Richeson 75 Still Life & Floral (Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2015)

Espresso and Vintage Harvest each received a Meritorious Award in the Richeson 75 international art competition.

The "Richeson 75 Still Life & Floral" annual exhibition will be shown at the Richeson School of Art gallery and is open to the public. Admission is at no charge.

Espresso. 16x20. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Juried Exhibition & Art Sale

Richeson 75 International are art competitions that offer a venue where established and emerging artists can show their latest, best work to a broader and more appreciative audience. The Richeson School of Art facilitates each competition with a unique genre. Artists from all over the world submit their pieces annually, where only 75 pieces are chosen, which is why it is called the "Richeson 75 International.

Jack Richeson & Co., Inc. underwrites large cash prizes for Best-In-Show and generous prizes of Richeson art studio furniture and materials for each contest cycle genre. The 75 finalists for each regular contest genre exhibit their work in the beautiful Richeson Gallery, which appears in a hardcover book for that annual competition genre.

There is also a companion online exhibit that reaches a broad audience. Medium categories include 1) oil, oil pastels, & acrylics, 2) Other media (soft pastels, drawing /dry media, watercolor, gouache, casein, printmaking, etc.).

Vintage Harvest. 16x20. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Dates

March 3 - March 31, 2015

Artist's Reception

March 7, 2015 (5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Host

Richeson School of Art is located in Kimberly, Wisconsin. They are proud to utilize locally and nationally known artists that teach a variety of art mediums at their on-site location. Their studio functions as an educational classroom, life drawing session studio, and local meeting space for artists to work during our open studio times.

Jack Richeson & Co. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality art materials. In 2005, company founder and CEO Jack Richeson realized his lifelong dream of creating a resource for artists to exhibit artwork, gain inspiration and further their artistic education.

About the Gallery

Richeson Gallery features over 700 original works of art composed by the Richeson Permanent Collection and regional and local artists. As part of its mission to support the visual arts community, the Richeson School of Art operates and sponsors an art gallery on-site.

Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI

There are two rotating exhibit spaces where world-renowned artists hang alongside up-and-coming artists' work, creating a beautiful harmony for visitors to experience. The permanent collection holds over 500 works by artists, including Stephen Quiller, Zoltan Szabo, Ramon Kelly, Richard Schmidt, Urania Christy Tarbet, Erica Norelius, and many more.

Richeson Gallery in Kimberly, WI

Location

Richeson Gallery
557 Marcella Street, Kimberly, WI, 54136

Hours

Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Wednesdays (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Saturdays (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Sundays & Mondays (Closed)
Or call for an appointment.

Sales

Artwork may be purchased during the show at the gallery but must stay hung throughout the exhibition. For Purchasing Information:
- Visit Richesongallery.com
- Phone +1 (800) 233-2404 or +1 (920) 560-3777
- Or email: artschool@richesonart.com

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Publications

Espresso and Vintage Harvest were published in the limited edition Richeson 75 International exhibition book.

All Richeson 75 International competitions are capped off with the publication of a collectible, limited-edition, full-color, hardcover exhibit book. These books include the finalists' work and feature meritorious awards from the competition.

Richeson 75 International
Still Life and Floral 2015

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Italy in Retrospect in Narthex Gallery(Solo Exhibition & Art Sale 2015)

Artwork will be shown in an invitational solo exhibition!

Italy in Retrospect is a one-artist exhibition featuring original oil paintings and pastels by representational artist Christy Olsen. Subjects revolve around central Italy and its unique characteristics, including history, architecture, artistic legacy, rich traditions, wine, music, and colorful landscapes. Twelve large paintings will be shown.

Santa Maria from Assisi. 24x36. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Tuscany is an Italian province surrounded by beautiful rustic countryside with yellow, red, and orange flowers and is also known for its Renaissance history and influence on high culture. However, the lesser-known province of Umbra is the home of the "Umber" pigment originally extracted from this mountainous province. It was used to make the famous Old Master's palette colors such as "Raw Umber" and "Burnt Umber." Original works in this show have umber and burnt sienna.

