New Painting – “Sunrise”

Who is up this early?  This is my most recent painting it is 36×24, acrylic on canvas.  It was inspired by a visit to the Atlantic sunrise a few months ago.  It will be for sale this weekend at the Tioga Art Festival.

“Musical Chairs”

“Musical Chairs” is a benefit coming up March 2 from 7 to 10:.  Music and refreshments provided.  Photo is the chair I painted and donated for this worthy event.  Fun to do!  These chairs will be offered for auction at the event.  This weekend, Friday, February 24, the night of Gainesville’s monthly “Artwalk” a preview of the wonderful hand painted chairs  will be on display at the new Doris (“Doris”) Barton Community Cultural Center on Main Street in Gainesville.  Proceeds from the silent auction at the Benefit will go to the Alacua County Public Elementary Arts Program of the Community Foundation.  Artwalk and the preview are from 7: to 10: this Friday.  Come experience Art Walk and the new Doris!

ART FESTIVAL THIS WEEK END!

The annual Tioga Art Festival is this weekend in Gainesville.  Feb 24,25, 26.  I will have a booth.   Come have some fun!

Gainesville Sun Nominee!

FALL 2011:  I was delighted to receive the following write up for the local newspaper The Gainesville Sun.  This was for nominees for “The Spirit of Gainesville” award.  There were several catagories -Arts, Sports, etc.  Although I did not win, I was so pleased to be nominated, I was in great company.  This is a fine city of civic minded people.

During her short time in Gainesville (one year), Lytha Nicholson has made quite an impact on the local art community.

Children: John (Naples, FL), Jason (Atlanta, GA), and Joe Nicholson (Gainesville, FL)

Civic involvement: GFAA Board Member, Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center Board Member, High Springs Art Co-Op
After moving here, she immediately immersed herself into the art community by becoming an active member of the GFAA. She has spent countless volunteer hours helping get the Doris Bardon Community Cultural Center started. Aside from her work with the GFAA, she spent her summer teaching art at Santa Fe’s “College For Kids,” where she received many accolades from her students, her peers, and her supervisor. She is an active member of High Springs’ Art Co-Op. She will will be showing her own works of art at various art shows this year. Not only will she be showing her art, but she is in the process of “taking the reigns” of the Thornebrook Art Festival this year, and will be the director for the 2012 event.

Lytha has a passion for art that she loves to share with others. Whether it is community service, teaching, creating, enjoying, or just discussing, she will always be an advocate for the arts. Gainesville is lucky to have her!

Latest Painting

“Starfish” was recently commissioned for a Grad School graduation by my client.  The texture and wash of the ocean water was a challenge but fun to do.  The daughter loved her gift and as always for me one of the joys of my work is knowing someone enjoys it in their home.

Breaking News!

A new PAINTING WORKSHOP in the Blue Ridge Mountains June 18 to 22. Acrylic and Oil painters welcome (two instructors). Blue Ridge, Georgia will be home for immersion in 3 days and 4 nights of a mountain/art/adventure experience. Details to follow!

Upcoming on Sanibel Island, Florida

The second week in January I will be on Sanibel in front of the BIG ARTS new gift shop on Periwinkle Way.  Several local artists, members of BIG ARTS will demonstrate and exhibit their work.  I will feature my Florida work.  Hope to see some old friends from my days on Sanibel – Captiva!

Art in Gainesville, Florida

The place is booming.  Big downtown art festival in early November.  Delightful childrens area and my creative grandsons participated (see photo) Ty is the next Nicholson artist!  Gainesville Fine Arts Association had their meeting and Christmas party at Pattiwack’s Gallery here in town, great participation.  Looking forward to the 4th Annual Winter Fine art Fair at the Tioga Town Center in February.   I will have a booth with my African art.   Beginning in January I will be teaching at a local gallery “Talking Walls”, classes for beginners.  Later in the month my classes begin at Santa Fe College here in Gainesville so a few busy, happy months for sure!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL CLASS

In Ellijay, Georgia four talented women completed “Apple Paintings” in just one day.  The theme was chosen because this part of Georgia is well known for its apples including an Autumn Apple Festival.  The step by step class was designed for students with little experience to become familiar with the medium of acrylics.  The day was successful and we walked outside to another gorgeous fall day.  I will be back to teach another beginning class in February as well as a more advanced class focusing on techniques.   With anticipation of winter, the lure of Florida calls and I will be leaving shortly for Gainsville, Florida.  I have a wonderful new opportunity and will be teaching art at Santa Fe College in Gainesville beginning in January!

Gainesville, Florida

On a recent road trip to Gainesville, Florida I began to look into the art opportunities in this city of the “Gator Nation”!  An “Art Walk” on Friday night into local galleries complete with wine and cheese showed me the talent in this University city.  I have joined the Gainesville Fine Art Association which appears like many others to be very

active.   I submitted two of my paintings to one of the local exhibitions and was impressed with the level of creativity.  On a previous visit, I attended a two day workshop offered by GFAA.  Well attended there were 20 students in this class taught by Jane Sylva.  I recognized her work when I saw it in some of the galleries at the “Art Walk”.

She was easy going, lots of fun and everyone learned a lot.  Like most classes, each student brings their own spirit to the brush.