color reference. The clouds I used are from a photograph that Jennifer had taken one afternoon in our neighborhood. The painting is relatively small at 8 x 10 inches.
Support: Pre-Stretched & Mounted Medium Textured Cotton Canvas (Acrylic Primed)
Size: 8 x 10 inch
Medium: Winsor & Newton Artist Oils Professional Grade Oil Paints (Ivory Black, Titanium White, French Ultramarine Blue, Sap Green, Raw Sienna, and Burnt Sienna)
Finish: Winsor & Newton Dammar varnish.
Step-By-Step Tutorial – “Old Olive Tree Path”
Day 1
I always begin a landscape painting with the sky. I knew a large group of trees would be on the right side of this scene, so as you can notice, I did not paint any clouds in that area; only the blue sky is visible on the right. After the sky and clouds looked complete, I blocked in the foreground the large body of water and the remote peninsula.
Day 2
Once satisfied with the background elements of the painting, I started adding the trees and shadows.
Day 3
Now I’m focused on painting the trees. I was attempting to follow the engraving as closely as possible. The Victorian engraving was perfect for the Hudson River School style of painting that I’m trying to develop.
Day 4
The distant tree on the right was painted darker so there would be a noticeable contrast between it and the closest tree. I think the effect was working nicely at this point.
Day 5 (Digital Edits)
Using my computer, I created this digital update. Seeing minor changes on the computer is faster and less risky than updating the actual painting. The distant shoreline is more defined, the horizontal plane of the coastline now carries out into the ocean, and the forward right tree trunk now has more highlights so that it pops. More sunlight also passes through the tree leaves and branches, making a beautiful array of shadows on the ground.
Day 6
Day 6 was about implementing the digital edits from the previous day.
