Josh Clare: Saints at Devil’s Gate and the Mormon Trail
A Leap of Faith. Josh Clare took an enormous leap of faith when he became involved in an extensive project with two other artist friends. This particular project spanned a few years and many miles travelled, resulting in a collection of rare master paintings that document the American landscape and more specifically, the Mormon Trail and its history. It is quite rare to find artists who can invest the time to pursue the creation of such a major body of work. As one of the most sought-after working artists of our time Josh Clare created stunning paintings of nature, landscapes, and figures. He finds sublime beauty in the simplest of things, a ramshackle barn, a stand of trees or the curve in a river banked with snow. We are delighted to host Josh teaching a workshop with us this Fall in Provence, France and want to share news of this extraordinary project he was involved in. Above: “Carry On”. Oil painting by Josh Clare. The Journey of The Mormon Trail A few years ago, Josh Clare’s friend and fellow artist John Burton grew interested in capturing the beauty and harshness of the Mormon Trail, a 1300 mile journey that took more than 70 thousand Mormon pioneers across the western states from Illinois to Utah over the span of over 20 years starting in 1846. He shared this ambitious idea with Josh and Bryan Mark Taylor and in 2011 the three award-winning landscape painters embarked on an epic artistic adventure to paint scenes from the Mormon Trail with the goal of amassing enough paintings to show in an exhibition. Thus the project called “Saints at Devil’s Gate” was born. Above: “Rock of Ages”. Devil’s Gate, WY. Oil painting by Josh Clare. Devil’s Gate As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this journey was especially important as all three artists had ancestors who had made the journey to escape religious persecution and find their “promised land”. As Josh says, ”The basic premise of the show from the start was to paint the trail as it appears today and to give people the opportunity to remember the deep faith of those who sacrificed much to come start life over in the desert.” The title of the show comes from one of the most recognizable parts of the journey, the rocky formation in Wyoming known as the Devil’s Gate. Although the pass wasn’t used as it was too treacherous, it was a well-known landmark for the travelers. The Perfect Venue: The Church History Museum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints When they started creating this large body of work, they didn’t have a venue for the exhibition, but continued to give time and effort to the process of creation. That was certainly a leap of faith! In 2013, Josh first approached the Church History Museum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, and in 2015 they agreed to exhibit the works along with historical information to create an extraordinary glimpse into the rigors and joys experienced by the pioneers. Walking In the Footsteps of the Original Mormon Pioneers The trio traveled the trail multiple times over a 5-year span both together and alone and spent time at 52 of the most iconic and significant landmarks. They wanted to focus their paintings on areas that were mentioned in the many trail journals kept by the original pioneers. They made a point of going to the places during the same season as the original travelers so that they could capture what the pilgrims experienced, no matter what the weather was like. This meant that they were not only painting in the height of summer with strong winds blowing dust onto their paintings, but were also often painting in the snow, chilled to the bone but with the knowledge that they could always get respite in their vehicle if need be. They were very much aware that the original travelers on this route had no such luxury, in fact many of them didn’t survive the journey due to exposure, the harsh conditions and illness. However the trail was not always bleak, there were also views of unsurpassed beauty, often described by the original pioneers. Quiet Dignity in Wide-Open Spaces Josh says, ”I have some really great memories of painting the trail with John and Bryan. The time we spent painting together was a real highlight for me. There’s a quiet dignity to those wide-open spaces, space that hasn’t been altered a whole lot in all the time that has passed since the pioneers made their way across it. Much of the trail feels like sacred ground to me—consecrated by sacrifice and faith. During a trip we took in the winter to Devil’s Gate in Wyoming we were able to just make it to the site as the sun was setting. There was snow on the ground, and nobody was there besides us. It was an incredibly special moment—magic.” A Journey Documented The artists made lots of sketches and around 300 paintings along the trail and amassed a multitude of photographs. Each artist then took their sketches and small plein air studies back to their studios and created around 17 larger oil paintings each, most at around 36×48 inches and the 52 finished works were exhibited for the first time at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City in 2016. The exhibition curators showed each painting alongside a quotation or two from church members who had made the perilous journey west all those years before. The paintings were put in order from the beginning of the trail in Nauvoo, Illinois to what would become Salt Lake City, in Utah. The exhibition was shown from November 2016 until August 2017, and it was the only time all of the paintings were shown together. “Peace Be Still“, Council Bluffs, IA., oil painting. Josh Clare “Lord, I Would Follow Thee“, Gering, NE., oil painting. Josh Clare “My Strength is Sufficient“, Mount
Fine Art + Parisian Fashion
Paris is renowned for many things, including art and fashion. In 2017, Vanessa Rothe lead a group of 12 artists to Paris to experience the kind of life that the renowned painters of the late 1800s knew so well. They painted together, studied the masters at the museums, and discussed the influence of art, literature, architecture, and fashion in their work.
