My name is Jordan Hockett, and I have lost count of how many people have asked me what I was going to do with a college degree in art. I thought it was obvious that I was going to be an artist. It is possible to make a living as an artist; I just have to treat it like a job, put in the work to stand out, make better art, and push past the cliché of the starving artist. I don’t have any doubt whether or not I should be an artist. It is what I was born to do.
I grew up in Paso Robles, California. I initially thought I was going to be an architect, but after taking advanced physics and calculus classes in high school, I thought, “Forget this.” I entered college with the goal of being a graphic designer since I had already done some work in that field and it seemed like a real job that I could be artistic in while still making a living. While in college, I changed my goal again and decided to be an artist. I got my degree in studio art from San Francisco State University. Most of my education was in sculpture, but I also took classes in printmaking, textiles, drawing, and painting. Growing up, I was always the one that was known as the artistic kid, the one that could draw and one of the top students in art class. When I started taking art classes in college, I was learning and showing along side other people that were the best from their schools. Being in that environment, forced me to become better technically in my craft, more creative, and simply a better artist.
Studying and living in a city like San Francisco, exposed me to all kinds of people and styles of art. It glorified creativity, innovation, and individuality. It was great being able to get on a bus and thirty minutes later be at the De Young or the MOMA, or see public art, like the Mission District’s murals.
When I came back home to Paso Robles, I was able to become a part of Studios on the Park. Being able to have a studio and gallery space at Studios has been a continuation of my art education. Everyday that I am in the gallery, I get to work next to fellow artists that are creating amazing things. Everyone is doing something very different from the artist working in the space next door. Seeing the quality of work that each artist produces makes me want to push my own work to the next level.
I classify my current body of work as Tribal Pop. I make abstract work, mostly acrylic paintings, that use lots of geometric shapes and other icons in rhythmic patterns. Sometimes, I mix the patterns with relatable scenes of Americana and pop culture. Most of my inspiration comes from craft and folk art, as opposed to fine art.
My art continues to evolve and change due to the great education I gain, and I love what I get to do for a job.
I had the pleasure of meeting Rick Wheeler at the Cattlemen's Western Art Show last spring and am so pleased that he has agreed to offer a Scratchboard & Watercolor Workshop: Combining Drawing with Painting next month. Rick is one of the few scratchboard artists using scratchboard as mixed media, incorporating watercolor, inks, oil, and acrylic. It is a great drawing medium, and for anyone interested in improving their drawing skills, scratchboard provides a great opportunity.
Rick was recently invited to participate in Prescott College's 50th anniversary 'Alumni Retrospective Show' at the Sam Hill Gallery, Prescott, AZ, October 18-November 19, 2016. He is an alum of the college and these three images of his are great examples of scratchboard's wide variety of subject matter.
“ARTE DE TIZA”
Paso Robles comes alive every mid September as artists begin at early light to “CHALK UP” the downtown City Park sidewalks. It is the annual chalk festival sponsored by the Paso Robles Art Association to raise funds to support college scholarships for art majors in our community.
Arte de Tiza is a celebration that offers a visual feast of chalk murals created by area artists on the City Park sidewalks. Downtown Paso Robles is transformed into an artistic palette of colorful beauty during this event. Observe works in progress, converse with artists or just stroll up and down the street and see the artistic creativity of those working in chalk. It is a sight to behold!
The event takes place Saturday, September 17, 2016.
There is no fee to participate and chalk is provided by the Paso Robles Art Association. Awards for each division, Elementary, Middle and High School, as well as Adult, will be announced at the City Band Stand the day of the event. Participants may work individually or in groups. Each division will be awarded a first, second and third place prize. So as they say the day of the event, “Let’s Chalk UP”.
The money raised through sponsors of this event (except for a few dollars for supplies) will be put back into the community in the form of scholarships. Everything is provided by sponsors, donors and volunteers. It is through the generosity of all those involved in “Arte de Tiza” that has made this such a successful event each year and has helped so many of our young people achieve in the arts.
