Art Extravaganza in Charleston

Last Thursday night (November first) in Charleston, SC was an event that was beyond fantastic.  Maggie Kruger of M Gallery of Fine Art SE sponsored the Star Studded Art Extravaganza and Painting Demonstration with five great nationally known painters.  These five painters with five great models painted for nearly four straight hours among patrons watching and even talking to the artists as they worked.  Each artist had not only a great model but the setting was enhanced with valuable antiques and props provided by Burke Antiques LLC of Sarasota, Fl.

I walked around through the crowded room for awhile watching each artist begin his or her painting, which was, I must say, a lesson in of itself.  No two artist began the same way.   Out of the five, I was able to get to four of them and watch their process.

Here is Kevin Beilfuss in action with his reclining nude (no photo allowed).  His colors were vibrant with linear drawing placing the subject in the proper place on the canvas.

Next was Bryce Cameron Liston painting an elegant lady in a black gown with an antique mirror reflecting back the image.

Across the room was Michelle Dunaway painting a gorgeous red-head reading a book on an antique table.  She began by painting the eyes and working out from that point.  Very dramatic!

The fourth artist was Lynn Sanguedolce painting a male nude juxtaposed against antique Chinese double doors.  She is the recipient of this years First Honor Award at the Portrait Society of America's International Competition. In addition, she was a finalist in the Art Renewal Center Figurative category  Unfortunately I couldn't get close enough to get a good image without including the nude.  Check out her paintings and her awards.

And finally, Thomas Reis the Best of Show winner this year from the Art Renewal Center.  His model was wearing an antique silver wedding headpiece from China. An amazing image! And his imagery drew me in and held me transfixed! He began by sketching with charcoal his vision of his painting establishing the proper proportions of the piece before apply paint.  I have a few images because I finally planted myself at a table next to him.  Watching him was like watching a rhythmic dance where his brush moved in a way that was lyrical.

Then at 10:30 sharp all painting stopped; time was up!  Each painting was framed right there on the spot and displayed on stage. Patrons who bought tickets for a raffle of each painting then found out who was the lucky one to take a painting home.  There were the disappointed and there were others with great joy; all in the suspense of the drawing process. 

Here Maggie Kruger of M Gallery and Joshua Rose editor of The American Art Collector Magazine are giving away the paintings.  The painting on the left is the new free painting "Within the Forest" by Albert Handel that will be given away next year to some lucky winner if they register on line at M Gallery.  Check it out for more information.

This night of the Star Studded Art Extravaganza was indeed a night to be remembered! And in addition, the evening was a masterful experience for any artist to have had! I look forward to next years Art Extravaganza!  Thank you Maggie!