They told students their successes and the challenges of working and running an art business and about their goals and how the students can also enjoy different arts, but that they need to continue their education.
RuthAnn Mersino told the students that after taking ten weeks of basic oil-painting classes, she began experimenting with palette knives. Since 1971, she has painted almost exclusively with palette knives, which she says is faster, cleaner and brings more realism to the subject painted. For 30 years she has been selling her art and teaching her palette knife technique.
Deb Keene is a wilidlife artist that may be best known for her carved wooden feathers. Keene expresses her artistic flair in just about every medium; from oil paints to meticulously precise carvings of woodland creatures and nearly everything in between. The work includes vivid landscapes and a remarkable attention to detail, especially in her wildlife pieces.
Dale Vronch’s home is located in a natural setting that lends itself to many photographic subjects. Dale specializes in nature photography. He explained to students how he can spend many hours searching for unique subjects to capture as images. This could include finite detail, achieved through macro photography, to the wide angle perspective of landscapes.
The discussion was hosted by the West library staff and arranged by library parapo Judi Warnke. Students were invited to learn about the different types of art done by the three artists. They explained to the students how they can sell their artwork, but would likely need another source of income as well. As part of the program the library got a chance to showcase all of the art books that are part of the wide variety on the school library’s shelves.
Photo caption:
Artists Deb Keene and RuthAnn Mersino, and photographer Dale Vronch spoke to students in the Lapeer West library.
For more photos of the visit, please go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/LapeerCS/LocalArtistsVisitWestStudents#
