By PATRICIA FREED

For The Vista

For an artist, painting a portrait can be a daunting task. One of the best ways an artist can acquire the techniques of successful portraiture is to learn from a master instructor.

Internationally recognized artist-instructor John Simms will offer a four-day Portrait and Life-Drawing Class on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, November 26, 27, 28 & 29, from 1 to 4 P.M. at the Plateau Creative Arts Center (PCAC).

The cost of the four-day class is $80 for members or $100 for non-members.  Attendees may choose to enroll in single-day sessions at a price of $20 per day for members or $25 per day for non-members.

The first and second day will focus on drawing, while the last two days will focus on painting.  Aspiring portrait artists of all technical skill levels are welcome to attend.

Class participants may work with the medium of their choice, such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, colored pencil, or charcoal; whatever they are comfortable using.  They are asked to bring their own art supplies and a notebook.  For the subject of their portraits, a live model will be available at class, or participants may bring photos of subjects they would like to use.

John Simms and his students in a previous portrait class at the PCAC.

Sign up for the John Simms’ Portrait and Life Drawing Class at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine Road).  For more information or to enroll and pay by credit card, call 931-707-7249.

John Simms is a professional artist who has mastered all visual art media but prefers painting heirloom oil portraits on canvas and watercolor images of past and present.  John graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors degree from the Center for Creative Studies College of Art and Design in Michigan.  His artwork has won numerous awards including 2009 Best of Show at the Plateau Creative Arts Center.

“Heavenly Harvest” is Theme for November’s 

PCAC Gallery Exhibit 

Add to your visual feast with a visit to the Plateau Creative Arts Center (PCAC) for November’s themed art exhibit, “Heavenly Harvest.” Enjoy a rich display of colorful artwork that is a credit to the artists and the fall season.

Once a month, the PCAC gallery exhibit changes.  On Friday afternoon, November 2nd, the gallery exhibit, “Heavenly Harvest,” will open to the public. The gallery at the PCAC exhibits original artwork created by the members of the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade.  Visitors enjoy viewing quality artwork including watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastels, colored pencil, photography, mixed media and also 3-D work including pottery, sculpture, and jewelry. The gallery is a perfect place to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, with prices that are reasonable.

The PCAC welcomes visitors seven days a week;  open Monday through Friday: 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. and  Saturday/Sunday, 1 to 4 P.M.

(closed Thanksgiving). Come enjoy the gallery exhibit at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine Road).  For more information, call 931-707-7249.

The gallery exhibits and fine art classes are offered at the PCAC by the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)organization and an equal opportunity provider.  www.artguildfairfieldglade.net

Farber Offers Harlequin Reflections Bracelet Class at PCAC

Students in popular Artist/Instructor Linda Farber’s upcoming beaded jewelry class will learn how to make the elegant Harlequin Reflections Bracelet.  The bracelet was designed by Linda, using beads that are quite unique and dance with color. The beads are named Harlequin because they reflect and change color as the light source changes.

This is Linda’s last beading class for 2012, and it’s just in time to make those hand-created holiday gifts.  The Harlequin Reflections Bracelet class will meet on Nov. 13 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The cost is $20 for members or $25 for non-members.  This is a beginning project that is worked with large-sized beads.  There will be a $15 to $20 kit fee that can be purchased at the time of class.

Students will work with size 8 Fire Line and a size 10 beading needle.  Please bring these and a small pair of scissors to class if you have them.  They will be supplied for students who don’t have their own.

Stop by the Plateau Creative Arts Center (PCAC) to see a sample Harlequin Reflections Bracelet and register for the class. The PCAC is located at 451 Lakeview Drive (off Peavine Road) in Fairfield Glade.  For more information or to enroll and pay by credit card, call 931-707-7249.

This beading class and many other fine-art classes are offered at the PCAC by the Art Guild at Fairfield Glade, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)organization and an equal opportunity provider.  Website: www.artguildfairfieldglade.net .