News
Use Drawing Studies to Paint the Figure in Historic Interior
November 2017 Workshop Celebrates the Club’s 100th Anniversary
November 2017 Workshop Celebrates the Club’s 100th Anniversary
After this 3-day workshop, you will not only feel emboldened to work anywhere you feel inspired—whether it is in a museum, a crowded bar or the halls of the Art Students League—you will also feel an expansion of your artistic boundaries.
Sherrie McGraw
In a 3-day workshop with renowned artist, Sherrie McGraw, students will work from drawings to develop their own painting compositions using costumed figures in an interior. Students will sketch in New York City’s oldest art institution, the Salmagundi Club, and then use these sketches to develop ideas for paintings.
David Wins Outstanding Composition and Technique Award of Excellence in National Juried Show at the Eisele Gallery of Fine Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
For his stunning portrait Pueblo Man with Eagle Feather, David won an award in the recent Oil Painters of America National Juried Show in the Master Signature Member division. David is a founding member of the OPA and has shown consistently with the group. William Whitaker was the esteemed juror of awards.
For his stunning portrait Pueblo Man with Eagle Feather, David won an award in the recent Oil Painters of America National Juried Show in the Master Signature Member division. David is a founding member of the OPA and has shown consistently with the group. William Whitaker was the esteemed juror of awards.
He painted this portrait from life, and was delighted when his model brought a prized possession, an eagle feather. David captured the depth of his model’s life in this moving portrait.
Sherrie Wins Silver Medal in 2017 National Juried Show at the Eisele Gallery of Fine Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
In the recent Oil Painters of America National show in Ohio, Sherrie’s powerful painting, “On the Night of the Night Fires” won the Silver Medal in the Master Signature Member division. William Whitaker was the esteemed juror of awards.
In the recent Oil Painters of America National show in Ohio, Sherrie’s powerful painting, “On the Night of the Night Fires” won the Silver Medal in the Master Signature Member division. William Whitaker was the esteemed juror of awards.
She painted this image from memories that lingered after a public ceremony that happens each year on Christmas Eve at the Taos Pueblo. The statue of the Virgin Mary is paraded around the Pueblo with a procession of people that varies from year to year. This particular time a Catholic priest led the group and was followed by Spanish dancers, called Matachines, in colorful costumes. Sherrie captured the fading bonfires as the procession returned to the church.
Leffel to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at Plein Air Convention
Master painter David A Leffel will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and present an onstage demonstration at the Plein Air Convention & Expo. Though primarily known for his portraiture, Leffel is a lifelong painter of plein air landscapes and has influenced the plein air movement.
Master painter David A Leffel will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award and present an onstage demonstration at the Plein Air Convention & Expo. Though primarily known for his portraiture, Leffel is a lifelong painter of plein air landscapes and has influenced the plein air movement.
The award will be presented during the opening ceremonies of the 7th Annual Plein Air Convention & Expo, to be held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, April 16-20, 2018. PACE is the largest gathering of landscape and plein air artists in the world. The award will be presented by PleinAir magazine Publisher B. Eric Rhoads.
Live Auction Preview
The August NIGHT 2017 party and auctions substantially support the Museum’s ability to preserve the historic Fechin property and to host quality exhibitions and innovative programming to visitors and community residents alike.
The August NIGHT 2017 party and auctions substantially support the Museum’s ability to preserve the historic Fechin property and to host quality exhibitions and innovative programming to visitors and community residents alike.
The Museum’s mission is to engage and inspire our national and international visitors, diverse local communities, and fellow institutions through historic preservation and interpretation on the Fechin House, studio and gardens; rich, relevant programs based on the collections and exhibitions; and a commitment to building cultural literacy and creative opportunity one visitor at a time.
We sincerely thank all of our audiences for your support. Because of you, our small museum does big things!
Tony Reyna, Taos Pueblo Legend, Dies
Tony Reyna, the last survivor from the Bataan Death March of WWII, died December 4, 2016 at the age of 100. According to writer Rick Romancito, Tony was “A man who for generations has stood for freedom and dignity of his people…”Both Sherrie McGraw and David A Leffel immortalized his image in two separate paintings. Sherrie was honored to paint him for a fundraiser for the Millicent Rogers Museum, where Tony posed for an hour and a half. She captured his beautiful smile in this brief portrait, which went to two prominent local collectors.
