Face-Off in Houston! TWO models, ELEVEN Artists!!!

TWO Models,  ELEVEN Artists

Joining the nine artists above will be Mohammad Ali www.artistmohammadali.com and Ann Stoudenmire. 

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED!

Upcoming Workshops with D.K. Richardson

Gene Dillard Color Workshop Plano, TX

Introducing New Member: Mohammad Ali Bhatti

Name: Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ali Bhatti

Current City: Houston, Texas

Website: www.artistmohammadali.com

Artist Statement:

Painting portraits is my passion. I started drawing when I was two years old and since then, making pictures has been at the core of my existence. As I grew up, I was privileged to work with some of the most accomplished portrait painters as their apprentice. During my training, I learned every technical and aesthetic aspect of portrait painting.I have been blessed with a gift, and it’s incredibly satisfying to know that I can use my talent to bring joy into the lives of others. My art circles around the people of various cultures, as it is often the vehicle which relays the connection.
 
Portraits are a predominant part of my work as I am fascinated and challenged by the changes in age, experience, the environment, lighting, and background.Every portrait I paint provides me with the opportunity to create a work of art that exhibits both beauty and timelessness.
 
The physical process of applying paint with a brush creates a dynamic energy that is impossible to replicate through any mechanical process. I encourage my subjects to pose from life, as often as their schedules can permit, because it gives me time to get to know them better. Working from direct observation gives me the opportunity to observe and incorporate more subtle tones of form and color into my painting. For me, the process of painting from life is incredibly exciting, but I understand that in today’s world, it’s not possible for most people to devote the time necessary to have their portraits done entirely from live sittings. Therefore, I have dedicated myself to perfecting my photographic skills in order to ensure that my reference materials provide me with the very best possible visual information to work from.It’s exciting to consider the possibility that one day my painting may become a cherished heirloom, providing deep meaning for many generations to come.

Bio:

• 1998     PhD in Interdisciplinary Arts
• School of Interdisciplinary Arts, Ohio University, Ohio, USA
• 1991     MFA Painting Major, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, USA 
• 1978     MA Fine Arts, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
• 1974     BA Fine Arts, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

• 1978-1988     Professor and Director, Institute of Art and Design, University of Sindh, Pakistan.
• 1988-1990     Served as Curator, Fine Art Gallery, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, USA.
• 1991-1992     Assistant Prof. Department of Fine Arts, Ohio University Athens, (Teaching responsibilities: Drawing, Painting and Art History)
• 1993-1995    Teaching Assistant- School of Comparative Arts, Ohio University, Athens (Teaching responsibilities: Painting, and Humanities through the Arts)
• 1993-1995     Assistant Professor, School of Fine Art, Ohio University Southern Campus, Ironton (Teaching responsibilities: Drawing, Painting, and Humanities through the Arts)
• 2003-2006     School of Art, University Sains Malaysia (Contract)
• 2007-2011     Institute of Art and Design, University of Sindh, Pakistan.

ART EXHIBITIONS:

Selected Solo Shows

• 2016     “Splendours of color” Two Man at Ocean Gallery Karachi
• 2016     Fist Prize winner at Water Color Society Houston TX
• 2016     Honorable Mention 16th International Water Color Competition Houston
• 2015     Nomad Art Gallery Islamabad
• 2014    “Empty Souls” Momart Art Gallery, Karachi
• 2013     “Spirited Hues” Mussawir Art Gallery Dubai
• 2013     “Absurd Illusions” at Nomad Art Gallery Islamabad
• 2012     “Silent Symphonies” at Collectors Galleria, Lahore
• 2012     “Simple Improvisations” at Ocean Gallery, Karachi
• 2010     “Sounds of Colors” at Revivers Galleria, Lahore
• 2009     “Realistic Expressions” at Gallery 6, Islamabad
• 2009     “Colors of the Indus” at Chowkandi Art Gallery, Karachi
• 2008     French Consulate gallery, Karachi
• 2008     “Impressions of Nepal” Sidharatha Art Gallery Nepal,
• 2007     University of Sindh, Old Campus, Hyderabad
• 2007     Majmua Art Gallery Karachi
• 2005     Dr. Suchart Art Gallery, Bangkok, Thailand
• 2004     Diwan Budaya, Pennang, Malaysia
• 1996     International Art Gallery, Athens, Ohio, United States
• 1993     Hamilton Art Gallery, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, United States
• 1991     Love Land Art Gallery Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, United States
• 1990     Erie Museum of Art, Erie Pennsylvania, United States
• 1990     One Man Show at St. Louis Art Gallery, St. Louis, United States
• 1987     Sindh Artists Guild, International Art Exhibition, Hyderabad
• 1983     “Unveiling of a creative portrait of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai,” Institute of Sindhology, Jamshoro
• 1983     One Man Show at Pakistan Council of the Arts, Karachi
• 1982     American Centre, Hyderabad
• 1981     Institute of Sindhology, Jamshoro
• 1978     University of Punjab, Lahore

