Lessons from Max....

I had the pleasure of taking my first class at the Art Students League of New York a few weeks ago. Founded in 1875 by artists and for artists, the Art Students League of New York has been instrumental in shaping America's legacy in the fine arts. Many renowned artists have honed their skills at the League, which is dedicated to sustaining the great tradition of training artists. Today, more than 2,500 students of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, study at the League each month. Click here to see a short film about the League by Dale Schierholt.  

I spent the a week with artist Max Ginsburg. Here are some of his oil paintings:

During my weeklong workshop with Max I learned the following:

• Painting is a challenging, difficult and rewarding
  
• Teaching feeds your painting- Max also worked as a high school art educator for many years 
  
• Many of the people in Max's paintings are former students
  
• Painting color, form, and light are all technical skills that can be improved 
  
• Max is a master at using his brush to create the human form, it was a delight to watch and observe him paint
  
• Max describes himself as a "social realist". He depicts NYC and the people who inhabit it, he has a message that he wants to share and political views that he expresses in his paintings. His work is much more than just figurative work, but he expresses his point of view and captures the human spirit

Here is a portrait painting that I created during the workshop.