Quote: "Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."                             Julia Child.
Plein Air:
In a few hours I will be out with a class to paint Plein Air....(painting outside). Plein Air never use to be anything I like to do....in fact...I never painted outside. Then, as things go, one day it became a passion. There is something about the air, the smell, the sounds and the relaxation. Yes, it seems relaxing to me to paint outdoors...even with the heat sweat, bug bites, bird gifts, surprise sprinklers, endless questions from passersby and the poor decision to set up on a dirt road that is used often by log trucks.
I will be conducting my class at a local urban park that is on the lake with all the excitement painting outside can contain...water, trees, water fowl, marina, boats, mountains...mosquitoes, seagulls, temperatures in the 90's...ha, ha !
One reason Plein Air painting has been in my life is because of where I live. The below photos are from my deck...so you can see there are lots to keep me in canvas and paint. I'm finding it hard to leave home today because the views are super...but there are other vistas and people to paint with...so onward.

Give Plein Air a try.

Helpful hints: Wear clothing for the weather, always wear a hat (the glare of any natural light is hard on the eyes and makes your paints appear different in value), drink lots of water, don't have the sun shine on your palette or painting surface,  smile at the questions... keep your back to a tree or rock...then when someone comes up to you to ask those questions, you don't jump out of your skin, as the tree keeps them from sneaking up from behind you. Don't leave anything behind, especially those solvents (pack them home, don't pour it out on the ground). 

HAVE FUN.

Views: 2248... USA, South Korea, Turkey, France & Philippines.

Cynthia: Check out Cynthia's website (on the right)....she is a talented artist, writer and was one of my students (all to briefly). 

Sorry, I have been absent from posting for such a long while. I have had a busy time. It seems when one least expects it...life changes and moves in different directions. Life is good, if not just different. 

It looks like my Italian trip may be put on hold until next year...that is one adjustment I can share with you that really has disappointed me. My dreams of living in a quaint Italian apartment on a quaint side alley, near all the great eateries, sights and art, still burns in my soul...so I know it must happen. After all...I created the perfect travel watercolor painting kit to tote around the country!! 

I have a new class of Credit Drawing students for Summer Term...I still get excited in knowing what is ahead for each one and hope that art will become a permanent joy. 

My on going Intermediate Watercolor/Acrylic class also started. It came to my attention that some of my regulars have been taking classes from me since 1997. There is a comfort in knowing these artist/friends that I can't explain. There are also 3 new students to this class (they all finished my beginner class). Each one adds greatly to the class.

Travel Journal: I, of course, had several journals ready for an international adventure...but, why go out of the country to fill it up? Join me in filling up a journal this summer...lots of sketches crowded with writings of your feelings or memories. Have several journals...one for your home town, one for your state, one for your homestead, your neighborhood ...etc.....a memory album painted by you. Send me your pages to post...I would love to see them.

Quote

Quote: "If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud."  Emile Zola

Views: 2207...Germany, USA and Russia.

Quiz: What is the term used to describe a figure in a painting in which the body and legs are twisted so that they're in different planes?
Answer:  contrapposto.

Views: 2152....from USA, Russia & Poland.

Finals week is next week so another term of art students fade into the past while in a few weeks a new term of art students will fill the art lab. It is always a mixed bag of emotions. I wish all a great future. Keep art in your life.

(I'm still hoping for my Italy trip this year...so I'm sending out Italian Painting Terms for the Quiz questions !!!).

Quiz:  What is the term used to describe a figure in a painting in which the body and legs are twisted so that they're in different planes?

__Contrapposotional.

__Contrapposto.

__Contrapuntal.

__Contrarious.

Views: 2,125....from...USA, Mexico, Brazil, Serbia and Russia.

Art Work:

More art work to enjoy.....

Colette:

                                                           Watercolor and Pen

Kathy:

                                                               Watercolor

Diana:

                                                                      Watercolor
 Thanks for sharing.

Artwork:

Below are three different portraits, using different techniques. I wish I had gotten photos of all the artwork from this assignment....they were wonderful.

