Big Critique Night

I got to the Studio extra early tonight, so I could do some more work to my new block drawing before the scheduled critique.  As always, wasn't sure exactly who would be coming.  Had heard from three people, two positive and one negative, but anything can happen.  Just before 7:00 I was still the only person there.  With the school year nearly over, the building was mostly empty (no dance class kids, no plays being rehearsed), so some footsteps in the basement hall were easy to hear.  Turned out to be Vince, one of our oldest established regulars, and one who comes a great distance, but one we haven't seen around lately, so it was a pleasant surprise.  Moments later Molly came in, followed by Tim who we had heard moved away (false we learned).  Molly wanted to move to the cafeteria, and as we were doing that, Mary and her daughter Katie arrived, then Margery and Sheilagh.  That brought us up to 8, 7 with art, a very respectable number for a summer Monday.

Above, clockwise from the upper left corner, a collaborative piece with contributions from Tim, Molly, and Sheilagh, woodcuts from Mary, a painting from Tim, my woodblock, and a mixed media piece from Katie.  In the center, paintings from Molly.  Below, on the floor, some shadow puppet pieces from Molly, part of a presentation she will be doing elsewhere tomorrow.

Above, two new clay figurines from Margery, and a mixed media painting from Sheilagh, done as a book cover for a friend.  

There was another volunteer for the collaborative piece, so it's not done yet.  As for my piece, generally people liked it.  A few people suggested there should be some way for viewers to know more about what inspired the piece and story behind all the elements in the scene.  Although I don't keep that stuff secret from anyone who wants to know, I don't post it by the piece either.  I prefer to let viewers engage with the work in their own way, and use their imaginations to figure it out.  Anyway, it was another fun night.