A conversation with Robin Maria Pedrero: Part 5

Where did you learn your technique?

My technique is a culmination of years of working, creating, building habits and trying new things. I have enjoyed a few workshops through the years and have a foundation of study with master artists.

Picture credit: "Cattle Cadence", pastel on paper

Learn more about this cow art pastel drawing

Monday's agriculture website of interest: NATIONAL FFA

Monday's website of agricultural interest is from the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization. This group is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Interested students join the chapter at their local school and may continue to be members through college.

FFA prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success both within and outside of agriculture. Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents a large diversity of over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. More than 7,000 FFA chapters are currently in existence; their programs are managed on a local,state and national level. Each chapter’s program of activities is designed with the needs of the students in mind. Activities vary greatly from school to school, but are based in a well-integrated curriculum. Chapter activities and FFA programs concentrate on three areas of our mission: premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Photographer Meg Birnbaum exhibit featured in New York gallery

Selected images from Birnbaum's series of black and white photographs of county fairs throughout New England, made using a plastic toy camera, runs now through mid-October at the Davis-Orton Gallery in Hudson, New York. The exhibit, "Corn Dogs, Blue Ribbons and the American Pastoral," is a collection of evocative images. Their antique quality and timeless subjects present a wistful look back while revealing clues that remind us of their contemporary origins.

Meg Birnbaum is an award-winning fine art photographer and graphic designer based in Massachusetts. She has work in the permanent collection at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the corporate program of the DeCordova Museum and other private and corporate collections. 'Corn Dogs and Blue Ribbons ...' has recently been exhibited at the Griffin Museum of Photography.

Picture credit: "Circle Swing"

A conversation with Robin Maria Pedrero: Part 4

Where do you get your inspiration?

Influences and inspiration are daily occurrences, experienced through all of the senses. My visual journey encompasses my life; family, friends, travel, nature, meals, introspection, books, art, music and worship. The work begins internally and then is brought to the surface, literally.

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: STORING ART

Whether it's because your moving or a need to rotate pieces of art, there comes a time when someone may need to store a piece of artwork. Today's article of interest, A Guide to Properly Storing Your Art, explains how to store a piece of two-dimensional framed or unframed art.

A conversation with Robin Maria Pedrero: Part 3

What is your technique?

I work in several mediums and the techniques vary for each. At times when I am immersed in the creative process I cover the studio with 7 – 20 pieces in progress strewn on tables, easels, the wall and floor. In pastel, I start at the farthest point in the distance and build layers towards what is closer and more detailed. In acrylics and mixed media I capture life and simple pleasures applying rhythmic patterns and geometrics in translucent layers. In all mediums, I personify nature through color and movement evoking moods of transition, strength, joy and serenity. I use a symbolic visual language exploring the visible and invisible creating a commentary on relationships and thoughts. As I work the images can be unexpected flowing from gathered memories. Within the placed pigment I enhance my perceptions of faces, animals, cities or fauna to share them with viewers. Then I let the work be and come back to it with fresh eyes and work some more until finished. Repeat

Picture credit: "Blue", pastel on paper

Click here to learn more about this beef cow art drawing

New art from Victoria Whorley

A new watercolor from artist Victoria Whorley.

Picture credit: "Winter's Edge", watercolor on paper

Click here to learn more about this cow art watercolor painting