I didn't realize it at the time but now looking back in retrospect on the last few years, I have been painting a collection of scenery, colors and souvenirs that revolve around my former 2012 trip to Italy, where I visited Umbra, Tuscany and Rome.”

Solo Exhibition & Art Sale

This event is open to the general public. Admisison is at no chage.

Dates

March 1, 2015 - April 5, 2013

Artist's Reception

March 1, 2015 (10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Gallery

Narthex Gallery is located on the grounds of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. Enter the North Entrance marked "The Gathering Place" and walk straight to the exhibition. Or enter the West Entrance marked "Sanctuary" and walk straight ahead exhibition is on the right.

Narthex Gallery

Outside Narthex Gallery

Location

Narthex Gallery
7575 N. Paseo del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704

Hours

Daily (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).

Sale

Artwork may be purchased during the show but must stay hung throughout the exhibition.

For Purchasing Information:
Phone +1 (520) 297-7201

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The Event

Photographs that were taken of the installation.

Installation

Installation

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Navigating the Art Market of the 21st Century (Spring 2014)

The art market has been turned upside down in the past decades by the rise of the digital age. Explore past, present, and future art market trends. Learn how to sell your work online and the basics of what you need to be successful. No prior computer experience is required.

Adult Visual Art Class

Offered via The Drawing Studio (TDS).

About the Drawing Studio
The Drawing Studio (TDS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enriches people's lives by providing artistic inspiration and studio art instruction for people at any age (from 9-90+) at any level of experience. For more information, visit The Drawing Studio TDS.org.

Instructor
Christy Olsen

Date
January 11, 2014

Meets
(1) Saturday Morning (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) 3 hours

Location
The Drawing Studio (Studio No. 1)
33 Sixth Avenue,
Tucson, Arizona 85701

Level
No prerequisite. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced.

Enroll
Online (The Drawing Studio TDS.org)
Or phone: +1 (520) 620-0947

Course Code
N/A

Tuition
$55, $40 (Associate Members)

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A Breath of Plein Air (Master's Circle) in TDS Gallery(Silent Auction & Art Sale 2014)

Was invited into the 2014 Master's Circle Gala event, called A Breath of Plein Air!

Master Circle artwork will be auctioned. This event is open to the public with purchase of admission. Only 200 tickets are available to purchase in advance.

47 Miles to Tucson. 18x36. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Gala & Charity Silent Art Auction

Join us for a festive celebration including food, music and art! All proceeds from this event help directly support the Drawing Studio.

Gala Preview Viewing Only

January 22, 2014 (5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Wine, Opulent Hor d'Oeuvres served with music.

Gala Event

January 24, 2014 (6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)
Wine, Opulent Hor d'Oeuvres served with music.

About the Host

The Drawing Studio (TDS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enriches people's lives by providing artistic inspiration and studio art instruction for people at any age (from 9-90+) at any level of experience. For more information, visit The Drawing Studio TDS.org.

About the Auction

Art will be auctioned and available to anyone who purchased a ticket. You may direct your tickets toward any piece or pieces of art you want to take home! The winning tickets will be drawn for each piece at 8:30 p.m. Artwork is "cash & carry," which means that if you win the auction, the piece may be taken home immediately.

The Drawing Studio

Location

The Drawing Studio
33 S. 6th Ave. Tucson AZ 85701

Parking

Street parking is available. Please call us if you need special accommodations

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The Event

47 Miles to Tucson. was auctioned during this event.

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Art from the Heart (Group Exhibition & Art Sale 2014)

Original pastels will be exhibited and sold in Murphey Gallery. All proceeds directly support non-profit art charities.

Lincoln Memorial at Sunset. 8x10. Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen

Charity Art Sale & Exhibition

Art from the Heart is a charity art sale and exhibition. All original artwork will be in the pastel medium, created by the Tucson Pastel Society art guild members. Originals in various subjects will be displayed in multiple sizes, from small to large. The event is free and open to the public.

