At the beginning of summer 2014, Sydney,  Etolie Steinlage and I set up our easels on the property of Gyongyi and the late John Henson on the bank of the Hudson River. We had a gorgeous day for a class “en plein-air.”

Sydney won Best of Show in the “Oval Painting” division of the Kristy Bishop Studio Art Show at Columbia-Greene Community College in September 2013 (Scenes of the Hudson Valley Art – Art Judge: Douglas James McGuire) and Runner-Up to Best of Show in the children’s division at the 48th Annual Mum Festival Art Show in Saugerties, NY October 2013. (Art Judges: Jacquie Roland & Konnie Fatum)

In the reading the book “Horse Sense for People” by Monty Roberts, I found a similarity between gentling a horse and gentling an art student. The key for the art teacher is to be meek and humble in the approach and the student will want to learn more about creating artwork. In this fast-paced world that we live in – being gentle and meek are traits that are not associated with success. I contend that Jesus who was not marked by weakness had the right idea that the meek will inherit the earth. The Spirit of God can work on our inner character by gentling us and we, in turn, gentle those in our midst.

Sydney and Etolie are intelligent and sensitive young artists and they hold me accountable for my artistic decisions. I learn from them as they learn from me. Blessed is the person who when rebuked (with constructive criticism) can accept it humbly and with courtesy, always showing gentleness. Yet, I am still the leader who is setting values and gathering everyone to work together as a team. People watch what we do to see if we “walk the talk.” Our word is our bond and respect is earned when we can do this. Gentleness is strength under control.

Paul Strand wrote: “Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. Where there is gentleness and humility, there is neither anger nor frustration. Where there is poverty with joy, there is neither greed nor covetousness.”

All of my young students (and older ones) are working on artwork for upcoming art shows. I will publish dates and times in the events section of this website. See you soon!