The Black Inflatable Monolith of Seneff Plaza

I am sketching as many events from UCF Celebrates the Arts as possible. The events happen between April 5-14, 2019. Each event  is ticketed. I was issued a ticket to see the Creative City Project’s Immersive Projection Installation happening Sunday April 7 between 4pm and 7pm. The projections were to happen in a large black inflatable room set up on the Seneff Plaza in front of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

As Pam and I approached the black monolith we got the definite impression that the area was deserted. We got to the entrance and looked inside to find there was nothing inside but one screen. We double checked our ticket and we were in the right place at the right time. I had sketched Creative City Projections in the past, so I knew what was to be expecting. It was also insanely hot inside what was essentially a black bounce house, minus the bouncing. Had  it been a bonce house it would have been more fun. A guard approached and let us know that the monolith would be deflated in a couple of hours. He was nice enough to let us walk around inside to assure us that there was nothing happening. He confided that they don’t let him know anything about scheduling. Being kept out of the loop made his job a bit harder. Clearly the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing with these event organizers.

Rather than claim complete defeat, I decided to sketch the black monolith sitting in the plaza. It was fairly cool under one of the many sun umbrellas. Construction cranes loomed overhead since construction had stopped for the weekend on the northern theater being added to the Dr. Phillips.  As I sketched Pam worked on some editing. A few families started to arrive for what seemed to be a children’s play area to the right of the monolith. One performer waved some colorful silks and another tapped his tambourine. The monolith remained a bust.

Six foot tall panels were being assembled for Creative Clash which was scheduled to happen later that day. One panel had a UCF Knight riding in one of the Lake Eola swan boats. Teams of artists were going to compete against each other armed with black markers racing against a clock. The theme would be announced right before competition began. Having just sketched at a No Borders Art Competition which is essentially the same thing, we decided to head home satisfied too have sketched the empty black monolith which remained as a testament to the strange inefficiency of the Orlando visual arts scene.

Newbo City Market in Cedar Rapids Iowa

Newbo, short for New Bohemia is a quaint City Market (1100 3rd St SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401). Pam was there for a meeting and while she was busy, I stopped over to the market to sketch. There was a tourist information booth which was a good way to get an introduction to the city. NewBo City Market is home to dozens of small business
start-ups. Entrepreneurs are creating new
business concepts and products that are locally-sourced, sustainable,
and environmentally friendly. With returning shopkeepers and
many weekly pop-up shops and farmers markets, they are the destination
where local producers and consumers gather.

I got a gyro from a mom and pop Greek food stand and started to sketch the airplane above the crowd. I used this as an excuse to play with the assisted perspective feature in Procreate on my iPad. I kind of prefer to be less mechanical in my use of perspective but I can see how the feature can be useful in blocking out a scene quickly.

As I was finishing up the sketch, a concert was getting started on an outdoor stage in front of the market. People had gathered in lawn chairs to watch the band perform as the sun set. I walked across a bridge to meet Pam in the Czech Village section of the city which preserve the history and culture of this large immigrant population. What makes America great is this diversity and mix of cultures. Historic building mixed with hip contemporary vibe in tech friendly shops. The inspiration of sketches were endless, but time was limited.

The Winter Park Paint Out is a wrap

SOLD

On one day of the Winter Park Paint Out each artist is asked to paint on the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens so that visiting patrons could see the artists at work. I decided to paint the bright Van Gogh yellow building which is the heart of the paint out. Albin Polasek sculptures from the are all over the property. In the entry court yard artist Cynthia Edmonds was painting the sculpture of a woman playing a harp called the Emily Fountain. Water trickled from the harp to create the strings she plucked. Cynthia came over to say hello and see what I was working on. I then realized that she was the face on the Paint Out banner waving in the breeze in front of the museum.

I consider myself a bit of an outlier at this week long event. I am not a traditional plein air painter in that I do not work on canvas with oils. My approach is much more linear, intending to document a moment every day. Most of my work is created indoors in theaters and rehearsal spaces, so it is a change of pace to capture the intense Florida sun. I definitely learned plenty by getting to rub shoulders with so many talented artists. I also learned that I must bump up my schmoozing skills. I am so used to documenting events that it is hard to go into sales mode. This is my blind spot, my kryptonite.

Several other artists joined the ranks this year who added some variety to the mix of work created. Orit Reuben works in pastels and the intense color she can get definitely can result in some vibrant work. John Gilbert is another watercolor artist so I am no longer on my own tacking that medium at the paint out.