Small original artwork less than 11x14 (with the frame included) is priced at $100.00 or less. The following original was donated to the charity art sale.

Cottonwood. 5x7. Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen
Donation for charity.

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Dates

December 1, 2014 - January 5, 2015

Artist's Opening Reception

December 10, 2014 (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Host

The Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established to advocate and promote the pastel medium and have fun doing art in the communities it serves. TPS is an active and vital art organization for pastel artists to flourish, fostering the skills and camaraderie of its members while encouraging community awareness of dry pastel fine art by offering exhibitions and events. For more information, visit the Tuscon Pastel Society.org.

About the Gallery

Located in the heart of Tucson, Arizona, the Tucson Botanical Gardens is dedicated to horticultural and ecological education, with 16 gardens representing a variety of gardening traditions and botanical themes.

Education Center at Tucson Botanical Gardens

Location

Education Center at Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712

Hours

Daily (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or call for an appointment.

Sale

Original artwork may be taken immediately after the transaction is complete.

For Purchasing Information:
Phone +1 (520) 324-0166

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Painting Now in Florence Quater Gallery(Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2014)

"Three Legged Pot with Grapes" was accepted into the show!

Three-Legged Pot with Grapes. 16x20. Oil on board by Christy Olsen.

Juried Exhibition & Art Sale

"Painting Now" is an exhibition "Salon" style, which refers to hanging as many pieces of artwork on the gallery wall as possible, i.e. filling the space from top to bottom as opposed to a hanging one single row of artwork.

This exhibition style has a history. "Salon" with a capital "S" was the title of a formal art exhibition sponsored by the French Académie des Beaux-Arts. This annual show exhibited at the Louvre in Paris beginning with Louis XIV and opened to the public in 1737.

"Painting Now" is free and open to the general public.

Dates

January 13 - March 30, 2014

Artist's Reception

December 10, 2014 (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

About the Host

The Southwest University of Visual Arts (SUVA) is private collage that began with two students in 1983. Since then it has grown into a regionally accredited, nationally recognized university with campuses located in Tucson, Arizona and in Albuquerque, New Mexico. SUVA focuses on traditional skills combined with state-of-the-art computer technology that provides students the competitive edge in their field of study. For more information, visit suva.edu.

Juror

Stuart Gibson
Florence Quater Gallery Curator

About the Gallery

The Florence Quater Gallery is located on the Southwest University of Visual Arts (SUVA) campus in Tucson, Arizona.

Florence Quater Gallery

Location

Florence Quater Gallery
2538 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, Arizona 85716

Hours

Daily (8:300 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or call for an appointment.

Sales

Artwork may be purchased during the show but must stay hung throughout the exhibition.

For Purchasing Information:
Phone +1 (520) 325-0123

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PSNM Program Review (Sep 2014)

Pastel Demonstration by Christy Olsen

A Systems Approach to Painting
(September Program Review)

Review by Pat Oliver, published by PSNM, October 2014. p. 3-4.

Our presenter, Christy Olsen, is a third-generation artist who played under her mother's easel growing up and developed an appreciation for art at an early age. Her aunt, mother, and grandmother were all artists. She received her formal education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she studied the Old Masters and graduated with a degree in Art History and Anthropology.

Christy's work has been shown in exhibitions across the United States, including the "2014 Best and Brightest" exhibition at the Scottsdale Artist's School and the Porter Hall Gallery at the Tucson Botanical Gardens in 2013. She was also a finalist in the "2014 Richeson 75 Still Life and Floral" art competition and the "2014 NOAPS International Juried Open Exhibition." Christy lives in Tucson, Arizona, where she is very active in the local arts community of Southern Arizona and teaches studio art classes. She is a member of the Tucson Pastel Society. See Christy Olsen's website at ChristyOlsen.com.