Tony Reyna, the last survivor from the Bataan Death March of WWII, died December 4, 2016 at the age of 100. According to writer Rick Romancito, Tony was “A man who for generations has stood for freedom and dignity of his people…”Both Sherrie McGraw and David A Leffel immortalized his image in two separate paintings. Sherrie was honored to paint him for a fundraiser for the Millicent Rogers Museum, where Tony posed for an hour and a half. She captured his beautiful smile in this brief portrait, which went to two prominent local collectors.
David’s portrait captured the inner strength that must have been what kept him strong during the march that killed so many others. This portrait hung in the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s annual Prix de West Show in 2014.
Both Sherrie and David are deeply grieved at his passing, feeling that Taos has lost one of its most beloved and gentle leaders. He evinced a kindness and depth that was special and will forever live on in the hearts of Taoseños. Tony Reyna will be greatly missed.
Sherrie Awarded Silver Medal
at OPA’s 25th Annual National Exhibition.
At Oil Painters of America 25th Annual National Exhibition in Dallas, Texas, Sherrie received high honors in the Master Signature Member Division, when Kevin McPherson awarded her the Silver Medal for Aspen Leaves.
at OPA’s 25th Annual National Exhibition.
At Oil Painters of America 25th Annual National Exhibition in Dallas, Texas, Sherrie received high honors in the Master Signature Member Division, when Kevin McPherson awarded her the Silver Medal for Aspen Leaves.
Read a new essay for the Art Students League of New York on Sherrie’s take on five paintings from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
This piece recalls lessons learned when she worked there as a guard during her time studying at the League. CLick here to read the article.
(image: Rembrandt, Portrait of a Young Woman with a Fan, 1633. Oil on canvas, 49½ x 39¾ in.)
This piece recalls lessons learned when she worked there as a guard during her time studying at the League. CLick here to read the article.
(image: Rembrandt, Portrait of a Young Woman with a Fan, 1633. Oil on canvas, 49½ x 39¾ in.)
Sherrie Receives Medal of Honor
from the Butler Institute
On May 3, 2015, at the annual Board of Trustees dinner, Sherrie McGraw was awarded the Butler’s most prestigious honor—the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in American Art. Sherrie becomes only the second woman to have ever received this award, and joins an impressive group of former recipients, including Leo Castelli, legendary New York art dealer for five of the most influential decades of contemporary art; Louise Nevelson, modern sculptor, who also studied at the Art Students League of New York; and Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who left a rich legacy that culminated in the King Tut exhibit in 1978.
Tables were decorated appropriately as bouquets of flowers filled the air with the sweet perfume of early spring. The museum’s main hall echoed lively conversations between the Board of Trustees and its most important donors, as well as the Director’s table where the President of the Board, Lou Zona and his wife, David A Leffel, Sherrie, Jacqueline Kamin, Melissa Leffel and Stacy Kamin and others joined Lou to honor Sherrie.
According to Lou Zona, the director of the Butler, Sherrie’s solo retrospective in 2014 turned out to be one of the most popular exhibits they’ve ever hosted, with the public coming back numerous times to explore the wealth of artistry in both paint and line.
from the Butler Institute
On May 3, 2015, at the annual Board of Trustees dinner, Sherrie McGraw was awarded the Butler’s most prestigious honor—the Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement in American Art. Sherrie becomes only the second woman to have ever received this award, and joins an impressive group of former recipients, including Leo Castelli, legendary New York art dealer for five of the most influential decades of contemporary art; Louise Nevelson, modern sculptor, who also studied at the Art Students League of New York; and Thomas Hoving, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who left a rich legacy that culminated in the King Tut exhibit in 1978.
Tables were decorated appropriately as bouquets of flowers filled the air with the sweet perfume of early spring. The museum’s main hall echoed lively conversations between the Board of Trustees and its most important donors, as well as the Director’s table where the President of the Board, Lou Zona and his wife, David A Leffel, Sherrie, Jacqueline Kamin, Melissa Leffel and Stacy Kamin and others joined Lou to honor Sherrie.
According to Lou Zona, the director of the Butler, Sherrie’s solo retrospective in 2014 turned out to be one of the most popular exhibits they’ve ever hosted, with the public coming back numerous times to explore the wealth of artistry in both paint and line.
Sherrie’s painting entitled “Peonies” was chosen for the cover of American Art Collector Magazine as part of the Putney Painters and Friends Exhibition at Legacy Gallery in January.
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 31st, 2013
When: 7-9pm
Where: Legacy Gallery/ 7178 Main St., Scottsdale, AZ.
