Summer session John Murray classes week of August 25, 2014

The last week of my Summer session!

 
Try to do a piece that captures the memory of Summer.
This is a difficult thing to do.
The power of the past tends to overwhelm the Now of painting.
I saw some excellent work from artists who attended the class this Summer.
The Autumn term starts september 15.
I hope you keep working and sign up for one of my classes next term.
see you next week. John

Summer session John Murray classes week of August 18, 2014

Abstract vs Narrative in black and white.

This time of year, (my favorite) I try to relax and paint/draw in a manner that indulges my senses. I suppose I also work against this inclination at the same time.
This synthesis of sensual and rigorous sometimes leads me to a paradoxical solution for personal art-making; i.e. A black and white piece stripped of all content or a b&w piece loaded with sentimental content.
This approach of  following contradictory impulses has worked for me at times.
There truly are no rules in art making.
Don't listen to the voices of conservatism and repression.
See you next week, john.

John Murray Summer session classes week of August 11, 2014

Between the Devil and the deep blue sea!

All painting is tension between representation and plasticity (materials).
Modernist and certainly Postmoderist painting works the Hell out of this concept
to my great pleasure and enlightenment.
Next week try (once again...my favorite assignment) to exploit this idea in your own work.
Also I have a small show of my work down the street at Brookline Bank on Walnut Street,
if you have a chance check it out and tell me what you think.
See you next week, john