January Exhibit--"Technique Mixte" by Dawn Marr

The history and traditions of the portrait will be celebrated this month as the Ashtabula Arts Center brings to our gallery an exhibit by local artist Dawn Marr. The exhibit entitled “Technique Mixte,” will run from January 4 through February 6, 2005. An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 14th from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Admission to the gallery and reception is free.

“Technique Mixte” is a Classical Renaissance method which involves a lengthy process of painting using layer upon layer of cool and warm tones. The painting begins with a completed charcoal drawing and finishes with a series of color glazes. The end result being an image with a higher level of detail and depth than can be created with oil paints alone.

Included in the show is an oil on canvas entitled “Grandma Woodruff” which Marr hopes will preserve her memories of her grandparent’s and their warm, loving home. The large number of trivets which hung on the kitchen wall expressed many of her grandparent’s sentiments such as “If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred, she will never grow into an old nag,” and “Age is mostly a matter of mind. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

Marr received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Teacher Prep at Bowling Green University in 1999. She studied extensively with Northern Illinois University’s Graduate Professor, Patrick Betaudier, an expert in “technique mixte.” In 2001 she accompanied Betaudier and eight students to Monflanquin, France where she served as his graduate assistant for a six month semester.

Currently, she is working on commissioned paintings and drawings and gives private art lessons in her studio in Andover. About her work Marr says, “The concentration for my work is in the genre of portraiture, for my true love lies in capturing the spirit, personality, and memories of everyday people.”


Gallery hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The gallery is also open during all G.B. Community Theatre shows. Admission to the gallery is free.