Painter Ken Hassrick specialized in capturing the female body
Published 3:01 pm Thursday, January 28, 2010
“The Body Electric” is a retrospective of paintings of the female body created by Whidbey Island painter Ken Hassrick who died in 2004 at the age of 83.
For Hassrick, the female body was long a subject that was one of the most complicated and ever variable. He spent more than 30 years exploring this evocative subject.
This retrospective of his work will feature figurative compositions from the realistic to the abstract.
Hassrick used layers of acrylic paint and charcoal to achieve light and depth of color. His paintings maintain a sensitivity to the subject and celebrate the beauty of what Walt Whitman called “the Body Electric.”
Proceeds from this retrospective will go to the Whidbey Island Arts Council.
The retrospective opens with a reception of light refreshments and folk musicians Kimmer Morris and Susanne Ohrvik on violin and accordion, from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Rob Schouten Gallery, 765 Wonn Road, Greenbank. The show is up through March 3.
John Ursillo has definitely legitimized the art of the colored pencil.
Ursillo’s impressive list of accomplishments include juried awards such as the North Carolina Artists Association Lifetime Achievement Award, Grumbacher Bronze Medal, five bests of show and more than 20 first-place awards.
Ursillo is active in local, regional and national artist organizations such as the Colored Pencil Society of America, Artists of South Whidbey and the Pacific Northwest Art School of Coupeville.
There’s a public reception kicking off an exhibit of Ursillo’s works in colored pencil art and oils starting at 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at Everett Artist’s Supply and The Annex Gallery, 9304 and 9308 Evergreen Way, Everett. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit is up through Feb. 26.
Ursillo is also teaching a workshop at the annex gallery from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6. Cost is $60. Registration is required. Call 425-353-3084 or go to www.everettartistssupply.com.
“Romancing the Sun” is a collection of pieces produced by the artists from the Arts of Snohomish Gallery to infuse a little warmth into this rainy part of the year and to make any Valentine’s Day sizzle.
The works include handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, plus oils, pastels, photography, ceramics and basketry all based on the theme of romance and the sun.
The show opened Tuesday and a reception is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13 with hors d’oeuvres and libations.
“Romancing the Sun” continues through March 1 at Arts of Snohomish Gallery, 105 Cedar Ave., Snohomish. Parking and admission are free.
Herald staff
