Workshop Painting

[Enzie Shahmiri]

I had the great pleasure of attending Marvin Mattelson's Atlanta Workshop Jan2-9th, 2007 and did this painting of Stephanie in three days.

One day was spent doing the wash-in and two days applying color. I am not exactly what one would call a speedy painter and I do not consider this painting done as of yet either, but I wanted to share with everyone the wonderful teaching technique of Marvin, that has allowed me to get this far in such a short amount of time.

This has been my second workshop with Marvin and as a "Repeat Offender" as he jokingly calls his former students, I was able to gain new insights into his working methods.

Marvin leaves no stone unturned, he explains his methods and pushes you to "see" beyond the obvious. He made me realize that as an artist, you not only have to know your tools and their application, but you have to make calculated choices to sometimes sacrifice one convention of another. The painting and not the reference dictates what it needs and it is up to the artist to push as far as possible to create an illusion of three dimensionality and breathe life into the work.

As always, Marvin, I will be forever greatful for what you have taught me!

[Marina Dieul]

Great painting, Enzie !
I love the choice of your composition, it adds something more contemporary.
The three dimentionality and the breath of life are here.
good job!

[David Draime]

Enzie

This is really, really good! And the fact that it was done from life in just three days is all the more impressive. You seem to be growing as an artist by leaps and bounds. It's great that you have found a teacher that you can connect with, and who can help you to discover new ways of painting - and new ways of seeing. Superb!

David

[Linda Brandon]

Enzie, this is really lovely and I agree with what David just posted- Marvin's method has really "clicked" with you. Very impressive work!

[Julie Deane]

Enzie -

I dropped in on the workshop on a "wash-in" day, so I didn't get to see the final results. Very nice! I can attest that you have gotten the model's likeness too (wasn't she great?) Congratulations on a job well done!

[Chris Saper]

Dear Enzie,

You have been working very hard and it really shows! I am thrilled for you to see so much advancement!

[Marvin Mattelson]

Enzie did a spectacular job. This was her most cohesive and unified painting to date, in my opinion. Also, it couldn't have happened to a sweeter person. There is a moment in each successful artist's life where they reach "critical mass", a state where all efforts begin to align and things quickly move forward. I believe that Enzie reached this state during the workshop and I look forward to the fruits of her future labors.

This workshop was very very special, populated by a group of great people who also happened to be highly talent laden. It was a real thrill for me to witness the amazing rate of progress made on a day by day basis.

[Tom Edgerton]

Enzie--

This is a real step forward...congratulations! Marvin puts on a terrific workshop.

Best--TE

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Dear Marvin,

I am so moved that you have taken the time out of your very busy schedule to write such nice comments. As your pupil , it means a great deal to me to receive the praise of my mentor.

There is a moment in each successful artist's life where they reach "critical mass", a state where all efforts begin to align and things quickly move forward.

It is so thrilling to read this statement! Marvin, thanks to your guidance and valuable insight, you have put me on the right path. Now the real journey begins, were I will have to fly solo, apply all I have learned and make you proud of my accomplishments.

Thank you again!

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Dear Tom,

Thank you ....

Yes, Marvin puts on great workshops! It was amazing to watch a certain transformation within the attendees.

Many people in the workshop were somewhere between the beginner or intermediate category (as far as portraiture). Marvin has the ability to captivate his audience in such a way, that even after a very long day, people were still taking notes and hanging around to hear more. They become like sponges!

Once the students were at their easels, they all (me included) struggled with the drawing aspects of a live model. Marvin offers his students the tools necessary to overcome these short comings, and shows them an easy to follow system that allows them to quickly proceed to capturing a solid likeness. Once they are familiar with the palette and get used to using 33 brushes, they continue to built the form and obtain amazingly, lifelike, harmonious color.

Binder's in Atlanta is a very busy art store, with shoppers often stopping at the door to catch a glimpse of the workshop. Being that my easel location was right by the door, I heard many passer byes commenting that this must be a class of an advanced caliber.

Now that tells you volumes about Marvin's abilities as a teacher!