Past Workshops
Carl Purcell - Mini-Workshop April 6, 7, "Drawing teaches me everything I need to know in order to execute a painting except color. This workshop will concern itself with drawing as it relates to searching a subject, selecting its best features and arranging them into a pleasing whole. I have found that a fifteen minute drawing helps me to understand why I chose the subject, what I want to say about it, what I should le...ave out and what I should emphasize. This initial drawing is a powerful tool and the most important period of the painting process. However, it is a tool that is often under-utilized by many painters."
The Potter's Hands by Julie Rodgers	Julie Rogers - Mini-Workshop March 30,31, Southern Utah artist, Julie Rogers. Julie has 'wowed' nearly every artistic venue in which she has been juried or shown art.  You can see for yourself  wherever you find her work.  It can be seen at Gunnison City Hall or at Santa Clare, Utah's new City Building as a 7 by 27 foot  mural just above the first floor staircase.  You can find it in national and international periodicals, in books, or within organizations who use art for posters or publications.  She has garnished several national awards.  And as part of the American Women National Contest, she received awards for both first place and Peoples' Choice.  If you find her work exhibited, or just look her up on the web, you will notice that it speaks to the soul.  And why not?  She has used ancestral models (ie: a descendant of a particular person who is depicted) for much of her work.  Among other mediums, Julie loves watercolor!  She has painted with it for 30 years.  The American Kennel Club, which registers purebred dogs, has been the backdrop for 30 years as well.  For their patrons, Julie has painted owners with their dogs.  To this day, Julie still does commissioned work, whether it be of dogs, owners, children, pioneer ancestors or other requests.  Her goals are set high. Seeking to "stir the heart" she hopes to"heighten a sense of peace and joy" for her viewers.     — Barbara Glick
An Alpha Chicken by Marian Dunn Marian Dunn - Mini-Workshop February 24, 25, Art has always been a primary factor in Marian Dunn's life - even as a child. She has never quit studying, going to seminars and workshops with some of the finest artists in the U.S. Marian's never quit feeling the compulsion to DO IT. She loves drawing, painting in watercolor, oil, acrylics and pastel, also, printmaking, plainly, creating. Dunn doesn't believe an artist ever wants to quit growing in his/her work so there is always a new goal to reach for. Because of that, for Marian Dunn, at least, life is never dull but continuously setting forth new challenges. See her work at www.mariandunngallery.com
Kristi Grussendorf Mini-Workshop Flowers for Richard by Kristi Grussendorf On Jan. 13, 14, our UWS and national award-winning Kristi Grussendorf presented a wonderful 2 day workshop on Composition Design & "Punching up" Focal Points (Center of Interest). We looked at how the masters very intentionally designed their compositions & explored ways in which they were able to lead the viewer through the piece & emphasize the center of interest. Some of the tools we discussed were value & color changes, variety & movement (rhythm) of shape & line & content/subject matter. Kristi shared how she spends a large proportion of her time in the planning & visualizing stage so she's able to paint with confidence & a loose stroke. Kristi's demo paintings were so much fun to watch and learn from. On Day 1 we worked on more intuitive painting (Improv), discovering & then enhancing the focal point. On Day 2 we focused on a planned, intentional focal point. Everyone enjoyed this fabulous workshop. Kristi's encouraging style and positive feedback was appreciated by all the participants. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents and teaching with us, Kristi! See Kristi's works at www.kristigrussendorf.com.
Lester Lee Workshop

Lester Bird Lee, artist and educator, has five children and now resides with his wife and youngest child in Clarkston Utah. Lester graduated from high school in Mesquite, Nevada where he spent his boyhood. Later Lester received a BFA from USU, and a MA from BYU. Lester is a retired high school art educator (Woods Cross High School). In 2006, Lester received the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education. Lester is a self- taught stage scenery artist and has painted over 50 sets and Rodger’s Memorial Theater, and other local theaters. Lester also sells hundreds of pieces of fine art watercolors each year and several prints, including the distribution of well over one million copies of a print of the presidents of the LDS Church. Perhaps one of Lester’s most noted illustrations are those on the cover and end sheets of the book series The Work and the Glory by Gerald Lund. Lester shows his work in many galleries across the Wasatch Front and has won numerous local and national awards for his paintings and sculptures.

Willamarie Huelskamp workshop participants.

Willamarie Huelskamp Mini-Workshop   

Willamarie says, “We all love color and love to talk about how we love color. But I feel it is VALUE that gives almost every amazing painting its pizzazz. We don't have to all be creating Caravaggio type paintings, but to be visually fluent with value will enable us to create more dynamic work. The first day we will try and teach our eyes to discern value more clearly and mix our values more carefully. The second day we will take what we have learned into practice. Using value to create the illusion of 3D. Finishing up with a foray into Caravaggio type drama!”

Toph Schink and the workshop girls

Christopher Schink Workshop                       

Alvaro Castagnet Workshops                        

Alvaro Castagnet is an internationally recognized watercolor artist and has won numerous national and international awards from organizations, such as the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society (USA), amond others.  He travels all over the world exhibiting his artwork, teaching workshops, and jurying art competitions.  He is a highly sought after and energetic workshop instructor.  His colorful, vivatous, and bold paintings capture mood and lighting of a scene in a way that expresses his pation to the viewer.  We had two workshops that were held April 30 - May 3 and May 5-7, 2011.  To learn more about Alvaro, please visit his website:  www.alvarocastagnet.net

Kristi Grussendorf Mini-Workshop

"Kristi Grusendorf is a UWS member and an award winning watercolor artist.  She recieved a BFA from the University of Utah and is one of our treasured members from Cache Valley. "  Her workshop was held March 4-5, 2011 and it was a lot of fun, as well as informative.  Kristi was very generous with her knowledge and many of the artists present expressed how much they had learned.  You can learn more about Kristi and see more of her work at www.kristigrussendorf.com

Sylvia Larsen Mini-Workshop     

Sylvia Larsen is a wonderful local artist.  She helped those at the workshop explore the wonderful world of collages.  "We will learn how collage artiss strengthen their sense of composition by design and imagination.  The possibilities are endless for using papers, shapes and color to successfully make a unique piece of art."  The workshop was held November 12-13.  Reports from artists who attended the workshop, were that Sylvia's collage technique helped them to learn more about design and helped to "loosen them up" in painting.

Mark Mehaffey Workshop                             

"Mark Mehaffey is a nationally recognized artist, author, juror, and retired public school art teacher.  Mark is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society (NWS), the American Watercolor Society (AWS), and the Rocky Mountain Water Media Society, among others."  His workshop was held October 4-8, 2010 a the Sons of the Utah Pioneers Building.

Many reports stated that his workshop was a blast!!  We also really enjoyed Mark Mehaffey's demonstration at our Monthly Meeting in October and are greatful for his judging of our Fall Member Show.