PRAA is inside the Studios on the Park in Studio #7 at 1130 Pine Street, Paso Robles, CA, 93446
805-238-5473
http://www.pasoroblesartassociation.org
Hello everyone,
Just back from an 8-hour drive from Mono Lake where my dream of basket weaving alongside native Americans, or the "first people" came true and was a remarkable experience.
Here is picture of me with Lucy Parker, daughter of Julia, Who-We-Na (dove of peace) who helped me a Lot! Weaving with seasoned willow quite the challenge. She is daughter of Julia who is married to the last living Ahwahneeche Yosemite born Indian (Ralph) who joined us as well.
Julia and granddaughter Ursula, Minenah, or beautiful meadow, are dancing in the photo. Four generations of family members were there to help, Julia, Lucy, Ursula and the teen, Naomi. Julia, the matriarch did basket demos in Yosemite Valley for 60 years. She learned Basketweaving from her husband’s grandmother, Lucy Telles, who wove the giant basket on display at the Yosemite Indian museum. Ursula told me it took 4 years to make. An amazing piece, and a " must see" if you haven't.
12 of us participated, many biologists, nurses, aerospace engineer, analytical chemist, and me, artist!!ðŸ˜
We all agreed that family dynamics was so impressive. Very tight knit family oriented. And Julia, or grandma, so fun loving in spite of difficult life as a child when gov took her and siblings off the Rez and put them in foster care.
Loved every moment, an experience I will cherish the rest of my life. The family danced, (got us involved) played games, and as we all gathered in a circle, said a prayer before and after the day's beginning and end. Our baskets after 3 days of challenging work shown here.
Debra
WANTED Kids Art Smart Volunteers
We are planning for another great Kids Art Smart session. The fall session runs from August 29 through November 18. Students from Kermit King, Georgia Brown, Lillian Larson, and Trinity Lutheran Schools will be participating, and for the first time, kindergarten students from Kermit King and Georgia Brown will be coming to the Studios for their art experience.Volunteers are a key component to the success of the program, and we hope your schedule allows you to volunteer during the fall. We especially need volunteers on Wednesdays and Fridays, although all days have openings.
5th Grade Printmaking Aug. 29-Sept.12 9:00-12:15
1st Grade Sume-i Sept. 13-Sept. 26 9:30-12:15
3rd Grade Masks Sept. 27-Oct. 7 9:30-12:15
2nd Grade Bugs Oct. 11-Oct. 21 9:30-12:15
4th Grade Pottery Oct. 24-Nov. 7 9:00-12:15
Kindergarten Watercolor Nov. 8-Nov.18 9:30-12:15
If you're interested in joining us, please call the office at 805.238.9800 or email info@studiosonthepark.org.
Judy Lyon created the original watercolor painting for the inaugural Paso Pops poster. Paso Pops is a new Paderewski Festival event for San Luis Obispo County celebrating Independence Day with wine, food, live music and fireworks!
For more information about Paso Pops, visit http://www.paderewskifest.com/pasopops/
Harold Spencer
Harold Spencer passed away peacefully March 5, 2016 in Davis. He was born Oct. 1, 1920 in Corning, N.Y.
An artist, art historian, and educator, “Spence” was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, a painter, printmaker and poet, the former Editha Hayes of Oakland, whom he met while serving as a merchant marine navigation officer during WW II.
Spence began his formal schooling in a one-room rural schoolhouse. After graduating high school, he went to New York City, where he was studying at the Art Student’s League when Pearl Harbor was attacked. After the war, he received his B.A. and M.A. in art from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in art history from Harvard University. He taught art and art history at Blackburn College, Carlinville, Ill., and at Occidental College in Los Angeles before finishing his teaching career at the University of Connecticut. He was the author of numerous art history publications and curated exhibitions at several Connecticut museums. He helped found the Weir Farm Trust and National Historic Site dedicated to American painting and served on its Board of Directors for many years. An accomplished artist, he exhibited in over 150 group and solo shows across the U.S. between 1941 and 2015.
