ASHLAND HAAC offering ‘Spring Into Painting’ series

ROSLYN RYAN Richmond Suburban News

For those who have always wanted to try painting, or who would like to improve their painting skills, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center will be hosting a series of weekly studio art classes this spring.

Beginning in April, nationally recognized artist and author Dan Bartges offer instruction for all levels (beginners to advanced) and in all media (oils, acrylics, watercolors or charcoal).

A Florida native who now calls Ashland home, Bartges has had a varied and exciting career: In addition to working in advertising and writing books, he once spent a year as a deckhand on foreign cargo ships.

Last week, he took a few minutes to share with us his thoughts on several art-related topics—including what first sparked his love of art— as well as how he landed that seafaring gig.

On how he discovered his love of painting:

“For me it started with drawing. When I was 5, my father called me to the kitchen table. He had a sheet of paper and pencil and drew two simple scenes — a fly fisherman and a distant train coming down the tracks. That simple demonstration struck me as pure, unforgettable magic. I still think of painting and drawing as magic.”

On the painters he most admires:

“There are several such as Turner, Monet, Sargent, Walter Anderson and more.”

On those who say “I would love to paint, but I don’t think I am very artistically inclined”:

“Unfortunately, that misconception has deprived millions of people of experiencing the thrill of painting and drawing. Many studies have concluded that practically everyone can learn to draw and paint. All it takes is 1) Desire and 2) Effort. That holds true even for women and men who became famous artists. Right now I have a student who resolved to learn to paint — at 92! It’s brought him countless hours of pleasure, invigorating challenges and satisfaction.”

On his adventures as a young seafarer:

Here’s the short version of that odyssey: I impulsively took a year off from college between my junior and senior years. In New Orleans, I fulfilled my childhood dream by finagling a berth on a foreign cargo ship as a workaway deckhand. With a letter of recommendation from that captain and a passport, it became much easier to land jobs on other cargo ships — almost like hitchhiking. When I returned to college, I started making As for the first time in my life, enabling me to enter and excel in grad school.

On how his prior career experience has influenced his art:

“The 12 years I spent as senior vice president of The

Martin Agency strengthened my self-confidence and, more importantly, taught me how to approach corporate CEOs in order to win large painting commissions.”

On what he would like students to take away from his class:

“I have only two objectives for my studio-art classes: Help students to discover and improve their artistic skills and, more importantly, to learn to experience the thrill of painting. There’s nothing else like it. It’s magic.”

Dan Bartges’ weekly class series will be limited to 15 participants, and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Subjects will include a live model and still lifes. Class will be held on Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m ., April 17 and 24 and May 1 and 8. The one-time fee is $80 for all four two-hour classes. Some materials are not included, and the instructor will send a supply list before the class. Bartges may be contacted directly with questions at dkbartges@verizon.net.

Upcoming Programs At Hanover Libraries

RICHARD S. GILLIS, JR./ ASHLAND BRANCH LIBRARY

Call 804-798-4072 or visit the library at 201 S. Railroad Ave. for more information.

beginning Chair yoga at the ashland branch Library, Thursdays, Feb. 23, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga which is done with the assistance of a chair for those with physical challenges or adults who don’t want the rigor of a typical yoga session. attendees should wear loose clothing and bring a small blanket. space is limited. From the Heart stitchers at the ashland branch Library. Thursdays, Feb. 23, March 23, noon to 4 p.m. From the Heart stitchers began in 2001 making chemo hats for the Massey Cancer Center and today has over 1,899 stitchers making thousands of items for service groups across the Commonwealth. sew, knit, crochet or loom anything from blankets to shawls and everything in between. bring a sewing machine, knitting needles, etc.

Please see LIBRARIES, Page 19