Drawing Sessions in My Studio

Classes are starting again for winter in my studio. I have drawing sessions from 10:00- 12:00 every Thursday. This is time to spend focused on the fine art of rendering the visual world in drawing media. I love just plain old drawing pencils on paper, it's very relaxing. I am also planning Saturday classes for students interested in exploring painting. Check back soon for my new class schedule.

Pictures from the Artist Talk at Portraits of American Veterans: A Continuing Dialogue Exhibit

From the time that I completed the above painting of Chris O'Neil he has been re-deployed and flown several missions in Afghanistan. Here he is viewing his portrait for the first time.
Here I am talking about the Portraits of American Veterans Project. I was so encouraged by the number of people who attended the event on a cold and damp Sunday in November. Thanks everyone for being there.
One of the oldest Veterans in the Portrait of American Veterans Project is WWII Veteran De Yip G. Louie seated with his daughter Frances Mai Ling.
Allen Jakes is viewing his completed portrait for the first time. Allen is a Vietnam Veteran whose service involved managing a clinic and caring for the wounded. His caring spirit can be seen in the gesture of holding his memory album from Vietnam.
This is Wendy Manning standing next to the portrait of her daughter Capt. Dana Mayer. Dana could not attend the reception, she just returned from her third deployment. She is a transport nurse whose recent tour of duty was in Afghanistan.

Bill Crist is viewing his portrait for the first time. He is a combat veteran who served in Vietnam.


The panoramic photos were taken by Chris O'Neil, one of the Veterans that I painted. Thanks Chris, you are a gentleman and a hero. All of the profiles posted by the paintings are by Frances Mai Ling, who also provided the beautiful piano music and vocals for the reception.

I wanted to share some of the photos that my husband Keith took at the November 21 Artist Talk and Studio Tour. There are quite a few shots so I will post a slide show soon so you can get a sense of the scope of the exhibit and the number of lives that it has touched. I am very honored that I have been able to meet and get to know all of these fine people in the portraits. Through this project I have found a spiritual healing that we all have shared. I am eternally grateful for the gifts that I have received through my art and the many individuals that have supported me on my journey to create a visual record of the Americans that I truly honor and respect for their service to our country. Thank you.
PEACE THROUGH ART

Artist Talk and Studio Tour Planned as Recap for "Portraits of American Veterans:A Continuing Dialogue"

When: Sunday November 21, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Exhibition Dates: November 3- 24, 2010

Where: Sage Gallery and Dole Mansion Gallery

Lakeside Legacy Arts Park

401 Country Club Road

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am. – 4:00 pm. Info: 815.455.8000

Details:

The public is invited to an afternoon of art and discussions with the artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner as she presents insightful views on her groundbreaking Portraits of American Veterans Project. Visitors are invited to an open and lively discussion with the Artist, about her artwork and process. The exhibit is in honor of Veterans Day, and based on on her belief that Ms. we should honor Veterans every day in addition to Veterans Day. Veterans who are represented in the paintings will be on hand to share their stories. After the presentation join Ms. Hill-Soldner in her studio located on the garden level of the Lakeside Legacy Creative Arts Center. Here she will share her painting process and engage visitors in the world of the authentic artist studio. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

View Beautiful Pictures from my November 5 Reception on Patch.com link

Despite the reduction of photographers and reporters for traditional print newspaper media there are some very good on line news sources that do an amazing job of covering local news and creating a worldwide audience through the web. Here is a nice little slide show of the evening's events for Portaits of American Veterans: A Continuing Dialgoue and Veterans Art: Stories and Images from Patch.com. Enjoy!

http://crystallake.patch.com/articles/dole-exhibit-tells-veterans-stories#photo-2924883

"Portraits of American Veterans: A Continuing Dialogue" Artist Reception November 5

The reception on November 5 for my show was an event to remember. Frances Mai Ling and Kit Valentine added a beautiful ambiance to the evening with their piano and vocal performances. The food and wine kept everyone happy and chatty and I am looking forward to moving this exhibit to many more venues.
Above are a few shots that I was able to capture at the end of the evening as many of the guests had already left and the attending Veterans who are represented in the paintings had a chance to pose for pictures. My friend and professional photographer Robin Pendergrast took some nice shots and I will post those when I receive them. I would love for everyone to see this show!