Spence loved the outdoors, and in 1954 took Editha and four young sons on an 8,000 mile tent camping trip, circling the U.S. towing a one-wheeled trailer-kitchen he built himself. He designed and constructed furniture and with the help of his sons converted a 19th century Connecticut dairy barn into an art studio.
In 2001, Editha and Spence returned to California from Connecticut to Paso Robles, where he continued to draw and paint with a congenial group of fellow artists at the Studios on the Park, an arts cooperative and education nonprofit.
Spence is survived by sons David (Judy) of Mansfield, Conn.; Robert (Phyllis) of Tomball, Texas; Eric (Sue) of Mansfield, Conn.; Mark (Lorraine) of Davis; Ellen Spencer of Los Angeles; 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Spence’s caregiver and companion Semi.
Memorial donations may be sent to Studios on the Park, P.O. Box 3000, Paso Robles, California 93447.
To share a memory with the family, please visit Smith-Funerals.com. Interment in Paso Robles will be private.
Courtesy of Deprise Brescia, Paso Robles Art Association Board Member
Everyday we create a piece of history through the collection of actions we take. The student artists of Paso Robles High School: Sabrina Peterson, Ravanne Ramirez, Daniela Reyes and Lindsay Svinth are making their mark. These talented young artists have graciously donated their time and done exactly that. Their stunning artwork enhances the exterior wall of The Odyssey World Café in downtown Paso Robles, CA. They have left a beautiful mark in history not only for local business, but also for the “Art Beyond our Walls “Program made possible through the Paso Robles Art Association.
Paso Robles High School stepped up to the plate when asked if their advanced art students would like to participate in the “Art Beyond Our Walls” Program by submitting personal designs for Odyssey World Café, a local business that wanted to enliven their long standing exterior.
With a desire to get a fresh, new look, the owners were open to having students design unique works based upon the theme and current logo for the establishment. The students were inspired by the challenge and welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate their unique talents and skills. Under the supervision of PRAA volunteers the challenge was a success.
The Paso Robles Art Association is a non-profit membership organization comprised of artists and art lovers alike. Artists range from novice to professional and everything in between. All mediums from photography, digital art, painting, sculpture, encaustic, collage, oils, pastels, watercolor, acrylics and more are represented. Four guilds, which include; photography, pastels, jewelry, and painters help artists find kindred spirits and group activities creating a place to belong. The guilds hold separate meetings to support and encourage growth and friendship in their specific areas of interest. These guilds are each part of the PRAA organization.
The PRAA is an inclusive membership group that welcomes artists and art lovers alike. Volunteers are always welcome to participate and give back to the community through fun and exciting services. Docents, teachers, assistants, bookkeepers, fun and happy people are always encouraged to join.
Together we are building bridges of art, joining the youth with local business through art. The PRAA’s “Art Beyond Our Walls” program is designed to support member artists and local business by exhibiting art and bringing it out into the community. The PRAA is engaging artists and art lovers everywhere to beautify our community and give back. The PRAA volunteers generously give their time, expertise and art by hanging, mentoring and exhibiting artwork beyond the gallery walls.
The original Paso Robles Art Club was established back in March of 1949. What began as a small social group of ladies that came together to share art and friendship has blossomed into a notable force for art in California central coast’s wine country. In 1973 the Paso Robles Art Club incorporated into a 501c3.
The current gallery location for the PRAA exists inside Studios on The Park Gallery #7 at 1130 Pine Street Downtown Paso Robles, California.
Over the years the ebb and flow of life changed the PRAA into an organization with a powerful mission; To enrich the local community with a gallery featuring juried works, receptions and art related events.
PRAA also helps the youth through a scholarship fund for graduating high school students through Questa College. PRAA vets and creates avenues for artists to share, enrich and uplift the local landscape. All of these avenues help build more bridges of art.