The first two Portraits.....Contour drawing is a quick drawing where you look at your subject and not your paper, you never lift your pencil...so there are connecting lines one is not accustom to. The point is to draw what you see, not what you think the subject looks like and to bring in personality.

Byrnie: 
This assignment was to draw yourself with a contour drawing and then paint with two colors only in watercolor with tons of water and be abstract. This painting came out just the way I had envisioned the assignment. It is so wonderful. Thank you, Byrnie, for your years of experience and know how.

Stephanie: 
Again...what a wonderful painting. Thanks.

Diana:
This is from the Complementary Color Challenge of using Blue and Orange. Diana said she wasn't happy with her painting...but I think it has so much personality and the mystery of what is she looking at? I don't think she has done many portraits, but she did so well. Thanks you, Diana. 

Views: ...2027...USA, Russia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy & South Korea.

Art Challenge:

The Intermediate Class decided to paint using a Complemenary Color Scheme of Blue & Orange. We select the challenge during the first day of class and 5 weeks later on the last class we have a gallery showing of their artwork. Some work on it during class while others paint it at home.

Karen:

Stephanie: 

Colette:

Jean:

Bonnie:

Quiz: What is the term derived from the Italian for a sculpture that sticks out slightly from the surface it is carved from, but is not completely detached from it?
Answer: bas-relief.

Views:...1991...USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, and South Korea.

Pick your words wisely:
As an art instructor, I have a statement I always refrain  myself from saying to students. It sounds sort of snobbish and could really discourage others. However, it seem to fit for my last Abstract Workshop....so I said it. Sometimes, I feel like saying it when I see a great student not put that "Emotion or Pre-Thought" into their artwork (but that is my stuff and not always needed to be passed along).  However, it just needed to be said when dealing with Abstract...all that emotion and all. That statement goes...

"There are Artist and there are Painters".  
One isn't especially better than the other...they are different breeds and neither are purebreds. I paint to keep my skills up, but I create for my artists within. 

I realize...the "Artist" stage may come along later in the career...when one decides that there could be more an artist is suppose to do than maybe paint a painting....but I also realize that it isn't necessary to be great at artwork. It is just a stage, a thought, an emotion or a need that some develop along the way. An Artist can change minds, show the climate of the times, be a guide, teach, make viewers see and do....besides being enjoyed and viewed. Some artist excite, shock, enrage, question, please and stimulate with their art. 

May all your art be satisfying for you and all others that view it. Keep art in your life.

Thanks for listening.

Quiz: 
What is the term derived from the Italian for a sculpture that sticks out slightly from the surface it is carved from, but is not completely detached from it?
Views: 1976 ....USA, Russia, Germany & United Kingdom.

Abstract....the "A" Word.

Abstract Art...Non-Representational Class. I taught the 2nd Abstract Workshop yesterday. I, personally, was very excited in presenting it, as this was the one time I felt I could truly present the "emotional artist within concept". Abstract is so reliant on Emotion and Composition...not that all art isn't...but they are the backbone for Abstract.

The class lent itself to times of raw emotion story-telling....which perhaps made for some uncomfortable times.  All in the class were troopers. There were a few students that I felt might have been uncomfortable or not ready for Abstract or for whatever individual reason. I do hope all received the necessary lessons that Abstract Art gives.

There was one project that everyone...I do mean everyone...of the students painted with such actuate results from the lesson given. One student was brought to tears, as I. I would have loved to have photos of each one to show on this blog...but they were so personal, I didn't feel like I should move in on them by asking permission to post their art.

Expression through Art is a wonderful thing...Art is Therapy.

Thank you, Abstract Art Students.

Blog Views: USA, Germany, France, Indonesia, Russia, Italy, Kazakhstan, South Korea....1899 hits.

I taught an Abstract...Geometric Workshop. It is the first of a 3 part series. This one was aimed at taking that first step into abstraction using a formula. We painted the same composition, but each student/artist choose their own colors.

Martha

Liz

Karen

Joni

I had time to fill in my large solid shapes with smaller shapes and have the background color show through. 

These make me think of Matisse's cut paper art. 

