Artist of the Month - April 2016
by Judie Apablaza
This month’s water theme seems to be mirrored by our demonstrator as well as our accomplished Artist of the Month, Arda Derian. Arda’s recent trip to Monterey’s famous “17 Mile Drive” near the Asilomar's picturesque conference center, presented a perfect setting for Shere Garwood’s three day workshop. Pacific Grove and the surrounding area offered a unique painting opportunity to combine beaches, driftwood, pines and pounding ocean spray on rugged rocks. Shere’s workshop pushed Arda to produce and accomplish more than she anticipated.
Painting plein air presents several challenges - wind, temperature changes, glare and a rapidly changing light source. Arda accomplished her blue ribbon winner, titled “Turbulent Coastline at Pebble Beach,” by finding a picnic table that allowed her to paint flat. She taped down her watercolor paper on a wooden board to prevent the wind from carrying her painting-in-progress into the sea! The painting reflects Arda’s ability to capture a moment in time with skill and spontaneity.
Arda Derian is not a dabbler in the arts. She has combined a formal education in fine art and applied her skill and training to a career in teaching art. Arda has also been a credentialed "master teacher” in training elementary and middle school teachers in the application and joy of teaching art to children. Her hands-on seminars were a revolutionary departure from typical rote copying and "cookie cutter” art activities. Teachers and students alike came away with a sensitive approach to the arts. Children were encouraged to express their individuality and add their own unique and creative ideas.
Retirement has allowed Arda to travel to exotic places and paint for pleasure. Verdugo Hills Art Association is very pleased to include Arda Derian in our membership.
Painting plein air presents several challenges - wind, temperature changes, glare and a rapidly changing light source. Arda accomplished her blue ribbon winner, titled “Turbulent Coastline at Pebble Beach,” by finding a picnic table that allowed her to paint flat. She taped down her watercolor paper on a wooden board to prevent the wind from carrying her painting-in-progress into the sea! The painting reflects Arda’s ability to capture a moment in time with skill and spontaneity.
Arda Derian is not a dabbler in the arts. She has combined a formal education in fine art and applied her skill and training to a career in teaching art. Arda has also been a credentialed "master teacher” in training elementary and middle school teachers in the application and joy of teaching art to children. Her hands-on seminars were a revolutionary departure from typical rote copying and "cookie cutter” art activities. Teachers and students alike came away with a sensitive approach to the arts. Children were encouraged to express their individuality and add their own unique and creative ideas.
Retirement has allowed Arda to travel to exotic places and paint for pleasure. Verdugo Hills Art Association is very pleased to include Arda Derian in our membership.