Painting Demonstration- Art in Action @ Catiri's Art Oasis

by Dena Tollefson
http:/www.denatollefson.com

"Daisy VIII" 4"x6" Oil on Canvas,  Private Collection. Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson  

I will be doing a painting demonstration of my Daubism pointillism oil painting technique at Catiri's Art Oasis in Amana this Saturday, May 29th. I will be meeting people and showing how I make my daisy series paintings-  Come on out for the fun-  this is part of Catiri's annual Art In Action event where there will be jewelry making, wheel pottery, painting and glass making demonstrations. Event is 10AM-5PM. If I am not at Catiri's at the moment, I will likely be found eating a cookie at the Amana Bakery 2 shops over :)

Catiris Art Oasis

4513 220th Trail
Amana, Iowa 52203
PHONE: (319) 622-3969

I hope to see you there!

"Energy, Light and Color" Exhibit

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Abby Jones, Paul Monska and Dena Tollefson will be exibiting over 50 paintings in a juried 3-person show entitled "Energy, Light and Color" at the Lowe Center for the Arts in Marion sponsored by the Marion Arts Council. Reception is June 3, 2010 6:00-7:30PM which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. You are invited!!

The three of us will be giving an art talk at this reception to explain intentions behind the paintings. I am exhibiting my Corn Series and Abstract Series. Last week I wrote last week about the Corn Series- this week I'll write about the Abstracts... 

"The Last Week" 28"x22" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

"Noah's Ark, Gypsy" 40"x30" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2005 Dena Tollefson

"Sin" 20"x16" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2005 Dena Tollefson

"Mountain Sunrise, The Flight" 18"x24" Acryic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

These Abstract paintings are all about symbolism with a goal of strong composition.  I first determine a theme or symbol for the painting and then develop a pencil or pen sketch to work out a composition of overlapping and tangential shapes which support the idea. I then lay out this plan with a thin layer of paint. The photos shown here are acrylic paintings, this approach is the same whether I am using acrylic or oil paint. I then continue building up layers by glazing color until the painting is complete.

My goal is to have connections between the small elements in the painting but have them read as a whole shape with a color balance across the painting. One should be able to divide the canvas in quarters and have balance and a sense of harmony in all quadrants. I use a lot of black and white with strong contrasts in these paintings to increased drama.

Inspired by a Teacher

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I dropped off 27 paintings on Saturday to the Lowe Center for the Arts in preparation for an opening on June 3rd... There was a wonderful woman there working on a grant who was very helpful. When I heard her name, I wondered if it could be the same person who was such a positive influence on me as a child- I was delighted to find out this was Mrs Renfer, my beloved 5th grade art teacher!  (Mind you, I am now 44 years old- this was a long time ago). Mrs Renfer is an appointed member of the Marion Arts Council and volunteers at the Lowe Center. What a neat blast from the past!

Thank you, Mrs Renfer, for the positive, creative energy you have bestowed on your students. I am grateful to you.

The Corn Series Exhibit

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I am preparing for an exhibit for the Marion Arts Council at the Lowe Center for the Arts. The exhibit features Iowa artists Paul Monska, Abby Jones and Dena Tollefson, running from May 22-July 26th 2010.  An artist's reception with art talk from Paul, Abby and Dena, open to the public, runs 6PM-7:30PM on June 3, 2010. I hope to see you there!

Our exhibit is titled "Energy, Light and Color". I will be showing 25 pieces from my Abstracts Series and Corn Series. I'll talk in this post about the Corn Series. Next post will describe intentions behind the Abstracts Series.

"Corn III: Attraction" Original Oil on Canvas 24"x30" Copyright 2008 Dena Tollefson

The Corn Series focuses on corn as people: what would they be like if they were really human? How would human emotions be carried out by the corn?  I have had a lot of fun doing these paintings. There are 9 of them in all, 7 done as smooth botanicals, 2 done in my Daubism (pointillism) style.

"Rapunzel" Original Oil on Canvas 48"x24" Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

"Addonis" Original Oil on Canvas 24"x30" Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

On these smooth paintings, I am focusing on the curve of each kernel- how the light hits it, how each one is unique and how they sit next to one another. On the Daubism paintings of corn, I focus more on the color play and work to build up a texture following the contours of each kernel, the corn silk, the husk.

"Leonardo" Original Oil on Canvas 22" X 28" Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Did you know? Facts about Dragonflies

by Dena Tollefson

Did you know...
The dragonfly can fly up to 30 mph. That is speeding in some neighborhoods! They can even fly backwards.

Did you know...
Dragonflies represent light and joy in the Japanese culture. They represent dear departed ones to some Native Americans. Some people think you will have good luck or hear an excellent  message from far away if a dragonfly lands on you.

Did you know...
Urban legend says a dragonfly lives only one day. This is not true- a dragonfly lives 4 months or longer, some several years. They start out as an egg laid near the water. They hatch into a little larva and spend most of their life in this larva stage where they gobble up mosquito larva and other such tasties. They are hunted by fish and frogs during this time. While underwater, they swim and have gills. Now large and mature, they leave the water, stake claim to a reed or stick, and form a casing. The dragonfly then goes into  the process a butterfly or moth goes through when they transition from larva to adult form... they metamorphasize into their final stage- a beautiful dragonfly.

Did you know...
Dragonflies don't live up to their scary name.  They don't try to bite or sting humans- but watch out if you are an insect!

Click here to learn more about dragonflies http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/faq.html