Quote: "You can't use up Creativity. The more you use, the more you have". Maya Angelow


Quiz:
What is the technique called where painting is applied in a thick, textured way, with the marks made by the brush or palette knife remaining visible, such as in the work of Vincent van Gogh? (Yea...Karen, for the correct answer).
Answer: Impasto.  

Artwork: Some more beautiful artwork by my artist/students. Thank you.
Karen:
                  Look at that depth !!!!...(watercolor).

Bonnie:
             Great.     

Quiz:

 What is the technique called where painting is applied in a thick, textured way, with the marks made by the brush or palette knife remaining visible, such as in the work of Vincent van Gogh?

Views: 1,785....from USA, Germany & Indonesia.


My "Teacherly Ways"

I'm known by my student/artists as someone who repeats her self over and over....saying...more darks, more colors, more loose etc. Not that I mean they have to change their style or artistic emotion...I just want them to achieve what they want when they want it and to... 

                 BE DARING AND HAVE FAITH 

...and Colette, one of my student/artist, sent this to me to post. She stated: "My attempt to be bolder with color on this pear".
Now, this is what I have been saying !!!  Thank you for sharing.

Colette:

Blog Views: Total views equal 1,748. This week so far, there has been views from the USA and Ukraine.

Hi...I know it has been awhile since I have posted. It seems I have lots going on and all has been taking time.

 Teaching is one of my activities that takes some of my time. Someday's, it seems to be a double edged sword...with lots of rich desserts served on the side. I really love to teach. Teaching is like Art...Art doesn't treat each day equally and neither does teaching. I give my all and I can still feel like I just didn't reach everyone. I go home discouraged with myself, feeling I let my students down...the sword action strikes again...but then, I think it over, pull up my teaching boot straps, tweak my lesson plan and go forth with new gusto. 
 I receive lots of information, motivation, encouragement, and enlightenment from my students... that is the rich desserts I receive from teaching. 

The new term started last week...new students, new horizons and new knowledge...hopefully for my students and  myself. 

All you teachers out there....Go Forth....Good Luck...Have a Passion...
All you artists out there........Go Forth....Have a Passion.....Have Faith in Yourself...Good Luck..

I will try to post more often. I did receive some great art photos from students, and somehow I lost them...hopefully they will resend their artwork to me so I can post them...you will enjoy.

Blog Views: US, Russia and Ukraine....#1654 views.

Palette Knife Painting Workshop:
I just taught a Palette Knife Painting Workshop with some very talented artist/students....producing great paintings....some are below.  It was a fun day. Thanks.

Karen:

Liz:

Deb:

Patt:

Margaret:

Blog Views: US, Thailand, Ukraine, Canada, Chile, Egypt & India...1611.

School is about to it's end for this term...with Finals Week being next next.  My students are getting their portfolios assembled and with hope, they are on track with their final drawing. Then I'll have a few weeks off. I'm hoping to get a few paintings tucked in, taxes finished up, start on winter clean up (even though we still have snow on the ground) and all the fun stuff no one wants to do, but has to...it all just keeps one from  the studio. If this is true for you...hang in there  and you and I both will just set aside some time for us.

Blog Views: US, Russia, United Kingdom, Spain & Malaysia.

Quiz: Question: When does copyright of a painting you've created start?
Answer: When it's in a tangible form.

Quotes:
I have a favorite watercolor painter and have introduced him to my students.  His name is  
Joseph Zbukvic....he lives in Australia and here are a few of his interesting quotes. Look him up online to see his beautiful paintings. 

"Never say die, until it's dry".
"indicate, don't state".
"The "bead": The enzyme of watercolour pushes the color down the page as a bead of pigment. Join or blend anything while it is wet. You can avoid mud by always having one colour that dominates & plenty of water". Joseph Zbukvic.

Book Review:
The Artist's Muse...unlock the door to your creativity....by Betsy Dillard Stroud.

I forgot to include this review when I spoke about Artist Block. 
This book is wonderful. It is a book and card kit. It has a nice book and 3 sets of cards (you can see them on the left hand side of the open book photo). The cards are labeled: Circles of Growth, Windows of Opportunity and Doors of Awareness. The idea is to choose one card from each (or just one or two cards) and create from them.
Example:
Circles of Growth.............."Do a painting using only Cadmium Orange and a tube neutral".
Windows of Opportunity..."Do a painting using 100 brushstrokes only".
Doors of Awareness...."Paint a creative self-portrait by describing aspects of yourself in symbols. Use at least 3 things that are characteristic of you".
Have fun and may those artist blocks disappear.

