PAINTING OF BELOVED PROFESSOR UNVEILED
Dr. Ed McAssey of Villanova University
Posthumous portrait by Anne Graham

In June 2023 Anne Graham's posthumous portrait of Dr. Ed McAssey was unveiled during a special memorial ceremony at Villanova University. As a professor of Mechanical Engineering, he taught at VU for 40 years. During his tenure he served as interim Dean of the Engineering College, and Chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

Knowing the background of a posthumous subject is essential to Anne's process, so before commencing the commission Anne met with one of his sons, Ed McAssey 3d (left) and daughter Mary (center right) who were able to convey his dedication to work, family life and loving personality.

"The event today was lovely and your portrait was a hit. Everyone was amazed at the likeness and the spirit you captured. We all really appreciate your talent and effort!!!" – (Mary Krueger, daughter.)

"I want to thank you for the beautiful portrait of my husband Ed. Everyone at the unveiling ceremony agreed that you captured him very well. I’m sorry you weren’t able to be with us today. You would have heard many compliments. I thank you again for your effort and talent." – (Anne McAssey, wife.)

I wanted to let you know that the portrait dedication was a beautiful event and the McAssey family was delighted with the portrait."
– (Cynthia Rutenbar, Villanova University.)

EXHIBITION 2022:
A Portrait in Color & Harmony

Paintings by Anne Graham & students: Carren Abrams, Frank Bernard, Heather Block Reilly, Sivia Braunstein, Carole Clarke, Judith Cook, Diane Cover, Debbie Craley, Rebecca Denneny, Judy Frazier, Heidi Guy, Kerry Hansen, Frances Hubbard, John Javes, Melanie Landrith, Marilyn Latyak, Diane Lavelle, Jack Lloyd, Jerry McCrone, Nancy McGivney, Joanne McLean, Daria Nawrocki, Irene Rabinowitz, Leonard Randolph, Pat Riley, Angela Scully, Linda Sindaco, Donn Streisfeld.


For over 10 years Anne Graham has been teaching students from a wide range of backgrounds how to take their many and varied artistic talents to the next level. This exhibition reflects the broad cross-section of styles, media and skills they have developed during this time while showing a small snapshot of her own paintings: commissions, quick demonstrations and labors of love.

All are welcome!

TWO IN-PERSON COURSES: JAN. 2022
(Winter term) with Anne Graham


1. Photo To Canvas
Thursday afternoons: Jan 13 - Mar 31, 2022, 1pm-4pm (12 classes):
Working in oil or pastel from photographic reference, this class is about translating the photographic image onto either canvas or paper.
Focusing on color, value and mark-making as essential tools, students are encouraged to move a step beyond the restraints of a camera to create a successful and personal work.
Discussion will include working with painting mediums and exploring different techniques. This class will work on identifying the planes of color and light that are so important in figurative work.
BOOKING DETAILS

2. Addressing The Figure
Friday mornings: Jan 14 - Apr 1, 2022, 10am-1pm (12 classes):
Working in oil or pastel, with a live model, this class will focus on identifying the planes of color and light that are so important in figurative work. Whether your intention is to achieve a likeness or just paint the figure, this class will include instruction on how to observe and mix skin tones, as well as interpreting and achieving accurate values.
BOOKING DETAILS

ONLINE COURSE – AUTUMN 2020
with Anne Graham:

The A-Z of Successful Painting
A fully interactive class via Zoom
Thursday afternoons: Oct. 29 - Dec. 3, 2020, 2pm-4pm (5 classes):
From setting up and lighting your subject to exploring various painting techniques and types of tools, we will discuss the merit of soft edge versus hard edge, different painting surfaces, painting mediums, composition, value and color. Paint from your own still life set up or photographic reference.

This course will include demos on laying out a sensible palette, mixing color and various ways of applying paint as well as examples of both classic and contemporary artists. Each week the class will start with instruction on a different element, mentioned above, then I’ll set a problem for you to consider, whether it be working with a limited palette or trying various painting techniques. Each class will include one-on-one discussion on your progress and any questions you may have about your work.
BOOKING DETAILS

THE STORY BEHIND THE PAINTING
Elizabeth Sander Reading to Her Grandchildren
by Anne Graham

In 2018 Anne Graham was commissioned to paint a 6ft. high portrait scene for Radnor Memorial Library's new Children's Reading Room. In this video we describe the process of how the painting came to fruition.