“Art Beyond Our Walls” is a program developed by the PRAA bringing art out into local commerce. These businesses are interested in supporting local artists and art in the community.
The additional component for “Art Beyond Our Walls” is bringing young artists into the mix, giving them valuable guidance and a taste of what the working artist experiences. A small step into the shoes of the future world and experiences they may wish to encounter and grow from.
Under the encouragement of elected official Dr. James Brescia, the San Luis Obispo County Superintendent of Schools, art and art programs need to be brought back into the schools where they belong. This necessity benefits our children and society as a whole. Dr. James Brescia has advised the county school superintendents to recognize this need and take action.
Superintendent of Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, Chris Williams has stepped up and taken supportive action for our local students. Gallery #9 at Studios On The Park, 1130 Pine Street, downtown Paso Robles now displays the works of student artists in this district.
Art has proven to bring out skills needed for twenty first century citizens. These are skills of creative problem solving, teamwork, critical thinking, interpersonal communications, working cooperatively with others, and leadership.
Time and again, research proves the benefits of art and using the right hemisphere of the brain increases creativity for problem solving, implementation of solutions in a smoother fashion, increased endorphins released in the human body. The list of benefits is endless.
Bridges of art bring youth and experience together benefiting everyone. Come be a part of history and join the PRAA. Give your time and or donations to help build more of these valuable bridges. Help PRAA thrive and keep art alive. Join today.
The Atascadero Library will feature printmakers from Studios on the Park, Helen K. Davie, Rosey Rosenthal, and Bob Simola. There will be a reception Thursday, February 4, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.At 5:45 p.m. The artists will participate in a guided tour to discuss their works. The reception will feature live music and light refreshments.
The exhibit will run until March 31.
The Atascadero Library is located at 6555 Capistrano Ave. For more information call (805) 461-6162.
Resident artist Anna Meyrick is featured in today's Tolosa Press. For the full article, click here.
To meet Anna, visit her at Studios on the Park or sign up for one of her upcoming mosaic workshops or Thursday afternoon Art With Anna youth art classes.
I'm thrilled to be the recipient of the Pastel Society of America's Albert Handell Award for my painting "French Flavors in Color." The painting is featured in the 43rd Pastel Society America Annual Exhibition: Enduring Brilliance! at the Grand Gallery, National Arts Club, a historic mansion located on Gramercy Park, in Manhattan. The society's annual exhibitions are the premier event for pastel artists in this country and abroad.
ARTWORK SALE
Studies & Sketches in Oil & Pastel from Paso Robles, Mexico & Europe
Greetings! I'm excited to share that I will be participating in the 17th Annual Open Studios Art Tour this month. Although I show many pieces in my studio at Studios on the Park, my bunkhouse is filled with additional works which I am bringing to town for the two weekends of the Tour. I'll have over 200 paintings deeply discounted so I hope you’ll take the opportunity to come and take a look at them!
This SALE will be in the Classroom Gallery
at Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine, Paso Robles
Two Weekends Only
October 10 & October 11: 10 am - 5 pm
October 17 & October 18: 10 am - 5 pm
The Open Studios Art Tour is a program of ARTS Obispo. Please call (805) 544-9251 or visit www.artsobispo.org for more information.
MY NEWS
I am so incredibly fortunate to be able to continue to pursue my passion in paint. I thank you for your encouragement and purchases.
“Kitchen Still Life” Class
For the past year I have been teaching a small, private class. We focus on kitchen-themed still lifes and florals. If you are interested in taking a future workshop, please let me know.
Travels At Home & Abroad
Last year, I had the good fortune to take a wonderful trip to Croatia with a suitcase full of oil paints. I also continue to visit plein air festivals throughout the Southwest. Travels down the Colorado and Salmon Rivers have continued to inspire my artwork. More recently, my husband and I returned to San Miguel de Allende, where I spent several days creating pastels.
Festival Mozaic
I was honored to be the 2015 Poster Artist for Festival Mozaic. My pastel of a concert at Old Mission San Miguel was created specifically for the 45th anniversary of the Festival.
