Georgia O'Keeffe - The Inspiration for an Artist

This is a quote I found today in the Robert & Sara Genn Twice-Weekly newsletter: "Where I was born and where and how I have lived is unimportant," wrote Georgia O'Keeffe. "It is what I have done with where I have been that should be of interest." 

As artists and writers, we sometimes reflect on meaning and the contributions in life we may or may not have made. The O'Keeffe quote is thought-provoking for me. O'Keeffe found the skeletons of animals in the desert where she lived and made art from and about them. She dissected the flowers in her art and found beauty in closeups of their forms. I am especially drawn to those flowers and once created a series of work inspired by the paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.

On March 28, I will teach an acrylics workshop, "Painting Like Georgia," at Arts on the Main in Gloucester VA. In September, I will offer a similar workshop at the Art Academy in Hilton Head Island SC. I hope to do something with where I have been with my love of the O'Keeffe flower art. Here is the brochure put out by Gloucester Arts on the Main. The painting on the top left is mine and is sold. The other two are works by O'Keeffe.

Paint Like Georgia! Georgia O'Keefe had a legendary style that is fun to explore!  Mary Montegue Sikes will be here Saturday March 28th, 10am to 4pm,  to share her acrylic techniques with us!  A full day of wonderful instruction with an experienced artist with lots of tricks to improve our paintings!  All levels welcome - $45

Learn to paint like Georgia O'Keefe!  Just for fun class. From the moment Mary Montague Sikes saw paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe, she was intrigued. She loved the colors and designs of the paintings created by the artist during her days living near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Over the years, Sikes has transferred that love to her elementary and high school art students. More recently, she has taught workshops that focus on the O'Keeffe paintings and enjoys inspiring other artists to create work in the manner of the iconic artist. This workshop will focus on using floral close-ups to inspire. Sikes will demonstrate paintings she creates using her own photographs as working drawings. Students should bring a selection of floral photos they have taken. Monti maintains studios at Crossroads Art Center on Staples Mill Rd. in Richmond and in West Point. Her work is represented by Prince George Art and Frame in Williamsburg. She also writes & illustrates books!!

Join Our Mailing List  SIGN UP TODAY TO SAVE YOUR SEAT! call or email! Gloucester Arts on Main 6580 B Main Street Gloucester VA 23061 804-824-9464 FAX 804-824-9469 www.gloucesterarts.org reservations@gloucesterarts.org .