Creativity Through Color: Painting Workshop with Al Lachman: September 26 & 27

Instructor Bio

Lachman studied at Syracuse University, the School of Visual Arts and the Art Students League in New York City. Known as a master colorist for his luminous and painterly style, his influences can be drawn from Van Gogh, Rothko, Degas and Emil Nolde.

 

As a painter, instructor, author and juror for over six decades, Lachman has received numerous awards throughout his career.  He was honored for his lifetime achievements and contributions in American art by “Who’s Who in American Art” (2005-2006), as well as interviews and articles written about his varied approaches to art.

 

In the ensuing years, Lachman became known for his acrylic, oil and pastels paintings.  He was honored and received “Best of Show”, “The Joseph Giffuni Memorial Award” presented at the 20th Annual National Exhibition by the Pastel Society of America at the National Arts Club in New York City.  This award is the highest honor bestowed upon any U.S. pastelist annually.  He was further honored as a Director on the Board of Control of the Pastel Society of America and one of the original founders and first instructors of the PSA School for Pastels, which is the only one of its kind in the U.S.

 

Lachman’s paintings are represented in numerous prestigious public and private collections and continue to garner the attention of art collectors both locally and nationally for fine art investment.

 

Artist Statement:

 

The artist puts his thumb upon the pulse of life and records it. In that mystical beat lies the unknown, and he would but make it known.  Being both innovator and spectator, he exists as an intrinsic part of that rhythm.

Each painting begins with a premise, and I rarely use the same one twice.  It is based on what I see and what I am feeling at that moment. It is about a particular perception of the world around us. The premise creates the periphery of my intent.  It is a limitation that gives birth to the creative forces within.

This approach takes us into uncharted waters with each new painting. Adventure awaits us and we are not limited by our knowledge or lack of it. Creativity comes from inspiration, and we are inspired and influenced by others, by their uniqueness.

I believe that everyone is special and has something to offer. This is how we grow, by giving of ourselves to others, and by so doing we give value to our lives. I want to thank all the wonderful people in my life who have shared their uniqueness with me and helped make me more than I was.

 

 

Reviews of Artist’s Work:

 

“The approach that Al Lachman takes when creating his artwork is a combination made

up of a thorough academic grounding and fresh, original expression of ideas.  His palette ranges from pastel to deep jewel tones.  Everything is in motion.  At second glance, however, a depth of emotions and social consciousness is revealed.  The viewer is gradually made aware of the range of reflective undertones. We come to realize that Lachman has observed and understood the complexities of life and has skillfully depicted both the joy as well as the difficulties that life affords.”

 

–   Erika Jaeger-Smith, Curator of Exhibitions

                                                               James A. Michener Art Museum

 

“Al Lachman is one of a very few artists, another being Wolf Kahn, whose work is fresh and new while remaining true to the traditional values associated with museum quality painting.  His use of materials and colors set him apart as a visionary genius.”

–  Peter Bartlow,

                                                               Owner of Peter Bartlow Gallery, Chicago, IL

 

“While most of the ‘contemporary’ artists of the Delaware Valley are riding on the coat tails of the Pennsylvania Impressionists, Al Lachman is blazing his own trail.  He has his own unique technique and use of color that is visionary and modern, a refreshing observation of the Bucks County scene.”

–     Paul Steven Gratz, Conservator & Owner

                                                               Gratz Gallery, Doylestown, PA

 

“Al Lachman’s gift to us comes through his sharing of some deep moment of his soul. The aliveness, the emotional resonance and the powerfully saturating presence of his work, is a feast for all those who hunger for the ‘truth’ that art contains.”

–  Charles Ashbach

                                                               Psychologist, Art Collector & Critic