The Art of Architecture: Preserving Our Past, Building Our future
"I am inspired by dramatic lighting found just after dawn or before sunset, or in unusual weather conditions, which brings out the extraordinary beauty in ordinary subjects. Most of my paintings feature man-made forms, often contradicted or balanced by the natural environment. I often focus on a small portion of the building or the object, in order to emphasize the abstract shapes of light and shadows, interesting textures, and details. I appreciate the beauty of local architecture, whether it was inspired by classic Roman architecture, or built by farmers with hand tools. Although I see beauty in old, weathered structures with peeling paint, it saddens me that they are falling into disrepair and vanishing from our landscape. Through my paintings, I hope to preserve their place in our history.
I like to explore unfamiliar places with my camera and watercolor sketchbook in hand. Sometimes, I return to the same place time and time again, at different times of the year, or at a different time of day, or in different weather conditions. It is a gentle way of slowing down and getting to know a place, and improving my drawing and observation skills. My journal is simply a diary with words and images, but may also inspire a larger painting. When I return to my studio in Vicksburg, I select my favorite photographs for larger paintings and create small studies to select the best composition. I begin by painting the focal point or the most complicated area, and then work my way out until the paper is completely covered. I fine-tune the entire painting and ask myself if it tells the story that I intended. My pastel paintings are created with soft pastels (Unison, Great American, Ludwig, Girault, Richeson brands) on sanded Wallis or Pastel Premier paper. My pastel paintings have received international awards from the Pastel Journal, The Pastel Society of America, The International Association of Pastel Societies and Strokes of Genius. I am a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America and a Master Circle member of the International Association of Pastel Societies."
Meet the artist, Saturday, April 16, 2016, 4:00-6pm. Help EastEnd celebrate the 10th year of being a gallery and our 4th year in The Wagner's Block.
We are honored to show the art of award-winning pastel artist Helen Kleczynski. Our 10th anniversary celebration, coupled with Helen’s closing reception for her exhibition was held on April 16th to honor the gallery and Helen’s work.
See more of Helen's pastel paintings that are featured in a custom gallery on MarshallMich.net.
See a history of the early days of EastEnd Studio and Gallery, beginning with the vision of an art and design incubator with the expressed purpose of igniting a renaissance of handmade creativity in the Mid-Michigan region.
The Art of Pastel April 8, 2016 at 6-8:30 PM Class fee: $30, Materials fee: $15 Whether you are an artist or want to learn more about collecting and framing pastel paintings, you won’t want to miss this hands-on discussion about the medium of pastels. Paper selection, pastel selection, methods for mounting your paper, spray fixatives, under-painting techniques, and framing will be discussed. Participants will also have the opportunity to try out different types of paper and pastels. All materials are provided, so even if you have never painted with pastels before, this is a perfect opportunity to experiment.
Beginning Pastel April 9 2016, at 10 AM to 4 PM Class fee: $90 Materials fee: $30 Level: beginning and intermediate Create a landscape pastel painting from start to finish. This workshop is a perfect opportunity to try out a new medium, or improve your existing skills. All materials will be provided for you to create a 9” x 12” painting of a landscape with the elements of sky, trees, meadow, and a small barn. All you need to bring is a sack lunch, or you may order lunch from a nearby restaurant. Plan on attending the “Art of Pastel” workshop also, for more information about materials and framing.
Making Your Mark with Pastels April 16 at 10 AM to 4 PM Class fee: $90 Materials fee: $30, unless you bring your own pastels and paper Level: all levels “Painting” with pastels requires an understanding of the unique characteristics of the pastel sticks, the texture of the paper, and different ways of making marks. Regardless of the subject you love to paint, you can bring your work to a higher level by spending a day on the art of making marks. Reference photographs will be provided, or you may bring your own. Rather than expecting to complete a painting, you should leave the workshop with new skills for your artist’s toolbox. Bring your favorite pastels and paper (9” x 12” or larger). You should have pastels that have different shapes and degrees of hardness. If you don’t have pastel supplies, you may use the provided materials for an additional fee of $30. Plan on attending the” Art of Pastel” workshop also, for more information about materials and framing.
Class is held downstairs in the studio at EastEnd Studio and Gallery 143 W. Michigan Ave. Marshall Please register in advance. To register, call or stop by the gallery at 269-789-2379