The demonstration for January was called "The Magic of Acrylics" and was provided by Maris Platais. It was held in Guild Hall of the First Congregational Church of Reading (middle side door) on January 12, 2005.

We have some photographs of the event in case you could not make it there in person. You can click on any of the images on this page to view a larger version of it. Then, use the Back button on your browser to return to this page.

We are pleased to welcome Maris Platais, who is a native of Latvia and has lived in New England since 1949. He graduated from Tufts University and the Boston Museum School and currently teaches painting and drawing at the Lexington Painters Guild. He also lectures and demonstrates at art associations throughout the Northeast. He has served as a juror for many organizations, including the New England and the Rhode Island Watercolor Societies.

Maris works both en plein air and in studio, often combining the two. His subjects are inspired by nature, land and sea. Color as well as good drawing are very important. He says, "My work is a salute to the common man. It speaks to anyone with an appreciation of nature... I am particularly moved by the calligraphic lines of tree branches that produce an endless varitey of abstract shapes through lost and found lines as well as changing edges and contrasts."

The demonstration will be acrylic on canvas. While an actual painting takes shape, Maris will discuss other areas of his style of painting, using works in progress. Color mixing, brush work, and compositional elements will be addressed as well as the creation of appropriate atmosphere. Other painting surfaces and techniques will also be introduced. You won't want to miss this demonstration!

Maris Platais' work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and he has won innumerable awards. He is a member of the Guild of Boston Artists, the Academic Artists Association, the American Society of Marine Artists, and the Concord Art Association, where he has served as president.