Oct 1

Oct 1 3. Lesson: Georgia O'Keeffe

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“Did you know that when Georgia O’Keeffe was your age she had to miss school too because of the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918? Just like what our country is going through now!”

— EMcGee

Let’s Start!

Gather Materials:

white paper (watercolor paper if you happen to have)
paper plate
small jar of water
paint brush (several sizes if available)
Paper towels
paints (watercolor ideal, acrylic, or tempera fine as well)
Black marker or jumbo black crayon (charcoal is ideal)
A plant, flower, or small object of nature

Things to listen for during lesson:

How did Georgia learn to paint with watercolors?

How is charcoal made?

What was Georgia’s favorite color?

Watch Video

Work in Your own studio for a bit
Explore taking an object of nature and making a drawing of a piece of it so that it is huge!
Consider sharing your art on the group page.

Youth Gallery

Books I read about Georgia O’Keeffe:

Next Lesson: Henri Matisse Preview

Erin McGee Ferrell

In my work as a contemporary artist, I strive to combine traditional oil painting techniques with innovative technology to create interactive pieces that stand the test of time. I am passionate about creating pieces that engage the viewer and invite them to explore the nuances of the artwork, without relying on technology that may become obsolete as it changes. I have also been experimenting with pigments that alter in response to environmental changes, such as thermochromic pigments that change color in response to temperature.

My work is inspired by a variety of global sources, including my own travels to diverse cultural locations such as Ecuador where I explored the use of natural pigments for painting, sourced from the Amazon Rainforest. My series, Insect Hotels: Restoration of the Garden, was inspired by my travels to Athens, Bahrain, and Germany in 2022. These experiences have greatly influenced my artistic perspective and have inspired me to push the boundaries of traditional materials and techniques. In my recent projects, I have used NFC technology to embed tags under traditional oil paint, allowing viewers to interact with the piece through their smartphones and experience audio and video elements.

Through artist residencies at Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University NYC, and Arizona State University in 2023, I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and scientists and explore the potential of combining traditional oil painting with technology. I create interactive work to inspire thought, emotion, and meaningful exchange. I look forward to my solo show in Manama, Bahrain February 2024. The gallery exhibition is part of Bahrain’s Spring of Culture National Celebration and is inspired by Formula 1 Racing.

International Contemporary Artist, Erin McGee Ferrell, is inspired by Maine. McGee Ferrell teaches at the University of New England and is a prominent artist in the C-word international Cancer Art and Science exhibition sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Ferrell, and Arizona State University. Over the past couple years, she has taught in Greece, Bahrain, and Germany, including working with active duty deployed military troops in the Middle East. In 2022 her work was included in Portland’s Greenhut Gallery Biennial and Thomas Moser Gallery 50th Anniversary Exhibition. McGee Ferrell has a solo Exhibition in Bahrain as a part of the National Spring of Culture 2024.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College and University of the Arts Philadelphia, Erin McGee Ferrell has studied at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, University of Louisville in Italy, School for International Training Nigeria, Maine College of Art, SMCC, and the Artist Students League of New York.

www.ArtistAMERICAN.com

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