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Date: 9/21/2022
WARE – Workshop 13 will host their fourth annual Northeast Fine Arts Exhibition of Traditional Realism with an opening reception on Sept. 24 at 13 Church St. from 1 to 4 p.m. Awards will be announced at 3 p.m. This juried art show showcases numerous artists from all over New England.
In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Chairperson Loretta Medeiros said, “Realism began in the mid-19th century France in response to social changes sparked by the Industrial Revolution. It focused on how life was socially, economically, politically, and culturally. Ordinary everyday scenes were painted in a realistic manner to make the work look as true to life as possible.”
Traditional Realism values beauty and precision over personal expression. As Medeiros pointed out, there are eight key factors in painting realism. First is precision, accurate drawing from observation. Second is values, values between the brightest and darkest values. Third is contrast, the brightest and darkest values. Fourth is edges, lost and found edges or soft and sharp edges. Fifth is transition in brightest values, colors, textures, edges, and temperature. Sixth is temperature, use of warm and cool colors. Seventh is color, the focus of the painting usually has the most color. Eighth is saturation, the amount of pure color used.
“The understanding of these characteristics as it applies to any medium used by the artist is important to achieve realism in paintings,” Medeiros explained. “They also need to understand the law of nature, perspective such as linear and atmospheric, depth, geometry and master mixing colors.”
Approximately 100 pieces of artwork will be on display for the show. The categories are oil painting, watercolor, sculpture, drawing/ graphics, acrylic – such as casein and egg tempera – pastel, and mixed media. This year’s jurors are Natalie Featherston, a contemporary realist painter and Michael Rose, an art historian, gallerist, and writer. First and second place awards will be awarded in each category as well as a People’s Choice, Best Landscape, Best Figurative and the Shirley and Edward Lastoff Memorial Award. Best in Show is $1,000.
“The Northeast Fine Arts Exhibition grew from a community to a regional show and now we are targeting a national show,” Medeiros said. “The idea and goal to bring fine art to rural settings so that current and upcoming generations can look forward to the shows and gain an appreciation of the arts.”
The show will be on display at Workshop 13’s Grand Hall gallery through Oct. 9, open for viewing on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
For more information, go to www.workshop13.org.