Virginia - Hampton Roads Artists!!!

[solorpower]

Just happened to stumble on this thread. I would like for northern Virginia artists to join me in a life-drawing/concept drawing session here in Hampton Roads, or I would make the trip somewhere up there and use this as an excuse to take the family for a little trip outside the area. Otherwise, I would like to start something here in Hampton Roads. As my profile says, I am in Virginia Beach, but DC & Richmond are not too far away....

It would be nice to get a local group going here. Schools nearby are ODU (Old Dominion University) and TCC (Tidewater Community College). I am real heavy into drawing from life, and color theory - 2 of the big ones in traditional art.

[hito]

There's a group that meets every tuesday at 7 in Norfolk, very reasonable distance from the Hampton Roads and VA beach area, at the Jaffe Art Center on Granby St. #737B.

[AdamDillabo]

hito is that thing free. solor power if you get anything set up let me know. i live in chesapeake so ODU is just a stone throw away. however i suck at art, but i am trying.

[hito]

its 7$ per session, or you can pay 20$ for 4 sessions in advance. Its really a great group of diverse people and some really great artists. Every 1st Tuesday of the month is a 3hr painting session. We had wine and snacks this past tuesday. It was great.

I hear there's another group in VA beach, but I don't know if they're active or not. The one in Hampton is off for the summer, I think they're more like a class than a group.

There's also a myspace site for the drawing group, http://www.myspace.com/jacdraw

[hito]

Just a reminder tomorrow night is the weekly drawing session at Jaffe Art Center in Norfolk, on Granby St.

you can see some of the drawings from last week here:
July 11th Session (http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=78566405&blogID=143567097&MyToken=fb2f16c3-b1eb-4d58-bea0-a8ada14e5f75)

[Rebeccak]

Argh, I wish this were closer to me! I live in Northern VA, Norfolk is pretty far for me to go for drawing. ;)

Let me know if you peeps ever meet up in the Northern VA / DC / MD area! :)

Cheers,

~Rebeccak

[Leviwhit]

This sounds great. I just moved to VA Beach rom Florida in an area that didn't have something as cool as this. I'm excited to come on a Tuesday and check it out.

[hito]

Tonight is the 1st Tuesday of the month, which means 3hr Painting session!

the address is 713 Granby St, Norfolk, VA.

[AdamDillabo]

i turn 18 soon so hopefully i can get off school and get there by 7. if i can i will try and come often.

[artmessiah]

Damnit why couldn't you do this while I was still there!!! ;-) I'm from VA Beach and lived in Norfolk up until Jan of this year. I moved down to florida to pursue getting into Ringling. I may be heading back up that way though if my plans fall through, lol. Good idea, please keep it going.

[hito]

quick reminder tonight is the usual 2hr drawing session. 7$ for 1 sessionor 20$ for 4 sessions

[Leviwhit]

does anyone know of another group of artists that may meet for outdoor painting ( plein air) ?? I would e very interested to know.

[moopuff]

Hey, are new artists welcome to show up? How many people usually show? What's the usualy age range?
I live in South Norfolk, so that wouldn't be to bad. When do you guys meet?

[hito]

Levi - I don't know if there're groups that meet for plein air, we might be able to set something up once in a while

moopuff - the only requirement is you be over 18. Age range from 20 to 50+; typical turn out is around 10 people. Meets every Tuesday at 7PM, runs till 9PM; every 1st Tuesday of the month is a 3 hr Painting session, 7~10PM

[cresive]

Hey GUys,
Are there any open studio sessions still active in the HR area? Jaffe is no more and I haven't found a good one other than in Ghent. Is there anyone on here interested in starting an open session?

[hito]

Jaffe is going strong as far as I can tell; we get 8 to 12 people each week; there's another group that meets saturday mornings in VA Beach; can't remember the address exactly, they meet 9:30 to 11:30 saturday mornings.

[moopuff]

Yeah, I went to the Jaffe session last tuesday, I plan on going tomarrow too. I think the guy said that the VA Beach session is at the corner of VA Beach BLVD and Newtown in the same place as an AC contractor.

[hito]

friend and I are going to Richmond to 1st Friday if anyone is interested; We plan to leave Hampton around 7 PM; reply if you're interested and we can see about arranging a carpool.

[moopuff]

friend and I are going to Richmond to 1st Friday if anyone is interested; We plan to leave Hampton around 7 PM; reply if you're interested and we can see about arranging a carpool.
Sort of just a bump for that^^^
It's a go for me though.

[cresive]

Hey Guys,
Who is coordinating the Jaffe drawing group? Do you know who to contact for the VA beach Group?

