Ida Gustavson

It was another beautiful winter morning as I walked through cobblestone streets of the San Jose del Cabo Art District.  The birds were chirping and the shopkeepers were just opening their doors. I was on way to my first-ever art class  – I had never held a paintbrush before.  I was venturing into this new territory because I was so impressed with Misty Martin’s accomplishments.  I knew her class would be fun, full of information, we would have a lot of laughs and hopefully, I would learn something new.  So off I went to try an introductory class in Acrylic Painting with Master Artist, Misty Martin, at Galeria de Ida Victoria.

GALERIA IDA VICTORIA is not to be missed. Owner/Artist Ida Gustavson has a degree in Illustration from Parsons School of Design, and her husband Pete Signorelli is the designer in charge of the Custom Frame Studio. The two have created a friendly space, featuring the artwork of 25 established as well as emerging contemporary artists from the US, Mexico and Canada, a colorful eclectic collection of original art and sculpture, always selected with humor and a vibrant twist.”

There are only six artists worldwide who have achieved Master Artist status with the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society (NOAPS), and Misty is one of them.  She is delighted to share all the jewels of knowledge that she has acquired over the years – such as which materials are best to use, how to mix colors and which methods will produce the best results. She is hoping to help other aspiring artists understand what to expect and what to do on this wonderful artistic journey.  Misty’s classes involve both an academic approach and a chance to play. Misty shared jewels of information on color mixing, techniques and how-to’s, and everyone in the class left with lots of hands-on experience.  Because Misty is entirely self-taught, she is intimately aware of all the ups and downs, trials and tribulations of creating artwork. Her photorealist style of painting is not easy. It takes time, energy, concentration, and skill – but the rewards are immeasurable. Misty wants her students to be free to explore their own creativity by teaching them technique until it starts to become second nature.

If you are interested in attending the award-winning artist Misty Martin’s painting workshops, e-mail Ida Gustavson with Galeria de Ida Victoria at:   idavictoria1@mac.com

I learned 3 different techniques in my first class:

• Underpainting or Undercoating – Preliminary painting, over which other colors are applied.
• Sideloading – a technique used for applying shading or highlighting. Also known as “sideloading.” A flat or angular brush is usually used with one side loaded with paint and the other side loaded with water or extender.
• Scumbling – Semi-opaque or thinned colors loosely brushed over an underpainted area so that some of the color beneath shows through.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning.  I hope this will encourage all of you to make the leap and take a class or a series of classes with Misty Martin.