THREE COURSES – SPRING 2020
with Anne Graham
[postponed until further notice]


1. Exploring Composition & Color - Pastel & Oil
Wednesday afternoons: April 22 - June 3, 2020, 1pm-4pm (7 classes):
This class will focus on drawing, color and value, including discussion on pastel and oil painting techniques.  Classes are open to all media and will include demonstrations. Each student will need to bring ideas for new paintings or unfinished work for resolution. Students will be encouraged to move a step beyond the restraints of a photograph to create a successful and personal work.
BOOKING DETAILS

2. Photo To Canvas
Thursday afternoons: April 23 - June 4, 2020, 1pm-4pm (7 classes):
Working in oil or pastel from photographic reference, this class is about translating the photographic image onto either canvas or paper.
Focusing on color, value and mark making as essential tools, students are encouraged to move a step beyond the restraints of a camera to create a successful and personal work.
Discussion will include working with painting mediums and exploring different techniques. This class will work on identifying the planes of color and light that are so important in figurative work.
BOOKING DETAILS

3. Addressing The Figure
Friday mornings: April 24 - June 5, 2020, 10am-1pm (7 classes):
Working in oil or pastel, with a clothed model, this class will focus on identifying the planes of color and light that are so important in figurative work. Whether your intention is to achieve a likeness or just paint the figure, this class will include instruction on how to observe and mix skin tones, as well as interpreting and achieving accurate values.
BOOKING DETAILS

Qiang Huang visit...

We were so lucky to be the host family for Qiang Huang and his lovely wife Song for the 2019 Plein Air Festival at Wayne Art Center. Qiang is an extraordinary artist and he left us with this beautiful painting of our barn.

See more of his work on his website: www.qh-art.com

May 2018:
Portrait Unveiling: Elizabeth Sander Reading to her Grandchildren

Scott Sander seen here unveiling the painting by Anne Graham of his late wife and grandchildren at the new children's wing in the recently refurbished Radnor Memorial Library. Read the full story HERE.

click photo to view painting >

Two-Day Workshop: THE SELF-PORTRAIT with Anne Graham
Sat & Sun, March 25 & 26, 2017, 10am-4pm
Wayne Art Center • 413 Maplewood Ave • Wayne • PA 19087
610-688-3553

Creating a self-portrait is one of the most interesting and challenging forms of figurative art. Whether the likeness is absolute or just a similarity, whether detailed or very abstract, the process, though demanding, will be fun. We'll discuss technique and composition with an emphasis on color and value. Oil and/or Pastels can be used. Students may work on one image or multiple images. Individual and group critiques will be given.

Limited places available.
CLOSED for registration. Details at Wayne Art Center HERE.

NY Exhibition:
'Enduring Brilliance, The Pastel Society of America at 40'

Anne was one of 180 artists featured at the PSA's 2012 open exhibition with her pastel portrait "New Tattoo". This was a juried event at New York's National Arts Club with artists selected from over 1,000 submissions from countries as diverse as China and Finland. Her entry has additionally been honoured with this year's Pastel Society of North Florida Award and has been separately selected to go on view at The Butler Institute's Giffuni Gallery of American Pastel Art in Youngstown, Ohio, from December 23 - March 3, 2013.

< click photo to enlarge

New Book - 'Good Old Drawing (G.O.D.)'

Anne is one of 100 artists to appear in this new book with David Hockney, Ronald Searle, and Quentin Blake (among others) - all firm believers in the power of drawing.

Introduced by Sir Nicholas Serota, director of London's Tate Gallery for the last 25 years, 'Good Old Drawing (G.O.D.)' is described as a celebration of drawing from some of Britain's most renowned, respected and loved illustrators. The authors, John Holder & Philip Hodgkinson, have thoughtfully compiled the ultimate book to celebrate and champion the most basic and yet fundamental of artistic forms which is too often neglected and disparaged in favour of flashier and more controversial alternatives. The true strengths of drawing are displayed in this varied and fabulous reference with its compulsive ability to enchant, bewitch, provoke and entertain. Anne's contribution "Beth Monaco" was originally exhibited at London's Royal Society of Portrait Painters at the Mall Galleries in London.

Set for publication Nov. 30th 2012 'G.O.D.' is now available direct from Amazon UK (or pre-order from Amazon USA where it will be available from May 14, 2013.)

Portrait Unveiling: Duncan Baxter FRCS

Headmaster Duncan Baxter of Surrey's prestigious Kingston Grammar School is shown here unveiling his portrait by Anne Graham. Commissioned via the Royal Society of Portrait Painters the painting was received to huge acclaim at a party to celebrate his retirement after 18 years at the helm. The picture was later hung alongside the roll of honour displaying over 40 Heads dating back to the 13th century.

click photo to view portrait >

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