[hito]

I don't know the contact for the VA beach group.

Bernard is the main contact for the Jaffe group. the best way I can think of reaching him is through the myspace site for the group www.myspace.com/jacdraw

[cresive]

thanks. I just emailed her.

[hito]

Just a heads up, tonight its Dr Sketchy's drawing session in Norfolk

March 5th, 2007 Norfolk, VA
Molly hosts Dr. Sketchy's and does booksigning
at Relative Theory Records
6:30-8:30 pm
271 Granby St, Suite 200

[naomiful]

Is there ever anything that goes on with sketching anywhere over the weekend? I can go to sova and of course Richmond .. 'cause I'm in Richmond ~ and maybe nova sometimes.

Also if anyone games .. (Guitarhero2, wiisports/play, tekken, sc, etc..) I'm down for that as well.

[hito]

There're some chaps in richmond, I don't know much about what they do as a group. We occasionally head up to Richmond for 1st Friday. Once in a long while my friend and I hire a model for a long 3 or 4 hr session on a weekend. I'll keep you posted.

Dr Sketchy's turned out to be a bust, Molly and the model cleared out an hour early, I suspect it was the guy in the leopard fur coat and polaroid... We wind up a scotty quixx for a few drinks and sketching the poker players.

[naomiful]

Some of us paint outside on Sundays and the occasional life drawing, but no one really gets together to do any concept stuff here which kinda' bums me out - which is why I was curious. Yeah definitely keep me posted~!

[LDiehl]

Hey all, I'm defintely looking for a local life drawing/concept art group now that I'm out of college and actually sort of miss it...not to mention, I've got skills to improve.

The Tuesday night Norfolk Drawing Group looks really nice, unfortunately it is a good 3 hours and 30 min from here. :(

I'm near Harrisonburg, VA. Anybody here from Charlottesville, Waynesborough, Augusta County, Shenandoah Valley area?

[hito]

LDiehl you might try messaging naomiful or mr.visions to see what they're doin in Richmond. Its closer, still couple hours granted. But maybe close enough for a weekend day.

[LDiehl]

hito: Thanks for the response. I don't know that 2+ hours or Richmond driving (I'm the rural type) is exactly what I want to brave just to draw from life for a couple hours. It almost seems like the 6 or 8 hours I'd spend on that could be better used just studying anatomy from some of the books I have ...or sketching people at the local mall or something.

[Mr. Visions]

Heads up guys!!!

http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=94714

SYD MEAD @ VCU (Richmond)

[AShifflett7]

Hey, LDiehl, I live in Harrisonburg and I'm looking for some drawing practice too. It think it would be great if we could get a sketch group going in Harrisonburg. I go to BRCC now and I'll be at JMU in the fall so I can ask a bunch of people if they're interested. Let me know if you're interested. If I don't reply to this thread, shoot me a PM.

[LDiehl]

AShifflett7: Neat! Yeah, I just graduated from JMU last spring. My sister is at BRCC right now (though not for art). It'd be cool to start a Harrisonburg "drawing" group.

I know at one time JMU had a opening figure drawing night or something...but that was at a time when I had enough hours of figure drawing classes during the day to keep me from willingly searching out more at night. And come to think of it, that's is probably open only to students if it still exists.

It'd be nice to have a group open to anyone that was more concentrated on improvement of all aspects related to successful illustration/concept art rather than the modern art "messes" JMU was famous for encouraging. Actually the best way to recruit like-minded individuals would be through the Illustration "department" (meaning the one class that is offered). If we can get something good going, I'm sure Rich (JMU's Illustration Professor) would let his students know.

Since graduating, I've come to the realization that I've got a ways to go in many areas.... to get to the level I want to be at (namely, to be able to paint any scene I want convincingly from my imagination). It'd be nice to have a "forum" for sharing related stuff, you know books and DVDs on various aspects of illustration.

I guess the biggest concern, even above finding people to join, is having a place to meet. You know, "build and they will come." If I had my own place, I'd offer it up (but it may be awhile until that happens). There may be a public place that would let us meet such as a community center or library. Something tells me they wouldn't want anything but sketchbooks and pens/pencils in their buildings -but that might actually be adequate (and less distracting) if our goal is serious study and not so much "making" finished artworks.

I'm open to ideas/suggestions (especially from those of you who've already gone through the process of starting a group). Share your vision!

Also, if anyone else is close enough to have an interest in being a "founding" member speak up!