Contact: 480-945-1113
Click here for More Information on the Show and Events
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 31st, 2013
When: 7-9pm
Where: Legacy Gallery/ 7178 Main St., Scottsdale, AZ.
Contact: 480-945-1113
Click here for More Information on the Show and Events
“Artists Helping Artists” Radio Show
Interview with SHerrie McGraw
Recorded live on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Listen to the most recent interview on Blog Talk Radio with Sherrie and learn how she got past the need to make a “perfect” painting and what it’s like to paint side-by-side with famed artist, David A Leffel.
Click here and listen to the recording of the live interview
Click here to visit the AHA website
Interview with SHerrie McGraw
Recorded live on Thursday, November 1, 2012
Listen to the most recent interview on Blog Talk Radio with Sherrie and learn how she got past the need to make a “perfect” painting and what it’s like to paint side-by-side with famed artist, David A Leffel.
Click here and listen to the recording of the live interview
Click here to visit the AHA website
REMARKABLE WOMEN OF TAOS PROJECT
The Remarkable Women of Taos project is meant to celebrate and recognize outstanding women—past and present—in our community who are worthy of notice. Wishing to reach deep into the community, the goal of these interviews is to learn about Taos-area women whose lives are exemplary, who have risen above challenges and obstacles to create a better future for Taos, women who benefitted the Taos community, who in their own way through their accomplishments and/or involvement have contributed to the community, women who could be considered mentors and role models for the young women of Taos.
Remarkable Women of Taos was the brainchild of Elizabeth Cunningham who was commissioned by the Town of Taos to write thirty bios for the project. Sherrie’s piece was one of the original ones commissioned.
The Remarkable Women of Taos project is meant to celebrate and recognize outstanding women—past and present—in our community who are worthy of notice. Wishing to reach deep into the community, the goal of these interviews is to learn about Taos-area women whose lives are exemplary, who have risen above challenges and obstacles to create a better future for Taos, women who benefitted the Taos community, who in their own way through their accomplishments and/or involvement have contributed to the community, women who could be considered mentors and role models for the young women of Taos.
Remarkable Women of Taos was the brainchild of Elizabeth Cunningham who was commissioned by the Town of Taos to write thirty bios for the project. Sherrie’s piece was one of the original ones commissioned.
Listen to this September 20th interview on Drawing and Abstract Realism on AMO (Artists Mentors Online).
Sherrie was interviewed September 20th on one of the most popular talk shows on air, AMO (Artists Mentors Online). In a lively conversation about the importance of drawing to an artist’s development, Sherrie discusses her book, “The Language of Drawing: From an Artist’s Viewpoint” in depth. She also discusses an important artistic movement–Abstract Realism–that includes certain artists over a span of several centuries, with Rembrandt being considered its artistic founder. This interview reveals a more intimate view of Sherrie’s thoughts on Art.
Click here to listen to the interview
Click here to download it as a podcast
Sherrie was interviewed September 20th on one of the most popular talk shows on air, AMO (Artists Mentors Online). In a lively conversation about the importance of drawing to an artist’s development, Sherrie discusses her book, “The Language of Drawing: From an Artist’s Viewpoint” in depth. She also discusses an important artistic movement–Abstract Realism–that includes certain artists over a span of several centuries, with Rembrandt being considered its artistic founder. This interview reveals a more intimate view of Sherrie’s thoughts on Art.
Click here to listen to the interview
Click here to download it as a podcast
SHERRIE MCGRAW PAINTS DISTINGUISHED TAOS PUEBLO ELDER, TONY REYNA
Saturday, AUGUST 4, 2012
Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos, NM
Fundraiser for the museum
Join renowned artist Sherrie McGraw as she paints a portrait of one of Taos’ most beloved figures, Taos Pueblo elder Tony Reyna. Reyna, 96, is a prominent member of the Taos community and the oldest survivor of the Bataan Death March.
The demonstration is a part of the Quick Draw event during the weekend of Arts and Culture at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, NM. The event is a fundraiser for the museum; tickets are $75 for the afternoon (9AM-2PM) and include sculpting and glass blowing demonstrations.
The finished demonstration will be sold to the person whose name is drawn from a pool of interested attendees.
Web page for the Weekend of Arts and Culture at Millicent Rogers Museum
Saturday, AUGUST 4, 2012
Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos, NM
Fundraiser for the museum
Join renowned artist Sherrie McGraw as she paints a portrait of one of Taos’ most beloved figures, Taos Pueblo elder Tony Reyna. Reyna, 96, is a prominent member of the Taos community and the oldest survivor of the Bataan Death March.