Art Scholarships for 2021 – Residency in France
We offer a scholarship opportunity to an artist who is actively pursuing future art goals: this full scholarship will be awarded to one of our exclusive workshops or retreats. Although it is not specifically designed for a younger recipient, we are interested in inspiring the next generation of artists to paint and pursue lives as working artists.
Our Secret’s Out: The Multi-Talented Scott Burdick
This coming October, we will be hosting world-renowned artist Susan Lyon in a masterclass in Provence, which is fantastic news for anyone who wants to study with a true master. But the best-kept secret of this masterclass is that Susan’s equally-renowned husband, Scott Burdick, will be joining us and painting right alongside her.
Sorolla at the Hôtel de Caumont, Aix-en-Provence
For anyone attending one of our two Lavender Art Retreats near Aix-en-Provence this summer, there will be an extra special added event: the Hôtel de Caumont Art Centre in Aix-en-Provence will be presenting an exhibition of the Spanish painter Joaquin Sorolla, entitled Joaquin Sorolla, Spanish Lights.
Americans in Paris, George Gershwin and Gene Kelly
When Workshops in France partners with Vanessa Rothe Fine Art to present the historical workshop Americans In Paris Paint Provence in September of this year, we will be following a tradition that goes well beyond painting.
Introducing Our 2020 Scholarship Recipient
Once a year, we offer a scholarship to one of our exclusive workshops. The recipient is an up-and-coming artist faithfully chasing their future goals. We do this because we’re very interested in inspiring those who are dedicated to painting and pursuing lives as working artists.
Susan Lyon: Faces and Figures, A Personal Vision
No doubt you have heard that Workshops in France is hosting a workshop given by world-renowned contemporary figure and portrait painter Susan Lyon. You won’t want to miss! You can see some of her art here. She not only creates breathtaking paintings, but she is also in high demand as an instructor. Her workshops sell out quickly, as do her many instructional DVDs. When Susan saw a feature on PBS about the artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, she was inspired to be an artist. This prompted her to enroll in the Art Institute of Chicago. Although she says she really learned nothing at the Institute, Susan considers herself fortunate that her father later steered her toward the American Academy of Art because he knew an instructor there. It was there that her career actually blossomed. Stepping Stones to Success It’s no surprise that Susan is valued so highly as an instructor, her teaching style is positive and highly encouraging. She comes by it honestly, as she was impressed by her Life Drawing teacher at the American Academy of Art, Mr. Parks. He inspired her to enter into a career in fine art. She describes Mr. Parks as “like a grandfather—loving, and everyone just melted toward him.” At the time, she was also taking a class in Creative Illustration, and the teacher of that class was quite the opposite. He sought to intimidate students rather than take them under his wing. It’s no surprise then, that she made her career decision based on the work of the kind, nurturing teacher. Susan went from there to the Palette and Chisel Club, where, at the age of 23, she become the youngest winner of their prestigious gold medal. It was also there that she met fellow student and her future husband, Scott Burdick. After their marriage they wanted to explore the world, inspired by artists such as John Singer Sargent who traveled extensively, painting faces and figures of many lands. When not traveling, they live in rural North Carolina. “Curious” and “Peonies” by Susan Lyon Susan and Scott have certainly made their dreams come true, as can be seen through their collective body of work. Today, they reign as a royal couple of the painting world—and the best-kept secret of Susan Lyon’s upcoming workshop is that her husband Scott Burdick, will also be there to mentor and engage with all the workshop attendees. The workshop includes painting models on the estate, and also in the Provencal countryside. Don’t miss it! Pictured here: Susan Lyon, programs coordinator for WorkshopsInFrance Julie Snyder, and Scott Burdick in the Piazza della Signoria, Florence where an impromptu meeting led to the creation of the Susan Lyon Workshop in Provence. Register Here Blogger: Julie Snyder Julie Snyder is a professional artist and also the programs director of Workshops In France. A native of Scotland, she is a seasoned traveler who splits her time between California and France. You can learn more about her role with Workshops in France here.