Best,
Laura

[AShifflett7]

I called JMU's art department and emailed a few of the professors and asked them about an open figure drawing session. One person mentioned a student who ran one, but she didn't know who the student was. I had no idea who to even ask, so I gave up. Which really stinks because at BRCC we don't have figure drawing or many materials that other art schools get, so I feel that I'm falling behind other artists.

I think if we get a group going we shouldn't place too many restrictions on what's to be studied. Like, I'm aiming towards illustration but I'm also a fine artist, a photographer, and a graphic designer. The skills I learn in each of these fields are used in many of the others. I guess my point is that we can learn from people who aren't quite like us.

Finding a gathering place is going to be a problem, but I think since we're forming a group dedicated to good, then someone may be charitable and offer us a place to meet. Even something like an unfinished basement would be great, or a classroom. I can try talking to some people at BRCC to see if I can reserve a classroom on the weekend (I know there aren't any classes in the art room on Fridays), but I'd like to find something in town.

[LDiehl]

AShifflett7: "Anything goes" is exactly the attitude at JMU that I felt held me back the most. It was all so focused on finding that damn "conversation" and creating art that we never able to truly study the figure (this is in the figure drawing classes I took there, especially Advanced Figure Drawing).

It's one thing to have a chill "art" club that meets to "talk art" graphic designers, photographers, painters and whatnot. That's cool too. Since you're going to be at JMU in the fall anyway they've got some social groups like that. Or you could make your own. I believe student clubs have to be sponsored by a faculty member and there is an application, but jump through some hoops and you'll have the University's facilities to use. Of course, only students can join those.

On a side note: I think I know how you feel. Looking to JMU as the greener pasture you yearn to reach. I mean, it does have more resources than BRCC. Actual figure drawing classes, etc. It's just that (from what I've gathered) there is/was a huge gap between the fundamental art education I received (I did a straight BFA in Painting, BTW) and that available at some of the more recognized commercial arts schools.



My Idea for a Group:

What I had in mind was what I could never find as a student, something that I've come to wish for since graduating. My vision was more along the lines of an illustration/concept art atelier that would fill the gap that exists between what I was taught and what I've found I need to know and have mastered in order to make it "in the real world" as an illustrator. All the things most of the professors at JMU frown upon or only touch on briefly. Anatomy, composition, color theory, perspective, master copies (from the works of all of the great masters -those that aren't exactly lauded by Modern Art types) all in the hard-core sense. The kind of stuff that they claim is the in the curriculum in their core freshman level art classes, yet isn't really.

I know something like that may be a pipe dream for now. But I did want to post it to this thread, so that others might happen by and read it.

[AShifflett7]

"What I had in mind was what I could never find as a student, something that I've come to wish for since graduating. My vision was more along the lines of an illustration/concept art atelier that would fill the gap that exists between what I was taught and what I've found I need to know and have mastered in order to make it "in the real world" as an illustrator. All the things most of the professors at JMU frown upon or only touch on briefly. Anatomy, composition, color theory, perspective, master copies (from the works of all of the great masters -those that aren't exactly lauded by Modern Art types) all in the hard-core sense. The kind of stuff that they claim is the in the curriculum in their core freshman level art classes, yet isn't really".

Hmm, I see your point. It probably is best to have the focus on illustration and fundamental art. Especially since there are probably more people like yourself (and myself) who feel they're lacking in these areas, then we can put together a decent group. How many people are looking to join? 5, 10, 20, more? Around 10 members seems like a good amount because it's hard to organize too many people, but too few and you're lacking diversity and opinion. Do you want this to be like a forum, where everyone gets their say about what's to be taught? Or do you want this to be like a classroom where a "teacher" is the primary source of information? Personally, having it forum based would be very neat because some people know more certain areas than others. E.g. You may know more about color than me, but I may know more about composition than you, therefore you can lecture about color and I about composition.

I'm very excited about this, I really hope we can come to a consensus and get this project going asap!

[life on the sofa]

hope nobody was affected by the tragedy at virginia tech university-if you knew anyone affected or were affected thoughts are with you man. takes some shitted up person to do what happend

sofa.

[LDiehl]

AShifflett7: I love the idea of a forum based group. I think to some extent we all have our area of expertise, things we could teach others. For what none of us are old hands at... we could find a way to learn together. It makes sense to have someone different designated to be the "teacher" each meeting. For example if the "lesson" were on composition they could seriously brush up on it before hand, bringing the material for us all to "study" that meeting. Much of the reason I'm searching this out now is that I'm starting to take stock of everything and figure out what I need to work on most. I figured that since I'm coming up with a curriculum of sorts for myself, I might as well share the process. I don't claim to be an expert in anything, but I'm starting to learn what I don't know (which is the first step, I suppose).

