Art Attack Group grows local artists

Some artists cringe at the mere thought of having their work critiqued. The very word "critique" is based on the word "criticism." But a good critique group can be one of the best tools to help artists better understand how their work is communicating to a larger audience.

Two years ago, local artist Jim Horsley, known for his art style that represents the American West, and a couple of other talented well-known artists in Sisters agreed that a monthly gathering to review each other's work would be helpful in growing their capabilities.

Sisters Art Attack Group was conceived, and from humble beginnings has grown into a group of nine noteworthy artists who are represented by local galleries.

Critique groups create a sense of community with a supportive, challenging environment to test work-in-progress and completed work.

"We each bring two pieces to review, and it has been extraordinarily helpful to have other eyes review our work," Horsley said. "We need to understand how our art work is perceived by others."

Maintaining an efficient critique group can help an artist's work stay fresh, relevant, and active.

"When Jim presented me with the idea of starting a critique group, I was all for it," said Randall Tillery, known for his award-winning landscapes. "I wanted good feedback and you need other good artists to get that. One of my desires for the group was to give an honest, but respectful critique of the work presented.

"Most of the time, I will put up an art piece before the group that is either new work, or something that is just not working for me. I seem to know that something is a little off but just can't put my finger on it. And that's when many other artists eyes can be a lifesaver," he added.

Some artists join critique groups out of a need for companionship with other artists.

Joanne Burgess, a partner at Hood Avenue Art Gallery known for her love of nature that is reflected in her paintings, has been a member of the group for over a year.

"I was pretty lonely working by myself in my studio," Burgess said. "I love this group, it keeps me going, keeps me learning and keeps me stretched."

Tillery agreed, and notes that he loves the chance to get together with fellow artists and just talk.

"As an artist we all spend many hours in solitude, either painting in the studio or on location by ourselves," Tillery said. "The camaraderie of the group is a treasure to me."

Critique group member Katherine Taylor, an oil painter known for her unique soulful and luminous style, started a critique group in 2005 in Bend with Janice Druian, best known for her landscapes that capture the beauty of isolated parts of the country.

"We both decided to join Jim's group because these are all artists that know how to speak the art language," Taylor said. "And to me that's important. We need to constantly have artists look at our work and talk about the fundamentals of art. It's a group that really adheres to the principles of fine art."

Druian said that she could not live without the critique group. She requires the artists' input on certain pieces of her art because it improves her work.

Other members of the group are Clark Berryman, a retired veterinarian who considers himself a classical realist painter of portraiture and wildlife, oil painter Mike Wise, and Tina Brockway, known for her fine pottery.

Gary Cooley, well-known sculptor, painter and owner of Gary Cooley Studios on Hood Avenue, is also an Art Attack Group member.

"I find this group very interesting. It lifts your spirits, its camaraderie among friends," Cooley told The Nugget. "I think we all learn from this group and it really lends support with your own art."

Perhaps the most beneficial thing about a critique group is that it builds a community of artists that are familiar with each other's work, and often end up exhibiting work together and sharing resources.

And that is one reason the group came up with the idea of having a show for the public in Sisters on August 11, next to Gary Cooley's gallery on Hood Avenue.

"It's an opportunity to bring our work out for the public to see, let them all see us painting live, and get together and have some fun," said Tillery.