PRINCESS SIMPSON RASHID -

THE ART OF SCIENCE

"Each painting is an experiment in which to investigate how pigments can be used to induce a sense of rhythm and energy." 

Princess Simpson Rashid

 Have you ever been invited to an artist reception at the Museum of Science and History? 

How about a painting demo in the museum Science Lab?

Last night at MOSH, art and science merged in an exciting and interactive presentation by scientist, artist and Renaissance woman, Princess Rashid.

The audience was happy to help plan the painting

Princess, an artist with roots in Jacksonville, now living in Tampa, gave an engaging presentation, starting with the premise that art = science. Her vibrant work often incorporates math formulas and the periodic table of elements presented in a way that will lure even math and science haters. 
Many of these works grace the lobby of the museum.

Princess explained her process

 

Let the painting begin!

Fueled by artistic energy and loud music, Princess invited us to "make some marks" on her large canvas to start the process of her painting.

Then, with water, liquid acrylic paints and dynamic brushwork, she transformed our marks into the basis of a large and beautiful abstract design. 

"Finished for now"

Clear tar gel combined with pthalo blue liquid acrylic and dripped from the brush added the "punctuation" near the end of the piece.

Princess' love of paint and process was directly conveyed to the canvas. Her mission to meld art and science

made the presentation educational and fun!

Thanks, Princess, for an evening we won't soon forget.

Princess Rashid's website 
Princess Rashid's Blog

Go See the Jacksonville Watercolor Society Show!

The JWS annual juried members' show opened yesterday at the 
St. Augustine Art Association and a beautiful show it is! Over sixty works grace the walls of the Art Association. Quite a large crowd attended, despite the rainy and windy weather.
It was most exciting to be there to support three of my students who are members of the JWS, along with their watercolor instructor, my friend, Ruth Bamberg. 

Laurie, Cheryl and Marti

 

 

Cheryl, Ruth, Marti

Back row:

Laurie and Hercel (Grand Prize winner!)

It was wonderful to reconnect with Hercel Stallard, of Hercel Stallard Studios, who was the big winner of the day with his lovely painting, Fly Fisherman. Hercel has been teaching watercolor students in the north Florida area for many years, conducting regular classes, workshops and painting trips. Watching Hercel and painting with him inspired a love of watercolor in me as it has many other students over the years. 

 Cheryl with her entry - Manatees

 After a lovely afternoon at the show, we discovered I had locked the keys in the car! Yes, it was my fault!
Here is Jeff, posing as the disgusted husband, waiting for AAA Road Service
to come and unlock the car for us.
Really, he was only posing.

In between pacing around, peering down the road for the AAA truck and shivering (did I mention it was a windy, rainy day), I took advantage of our great parking spot right on the waterfront to take a photo of a pirate ship! 
If you have the chance, go see the JWS Show - it's amazing how beautiful
and varied watercolor can be.