Studios on the Park
Of course, my main activity is working with Studios on the Park to develop our educational and exhibition programs. Teaching 6th Graders Plein Air Painting & Drawing at Hearst Castle with our Kids Art Smart program has inspired many new pastels of the "La Cuesta Encantada."
Click here for the downloadable version of this newsletter.
We are honored to feature Barry Lundgren's beautiful woodturnings throughout the year in our Studio 9 Art Collective. Read this wonderful KCET feature by Sarah Daly and then visit Barry at his home studio during this weekend's Open Studios Art Tour SLO County!
Master painter Ruo Li comes to Studios on the Park for a special oil painting workshop. Choose to spend three full days or five full days studying with this acclaimed artist. While the workshop will be based in beautiful Paso Robles wine country, plein air sessions will take place along the coast, weather permitting.
For more info, click here.
The latest issue of the Tribune's Living Here features three Studios on the Park artists.
Read about Barbara and Rosey Rosenthal here
Read about Joe Thomas here.
Dear Friends,
You are invited to ART AFTER DARK PASO ROBLES.
Saturday evening, July 11, 6pm to 9pm at
Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine Street, Paso Robles
Barbara and I are members of this vital community studio/gallery non-profit and know you will enjoy the music, wine tasting, special THREE SPENSERS art exhibit plus
The public showing and book signing of Verdito. After many years of starts and stops; this short illustrated fable is finished and published! Rosey and I will be celebrating with our book signing at the Paso Robles Art After Dark event in Studios on the Park. We will also have our jumbo prints from the Steam Roller Printing event at the Paso ArtsFest this past May. And a few other froggy prints and fun things.
Please join us and tell all your friends!
Barbara and "Rosey" Rosenthal
Rita Kirkman, teaching at Studios on the Park in July, was just invited to be a Featured International Artist on the China Pastel Network website!
Her two-day pastel workshop will will cover valuable hints and tips from Rita’s 30+ years of experience with pastel (ie: control of values; illusion of light) as well as advice for today’s economy (ie: smaller paintings!) Instruction will emphasize composition, color, and technique, including underpainting methods.
Welcome to Summer!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by my canopy to say 'hi' at this years PASO ARTSFEST. I sincerely hope you had a grand time. I know I did. If you couldn't make this year's event, I hope to see you at Studios on the Park!
Take a break this summer and open up your creativity with these summer workshops. You'll learn new techniques and come away with finished pieces that you will be proud to display. Get out of your comfort zone and discover a new creative world, meet new friends and above all Have Fun!
All workshops held at
Studios on the Park, 1130 Pine Street, Paso Robles CA
Altered Paper Workshop
Sat. & Sun. June 20 & 21, 2015, 12 - 5
$145 + $15 materials fee to instructor
You will have an opportunity to make your own paper to use in your collage. Topics include lifting, mono printing, stenciling, staining stamping, texturing and more. you will leave with paper to add to your 'paper stash' plus ideas for your creativity tool box. All materials included with fee.
"Revisionist Art"
"Where else can spilled milk be turned into ice-cream?"
Sat. & Sun. June 27 & 28, 2015, 12 - 5
$195 General Art materials included.
Got works on paper or canvas that just aren't working? Let's combine these previous works and bring them to life as new works of art that are greater than its parts. We will use paint, plaster, wax and non-traditional commercial products to stimulate your muse and expand your art practice. Composition, color, texture and content will be discussed. Personal vision and development will be encouraged.
Appropriate for advanced beginner to intermediate levels.
"Abstract Collage Workshop"
Thurs. & Fri. July 16 & 17, 2015, 12 - 5
or
Sat. & Sun. Aug. 15 & 16, 2015, 12 - 5
$195 Includes all materials and handouts.
Loosen up, get bold and playful while exploring color, shape, texture and composition. you will use these elements as a foundation for planning and creating your dynamic abstract collage. The techniques involved are accessible and everyone will work at their own level.