The demonstration is a part of the Quick Draw event during the weekend of Arts and Culture at the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos, NM. The event is a fundraiser for the museum; tickets are $75 for the afternoon (9AM-2PM) and include sculpting and glass blowing demonstrations.
The finished demonstration will be sold to the person whose name is drawn from a pool of interested attendees.
Web page for the Weekend of Arts and Culture at Millicent Rogers Museum
More about Tony Reyna:Tony Reyna, 96, is a revered elder of Taos Pueblo and the oldest survivor of the Bataan Death March in WWII. He endured three and half years in a Japanese prison camp, then returned to his home and proceeded to live a life based around community service. Reyna has played many leadership roles throughout his life, including police commissioner for the Town of Taos, a member of the Taos School Board, a trustee of the Millicent Rogers Museum, a judge at Santa Fe Indian Market, a lifetime member of the Taos Pueblo Council, and secretary, lieutenant, and finally, the governor of Taos Pueblo. His shop, The Tony Reyna Indian Shop, has offered crafts and artwork from Taos Pueblo, as well as several New Mexican Pueblos, for 62 years.Sherrie & David A Leffel in the America China Oil Painting Artists League (ACOPAL) Exhibition of Contemporary American & Chinese Realism
The China museum tour will open at the Beijing World Art Museum September 15, 2012, and travel to the Dalien Modern Museum, Hebei Provincial Museum, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Hubei Provincial Museum, and the Shanghai Art Museum. The expected total museum attendance for this tour is over one million people, over a period of 15 months.View Sherrie’s paintings featured in this show:
COME FIND SHERRIE AT BRIGHT LIGHT FINE ART’S WEBSITE!
You can now order Sherrie’s book The Language of Drawing, as well as DVDs, paintings, and, soon to come, instructional videos straight from her studio, at Bright Light Fine Art’s website! Bright Light Fine Art provides news, information, DVDs, books and the artwork of artists Sherrie McGraw, David A Leffel and Jacqueline Kamin.
Bright Light Fine Art:
www.brightlightfineart.com
Store: www.brightlightfineart.com/store
BLFA Facebook: www.facebook.com/blfafans
Store: www.brightlightfineart.com/store
BLFA Facebook: www.facebook.com/blfafans
Sherrie’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/sherrie.mcgraw
Film Project Complete
California film producers recently completed a short promotional film of the life and insights of Sherrie McGraw. Following many months of planning, filming and editing, the video was released. Numerous images of her paintings and drawings are featured.
California film producers recently completed a short promotional film of the life and insights of Sherrie McGraw. Following many months of planning, filming and editing, the video was released. Numerous images of her paintings and drawings are featured.
Putney Painters and Salmagundi Club
Here I am with (from left to right) Stephanie Birdsall, Kathy Anderson, and Richard Schmid in May 2012. We had just come from the Putney painting session in Putney, VT.
This photo was taken after tours of Richard Schmid’s and Nancy Guzik’s studios. We had a delicious dinner and enjoyed a stimulating discussion about Art and the current Realist movements today. Very stimulating and exciting to see their work and spend time with them all! Shortly after visiting, I was asked to be a Friend of the Putney Painters!
Here I am with (from left to right) Stephanie Birdsall, Kathy Anderson, and Richard Schmid in May 2012. We had just come from the Putney painting session in Putney, VT.
This photo was taken after tours of Richard Schmid’s and Nancy Guzik’s studios. We had a delicious dinner and enjoyed a stimulating discussion about Art and the current Realist movements today. Very stimulating and exciting to see their work and spend time with them all! Shortly after visiting, I was asked to be a Friend of the Putney Painters!
Tim Newton (the Chairman of the Board of the Salmagundi Club of New York) and I, standing in front of the demonstration that I did for the Club in May 2012. All the proceeds of the sale of the demo will go toward the complete renovation of the building. The renovation is scheduled for 2017 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the purchase of the brownstone that the Salmagundi Club resides in today.
Awards
“Benjamin” – Award of Honor at the Inspiring Figures show at the Butler Institute of American Art (sponsored by the Portrait Society of America) Sept. 12, 2010.
“The Art Critic” – Silver Medal Award at the Oil Painters of America National Juried Exhibition, June 10, 2011.
“Tuesday” – Mary Fitch Memorial Award, Salmagundi Club of NY.