Thursday, October 1, 2009

Magnum Opus and Artist Mentoring


Today we had the opening for the group show "Magnum Opus" at the Moncton city library. The paintings will be auctioned off at the Magnum Opus Gala on Sunday, October 25. I may not get a heads up to my mailing list in time, so everybody you're invited.

This charity does things a little differently than usual. The work wasn't donated. All the artists are paid for their paintings. The auctioneer has done a fabulous job in making a $20 000+ profit for the charity even after the artists were paid.

Photo bottom left to right- Jennifer Evans, Grace Ward, Jeanne Leblanc Mullin, Me, Jules Landry. Second row left to right- Joel Culligan, Diane Ryan, Cecil D, Georges Goguen, Marc Blanchard and Josette Mallet.

To see more artists, the paintings and all the details, check it out.

This is a photo of me and Jeanne Leblanc Mullin. She's been my mentor for the past two years and has been the best teacher for a perfectionist like me. Rules paralyze me. I try to stick to them so perfectly that I end up artistically constipated and unable to paint. She never lays down the law when it comes to work in the studio. Her comments are subtle and give me the freedom to explore. Often it's months later that one of those comments will click and lead to growth. Here she's talking about the importance of contrast, value plans and how Rembrant is the guy to study to learn more. She knows about the local market so her insights on marketing have been invaluable. If you're an artist and would like to progress more quickly, mentoring is a great accelerator.

After the show we got lunch at Caluctus, yummy vegetarian fare and talked about our upcoming November show, "Dynamics of the Spirit". This is the second mentor ship show that Maurice Henri has organized for Moncton. The program is still growing. If you're local and would like to be involved you can contact me for more info. I've got some homework to finish by showtime but am happy to say that my biography passed. I'll post it later.

14 comments:

Gwen Buchanan said...

Hi Shayla! What a great experience, and an exciting show.. you are really involved ... That is the good thing about cities or bigger centers, there are enough individuals to have an active Arts Community...
Thanks for the links... and it is great to see you there and at the bottom of your post.. you are lovely!!

Unknown said...

What an exciting event, tks for sharing Shayla..hugs/M

Tracy said...

Sounds like a wonderful event--such fun to know you're in on this. And great to see you too! :o) Happy weekend, Shayla ((HUGS))

Jeane Myers said...

congratulations Shayla, it looks like it was a wonderful show!

ArtPropelled said...

What a great idea. I like the sound of mentoring.

Matt DeFore said...

I work in the Finance department at Samford University. I'm going to make an effort to connect with someone in the fine arts department. Your mentoring suggestion makes sense...thanks

This was an exciting post..sounds like a great time for you.

Shayla said...

Gwen, yeah that's what I love about the city. It's easy to be torn between city and country. I can never decide. Luckily Jason is firmly decided on the city other wise we might still be bouncing around. This winter I'll live vicariously through you when you post about that beautiful country living.

M.Kate, Have a great weekend! Thanks for the visit. Hugs

Tracy, books and art, how could I resist? More books! Maybe the library will buy a complete works of Emily Dickinson with the money ;)

Jeanne, the show went well, thanks.

Robyn, heh, I guessed that. You've been one of my mentors. Internet mentoring counts too :D Thanks again for the help with artist's block.

Matt, that's great! What a fabulous resource. Funny, my background is in finance. Have you found it influences your work? Do you have a 'mathematical' mind?

picciolo said...

hey what a great event, and the mentoring idea sounds wonderful. Its nice to see some pictures of you too!
: )

Matt DeFore said...

Many a day, I think back to college and my decision to major in Accounting. I took various art courses but never considered a profession in graphics or art. Oh the regrets. Now I just dabble in it.

MiKa Art said...

Wow, this looks so wonderful! What a great mentor you have- and I think you are a really good at being mentored.

Happy weekend! :-)

Jason Newcomb said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shayla said...

Oops, posted under my spouse guy's avatar.

Jane, the mentoring is fun and it's easier to learn with one on one.

Matt, sorry to hear about the regrets. I remember how that felt especially during my last job, but you never know where that dabbling could lead...

Mika, thanks for the encouraging words :)

Leah said...

What a wonderful show to participate in! Congrats!

And how fabulous to have a great mentor as well.

Regina said...

How exciting! May the show be a great success!
I just joined a critique group led by a retired art professor. After one session I am very encouraged and excited about what I am learning to help me along my artistic journey.