Art and Friendship in the San Fernando Valley
Welcome to the San Fernando Valley Art Club online.
Our September demo artist will be JAMES URMSTON. He will demonstrate in watercolor Sept 7, 2010.
JAMES URMSTON
Landscape is my subject of choice. In my work I explore the mountains, valleys and canyons of Southern California, seeking views just beyond the architectural intrusion of man. These natural settings satisfy a search for a subject both beautiful in form and rich in formal and historical reference. The traditions of idealism, symbolism, and fantasy in landscape painting inform my choice of subject.
The beauty I find in this natural setting is born of the solitude and quiet. These places are superficially empty but filled with primordial grandeur. For me early morning or late afternoon light best visually organizes the special features of each setting.
In each painting I try to adapt the formal possibilities of whatever medium I use to the special physical features of the place I am interpreting. Recently, the medium of choice has been oil. Oil has a unique physical presence for me as I move the brush from mixing pallet to careful brush manipulation on the canvas surface. These sensations combine with the physical features of the landscape subject to capture light and atmosphere, producing perceived volume and spatial depth. An early morning light creates a veil of lightness and transparency. Late afternoon light produces strong contrasts that yield a sense of drama- all by the brush coming into contact with the canvas.
For me, all aspects of this California landscape are filled with a beauty that I strive to transmit to canvas in order to share my vision with others. 
Join us Tuesday, September 7, 6:30pm.
Our “for-sale” venues at various valley businesses continue to do well for exhibiting members. And, considering that there’s no entry fee and only a 20% commission for the host business, the opportunity to exhibit for a month at a time is quite a bargain. See Art Around Town for details, and contact Marilyn or Marie to reserve a spot for your work.