With Mother’s Day fast approaching, we thought we should introduce Miriam’s mother, Ellen Maddox Jackson, and her impact on Miriam’s art. Ellen (b. 1904) was one of five siblings and grew up in a small town and farming community (Easonville) in central Alabama. Her brothers preferred hunting, fishing, and other popular outdoor sports, which Ellen […]
Meet a major influence on Miriam’s art Read More »
It’s “Teacher Tuesday” — a day we’ve totally made up to explore the art teachers and influences throughout Miriam’s career. Let’s jump to 1955— specifically the summer between Miriam’s sophomore and junior year at the University of Alabama where she was a Fine Arts major. The University of Alabama Fine Art Department at the time
What do Miriam, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning have in common? Read More »
Jerry Farnsworth (1895 – 1983) was one of the most renowned portrait and figure painters in America. In the 1930s, his commissions included covers for TIME magazine and are exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He and his artist wife, Helen Sawyer, were also wonderful teachers and
Portrait Painting with an American Legend Read More »
A central theme of Miriam’s art is her faith in God. This week, many Christians around the world celebrate “Holy Week” or the days leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Miriam has quite a few works around these events as they are personal and foundational to her faith. You cannot fully understand Miriam or
Views from Holy Week Read More »
The events of the last few weeks in Ukraine have caused us to pause writing this newsletter several times, not knowing what to say, as we watched in shock then horror at Putin’s unjustified invasion and destruction of Ukraine unfold. It has become clear that one of Putin’s aims is to destroy the culture and
Seeing past the current events in Ukraine to a future of forgiveness Read More »
I have been asked what type of paper I use for pastels. Over the years I’ve tried many different types of paper but these are the ones I keep coming back to: Canson colored sheets Canson and Strathmore roll of grey and brown paper Wallace paper in rolls for large works and a German brand
Art Materials: On Paper Read More »
People have asked which artists inspired my work the most. Having painted for over 60 years, the people you most admire and are influenced by changes. However, there are always some artists that you always their work. I would say that Edouard Manet is my favorite of a period even though I admire Claude Monet’s
Art Influences: Edouard Manet Read More »
I learned more about painting at the Farnsworth’s School of Art in Sarasota, Florida. I was down there about six months. Jerry Farnsworth was a great admirer of El Greco, and it showed in his work. Also he was the first painter I have run across that scraped the canvas down after a session. It
Reflections: The Farnsworth School of Art Read More »
Workshops around the country significantly influenced my art along with museums. Workshops, if one stayed a week or two, were a holiday—a time to meet other artists and have a wonderful teaching experience. The best part of some of the workshops are the places you stay, and seeing another part of the country. I learn
Reflections: Art Workshops Read More »
My favorite place was the “Burnsville Painting Classes” (SeeCelo) in North Carolina. John Bryan and Everret Kivette were teachers there who took over the classes started by Frank Stanley Herring and his wife, Frances. I attended classes there in the summer for two weeks over the course of ten years. The criticism was frank but
Reflections: Burnsville Painting Classes Read More »
EMAIL: art@miriammcclung.com
TELEPHONE: 931.484.1171
MAILING ADDRESS
23 Point Road
Crossville, TN 38571