Category: FAS Students
Friday, May 11, 2012
FAS graduate publishes a book of her paintings
We’ve just had exciting news from our graduate, Norma Boeckler . She has published a coffee-table size book of her paintings, and it’s available here on Amazon. The book is a delight to the eye, including flowers, birds, portraits and landscapes. The introduction was written by FAS Head Instructor Hank McLaughlin. Best of luck and congratulations, Norma!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Marianne and Skip—FAS students, 50 years apart
Skip Shelton (FAS alumnus of the 1950s) and Marianne Lenti (FAS current student) in front of Skip’s painting of WWII bombers. Lenti studied with Shelton, retired pilot and art instructor at the Arts Center of Greenwood (SC), who began his art career during WWII painting women on noses of bombers. (click image to enlarge)
We just got a letter from Marianne Lenti, who is currently enrolled in the FAS Oil & Watercolor Painting Course. She described the experience she’s having with the Course, and included a tale of a wonderful coincidence.
I am currently enrolled in the Oil & Watercolor Painting Course, and am enjoying each and every lesson. The feedback has been very fruitful, especially the personal letter, which is the next best thing to being right there with the teacher. Having recommendations, corrections, comments of the teacher in writing may well be BETTER than some “workshops” I have attended. The attention is much more personal than a class could ever be.
Here in South Carolina I study art with Luther (Skip) Shelton. He started his artwork painting bomber nose art on planes during WWII. He also took the Famous Artists School lessons IN THE FIFTIES. I just happened to choose the same school over 50 years later. He has spoken of this experience as “life changing.” He was a commercial pilot for many years, before becoming an art teacher/illustrator/muralist here in Greenwood, SC. I thought you’d like to know he was still recalling his lessons with you.
It’s always such fun to hear about our alumni, especially those who are passing on their knowledge and skills to a whole new generation of students. Thanks so much, Marianne and Skip!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Praise for FAS Instructor Hank McLaughlin
Brion Johnson (click image to enlarge)
Brion Johnson, who just completed the Master Course in Oil and Watercolor Painting, wrote to us about his experience:
First and foremost, having taken several workshops with notable, nationally recognized instructors, I can say without question that THE most valuable aspect of the FAS course for me were the critiques written by Hank McLaughlin. Always thoughtful and well considered, Hank’s critiques offered me more substantive, useful feedback about my work than I have received in any other venue. Hank’s critiques surpassed the reviews that I received in more “hands-on” environments from some very well-known artists who are also considered great teachers. Hank is a treasure.
We agree, of course! Thanks, Brion, for taking the time to send us this enthusiastic review. (More information about Hank McLaughlin)
Here are some examples of Brion’s artwork:
by Brion Johnson (click image to enlarge)
by Brion Johnson (click image to enlarge)
by Brion Johnson
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A lifetime of creativity for FAS graduate
Rita Altman
Yesterday’s mail brought a wonderful surprise—a letter from Rita Altman, who graduated from FAS in 1957 (she sent a copy of her graduation certificate to prove it!). Here’s what she wrote:
Dear Folks,
I thought I would send a little surprise letter to you after all these years. I was 21 years old when I got my certificate from you and now I am 74-1/2!
For about the last 40 years, I have my own business, Country and Wood Crafts. I taught my daughter Julie and three granddaughters the fun of art work. We do on the average of 28 to 30 craft shows and festivals a year, and also do orders here at home for folks wanting personal art works. We have won many awards at the various shows over the years; just this week we won a first place blue ribbon at a Fine Arts Festival in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. I hope this will encourage any students now studying with you that the future can be wonderful! Thanks to your school from me!
Rita sent photos of some samples of her work. In addition to creating charming pieces, she’s also recycling items that might otherwise become landfill—she’s green as well as creative. Here’s to many more years of fun, Rita—we’re delighted to hear from you!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Holiday greetings from an alumnus in the Netherlands
We just got a Christmas card from Johan Arp including a marvelous drawing. He writes:
I graduated from FAS in Amsterdam in 1970 and directly started designing and making art part time in combination with my regular job as a banker at ABN AMRO. I retired from the bank in 2007 and I’m very happy to be a full time artist and designer now. The 24 Lessons of the FAS Course were very solid and I’m still using the textbooks and working with the FAS methods. It gives me great pleasure!
You can see Johan’s art at his website: www.johanarp.nl
Happy holidays to all—we wish you a creative and art-filled 2011!
Christmas/New Year greeting by Johan Arp. (click to enlarge)
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Don Smith—a new FAS alumnus on our website
We’re delighted to have Don Smith join the FAS website. Don’s story of how he became a student of Famous Artists School is memorable; the artwork he’s been producing over a long career in art is even more so. And the icing on the cake is that Famous Artists School is becoming a Smith family tradition, as Don’s son and granddaughter have also taken a Course with us. Take a look at Don’s page to read his story and browse his art.
Welcome, Don!
Friday, November 13, 2009
More prize-winning artwork from our Japanese students
Here is the painting that won the top prize in the Painting category in this year’s Kodansha Famous Schools Art Contest. Created by Eri Sakaue, it’s titled What do I really want to draw? Good question! An excellent work of trompe-l’oeil painting.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Reiko Kumagai’s winning painting
Here’s the painting that Reiko submitted to this year’s Kodansha Famous Schools Art Contest in Japan… which won her a trip to the United States!
It’s called “The portrait of Ms. Ophelia” and is sweet and whimsical. Notice all the small details. Reiko is very interested in visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum when she comes, as well as the major museums in New York and Boston.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Another alumna joins our website—Julinya de Vince
As I’ve noted here frequently, we often receive correspondence—both email and the old-fashioned kind—from former students and alumni of the Famous Artists School. We love hearing the real stories of people who developed their talent and passion for art with help from FAS—they’re always inspiring.
The latest addition to our website, Julinya de Vince, is a perfect example. Read the story of her journey from talented young student to prolific international artist and teacher—I’m sure you’ll be inspired, too.
Welcome, Julinya!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Alumni far and wide
We’ve been getting a lot of mail lately from former students who have gone on to make successful careers in art. One is from the Netherlands: Ben Huisje. He’s an illustrator, cartoonist, and caricaturist—and he also paints! Visit his website at www.benartwork.nl
We also heard from Julinya de Vince, who took our Course as a teenager when her family lived in Brazil. Look for more details about her on our website soon, and visit her at www.julinya.com.
