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By Deanna
Larson
dlarson@nashvillecitypaper.com
Watercolor
artist gail Mcdaniel took up the medium on a
whim more than two decades ago but “I wish
I would have started at a much younger age,” said
this renowned teacher of watercolor workshops
from California and New Mexico to Dieulefit,
France as part of her Art in Provence. The
Kentucky native – named
to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels
as one of “Kentucky’s ambassadors
of good will and fellowship around the world” – also
teaches popular classes at her studio in Brentwood
as well as at Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum
of Art, training students from 28 states, the
Philippines and Canada.
“I hope I can be better at what I do,
so that I can serve artists who study with
me,” Mcdaniel said.
She
has also featured in 25 one-person shows and
supports budding artists through the gail Mcdaniel
Award grants and her annual “Chase
Away the |
WATERCOLOR
HER WORLD
gail Mcdaniel took up watercolor on a whim and has painted herself into quite
a coveted corner in her field.
Blahs” Party. The potluck
and fund-raising auction of art and art-related
goodies on Jan. 29 benefits arts studies in public
schools of Davidson and Williamson counties. The
free event is open to the public; she can be contacted
at gail@gailmcdanielart.com. |
What
have you learned about life while creating Visual
art? The visual arts can really move people.
The closeness that has come about by groups of
artists among my different classes and workshops
is very rewarding... We are called the best
and cheapest support group in town.
What inspired you to take up painting? In 1982 a neighbor asked
me to take a watercolor class with her. " It'll be fun and we can
car pool," the friend promised. I told her, "That sounds like
fun, but I draw stick people!" I kept painting; she didn't.
What is your
favorite piece of art?
As a group, I love the impressionists,
but then there are Georgia O'Keeffe, John
Singer Sargent's watercolor paintings...
I respect and admire the vision and dedication
it takes to be an artist.
What is your favorite book? The Bible. It is the only book we can
count on. Everything that is in it relates not only to what happened then
but what is going on now. |
What's
the nicest thing any one has ever done for you? Cut
my apron strings.
Who or what
are your influences? My parents. Ken
[her husband]. My first watercolor teacher,
Anna K Singley. This first exposure to watercolor
was a traditional one, and I have gladly remained
true to the experience. I studied with her
weekly from 1982 to 1989.
What would
you eat for your last meal on earth? Grilled
salmon and all the trimmings.
What is your
favorite smell?
Lavender
If you could invite three artists, living
or dead, to dinner, who would they be?
Georgia O'Keeffe: I feel she was a very strong and creative woman.
John Singer Sargent: To discuss his watercolors. Claude Monet: On visiting
in his garden and home I was touched by his wonderful use of color and
harmony.
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Above Article is courtesy
of
The Nashville City Paper
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