Fair 46° F

Home > Archive > Jul 26, 2007

Artwork, Classes, Supplies – Feeding Passion for Art
By Mary Ellen Barnes
Step inside the old pioneer home at 310 E Tabernacle in St George for a unique journey into A Passion for Painting Art Gallery and Gift Shop.
The gallery and shop had its beginnings in four empty, dusty rooms underneath crumbling chimneys. The chimneys were rebuilt, wooden porch pillars restored and the new shingle roof retains its original claw-foot ridgecap, nestled underneath shade trees and next to a Victorian era lamppost.
The inside is just as inviting, with original doorknobs and wood-trimmed windows.  Old-time picture moulding is used to display much of the artwork, and the telephones are authentic reproductions of originals with new features of the 21st century.
A variety of gift items, antiques, and artwork by over 15 local artists is available for purchase to suit any décor. In what would otherwise be a bedroom, teddy bears and jewelry by area artists are displayed in an old-fashioned candy counter.
A Passion for Painting also has all the colors and supplies an artist could wish for, whether the medium is oils, watercolors, pastels or acrylics.
Through the remainder of July and until August 25, you can find the bargains of a lifetime, many items at less than wholesale. Supplies for scrapbooking, quilting, drafting supplies and more can be found during this huge clearance sale.
The store also offers art classes for everyone from beginners to serious professionals. Taught by some of the same award-winning artists whose works are on display, these classes cover not only the basics but also special techniques in landscapes, seascapes, portraits and more:
PASTELS FOR BEGINNERS, taught by owner-artist Rebecca Whitney, explores various methods of application, blending, types of painting surfaces to use and using watercolors, acrylics, even oil, for underpainting. Sessions begin September 4.
PASTEL BASICS, for beginners and experienced painters, is taught by Annette Everett, owner of The Art Cottage, an art gallery in the heart of the St. George historic district.  Everett works in pastels, oils and bronze and has many of her works in private and public collections. Classes are Mondays beginning October 1.
PLEN AIRE PASTELS is taught by award-winning pastelist Colleen Howe. Howe will lead for an outdoor painting experience in Zion National Park October 17, 18 and 19.
DRAWING FOR PAINTERS, taught by Sam Lawlor, is not the same as creating a drawing as a finished product. This class shows how to use drawing skills to complement and enhance the finished painting. It takes more than “an eye” to determine angles for drawing buildings and rooflines and for putting buildings into a landscape. Artist-teacher Lawlor grew up on a farm in Canada and is known for his rural landscape scenes depicting figures and farm animals.  Lawlor also teaches oil painting at Dixie College. His use of brushstroke and color are what brings his students back time and time again. His work is currently shown in several galleries throughout the U.S. Lawlor  recently returned from a showing in Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he was one of the top award winners.
COLOR THEORY, taught by Whitney, explains in-depth color mixing to obtain just the right shade of blue, green, or any other color desired. Classes will focus on mixing colors accurately, when to gray colors, and how to make every color blend into looking natural without a muddy effect.
WATERCOLOR WITH ROLAND LEE will teach brush technique and control of the medium. A world-renowned painter, Lee shares his own secrets through guided exercises that will bring your painting to a professional level, Class size is strictly limited to provide lots of one-on-one time for each student.
ACRYLICS WITH DIANE GRAEBNER will be taught November 13 and 14 only. Learn from an expert whose work was recently featured in the prestigious Art of the Parks national exhibit. Graebner is adept in pastel, watercolor and acrylics and enjoys a nationwide reputation for excellence in her depiction of the Amish and their unique lifestyle.
And there’s more. Is there a teddy bear collectible sitting in your closet or garage? Each bear begins with the original, which sits in an antique chair where local teddy bear artist Gwen Prisbey can see it every day. In time, each bear’s unique personality will emerge and provide inspiration for his or her handpicked, exclusive clothing and accessories. Crafted from antique upholstery fabric and fur taken from fur coats, each bear is handmade. Each hat, purse, collar, necktie, piece of jewelry or a pair of eyeglasses is selected for that bear — and that bear alone — making each bear a collector’s item.
“What makes us unique to St George is not only our building but our artwork and our classes. The paintings, the jewelry pieces, the bears — everything is crafted by award-winning, nationally known local artists. You can own an original for less than a print from the old masters,” Whitney said. “Whether you’re looking to redecorate or want to learn something new, you’ll find your passion for painting in our gallery and perhaps create a masterpiece of your own. In the world of self-expression and art, talent is really no more important than simple hard work and determination.”

A Passion for Painting is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about classes and more, contact the store at 628-5890.

---