Please join us for an evening of art. On Friday evening, October 4, 2019, we will be announcing the winners of our “In the Round” Art Show along with celebrating the life’s work of Artist, Mell Friedland.  A very talented artist who works in many mediums.  Mell is also a master gardener and a devoted pet lover.  She will present an artist talk at 7:15 p.m. followed by our award presentation for our “In the Round” Art Show. This event is free and open to the public.  Refreshments served.

October First Friday Featuring  “A life’s work by Mell Friedland.”

Inspiration for my artistic ventures comes from IMPRESSIONS of my everyday life experiences.  Sometimes I notice the way the light affects a simple table setting, or how the sunlight on a farm field can create patterns of shadows, or catch a special pose or glance from an attentive cat or dog (some of my favorite subjects!).

First, I notice COLOR, then capture the PATTERNS, I try to render a pleasing combination of those impressions on a canvas!  Lately, my inspiration comes from everyday travels around Geauga County. Noticing the trees and grasses in the fields, how the sun affects the intensity of the colors, adding drama with shadows and changing minute by minute, season to season.  Even the same everyday vistas can appear different from one day to the next.

The media most used for my landscapes is oil paint on canvas but my very favorite method is chalk (soft) pastel on sanded paper.  Most of my animal portraits are done with pastels, which I think offer more exceptional ability to control details and incorporate drawing techniques.

I try to infuse everything with specific energy and intensity, capturing a mood or a fleeting moment that will never be repeated!  I don’t consider my artwork complex; everything is straight forward, portrayed, and highly visual.

Another medium I have worked with is transparent watercolor.  I like the fluid easiness and “light” feeling watercolor gives a painting.  For me, it involves a completely different thought process … making it a challenge to accomplish a satisfactory piece of finished artwork!!

Experimentation with silk fabric painting brought another unique method of color application in the form of rich vibrant, fluid dyes on “floating” (stretched) silk fabric — a very ancient technique portrayed with modern contemporary subjects.

I hope my artwork will inspire you to notice your everyday surroundings in a different light.  Art is all around!