Quiz:
When does copyright of a painting you've created start?

Artist Block:
Artist block is a real thing....what to paint, how to paint it, what media to use and where to find the time....etc. I've been lucky, Artist Block hasn't happen to me in regards to what to create....ideas come to me fast and furious all day long (or all night long...I'm a nighttime creator). One thing leads to another idea and then another and then another.....! Executing it is a different matter.....I don't always have the ability to do what I want. My answer to that is...(not to take away from the famous label brand's saying)...just do it. Do it several times with those triggered ideas adding to the last idea. Now, you are asking, what if the first idea isn't there for you?...no photo, no actual life scenery, no triggered thought comes to you or starts the process?  Start simple...take 5 different colored papers...cut, tear, burn, crumple etc...glue in an artful composition. Move them around...make them 3D or glue flat down on the paper. Try again...this time use those triggered ideas the first composition formed in your head. Try again. Maybe next time...use 5 paints or take a photo and cut it up, rearrange, add paint or color paper. Let loose, have fun and don't worry to much about the ending results (I bet those results will surprise and please you). Now, you are asking...how to find the time or the motivation. It's hard...but what are you waiting for? Give yourself the gift of the time to sit down and create...push yourself to be motivated. Are you depressed because you are not motivated...well, you are depressed because you are not motivated. You will feel better if you just do it...get in there and do something....start small....work toward big.

I can only give you my thoughts and ramblings...it's different for each and every one of us.

DON'T WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE...DO IT...MAKE TIME...GO FOR IT...LOVE YOURSELF....FORGET THE DISHES TODAY....DON'T FEEL GUILTY...DON'T EXPLAIN...YOU'LL FEEL BETTER AND REBORN IF YOU JUST GO IN AND DO SOMETHING... 

Good Luck....let me know how it is going for you.

Blog Views: 
US, Ukraine, China, Germany & United Kingdom....1,513.

Quote:

The

"earth"

without

"art"

is just

"eh".

Challenge: I gave each student/artist one sheet of gold & silver Josh paper and a Chinese New Year Money Envelop. I said go for it.

Colette: 

This is Colette's  art. 

Liz:
....and this is Liz's artwork.

Joni:
...and here is mine.

Blog Views: US, Poland, Australia and South Korea.

Artwork: Two artist students...Liz and Colette... have offered their paintings for you to enjoy. 

Colette: 

Liz:

I offered each of my Intermediate artist/students to see if they could incorporate two objects into their artwork...a gold and silver Josh paper and a  Chinese New Year Money Envelop. This one is Liz's mix-media.

Hello....

I know it has been a long time since I posted. Winter has brought me a lot to do....besides, I haven't had any inspiration from others and their art to post or write about. As much as I enjoy having this blog in my life, I may need to consider closing it and this chapter in my life....food for thought. Let me know and help me out...e-mail me your art and statements...leave comments...help me to keep this afloat. 

Blog Viewer's: US, India, Poland, Ukraine and Romania....1,411 views to date. 

Quote: "I have no particular talent. I am merely inquisitive."                     
                                                                Albert Einstein.

I like this quote, but not how it starts out negative...but for those of you that think you have to be an "artists" to participate or enjoy this blog, the 2nd sentence of this quote can say it all.

Have a great day !!!

                !  HAPPY  NEW  YEAR  !


Hi...Hope you are having a great day and that this year will be full of great expectations. 

Are you a resolution maker? I tend to be....I write them down, post the list on my board and look at that list for 365 days.  Not all that many get scratched off. I have regulars...paint more, write more, exercise more, etc etc etc. (I never really know what constitutes MORE).  I'm thinking of throwing in a few new ones this year.

"If you never try, you will never know what you can accomplish." (unknown).

I've been on holiday vacation from school and a few other things in life (but not from shoveling snow). I haven't posted regularly, but that should improve once classes start up again next week.