The Charles Street Gallery in Beaufort will host an exhibit of art work by the students of Linda Sheppard from June 20-July 7.   The art show, “The Artist’s Eye”, will include portraits in old master drawing techniques as well as paintings in oil or pastel. Linda Sheppard is a “Fellow” of the American Artists Professional League and a signature member of the Connecticut Pastel Society.  She has taught art for 35 years and has had numerous one woman art shows across the country.
     The exhibit will include a variety of drawing techniques, including graphite lift off (drawing only with an eraser), black and white charcoal, pencil, and graphite wash techniques.  Her classes in Strengthening Your Paintings work on developing good designs, using strong values for dynamic paintings, and understanding color changes in warm and cool lights.
The class uses a variety of creative exercises to process stronger use of design, color and value.  For example, in the portrait class they talked about the need to know your model or client.  Bill Hodsdon visited the class, and the students interviewed him about his background, his interests, and his philosophy.  They wrote down characteristics they saw in him.  When they did drawings of him, they were challenged to express his essence.   Some of the results will be in the Charles Street show.
    The exhibit will be educational.  Alongside the paintings, there will be a description of the assignment and the challenge for the project.  Viewers can look at the work and decide for themselves how well the student achieved the assignment.
    The public is invited to the opening reception to meet the artists  on Friday, June 20th from 5:30-8:30 p.m.  The gallery is located at 914 Charles Street in Beaufort.  Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 11:00-6:00, Saturday 11:00-3:00.  Some work will be for sale at reasonable prices.   Live music, food and drinks will be served.
    For information on upcoming classes, call Linda Sheppard, 379- 4633 or Laura Bricker, 838-0880 or check Linda’s  website lsheppardart.com for a schedule (under “about the artist”).