Critique Group

Critiques are such an important part of being an artist.   Learning from them.   Learning to give them.    Learning to ask questions.  Show your weaknesses.  Show your strengths.   

I have met for many years with a very small select cirtique group in Sacramento.  we all work in different mediums and have very diverse styles.   But, the group works.     Recently Roberta was asked to join the group as we had never invited anyone to replace our dear friend Jackie.   But it was a good thing.      And Roberta was the right person to bring some new energy and youth into the group.   Years ago, she invited Jackie, Sally and myself to join her in Ann Baldwiins' studio workshop.   It was the first workshop I had taken and  the first and last for Jackie, who usually preferred exploring art at her own pace in her home space.   We came away having learned so much and also enjoying the critique portion of the day, which Ann did so beautifully and thoughtfully.   This month we had a temporary vacancy, so we invited on old friend to come along, not to explore her art as her life has taken different turns and she is not active artistically right now, but because we enjoy her company and she can seldom get out to see these gals.    She also has some good insight during critiques as her creativity springs up from the depths.

We met at Le Bou in Elk Grove, which is kind of mid point between those coming down from Sacramento and those of us coming North from Stockton.     So, over teas and coffees in the morning, we caught up with each other and shared some new art, some still in progress.    Suzanne Ventura is getting works ready for her gallery showing.    All about books in one form or another.   Some are constructed, some are destructed, some are portions only.    Very interesting the things that come out of her brain.   I won't show pics because they are saved for her opening.     If they have an online gallery, I'll post a link later, because you really should see her  amazing works.     Roberta brought paintings  in progress for feedback,  she is always open to hearing opinions and it does generate some interesting discussions.    She also showed us some recent things she's done.     Pat did not have work to share, except part of a new novel she's working on.     That generated a discussion on writing and poetry.      All of us occasionally dabble in poetry or written words in our works whether they be in fabric, or paper, or on the web.        Pat was an English professor and is a book reviewer, so she's always up on what to read.        Sally is busy making samples of invitations and announcements for her granddaughters upcoming wedding.   So, other art has taken a back seat.     It was interesting to hear later that the GD liked our favorite sample.      I took some things I have not shared here yet.    Only because I have not photographed them yet.     Maybe this week I can get them online too.