Artist’s Inspiration: MY AHA MOMENT IN PARIS – Nancy Franke

I was inspired by the light…

Joaquin Sorolla, Sewing the Sail, 8 x 10’, 1896

My most inspiring moment took place three years ago, when my husband and I were in Paris for my birthday. En route, I read “Happenings in Paris” in Sky Magazine, and realized that there was a Sargent/Sorolla show at the Petit Palais! I did not know of it beforehand, but realized I would have gone to Paris just to see it! The paintings were hung beautifully, and it was easy to walk up and really see them. The sun-shot Sorolla pieces were astounding to me. I have always admired the bravura brushwork and sheer skill of John Singer Sargent (though I liked his watercolors best at this exhibit), and the same for Sorolla, but, as hung together in this show, the Sorolla pieces were breathtaking! The paintings were HUGE, and shimmered. I dragged my husband back to see this exhibit 4 times! Below are a few samples, which show why so many current painters are inspired by these men (see work of Dan McCaw, Giner Bueno and others).

Joaquin Sorolla, Two Sisters, 1909

John Singer Sargent, Breakfast in the Loggia, 1910

Sorolla, The Pink Robe, 1916

Sorolla, Bathtime in Valencia, 1910

John Singer Sargent, Venetian Canal, Watercolor, 1916

John Singer Sargent, Palmettos, Watercolor, 1913

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Mark your calendars for these upcoming workshops with Nancy!

PAINT ALLA PRIMA WITH NANCY FRANKE
One‐Day Workshop in the Gallery

Sunday, April 10th, 9:00 – 4:00

Focus on seeing mass and form, rather than line and detail. We will paint from simple set ups to catch the essence of the subject in paint. Loosen up, use a limited palette and bigger brushes…Nancy will demo and then students will do 2 – 3 studies, concentrating on simplifying and saying more with less. It will be fun and informative too! Cost is $ 150, and the class is limited to 12 students. Students should bring portable easels and tray tables if needed. There will be a one‐hour lunch break from 12 – 1:00. Bottled water and snacks will be furnished.

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PAINT CHILDREN WITH NANCY FRANKE

A One-Day Workshop in the Gallery

SATURDAY, JUNE 11^th, 9:00 – 4:00

This workshop will focus on simplifying and stating something universal; we will not be doing portraiture. Nancy will demo, and then students will do 1 – 2 studies from photos (bring several from which to choose). We’ll use a limited palette, bigger brushes and catch some magic in paint! Bring portable easels and tray tables if desired. There will be a lunch break from 12:00 – 1:00. Water and snacks will be furnished. Cost is $150, and class is limited to 12 participants.

Don’t miss out on these wonderful (and rare) opportunities to paint with Nancy in the gallery!

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Stay tuned for more installments in our “Artist’s Inspiration” series about other Huff Harrington artists. Is there anyone in particular you’d like to learn more about? Let us know!

Tata!

HH