Art Blog
Thoughts about Art: Is it Necessary to Have Talent to be a Painter?
September 15th, 2010
This is a topic that I am often confronted with as a teacher. Typically, a potential student will ask me this question, and then look into my eyes earnestly, as if the answer will determine their success as a creative person.
New Work
September 3rd, 2010
Hope everyone had a good weekend! I wanted to share with you this new pastel of my spirit horse that I created while I was up north teaching at CAMMAC music center. I wanted to depict the horse galloping, surrounded by vibrant energy. It is called “Spirit Horse Reaches the Green Valley.”
New Fall Classes
August 3rd, 2010
Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to announce the classes I will be teaching in the fall at the Dollard Civic Center in D.D.O.
For more information: http://www.centreartdollard.com/English/adult.htm
OIL PAINTING TECHNIQUES (LEVEL1)
10 weeks from Sept. 29 to Dec. 1
Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m.
In this oil painting course the students will learn how to mix colours, to compose images and to prepare sketches as preparation for finished work. Subject matter for projects can include still lives, landscapes, portraits and non representational work. Composition and colour theory are also covered. Read the rest of this page »
A View into the Intimate Life of an Artist: The Role of Drawing
June 10th, 2010
When I was attending art school, all the painting students were told to draw on a continual basis. We were expected to carry a sketchbook at all times and draw anything and everything that crossed our paths. I remember drawing people on park benches, cathedrals, in restaurants and a variety of landscapes surrounding the city. Often I encountered obstacles in drawing “difficult” subjects. I drew them anyway.
Gradually, I made friends with my sketchbook and we became inseparable companions. When someone was late for a luncheon meeting, out would come my sketchbook. I would draw tables full of dirty dishes and glasses, or groups of people deep in conversation. I was never bored; I was always finding new shapes, faces, and places to discover with my pen. I enjoyed the act of drawing, it was so simple. My sketchbook fit perfectly into my purse. I would often draw with a ball-point pen because it meant no erasing – it kept me moving, adding new lines on top of lines that were not descriptive enough. Read the rest of this page »
“Spirit Horse” Exhibit at the Blainville Equestrian Park
June 9th, 2010
Deirdre will be showcasing her work at the upcoming Blainville Equestrian Park Horse Show. This 21st annual show will bring together internationally renowned riders from across Canada, US and Europe in competition. This will be an opportunity to see Deirdre’s “Spirit Horse” giclees and paintings in person.
Date: Wednesday July 14th – Sunday July 18th 2010
1025 Chemin du Plan-Bouchard
Blainville, Qc, J7C 4K7
(Approximately 30 minutes from downtown Montreal)
Tel: 450.434.5261 – Fax 450.434.8205
Blainville Equestrian Park website:
http://www.parcequestreblainville.com
Drawing Workshop: “Using Drawing to Renew our Sense of Wonder”
June 7th, 2010
Drawing Workshops: Spring and Summer 2010. “Using Drawing to Renew our Sense of Wonder.” Every Saturday from 1 pm. – 3pm. (This schedule is flexible according to the needs of interested participants.) Location: Lachine (Montreal), Quebec.
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Only 2 Spaces Left for Kamouraska Workshop
May 14th, 2010
Hi Everyone, this is just to let you know that there are only 2 places left for my week-long drawing course in Kamouraska, Quebec. The dates are August 21-28th, 2010. This is a unique opportunity to spend time away in beautiful Kamouraska, while taking drawing classes every morning. This is my 7th year leading this workshop, and many of my students are coming back for a 2nd or 3rd time. It will still be a small intimate group, facilitating personalized attention.
Spirit Horse Appears on the Beach
April 8th, 2010
I just finished my new work “Spirit Horse Appears on the Beach.” Oil on canvas, 35″ x 45″
Only a Few Spots Left for Kamouraska Retreat (2011)
January 29th, 2010
Hi Everyone!
The week long retreat I give in Kamouraska, Quebec will be underway for a 6th consecutive year in June 2011. Its a wonderful opportunity to spend time in nature while taking drawing courses. Open to all levels. Only a couple of spots left at the cottage. Please let me know if you have any questions! Here is information about the retreat:
RHYTHMS OF THE RENAISSANCE – DRAWING COURSE IN KAMOURASKA
Tentative: JUNE 12-19, 2011, Kamouraska, Quebec (confirmation coming soon)
- 6 mornings of instruction (3 hours per day)
- Live in farmhouse facing the beautiful St. Lawrence River with 6 other students and teacher (myself)
- price: $875.00 (lodging and instruction)
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:
Once each year, Deirdre McCay offers to share her knowledge of Renaissance drawing techniques with students in an intensive course given in Kamouraska, Quebec. Her training, acquired in Boston U.S.A. and England was oriented to European traditions (both from Italy and France). This training is very difficult to find in Canadian art programs.
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