Christy Olsen holds several jobs — Drawing Teacher, Teacher of Pastel Classes, and Systems Engineer. Also, early in her career, she did drafting by hand. While these pursuits may seem unconnected, Christy has found that they complement each other in her painting. Drafting taught her how to think in three-dimensional space. Drawing taught her how to take complex ideas and simplify them. Systems engineering disciplines her to combine all the aspects (line, value, shape, size, space, texture, and color) into a system. It is a "highly complex process with many elements to consider." Her purpose this day was to show us how to work through the elements in the context of relationships rather than in isolation (as is sometimes evidenced when a modification to one thing makes everything else seem "out of whack." The systems approach is to take complicated systems and work them into smaller pieces, then see how the pieces work together. The stages of a painting are (1) drawing, (2) painting, i.e., adding color), and (3) refinement.

Demonstration

Christy said she likes to paint bigger pictures because she doesn't like to do the framing herself. Bigger paintings can be fragile, so she ships them with Plexiglas. Her favorite paper is the French Sennelier paper (LaCarte), but she has found it is not completely consistent in color. She likes the mid-tones that "help pull out the lights and darks. "She uses the Dakota box for her pastels because the pastels don't break if the box should drop. Christy added straps to her box for carrying and also for strapping it to her easel. (To hold it steady, she weights it by hanging her purse from it.)

In the demo, she used a computer image of a vase and flowers displayed on an iPad for reference because it is better than a photo. However, working from life is best. She said, "I like to work from life; otherwise, it is flat."

First, Christy started her drawing using charcoal (Nitram charcoal regular HB - Nitramcharcoal.com) because "it is a very forgiving drawing tool. If I make a mistake, I can just take it off." She starts with design elements and uses a plumb line to measure the subject. She doesn't like to box it in at the beginning but "just get something going so you can manipulate it," i.e., doing a gesture drawing just to get it in. As she worked, she emphasized that she didn't want to "get it too tight too fast" but was "blocking in gestures, looking at the proportions, and checking that the objects are in the right place."

Once the gesture drawing was on the paper, Christy took a mirror and looked back at the drawing over her shoulder to make sure it didn't tilt to one side and to see what to adjust. Still using charcoal, she looked at the values before getting into color. Then, she begins shading in the darkest darks.

Question: Do you worry about charcoal polluting the colors?

Answer: No, because my pastels are opaque. It will show through them as darker values so long as I don't blend too much. When using charcoal to draw, it's not so intimidating. It feels more free.

In regard to specific colors, Christy said, "I have no idea how it (the color) will end up. As soon as I put it down, it is affected by the color of the paper, which is the effect of simultaneous contrast (everything is affected by everything around it)." Because of this effect, she tested each pastel color on a side strip of paper before using it. As she applied the pastel colors, she emphasized that she was not rubbing them in but keeping them loose and fresh. She usually works only two-to-three hours at a time to keep the painting fresh. She uses the edge of pastels to get the right hue, chroma, and value for an impressionistic approach (versus rendering).

Christy likes Unison half-sticks, but her favorites are Henri Roche. They cost more but last a long time because she is not pressing or blending (to blend with Henri Roches, she would use a brush). The closest to Henri Roche she has found are Diane Townsend pastels. She loves the pumice in these pastels because it gives them a little texture, a breathiness, or airiness.

At this point, Christy was starting on the lights, a warm yellow for the flowers. Also, she was softening hard edges so they would recede. She doesn't completely cover the paper, using the color of the paper as part of the painting. She said, "For a long time, I didn't submit work to shows because I didn't cover the entire surface. Then Richard McKinley told me that's old school." Christy said she likes for a lot of paper to show through. In her finished paintings, the paper is part of the painting. She also uses a cloth to "fuzz out" the background.

She was using Great Americans for the softened areas because they are a lot softer. She said, "Sometimes they are too textured, so I take a Holbein to work it in a little, to put texture more in the foreground." As she continued, she said she was "painting in the negative—adding neutral around the flowers, for example, and using cloth to soften the transitions." Because time was limited, Christy showed an earlier study of the same painting she was demonstrating to illustrate how the process proceeded. She concluded that it is important to spend time on the drawing and that "color is the icing on the cake."

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