Meet The Artists of Americans in Paris Paint Provence
Americans in Paris Paint Province was conceived to be a unique and historical, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a Château workshop with these five leading artists of our time. This workshop is a confluence of art, artists and learning that will take place September 27-October 6, 2020. It is a continuing program created by artist, writer and curator, Vanessa Rothe of Vanessa Rothe Fine Art and Workshops in France. Let’s meet these artists up close and personal! Casey Childs “My interest in the people around me comes from the idea that we look at people every day, but we never really stop to SEE them.” As artists, we can all take a lesson from this insightful statement made by Casey Childs, one of five leading artists of our time participating in our 2020 workshop Americans in Paris Paint Provence. Casey goes on to say, “The goal of my portrait work is to capture the soul of the individual–not just their likeness.” It’s certainly no surprise that Casey is an award-winning painter of figurative and portrait work, featured in galleries all across America and in many art publications. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more from Casey’s points of view, observations and techniques—from Casey himself. Sign up here for the Americans in Paris Paint Provence Workshops 2020. Spaces are limited. Michelle Dunaway As any artist knows, there are compliments, and then there are compliments that have a deep, everlasting effect on our souls. Michelle Dunaway who, like all of us, has long admired the work of portrait legend John Singer Sargent, received such a compliment following her painting demonstration at the 2015 Portrait Society conference. Richard Ormond, Sargent’s grand-nephew, who had been in the audience for the demonstration, came up to Michelle afterward and said, “I have spent most of my life concerned about preserving the legacy of Sargent’s painting, but after watching you paint I am no longer worried.” Michelle is an internationally exhibited and published artist, who can list among her many accomplishments several commissioned portraits of famed actress Jane Seymour. Michelle is teaching at only a handful of places in the coming years since she is working on some big projects that require extensive studio time, but you have the opportunity of learning from her by signing up for our workshop, Americans in Paris Paint Provence 2020. Sign up here. Space is limited. David Gray You wouldn’t know it to see his breathtaking portrait work, but world-renowned portrait painter David Gray often finds himself ready to paint, but has failed to line up a model. It’s no problem—he simply turns to his own family. His daughter Lauren appears in an astounding painting entitled Blue Turban. He has also utilized his son Forest and his wife Jessica. No matter who is before him, he sees a quality in them well beyond the physical. “I’m not simply a ‘Realist’,” David says. “I find in my best work, my subjects hover somewhere between the visible natural realm and some place divine…” David has won many awards and has been published in major art publications, and his workshops are highly sought-after. He’ll be one of five artists teaching at our workshop. His focus will be on portraiture. Sign up here for the Americans in Paris Paint Provence Workshops 2020. Spaces are limited. Olga Krimon “I take reality, I absorb it through the mill of my experiences and schooling, And then I produce a new carefully designed reality that evokes feelings and memories. This reality takes abstraction of strokes, edges, values and color relationships, and morphs them into a world that I imagined, that affects a viewer on a level deeper than words.” Anyone who has had the the serious pleasure of observing the paintings of world-renowned figure and still-life artist Olga Krimon will attest that she most certainly attains this ideal, again and again. Her paintings have been recognized with awards by the Portrait Society of America, Oil Painters of America and Art Renewal Center International Salon Competition. Olga is one of five leading artists of our time participating in our workshop Americans in Paris Paint Provence 2020. Sign up here for the Americans in Paris Paint Provence Workshops 2020. Spaces are limited. Vanessa Françoise Rothe You’ve probably heard by now of our upcoming once-in-a-lifetime workshop Americans In Paris Paint Provence. What you may not know is that Americans in Paris is actually the brainchild of world-renowned painter, author, designer and art curator Vanessa Françoise Rothe. The workshop is being presented by Vanessa in partnership with Workshops in France. Vanessa said that her inspiration for Americans in Paris “started out with the initial idea to inspire some of the American artists of today to travel to Paris where so many great artists had gained inspiration through the ages.” Vanessa is an art curator, writer and owns Vanessa Rothe Fine Art Gallery. She is one of five leading artists of our time participating in our workshop Americans in Paris Paint Provence 2020. Sign up here for the Americans in Paris Paint Provence Workshop, September 27 – October 6 2020. Spaces are limited. Learn more about Americans in Paris Paint Provence and sign up here. Ready to register? Sign up now!
Workshops in France Scholarship Program
We offer a scholarship opportunity to an artist who is actively pursuing future art goals: this full scholarship will be awarded to one of our exclusive workshops or retreats. Although it is not exclusively designed for a younger recipient, we are interested in inspiring the next generation of artists…