Art Exhibition-Painted Classically

EXHIBITION: Painted Classically: a Two-Person Exhibition by Nicki Thompson and Patrice Erickson
DATES OF EXHIBITION: Monday, September 17 through Thursday, November 1, 2007
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, September 21 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
GALLERY: Waterford Cultural Council’s de la Ferriere Gallery, 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford, MI

Oakland County Artists Collaborate on an Exhibition Celebrating Representational Art
The Waterford Cultural Council’s de la Ferriere Gallery will host “Painted Classically: a Two-Person Exhibition by Nicki Thompson and Patrice Erickson”, from Monday, September 17 through Thursday, November 1, 2007 with an opening reception on Friday, September 21 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. This exhibition showcases fine art oil paintings in the style of classical realism with a variety of subjects including portraiture, figurative works, and landscapes.
A mutual admiration and respect for the art and methods of the Old Masters brought portrait artists Patrice Erickson of Rochester Hills and Nicki Thompson of Waterford together. They met last February at an open studio portrait drawing session where they showed each other their portfolios. It wasn’t long after that when they agreed to set aside time in between portrait commissions to collaborate on an exhibition that celebrates representational art. The paintings featured in the show were all made using classical academic techniques and include figurative work and landscapes in addition to portraiture. “Working in this manner gives the paintings depth and richness of color and luminosity,” Erickson explains, “and when made correctly will survive for centuries.” “It’s exciting to me that realism seems to be making a come back,” adds Thompson, “As an artist and a teacher I am committed to sharing and continuing the classical tradition of this academic style of painting.” Both artists welcome portrait commissions and have online portfolios at http://www.patriceerickson.com and http://www.nickithompsonart.com.
For more information please call Patrice Erickson at 248-375-9575, Nicki Thompson at 248-681-4697, or the Waterford Cultural Council at 248-618-7529. The de la Ferriere Gallery is free and open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and is located at 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford, Michigan, off of M-59 approximately one mile east of Oakland County International Airport.

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PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ARTIST RECEPTION:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 2007 , from 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Painting Plein Air at Gabriel's Garden

On July 20, The Michigan Portrait Society and Open Air Painters, of which I'm a member, were invited to paint in Gabriel's Garden at the 5th Annual "Michigan Lavender Festival" in Romeo, MI. It was a beautiful day, the weather cooperated, not always the case with painting plein air (outside). I met alot of people and was able to share some samples of my portrait paintings. There was a young girl, named Angela, playing the harp and when she was on break Charlene Helen Berry played the dulcimer. Both of these professional musicians supplied the most beautiful music. With the relaxing sounds, wonderful weather, and intoxicating smell of lavender, it was a perfect day for painting a beautiful spot in the garden. It all ended too soon, so I took my oil painting back to my home-studio to finish.

I have been given the honor to paint a portrait of Angela playing the harp. I also spoke with Charlene Helen Berry about painting a portrait of her to possibly be used for a future CD cover. I'm looking forward to this as I would like to add them to my series of figurative paintings of musicians and dancers.

More information about Gabriel's Garden can be found at www.michlavenderfestival.com

"A Wish"

"A Wish"
14" by 11"
Oil on Canvas

This portrait painting was inspired by a song I wrote in 1972, called "One Dandelion". The song was written in honor of my mother who passed away when I was 5 yrs old. She was a talented musician and writer and, like me, a dreamer. My model for this oil painting is Macayla.

"Scooter"

14 x 11 inches
oil on canvas

"Scooter was painted using 3 colors. Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, and White. I painted him to use as a sample for advertising my Pet Portraits in Oil."