...shame some of you missed it! It was quite extraordinary! On February 4th, the 3rd floor studio at the Arts and Letters Club was filled to the brim with keenest anticipation from artists near and far as the incomparable Doug Purdon, SCA spilled the beans. The Winsor Newton beans, that is! This veritable font of Winsor Newton knowledge was reminiscent (I speak of energy only!) of the Ever-Ready bunny. Wind him up and he just keeps going and going and going..! And all about the famed English company he so proudly represents, Winsor Newton, and the products which have made that company a world-leader in the creation and manufacture of highest quality artists' paints and materials. But he didn't stop just there. Encyclopedia "Purdonica" generously shared his wealth of painting experience with one and all, interspersing his presentation with titillating tidbits on art-related globe-trotting and tantalizing tales of exclusive visits to world famous galleries.

If you want to learn more about the secret of Da Vinci’s “Ginevra de’Benci, and Turner’s paint box filled with pig bladders and a paint called “Mummy”, visit our “Resources” section. You will find more about Doug’s workshop and Claudia’s report under Tips.

After a break for lunch, too long for all of us and probably too short for Doug who had been "on" for hours, we reconvened for the 'invitational' critique. Each participant had been encouraged to bring up to three paintings to be displayed for Doug's discerning eye and helpful, constructive comments. This shared experience, painters among painters, professionals and amateurs, the faint-heated and the bold, was made rich beyond measure by Doug's professional expertise and encouraging sensitivity.

Zora Buchanan, SCA, professional colleague and friend of Doug's, had introduced and now thanked him for all he had given this day. For those of you who missed it, track Doug down. He's hip, he's happenin', he's our man from Winsor Newton! I'd do it again, in a heartbeat!

Carpei Diem! Carpei Winsor Newton! Okay, okay!..........Carpei Doug! Sheesh!

Claudia