Marilynn Davis
Calling all artists!
The SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild sponsors a monthly art discussion group in which artists bring in their work to show and discuss materials and techniques. It is a very informal group. All are accepted from beginner to advanced artists. We learn from everyone!
See some of the works of regular members that are included in this article.
Our group meets at 9 a.m. in the Topaz room, SaddleBrooke TWO, every third Wednesday of the month.
Please feel free to come and join us. Bring a piece of your work or stop in just to see and hear what other artists are doing.
If you have any questions, you can contact Marilynn Davis at Marilynn.davis88@gmail.com.
World Traveler and Distinguished Artist Joins the Fine Arts Guild
Ron Powers
“Horses were the reason I picked up a pencil and paper. No trees, houses or yellow suns for me when I was little,” SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild’s “Artist of the Month,” Pamela Whistance told me.
“Horses started me on my art journey. They were the reason I began drawing at age six. Horses and art have always been a strong part of my life. I’ve owned four horses—not at the same time, of course. I trained two, and competed with them in hunter and jumper classes.”
What a life she’s led! Born in New York City, she earned a B.A. and a B.Ed. with a double major in art and English. While she lived in New York City, she said she “jumped at the chance” to attend classes/ateliers in studio art and sculpture at the storied Art Students League.
“I was incredibly lucky to be able to study under John Howard Sanden, Robert Brackman, Jose’ de Creeft, Thomas Fogarty, Jr., and others. De Creeft was the one who created the Alice in Wonderland sculpture in Central Park.”
Pamela describes herself as a “traveler of the world.” She’s lived in South Africa, Austria, Canada, England, Belgium, and Thailand. “I wrote a book about the people who live along Thailand’s Klongs, a network of canals and natural waterways around Bangkok.”
A published playwright and writer, Pamela confessed that art is her first true love. She’s taught studio art at the university level and also continuing education classes at Ringling School of Art and Design in Florida.
She and her husband, Thomas, a retired Air Force pilot who is also a wood-working artist, moved to SaddleBrooke a summer ago when she joined the Fine Arts Guild. “I’m happy to be a part of the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild and to begin teaching again.” She will be teaching two special art workshops in October called “Painting the Figure.” The classes will be held on Oct. 6 and 7 and on Oct. 27 and 28. (See the full class schedule in this newspaper or on the club’s website at saddlebrookefinearts.org.)
“Drawing or painting figures teaches you about concept, direction, structure, values, color—and being ‘loose.’ In my classes, you’ll learn to have no fear. Your work will come alive. And I will have your back.” Pamela added with a smile, “I hope to see you there!”
Upcoming SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Classes
Ron Powers
Drawing/Painting the Live Model: A Studio Class with Pamela Whistance
Oct. 6 and 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Working with a live model, this two-session class teaches proper studio easel set-up, how to use composition aides, initial shape and placement, an easy way to mix colors, and all about the fabulous question, “What do I do next?”
Abstract Landscape Painting with Acrylics by Candy Schultheis
Oct. 10, 17, and 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
Abstract Landscape Painting combines the beauty of natural scenery with the expressive freedom of abstraction. Students will explore how to interpret the landscape using color, texture, movement and composition rather than realistic detail. Through guided exercises we will learn to simplify shapes, build layered backgrounds and create mood and atmosphere in our paintings. This series of three classes encourages personal expression and exploration while helping students build confidence in design and creating a mood.
Learning to make art on your iPad with Allen E Buchanan
Oct. 22 and 29, 1 to 4 p.m.
In this two-session course, your instructor will share the pleasure of “painting” on an iPad, using the Apple Procreate app and an Apple Pencil. There is no mess, no preparation: you can make art anywhere—no brushes to clean, no mixing of paints! It is very inexpensive; the only real expense is having a good photo shop that can print your images. Procreate is very intuitive and easy to learn.
The instructor hopes to form an interest group of iPad artists in SaddleBrooke who can learn from one another. Please join us! I’ll have samples of my work to show you the range of techniques available. If possible, bring an iPad and Apple Pencil.