Winter Park Paint Out Sunset Paint In

Twenty Five artists have been creating plein air paintings all around Winter Park this week as part of the Winter Park Paint Out. On one evening, the artists gathered at the Winter Park Racquet Club (2111 Via Tuscany Winter Park Fl) to paint the sun set. The paint out is the Albin Polasek Museum‘s big fundraiser for the year. As a participating artist I  was told to sell the painting as soon as it was created. One artist from Venice Florida had several paintings already framed and somehow hung on a tree. I wondered about the logistics. I’m sure he didn’t drive nails into the tree. He must have wedged s shaped hooks into the bark.

I decided to focus my attention on the view down the boat dock. For some reason there were orange traffic cones on the sidewalk, and I decided to sit next to one. I decided to leave out the orange cones and a sign that said that only Racquet club members were allowed on property. As artists set up they chatted with each other. I arrived about 5pm and the sunset wasn’t until 7:56pm. Many artists put a single ground color on their canvas and then waited for the right moment to strike.

Pam ended up going to the Polasek Museum since most of the Paint Out events are there. We were texting ans she said “I am here.” I responded that I was down by the dock. Well, there is a dock at the Polasek as well. By the time we realized the mistake the grounds keeper at the Polasek had closed the gates and locked them effectively locking her inside. Ultimately he spotted her car and let her out.

An artist in a straw hat leaned up against the boat dock posts sipping his wine. I considered putting him in the sketch but erased him when he walked away. This turned out to be Jonathan Stemburger who is an artist who like myself documents events around town by sketching. He asked me questions about the paint out and I mentioned that I had sketched the event for several years before becoming a participating artist. I planted the seed that made him want to join in. Whereas I tend to blend in since I work in a tiny sketchbook, he works large. As he tried to get in with his easel and supplies he was stopped since he wasn’t an invited artist. He took it in stride and stayed, continuing to ask artists about their work.

Pam and I shared a pita creation from a food truck. Lettuce drizzled in balsamic vinegar fell off. The problem was it fell off onto my dress shirt and the balsamic made it look like I had been shot. I moved the Paint Out name tag over the splatter on my shirt but then another spot showed up somewhere else. I should never eat and paint at the same time. I’m not that coordinated.

The sun dipped down behind a bank of clouds which I figured would be the end of any spectacular sunset. Then at the last moment the horizon lit up the most spectacular vibrant pink color. The under sides of clouds also suddenly glowed that bright pink. I panicked, there was no way I could reproduce that color with the limited palette I had. I ultimately had to admire it and just enjoy the show.

Tonight is the big gala Paint Out Garden Party at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens (633 Osceloa Avenue Winter Park). All the painting created during the week will be on display. Tickets are $125 at the door. Patrons can mix and mingle with the artists and enjoy an array of food from the areas finest caterers, all while enjoying the gardens, local entertainment and the exhibit. All of my paintings created over the course of this week are available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Museum and Sculpture Gardens. Come on out and support the arts.

Weekend Top 6 Picks for April 27 and 28, 2019

Saturday April 27, 2019

10am to 4pm Free. Sanford Farmers Market. First and Magnolia Sanford Fl.

5pm to 9pm No cover. “It Is Here”.  ICEBAR Orlando, 8967 United States, 8967 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819. Fans of the hit fantasy drama television series “Game of Thrones” are in
for an icy treat as world-famous Icebar Orlando announces its
month-long celebration “It Is Here” to commemorate the series finale.
From Saturday, April 13 until Saturday, May 18, guests of the coolest
bar in Orlando can take the throne within Fire Lounge with no cover
Sunday through Friday and enjoy the bar and dance floor, or cross over
the wall and join Night’s Watch inside of Icebar featuring
specially-themed Game of Thrones cocktails available on a secret menu.
Guests will receive a souvenir digital picture, take in live ice
carvings every Saturday starting at 7pm and entertainment by special
guest DJs. Icebar will also host Game of Thrones trivia Sunday through
Thursday from 5pm-9pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-7pm. Trivia
participants who get five or more answers correct will receive half-off a
drink and be entered to win a $1,000 VIP experience. No tickets are
required for “It Is Here”. The “Small Counsel VIP Package” with bottle
service, appetizers, desserts and faux fur coat upgrades is available
for $350 (five people).

6pm to 9pm In Advance: $100. Door Price: $125. Each ticket enti­tles the buyer to $50.00 off the pur­chase of a paint­ing dur­ing the Gar­den Party! (Limit one ticket per paint­ing val­ued at $300 or more)

Winter Park Paint Out Garden Party. Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789.

Sunday April 28, 2019

10am to Noon. Free. Heartfulness Relaxation and Meditation Class. University, 5200 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811. The Method of Heartfulness A simple and practical way to experience the heart’s unlimited resources.

