Malone, Pendleton to conduct workshops

Artists will have an opportunity to learn from and work with two members of the American Academy of Equine Art in Aiken.

Booth Malone and Elin Pendleton will conduct workshops in Aiken at fellow artist and lifetime American Academy of Equine Art member Louise Mellon's art studio.

This will be the second consecutive year Malone has conducted an AAEA workshop in Aiken at Mellon's studio. Malone's oil painting workshop is entitled the "Tricks of the Trade" and it's a great opportunity to work with an artist of global renown, who has distinguished himself through his paintings, capturing the spirit of his subject with a powerful perceptual awareness.

"Aiken is one of the centers of the horse universe," said Malone, in a phone interview. "Aiken's people and the community itself make it unique."

The area's variety of disciplines and number of facilities are among the variables that create opportunities for artists, said Malone.

"Horses draw the artists to Aiken, and there's a great flow of equestrian artists and art shows," said Malone. "The workshop provides a platform for that."

The Booth Malone oil painting workshop will be held Feb. 13-17. The class time is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the cost of the workshop is $500.

California-based Elin Pendleton, will be the second AAEA featured artist to be conducting an acrylic painting workshop in Aiken, "Every Which Way AND Loose!," at Louise Mellon's art studio from Feb. 20-24.

"It's (acrylic) an incredible media," said Pendleton, whose friendship with Mellon and love of horses served as the impetus for the artist to come to Aiken. "The horse industry thrives in Aiken. There are a tremendous number of related activities."

A full-time teacher in higher education and at the high school level for two decades, Pendleton brings an outstanding and enthusiastic approach to her workshops.

"I combine objectives and lesson plans, with the skill set of art," said Pendleton. "I create a course that's useful for the students."

The cost of the "Every Which Way AND Loose!" workshop is $500, and the class time is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to participate in the workshop.

An instructors' mirror in Mellon's studio will be a new addition to this year's artists' workshop.

"They (AAEA) were looking for alternative places to hold workshops because everyone can't get to Lexington, Ky.," said Mellon. "It's fun for me. I enjoy putting people in an environment conducive to learning."

For more information, contact the American Academy of Equine Art at 859-281-6031.