Group Shows

MEMBERSHIP

• Member, Board of Governor, National College of Arts, Lahore
• Member, Board of Directors, SITCO (Sindh Indigenous and Traditional Craft Company)
• Member Board of Governor, Centre of Excellence Art and Design, Mehran University
• President. Sindh Artists Guild, Pakistan
• Member, College Artists Association, USA
• Member, Portrait Painters Association, USA
• Member, Watercolor Painters Association, USA
• Member, SAARC Painters Society, India

 

Houston Face-Off, August 2017

The public is invited!

Pastel Portrait Sketch Workshop

Spotlight On Mary Plaia

MARY LOUISE PLAIA

BFA New York Institute of Technology, Magna Cum Laude

Scholarship Recipient, Traphagen School of Fashion

Exhibitions in New York and Texas

Himba Tribesman

Pastel 18x24

Precious Moments, Oil on linen, 24" x 30

As I reflect on the early years that framed my life, as far back as kindergarten, at age 5, I was given three colors to work with red yellow, and blue.  My teacher noticed the swirly lines in my painting and yelled “Stop!” She then ran to the back of the room and added a black dot.  That dot was the eye that  declared it a "seahorse" and was  then  displayed in the auditorium for all to see.  All I can now recall was how proud my mom was and how she would always encourage me to continue my art. 

 

At eight years old, I was abducted by a stranger and threatened with a knife against my throat. I believe  my  faith enabled my escape, however, the trauma had a profound effect on my physical health, my faith, and my art! 

 

During one of my childhood hospital stays, a volunteer worker provided me with art material and worked with me. Her visits got me through each day and I will always be grateful for her encouragement.  In retrospect, I realized that early on, I learned that focusing on my art was constructive in filtering my pain into something positive which continues to give me a sense of accomplishment and joy today.

 

Coming from a family of limited financial resources and the oldest of four daughters, l chose a high school that was known to be progressive in the arts and therefore enabled  students to develop a portfolio worthy to qualify for art scholarships.

Around that time, I became aware of the changing times and challenges for women in the arts, in the workplace and in higher education. After high school my peers were planning their weddings . Back then the family mind set for some, was that their limited funds allotted for education, should go to the boys as opposed to the girls! 

 

My determination paid off when my portfolio was reviewed personally by the founder of the Traphagen School of Design  in N. Y. C . Ethel Traphagen was a renowned fashion illustrator who broke through many barriers for women when she and her husband William R. Leigh,  a famous sought after western painter, founded the pioneer design school in 1923. One year into my program, she passed away . 

 

That Scholarship had an impact on my life.  It was such an honor when I was asked to remain on to teach there on a daily basis.  During my tenure of nearly two decades, I served in many capacities, including assistant director.

The beginner's  curriculum enforced the importance of anatomy, figure drawing, line quality, values, color theory, painting, dressmaker details and fabric renderings. Those basics were essential in developing their designs and elongated and stylized figures in illustrations.  At that time,  I did not realize how those fundamentals are also applied to figurative and portraiture paintings.  

 

Although there were times that I had to put "my me" time and creative impulses on hold, every chance I got I would work in my art studio. My favorite subject matter was painting my children in their growing up years.  I was also privileged to work in groups  with many talented artists. 

With the rising cost of tuition, this juggling act enabled me to afford to send my two daughters to college. Today I am proud to say that currently in their forties they are accomplished in their careers while raising their children. 

 

As I reflect on pivotal moments in my life that inspired me to choose an art career, I know that it was never about acquiring status or wealth. Like my mother, who got her GED when I was in my forties, I always had a lust for learning and accomplishment.  Ironically, I too returned to school when my 18 year old started college.  I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my BFA from New York Institute of Technology majoring in the professional teaching program.  I guess mothers tend to lead by example.  More importantly, mentoring gave me the opportunity to share my passion and joy. I was blessed with the positive reinforcements and support l received from mentors, family and friends. I believe with strong faith and a sense of self we can overcome our limitations!