I too am excited. I think a lot of getting this off the ground is going to be logistics. The question of where to hold meetings is the most pressing issue (as that may dictate when and what time). I really don't think set numbers are as important as serious members. Quality over quantity, you know. What are you thinking about length and frequency of the meetings?


life on the sofa: I'm just glad my youngest sister isn't going to be there untill next semetser >_<

[AShifflett7]

Time and frequency? Having weekly meetings would be very nice because I assume we'll give an assignment to reinforce what's taught in class, so that will give members time to complete it without being cramped for time. This should be an enjoyable experience, not another stress in our lives. Though, we'll have to ask members what they want, of course. A weeknight would probably suit most people, right? How long do you think a session should last? I think a hour 1/2 to 2 hours would be good, but the length depends on what we want to do (Which I'm not completely sure of).

Which brings me to my next issue, what would you like to do in each meeting? I think we should have some warm-ups, a lecture, some exercises, and a critique in which we discuss not only class material but also any other projects we're doing. The point of having the critique last is so we're not strained for time while discussing the artwork. If people want to stay after to discuss more thats great, if they cannot, then they haven't missed any critical material.

Also, check this out:

Activities Center

The Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center has a gymnasium, three racquetball courts, squash court, a newly renovated exercise/weight room, three large classrooms, four craft rooms, a game room with table tennis, pool tables, foosball, and bumper pool tables, and the Parks & Recreation Administrative Office. The Center adjoins Westover Pool.



C. A. C. HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday & Thursday: 6:30 AM - 9 PM
Saturdays: 9 AM - 5 PM
Sundays: 1PM - 6PM

http://www.ci.harrisonburg.va.us/index.php?id=334

I'll give them a call tomorrow and see what their rules are. I'm not sure if they'll allow us to reserve a room, but it is a COMMUNITY center so I don't see why not. Does this seem like a decent place to meet?

**Update**

I called the community center and talked to the community center director. He said they have rooms that can seat about 20 people (They may have larger rooms available), and if we use one of the craft rooms then we're allowed to bring in messy materials. Get this: The cost is...FREE! Because we're a non-profit organization we don't have to pay a cent! Though, I imagine nude figure studies wouldn't be permitted since there will probably be minors within the vicinity, but that doesn't mean that we cannot learn figures.

[LDiehl]

AShifflett7: Wooah! Great news! (Sorry about the delay in response time. I've been busy in the best professional illustration sense of the word :)

I like the idea of once a week, though I'd recommend at least 3 hours if we actually want to practice any art together. That's the same length as the studio art classes at JMU, it may sound long, but it goes by quick when you're moving your pencil and trying to wrap your brain around things. Evenings, as you suggested, would probably be best. Given the hours we have to work with, one of the weekdays from 6-9 PM sounds likely. The only way to make sure this doesn't conflict with any of the evening painting classes at JMU is to schedule it on Friday nights (at those classes run about exactly the same time bock Mon-Thurs)... I'm not sure if they'll be an issue or not, but I did want to mention it.

I like your suggestion for meeting format. Warm-ups, a lecture, some exercises, and a critique sound logical. I like your idea of getting the new information in the first part of the meeting and then doing exercises/critiques toward the end. I think the first meeting or so is going to be strategizing. Coming up with what we think is important enough to make "lectures" about, who can take what topic, etc.

The Community Activities Center sounds perfect for our needs. Thanks for looking into it. You beat me to it!

Not to discount the value of live nude models, but its actually not very easy (in my opinion) to learn the type of "idealized" (ie you can actually see the muscles as opposed to fat) anatomy you end up using in illustration from the type of models you can get for $10 an hour around H-burg. Just an observation from years of classes at JMU ;) It would be fun to do live sketches of clothed models occasionally though, as is done in Illustration class -in that case we could always take turns.

Things seem to be looking up. I'm wondering how prepared we should be before the introductory meeting. And how much we should do in the way of publicizing the thing beforehand? In a way, it might be better to have only a few to start with (a trial/think tank like small group), as that would make the initial discussion making easier (yet lend some voices other than our own to the process).

Really, before we can ask anyone to join or consider joining we need a name, a "mission" statement, and a good way to describe the group. Part of it's success is going to depend on knowing this so that we can find members who support the "cause."

[LDiehl]

Hampton Roads Artists: Sorry to be posting in your thread so much. We now have our own (I hope you'll forgive our temporary cluttering of yours). If any of you all are close enough to Harrisonburg, VA to come to our meetings, you're more than welcome to.

Here's the link:
http://conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=95587

[AnIntrovertedOne]

any artists from Newport News want to start a sketch group?