Drawing the Human Head (Fall 2017)

Ideal for anyone interested in figure drawing or portraits. Have you ever wanted to draw or paint the human head? It's a complex subject and may seem overwhelming. However, in this class, we will cover the step-by-step process to help you get started. It’s called the ‘Loomis Method’ and was popularized in the early ’50s by the marvelous illustrator Andrew Loomis.

Artwork by Christy Olsen

Working with photographs as a reference is fine, but you will need to develop a feel for the three-dimensional form, so we will be working from realistic plaster casts of the head and eventually work with a live model. This method is a must for anyone working in portraits or figure drawing. The process will help you break down major complex structures from the head and the face. It’s simple, easy, and will help get you up and running in no time! Demonstration with some lecture, students will perform hands-on studio art practice.

Meets: (4) Saturday Afternoons at 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (3-hour duration)
Dates: Sep. 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14 in 2017
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N Los Altos Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705)

Instructor: Christy Olsen
Format: Demonstration, lecture, & one-on-one instruction provided during hands-on practice.
Level: Absolute Beginner to advanced, all levels are welcome!

Medium: This class is not media specific. Demos will be performed in charcoal, graphite, or pastel pencil.
Technique: Portrait Drawing
Materials: Bring your own supplies.

Register or enroll at the Art Verve Academy!

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The Drawing Studio (TDS) in Retrospective in Mesch Clark Offices(Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2017)

Was invited to exhibit as one of the instructors who taught at The Drawing Studio (TDS) for many years. This is a tremendous honor as they have selected only a few of the many who taught for them over the last two and a half decades.

San Xavier del Blanc. 12x16. Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen.

Exhibition & Art Sale

"The Drawing Studio in Retrospective" is an exhibition highlighting the 25-year history of exceptional teaching artists who made the Drawing studio what it is today! This event is open to the general public. Admission is at no charge.

Dates

May 16 - Jun. 16, 2017

Artist's Reception

May 16, 2017 (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
Refreshments served.

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 Gallery

The exhibition will be shown in the Mesch Clark Rothschild Offices located on N Meyer Ave. for more information, visit Mesch Clark Rothschild.

Mesch Clark Rothschild Offices

Location

Mesch Clark Rothschild Offices
259 N Meyer Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

Hours

Daily (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) or call for an appointment.

Sale

Artwork is "cash & carry," which means that if purchased, the piece may be taken home immediately so that clients will not have to wait until the show has ended. This an excellent opportunity to acquire that particular piece or find a unique holiday gift!

For Purchasing Information:
Phone +1 (520) 624-8886

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Finding Creative Pathways (Summer 2017)

Ideal for anyone who needs help finding their aesthetic or 'visual voice', would like to stay on track with their studio art practice, or would like to be inspired to create more often!

Artwork by Christy Olsen

You will also learn mark-making techniques and tips for creating perspective with ease. Switch to a brush pen and learn how to draw like a painter by working with tone and shape instead of a line. You will also learn how to work with a brush using inks and also try some colored inks.

Meets: (6) Saturday Mornings 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour duration)
Dates: Jun. 3, 17, Jul. 15, 29, Aug. 12, 26 in 2017
Location: Junior League (2099 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718)

Instructor: Christy Olsen
Format: Work independently, pick your own projects or work at home in between class sessions, then bring your work in for review. Individual feedback or one-on-one instruction will be provided.
Level: Absolute Beginner to advanced, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Not media-specific, demos will be performed in charcoal, graphite, or pastel pencil.
Technique: Drawing & sketchbook practice
Materials: Bring your own supplies.

Register or enroll at the Art Verve Academy!

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Gala in Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) Gallery (Silent Auction & Art Sale 2017)

Join us for a festive celebration including food, music and art! All proceeds from this event help directly support the Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) building renovation fund.

Italian Crystal will be up for auction in this charity art sale and exhibition!

Italian Crystal. 18x25. Pastel on Sanded Paper by Christy Olsen.

Gala Charity Art Sale & Silent Auction

The event is open to the public. Admission is at no charge. Tucson's current mayor, Jonathan Rothschild will be the auctioneer with over $22,000 worth of amazing donations to be auctioned, starting at 3:00pm.

