Dynamic color at Carlton Gallery

When artists think outside the box and foster creative expression with technique and medium, the art they create has such a vitality one can believe that something new and exciting can still be found.

Such is the case with artists Andrew Braitman and Egidio Antonaccio, who are slated to conduct painting workshops in June as part of Carlton Gallery’s 9th annual Workshop Series.

Braitman’s unique textured style in his landscape oil paintings are created by an impasto technique featuring aggressive brushstrokes, a wide palette and subtle details that catch one’s eye. As a dynamic teacher and a professional exhibiting artist of national stature, Braitman’s art is featured in galleries, as well as one-man and group shows in cities in the United States; Noorbeek, Holland; Rio de Janiero and Curitiba, Brazil.

Braitman’s palette is such that he is known as a “master of color.” In his “Color Theory Workshop” on June 10-12, he will teach participants to minimize their color and maximize their color potential. Methods with be taught to control color and mix paint on the artist’s palette, along with color games to make better paintings and to realize the relationship between color and value.

Upon meeting Egidio Antonaccio, one is impressed with the strength of his charisma and vitality. This vitality is expressed in his acrylic paintings applied with a palette knife instead of a brush. Antonaccio’s workshop on June 29, 30 and July 1 will instruct aspiring artists to divide the light using loose strokes of color with pallet knives. Participants will experience color and the music of life through landscapes, as they loosen their style and develop new techniques in painting skills.

Born in Castelluccio, Italy, Antonaccio (or Egi as he likes to be called) earned his art degree from the Institute of Fine Art in Castrovillan, Italy, and the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, Italy. A resident of more than 20 years, Antonaccio finds the mountains of the High Country the source of inspiration for his loose flowing style of painting. His feelings about nature are expressed in his bright, strong colors and loose courageous strokes.
“Two distinct teaching styles and two dynamic personalities ensure an engaging and informative 9th annual Painting Workshop Series at Carlton Gallery,” a gallery spokesperson said.

The gallery’s Winter Exhibition runs through March 15, and paintings by Andrew Braitman and Egi Antonaccio are on exhibit.

Information about the workshop or seasonal exhibitions can be found at www.carltonartgallery.com, by calling (828) 963-4288 or by visiting the gallery, located at 10360 N.C. 105 S, 10 miles south of Boone and 7 miles north of Linville. Winter hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday or by appointment.