2pm to 4pm Free. Winter Park Paint Out Painting Demo Stacy Barter. Winter Park Health Foundation Crosby Wellness Center 2005 Mizell Avenue Winter Park.

10pm to Midnight. Free but get a coffee. Comedy Open Mic. Austin’s Coffee, 929 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL. Free comedy show! Come out and laugh, or give it a try yourself.

UCF Brass Ensembles Concert

The UCF Brass Ensembles Concert as held in the Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801) as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts. Getting through security with art supplies was it’s usual adventure. I also brought along opera glasses but since we were seated so close I really didn’t use them.

The evening consisted of 6 different Ensembles which meant I  had to work  fast since all the music stands and any chairs would move for each ensemble. The first ensemble was for the UCF Trombone Choir directed by Dr. Luis Fred. I managed to sketch two trombone players before they were done playing.

The UCF Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble was next and I dashed off one tuba player before they left the stage. There was a world premier of a composition called Avalanche by Thomas Harrison.  I tried to envision how the music evoked an avalanche but the music left me cold. Another horn ensemble was then followed by the Colbourn Brass Quintet. Their performance was the highlight of the evening for me. They performed Wachet auf, Ruft uns die Stimme by Johann Sebastian Bach. Translated the title is Awake the Voice is Calling Us. The performance was dedicated to a present day performer of Bach’s works who had recently died.

A final fanfare was followed by the stage filling with all the performers from that evening as they performed a combined ensemble. Though i didn’t count the stage was filled with horn players shoulder to shoulder. The strength in numbers filled the hall. I grew up playing coronet which is like a small  trumpet. It was my earliest passion in the arts, so I love the sound of horns.

Abridged Orlando Fringe Sketchbook

The Abridged Orlando Fringe Sketchbook documents 10 years of the Orlando Fringe in sketches. The project began in 2009 and today, 10 years later, the sketching continues. Above is a sample of the first 10 pages of the book.

This abridged Fringe Sketchbook is 110 pages with over 200 sketches. The book is going to press now and will be available at the 2019 Orlando Fringe Festival. Each year has a few paragraphs highlighting my favorite shows of the year. The goal has been to assemble every sketch done at Fringe shows over the past 10 years at an affordable price.

The books will sell for about $25 at the Orlando Fringe. If you would like to pre-order a book contact pam-schwartz@hotmail.com. If you pre-order we will arrange to give you the book when you arrive at the Fringe Festival. If there is enough interest we will print more books. We can take orders via pay pal, checks, or of course, cash. As an added bonus, prints and original Fringe paintings, are being offered at half price. $100 per print, and $200 for an original. Should you want me to frame the art I can arrange that for $100 more. If you order original art or a print, you will get an Abridged Orlando Fringe book thrown in for free.

A much larger 249 page book that has all the original articles written for Analog Artist Digital World is also being produced.

Cigarz on Park Avenue

As part of the Winter Park Paint Out I have been painting on Park Avenue. The City of Winter Park has an ordinance making it illegal to create anything on this stretch of real estate. I printed out the map of illegal areas and decided to only focus my attention in this forbidden zone. The Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens got permits allowing artists to document this area so I am taking full advantage.

This little strip of shops was apparently just recently purchased and the French coffee shop I loved has had to move out. Behind the coffee shop is an outdoor garden seating area. It seems that the new owners plan to close off that garden spot. The two men smoking cigars were there for quite some time. They talked about the stresses of life and feeling guilty when not working. They sounded like financial advisors discussing where to best ride the market.

This painting will hang in the Albin Polasek Museum starting tomorrow through Saturday April 27, 2019. Today will be the Sun­set “Paint-In” at the Win­ter Park Rac­quet Club on Lake Mait­land,
2111 Via Tus­cany, Win­ter Park. Tele­phone: 407-647-2226 from 6pm to 8:30pm.

You invited to join us as Paint Out Artists gather on the shore of Lake Mait­land at the Win­ter Park Rac­quet Club.
There we’ll cap­ture a beau­ti­ful Florida sun­set, then take a break
from the week’s activ­i­ties. Come share the vista with us and watch as
these out­stand­ing artists cre­ate a sun­set mem­ory on can­vas.  A
cash-only bar and buf­fet will be avail­able to non-members, so please
make an evening of it!  Stop out, enjoy the sunset and say hello!

