LABOR DAY ART FESTIVAL

By Shirley M. Carolan

The VILLAGE FAIRE ART FESTIVAL, co-sponsored by the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League (COAL), held their first Annual Labor Day weekend Art Festival. Along with a collection of area artists, I exhibited several of my oil paintings, displaying some on my new outdoor, tripod easel, which my nephew bought me. I’ve been trying to get them from my digital camera to here, but have run into a glitch.

The Festival was actually 2 days, although I only participated on the Saturday. What a fun way to spend a holiday weekend ... sharing something you love, ART, with others. The weather was balmy, the air was festive, the music was delightful, and tourists and residents were out in droves! We had different musical groups playing throughout each day.

A highlight of the event was a live model dressed in colorful clothes, who posed for us during the afternoon. She was magnificent in the various poses and held our attention. There’s something challenging and unique about drawing the human figure. I used pencil, others used crayons, charcoal, watercolors and even acrylics. I was so enrapt in my drawings that I hated to see the day end. When I showed my drawings to my Mira Costa College Art Teacher, Sally Pearce, she encouraged me to draw a face of someone every day to improve my perceptions of depth, size, features, composition. You know what? I am loving it and don’t know why I’ve not done this sooner! I just did a drawing of LaDamion Tomlinson from a huge newspaper photo and may exhibit it.

Folks, the Festival had something for everyone: children, adults, seniors, residents, visitors, artists of all kinds, and, of course, musicians. It was such a resounding success that I am sure it will become an annual affair. If you missed it, mark your calendars now for next Labor Day weekend! Not only will you enjoy Art, but also the quaint restaurants, shops, and festive atmosphere! The Village Faire Shopping Center is located at 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad , CA.

I look forward to meeting you and seeing you there next year!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Artist ● Speaker ● Writer
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com

Copyright© 2008 by Shirley M. Carolan. All rights reserved. To reprint any part of this article simply contact Shirley Carolan at artistwithaflair@att.net. Thank you.