Hello friends!

The last few weeks have included two studio visits and critiques with some of my favorite professors and colleagues, a 30 year college reunion in Florida, a destructive tornado ripping through our neighborhood, some emotional parenting challenges, promotion and planning for the Italy workshop, and some sweet sweet studio time.

Amongst it all, I see that in the midst of life’s ups and downs, there is nothing quite like the power of nature to jolt a person right out of a self-centered, myopic attitude. The tornado destruction a block away makes one thing crystal clear - nothing really matters except helping each other. Of course, I’ll keep making art and keep on planning, but I am reminded that my worries are temporary and caring for each other has to be at the heart of all actions.

With the wifi and power out, this newsletter is uncharacteristically brief! Below is information about the workshop in Italy, as well as artwork that represents what is on my mind today.

Fondly,

Laura

Artist as Activist

The work of Thomas Hart Benton quickly came to mind when I was thinking about an artist’s approach to natural disasters. My knowledge about the artist is limited though, based on a few slides in art history class long ago and admiring his recognizable paintings from time to time in museums such as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. My interest is now sparked based on what I learned while reading about the painting below.

With the inundation of news and visual imagery in our lives today, it is hard to imagine that a painting could influence congressional action but that’s exactly what Benton attempted with the painting, Flood Disaster.

To read more about this amazing story and the artist, click here. The article, by art historian Dr. Henry Adams, is compelling and explains another purpose of art: for social good. I hope you enjoy it!

Join me for an art retreat in Italy!

I’ll be teaching a “Figure in Action” painting class just outside of Assisi, Italy this June 17-23. The curriculum is easily adaptable for all levels in this small (8 students max) workshop. Each morning we will meet for a short outing that will include demonstrations, drawing from life, and photographing people and places. We will return to the studio for painting demos, lessons and one-on-one instruction using our sketches and photos from our outings.

The layered curriculum is designed for beginners and seasoned artists. BONUS: Art materials are provided!

TIME TO REGISTER - 3 SPOTS LEFT!

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Coretta Scott King