Artwork is "cash & carry," which means that if you win the auction, the piece may be taken home immediately.

Date & Time

February 12, 2017 (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Auction begins at 3:00 p.m.)
Refreshments served. There will be wine, cheese and plenty of tables around the perimeter to sit and schmooze, shop, schmooze, repeat!

About the Host

The Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established to advocate and promote the pastel medium, uniting pastel artists, organizing professional development and artistic growth opportunities and increasing awareness of the versatility and value of pastel fine art within the community.

Location

Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) Art Center
2447 Los Altos Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705

Parking

Parking behind the building is available.

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The Event

This painting was auctioned during this event.

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Desert Harmony in Ironwood Gallery(Juried Exhibition & Art Sale 2017)

Was accepted into the show!

A premier juried pastel exhibition featuring original artworks in the pastel medium created by artists from the Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) and the Arizona Pastel Artists Association (APAA) art guilds.

Sun Worshipers. 12x16. Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen.

Juried Exhibition & Art Sale

Sixty paintings were accepted that were submitted from both the art guilds. This event is open to the general public. Artist's reception is at no charge. Admission to the museum is required for other dates and times.

Juror

Deb Steinberg
Fine artist and former instructor at The Drawing Studio.

Dates

February 18 - April 17, 2017

Artist's Reception

February 18, 2017 (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)

Refreshments served. Admisison is at no chage to the reception. If you are going to see the reception,  enter through admissions and tell them you are there to see the show. They will admit you at no charge.

Who's There. 9x12. Pastel on sanded paper by Christy Olsen.

About the Host

The Tucson Pastel Society (TPS) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established to advocate and promote the pastel medium, uniting pastel artists, organizing professional development and artistic growth opportunities and increasing awareness of the versatility and value of pastel fine art within the community.

The Arizona Pastel Artists Association (APAA) is an art guild of amateur and professional pastel artists throughout Arizona. They seek to promote artistic skills and public awareness of the pastel medium.

About the Gallery

Ironwood Gallery is an upscale gallery and beautiful space that is transformed for each unique exhibit. It is located on the grounds of the Sonoran Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona, which includes live plants and animals to further the conservation message of its exhibits.

Inside Ironwood Gallery

Location

Ironwood Gallery
On the grounds of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona 85743

Parking for Artist's Reception
Friday, March 10, 2023 (4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

Hours

Daily (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

Sale

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

For Purchasing Information:
Phone +1 (520) 883-3024

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The Event

Image from the installation.

Artists in the Exhibition

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Ten Year Anniversary Collector's Voice (Sep. 2016)

Jade Ginger Jar with Red Roses Original Painting by Christy Olsen

Published By UGallery, September 16, 2016

Honorable Mention, featured as number 9 out of 10 on the collector's voice review list during the the ten year anniversary celebration of the Ugallery. Quote from Catherine B. on Jade Ginger Jar with Red Roses was included.

Reference
Ten Year Anniversary Collectors' Voices by Ugallery
Open Studios Blog, published September 16, 2016.
Retreived from Ugallery.com

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Pastel Pencils (Fall 2016)

Explore new ways to use pastel pencils. Create beautiful sketches, drawings, or even finished works of art, rich in pigment with lots of colors. Pastel pencils may be used in conjunction with soft pastels or can serve as a cleaner alternative to pastel sticks with no mess & little setup time.

Artwork by Christy Olsen

Meets: (3) Saturday Afternoons at 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (3-hour duration)
Dates: Sep. 10, 17, 24 in 2016
Location: TPS Art Center (2447 N. Los Altos, Tucson, Arizona 85705)

Instructor: Christy Olsen
Format: Demonstration, lecture, & one-on-one instruction provided during hands-on practice.
Level: Absolute beginner to beginner, all levels are welcome!

Medium: Pastel pencils & pastel
Technique: A variety of approaches to pastel pencils or the pastel medium
Materials: The instructor will email the materials list prior to the first day of class.

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Register or enroll at the Art Verve Academy!

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