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Giraffe on 9" x 12" Clayboard |
GETTING BACK ONTO THE ART SCENE
I
have been busy since the first of the year trying to do some self promotion at
the encouragement of my friends and family.
First off I applied for an artist grant to help me re-emerge onto the
art scene. I have been out of the loop
for a few years while taking care of my disabled grandson and although I still
help care for Ethan every day, it has become easier for me to integrate time to
paint into my weekly schedule. I have
found that painting with acrylics allows me flexibility to work on a piece in
short sittings, yet still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of simply picking up a
brush and creating art. I am also eager to make new connections and colleagues
in the greater Lansing area. My proposed
project for the grant is to be the first "Artist in Residence" for
the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, MI. I
will be painting, demonstrating and teaching wildlife art in the midst of
Wildlife! I am super excited about this
because through this project I will have the opportunity to paint my favorite
subjects more accurately as I will be able to observe them live and up-close, capturing
their essence, characteristics and personality. I will also have more ownership of the creative
process through this project because I
will have access to take my own photographs, make sketches, and even record
video of the animal so that I will have exactly the reference material that I
need to create the best finished pieces.
The
most engaging portion of my project will be the public demonstrations that will
be accessible to anyone who visits the zoo while I am there painting. I have found that nature is often the subject
that new artists, both young and old, are drawn to. Painting at the zoo seems a
perfect way to engage people and ignite their creative spirit. While demonstrating, I will have an assortment of
blank canvas boards, brushes and paints available for anyone who wishes to try their
hand at painting. I know from experience that it can be intimidating to try
something new, but my hope is that individuals will feel comfortable joining in
even if they may not feel confident in their artistic abilities, they will be
intrigued and inspired by the live animals, and will want to learn how to
capture them through painting.
I plan
to kick-off my series as a demonstrator at Potter Park Zoo during their annual International Migratory Bird Day
Celebration on June 1st.
Throughout the summer I will demonstrate and hold acrylic painting classes
at the zoo. My project will culminate
with an exhibition of my 10 completed pieces that will be held in the zoo’s
Safari Room on September 15th. The Potter Park Zoo has been very generous in offering to
help me procure this grant by offering the space for my classes and waving my numerous admissions
to the zoo as an in-kind donation.
I will try to keep a journal of my progress over the summer months
and share it here. You can also follow my zoo adventures on my facebook page www.facebook.com/C.L.Tonning.Artist I look forward to meeting new artists
and making new friends through this project, and of course all the cool animals I get to paint!
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