Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1119001
FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JUNE 2019 49 Mixed Media Arts Class This is the perspective of Fred E. Hearth, the artist of the month: After retiring nearly 24 years ago from the position of Director of the Armacost Library at the University of Redlands, I have spent the ensuing years in a number of varying residences, both in California and Oregon. I have been living at Four Seasons in Beaumont since the beginning of 2018. As a result of downsizing to a smaller house, I needed to find a replacement for my former hobby of woodworking, piano restoration, and the accompanying set of power equipment and tools that were required for that work. I had always enjoyed design work and its creative process. I have several family members who had pursued artistic endeavors in the fine arts. It was quite fortuitous, then, while conversing with a fellow resident at the Bistro, that I learned of and was invited to join Rob Kelman's Mixed Media Art Class. Like other members in the class and with careful guidance from Rob's experience in art instruction, I was able to achieve a modest success in completing a set of three required drawings. In the following weeks, with interest in watercolors and a generous supply of paints and brushes that had been left to me by a family member, Rob provided valuable instruction on perspective, interpretation, technique, and the use of appropriate supplies in completing a variety of watercolor compositions from photographic images. It is my hope that in the future I may introduce some originality into my work and continue to benefit from Rob's guidance. I might add that all the time spent in class is not devoted entirely to one's chosen media but extends to sharing the achievements of one another. A valuable component of Rob's classes is the commentary (critique) he provides on all "works in progress" at the end of each session. There are also other light-hearted moments and shared experiences among this friendly group. Clearly, this has been, and continues to be, a rewarding experience for me. Classes are Mondays, 10 am to 12 noon, and/or Wednesdays, 6 to 8 pm. If you have any questions, call Rob Kelman at (951) 992-9156. ~ Rob Kelman Work by Artist of the Month, Fred E. Hearth