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My class began early on a Saturday morning - instructed to be there ahead of
time required leaving home in the wee small hours. During the drive there my husband (and kind chauffer) discussed one
of my favorite subjects - art...... specifically Mr. Newton's art.
We had seen him paint at the grand opening of his new gallery in Cocoa, Florida.
We remembered the magic that took place, as we in attendance watched Mr. Newton paint. A serious, no-non-sense
man - his gallery was the perfect setting for such an event. Elegant in it's simplicity - little if anything could distract
the viewer from the main theme: his and brother Harold Newton's paintings. Chairs arranged in cozy fashion
giving each in the audience comfort to study his work......
With ease - Mr. Newton proceeded to fill his white foundation with color,
light and breathtaking beauty. The room was silent except for some tastefully chosen mood music - yet, quiet gasps
of awe could be heard as he proceeded with steps to his finished painting.
Towards completion - when all in the room could see nothing less
than perfection in his brilliantly executed Florida landscape - he stepped back for the hundredth time then forward again
to add just one more detail - one detail that is the artists privilege alone.....
That was a wonderful day - as relaxing as therapy. It is a joy
to witness someone so skilled - and of course to see beautiful art goes without mention.......
So here it was that again I would be able to partake
in such an affair. Only this time - I would also be painting..... learning - the nuances, the color combinations,
the strokes, the methods, the procedures - Oh yes, I was going to be a sponge!
As the sun rose, we arrived at our destination. Three other
anxious students came through the door of his old studio and we set up our work stations while Mr. Newton prepared his.
With a barrage of questions about the simplest of techniques he remained calm and patient. As is excusable for novice
painters each of us brought too much of the wrong equipment - Mr. Newton showed us all how to make do......
One by one, and step by step, he worked on his painting as we worked on ours - after each procedure
he walked to us and refined, improved, corrected our problems. After hours had passed - his student all confirmed to
each other that only a genius could "fix my painting" - And generously "fix" he did - There was not a one of us that didn't
consider what we finally got to take home an early Christmas gift.
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There are three times of absolute joy directly associated to my new found
passion for art...... Once was the first time I ever sold a painting - The second was standing in front of Backus's easel
and this time - having Mr. Sam Newton's advice, attention and expertise so freely offered......
Oh yes, the sponge part - what did I learn? Mr. Newton's "secret"
was reveled to me without doubt: A life long dedication to one's art......
On July 30th I attended another class - the magic was still the same..... Five students
anxious to glean from Mr. Newton's expertise. We painted for 5 hours - the class was most rewarding and everyone's completed
picture was lovely.
Mr. Newton is a wonderful painter as we know - but also an excellent teacher
as well. He explains his methods, accepts all questions with thorough answers. This class allows you to
"do your own thing" with the safety net of an experienced guide..... Also, when he gets into the flow - he's a very
humorous and cool guy.....
On April 22nd I had the privilege
of taking
yet another class with Sam..... I consider this the most rewarding to date - And can't wait for the next !
I would highly recommend anyone wishing to further their painting knowledge to
attend his classes.....
My husband Darryl & me - with an early painting
of Sam's......
Again Mr. Newton - thank you so much for your endless patience, your intuitive
teaching, and of course for your enduring contribution to Florida art.
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