Drawing/Painting the Live Model: A Studio Class with Pamela Whistance
Oct. 27 and 28, 9 a.m. to noon
Working with a live model, this two-session class teaches proper studio easel set-up, how to use composition aides, initial shape and placement, an easy way to mix colors, and all about the fabulous question, “What do I do next?”
Oil Painting Methods with Sylvia Shanahan
November 3, 10, 17, and 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
Why oils? Done properly, oils provide a rich, luminous glow to your work that withstands UV and the tests of time. and, it’s not as messy (and smelly) as you think. In this series of four classes, you’ll learn five different ways to start a painting, what additives to use and when, thick over lean techniques, color mixing with eight basic tubes of pigment, and abstract techniques using cold wax. Beginner and intermediate level. Traditional or water-soluble oils. Bring your own reference or choose from several photos from the instructor.
Intuitive Painting with Candy Schultheis
Nov. 14, 21, and 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
Abandon traditional ways of painting! Get in touch with your intuitive self and leave the outside world behind. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, this class will take you places you have never been, through prompts and exercises designed to reveal the inner you. A variety of tools and techniques will be explored with the emphasis on mark making, activating our canvases, and responding to our marks. The main goal of this three-session course is finding joy in the process, for when you love what you are doing, the result is amazing. The sky is the limit!
Fun and Liberating Creative Art Journaling with Sylvia Shanahan
Dec. 8, 15, and 22, 1 to 4 p.m.
It’s back. If you missed the fun last season here’s your chance to sign up and/or take it again. Creative Art Journaling is a unique way to combine the elements of art and writing into a visual diary. It’s specifically designed to boost creative juices and expression for beginners and seasoned pros alike. There are no wrong ways to approach it. Everything is correct. Thought provoking new prompts and techniques make this three-session course one not to miss. All water media, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, markers, collage papers, etc., are acceptable and encouraged.
To register for any of these classes, go to saddlebrookefinearts.org or call Ted Jensen-Freeman at 503-781-3224.
“You don’t take a photograph, you make it”—Ansel Adams
Upcoming Photography Presentation
Ron Powers
The SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild is proud to present “The Photography of Daniel Lacroix” on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. at the DesertView Performing Arts Center. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. There will be a question-and-answer session following Mr. Lacroix’s presentation.
Daniel Lacroix is from the St. Louis area where he is a professional photographer specializing in services such as portraits, family photos, and real estate photography. He has also spent over 20 years studying healing arts, especially through Chinese medicine and its link to the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal which parallel the five elements of photography: line, shape, texture, pattern, and color. Mr. Lacroix sent us this introduction to his approach to taking a landscape photo:
“I am alone, one with the elements, I allow myself to pause for a moment and embrace the beauty of the creation before me. I close my eyes slightly to only contemplate the beautiful light of the rising sun coming over the land, like a soft gentle caress. And it is at that moment that the image comes to me. It is the light that guides me to see the unseen, and it is at that magical moment that shapes, forms, shadows, and all elements come together to create a photograph. It is through contemplation that the photograph comes to you. It is the moment that you photograph what so many do not see. It is in that moment that your photograph is filled with emotions and beauty. Your image becomes the story you want to share.”
If you appreciate fine art and fine photography, you won’t want to miss this presentation!
The DesertView Performing Arts Center is at 39900 Clubhouse Drive, Tucson, Arizona.
Why Warhol?
How did the Pittsburgh-born son of working-class immigrants transform the art world? Why does Andy Warhol still matter?
You will see four decades of Warhol’s art, hear from his admirers and detractors…and discover how he caused commotion during his visits to Tucson.
Please welcome Sherman Bodner,our speaker, on Oct. 21. He is one of several speakers we will have this year from the Tucson Art Museum.
Art salons are presented the third Wednesday of the Month in the Topaz room, SaddleBrooke TWO, at 10:30 a.m. You will find a list of all presentations by the Art Salon on the SaddleBrooke Fine Arts Guild website. They are listed from September 2026 through May 2027.
We hope you can join us for this talk about a fascinating art personality!