Art League will host Art in Bloom Christmas Festival on Dec. 9

The Art League’s monthly gathering of members and guests on Nov. 11 featured a gouache workshop by Southern California plein air artist Andrew Cortez. Gouache is a water-based paint similar to opaque watercolor, but permits the artist to use thin, transparent washes or thick, opaque layers. With its quick drying time, ability to cover mistakes and easy cleanup, it is a medium used by those who prefer to work faster than traditional watercolor permits.

Cortez’s personable approach demonstrating gouache technique kept people engaged and busy applying their newly acquired skills. At the end of the presentation, raffle winner JoAnn Rossi selected one of Cortez’s exquisite gouache paintings as her prize, and Daniel Prosek’s “Talavera Sun” ceramic art piece received the popular vote award based on votes from those at the gathering.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4-7 p.m. in Clubhouse 4, the Art League will present “Art in Bloom Christmas Festival,” a holiday-themed art exhibit echoing this summer’s well-received Art in Bloom Exhibition. The holiday festival features 2D and 3D creations by Leisure World artists from the many art and craft clubs within the community.

Live music will be provided by Abilene, and complimentary wine service provided by Gasper Monteer Realty Group. The holiday fete provides an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind original artwork and handmade holiday ornaments.

Artists interested in participating in the exhibition may work through their respective club or contact the Art League directly at lwsb.artleague@gmail.com. —Jim Greer

JoAnn Rossi (l) received a painting from gouache demon -

strator Andrew Cortez.

Daniel Prosek and his ceramic art piece titled "Talavera Sun" won the popular vote.