On April 26, 2019 from 5pm to 8pm, there will be a Happy Hour and Digital Media Painting Demonstration with Thomas Thorspecken at the Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens, (633 Osceola Avenue Winter Park.) Featuring Poets will be from the Kerouac Project of Orlando. Two local historic studios, the Albin Polasek Museum and the Kerouac
Project of Orlando, will join forces to present this night of live art.
Local poets will showcase the work of the Winter Park Paint Out’s live
poetry contest on Allpoetry.com and read their own work while artist
Thomas Thorspecken, known locally as Thor from Analog Artist Digital
World blog, demonstrates the art of the rapid sketch. Plein air requires
the ability to adapt and capture the subject matter quickly while
conveying the energy and emotion of the subject. True to Thor’s digital
following, the artist’s sketch and progress will be projected onto a
large screen so viewers can enjoy the developing picture while they
contemplate the diverse poetry selections. Beer, wine, and appetizers
will be available for happy hour beginning at 5 p.m. The demo will begin
at 6 p.m.

Winter Park Paint Out Welcome Reception

The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens will host the eleventh
annual Winter Park Paint Out Plein Air Festival from April 21 to 27,
2019. The museum, sculpture gardens, and gallery will be free to the
public during the week-long event. Twenty-five professionally-acclaimed
plein air artists will paint at the Polasek Museum and locations nearby
with art lovers invited watch the artists at work, view their recently
completed paintings in the gallery, and attend free painting
demonstrations. More than ten free instructional demos with the artists
at the Polasek Museum and nearby locations will take place during the
week of the event.

Twenty five artists descended on the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens ( 633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789) for a group photo in front of the building. There was a gorgeous blue wisteria in bloom and the photographer wanted us all to pose in front of it. With so many glorious blooms there was a swarm of bees busy flying from flower to flower pollinating. Being tallish I had to stand in back with my head in the blooms. The photographer asked us to smile and I grimaced, certain a bee was nesting in my thin hair or settling on the tip of my nose. Ultimately I survived the excruciating photo shoot.

What followed was a several hour mix and mingle with some finger food and wine. Pam and I joked with several artists as we sat in the blue lawn chairs behind the museum. When it grew quiet, we realized the party had moved inside. There was a loud speaker which amplified everything said inside. When we were trying to hear what was going on inside it became impossible with everyone talking at once.

Contributing artist had painted small square canvases for Hal Stringer. This was his birthday and also the first day of his retirement. We were seated right next to the birthday cake which had lots of candles on it. I didn’t have a chance to count them. Hal made an announcement that he hoped that the number of candles would match the number of paintings sold this year.

Each artist would be hanging the painting created during the week on a section of the gallery wall that was designated with a number. Those spaces were assigned lottery style. Hal had created 30 small square paintings. The artists each were asked to pick up a painting. A number was inside each painting and that number would be the artists gallery spot. I picked up a deep maroon painting. I had considered a blue painting and a bright orange painting was also on my radar. I agonized before picking. My spot was number 13 which was in the second gallery room right next to the bathrooms. Last year I had exhibited in the spot right across from 13 even closer to the bathrooms. I think exhibiting near the bathrooms is a good thing. Everyone had to go there at some point and after they relieve themselves they might feel cheeky as they walk out and want to buy some art. I will be hanging a new painting each day at the museum. Be sure to stop out and check out all the work as it is created in the Polasek Museum Gallery.

Winter Park Paint Out Open House

The Winter Park Paint Out (WPPO) is officially under way. Easter Sunday April 21, 2019 was the open house at the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens (633 Osceola Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789.) After dropping off a painting for the gallery walls, I went in the gorgeous gardens and decided to sketch these two musicians from the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras.Tonight I will frame this painting and it will hand on in the Polasek Museum for the week along with every other painting I do this week. All the work is for sale. A portion of any sale will go to support the great work they do at the Polasek Museum. Mention that you are an Analog Artist Digital World fan, and you can get a 30% discount on an original painting of mine in the gallery.

If you have never been to the Polasek you should head out this week sometime since admission is free for the duration of the WPPO. The other painting I hung on the walls is a nocturne of the Lake Eola Fountain.

Twenty-five professional plein air artists will paint at the Polasek
Museum and locations nearby with art lovers invited to watch the artists
at work, and view their recently completed paintings in the gallery and
attend free painting demonstrations. A full list of painting demonstrations and events can be found on the WPPO website. I plan to document as many events as I can.

Besides doing journalist sketches of the WPPO events, I plan to do a series of paintings of Park Avenue at night. On Friday April 6, 2019 from 5pm to 8pm, I will be giving a happy hour demonstration called Digital Poetic License. Poets from the Kerouac House Project will be reading poetry in the Polasek Garden as the sun sets over Lake Osceola, and I will be doing a digital sketch live on my iPad with the sketch in progress projected on a movie screen so that the audience can see my thought progress in real time. All artwork from the WPPO may also be viewed online as it is created at winterparkpaintout.org and of course my art work can be seen here daily.