I have to draw more. I have to draw more. I have to draw more. How many times have I said this to myself? About a million. This is what I have been doing. I have a small sketch book in my purse and I take it out and draw while I’m waiting at the airport, in a doctor’s office or any other place where I have time. This is such an important skill for painters! A high tech version is the Brushes app for IPads. It is great fun to use and you can use your finger or a stylus. I have an example here. I have to draw more……..
If you have ever taken a watercolor class from me you will be familiar with the above mantra. I actually make my students repeat it before we start painting! It can be scary to try something totally new and get caught in the comparison and negative vibes cycle…i.e. ‘this butterfly looks like a flying snail. I’m such a loser!’ But wait! There is hope for the watercolor painting that didn’t turn out just as you had planned! I have used my old watercolors to make Holiday ornaments, wall flowers and art on a stick. Take a look at the image…this is made from recycled watercolors. What other ideas can you think of for old watercolors?
Green or re-purposed art is all the rage these days, which provides countless ways to be creative AND help save our planet. Some items that I have used for past pieces is bubble wrap, string, plastic, wire, beads, cheese cloth, cardboard and hardware. I am going to experiment more with mixed media and found items to see what I can create. My mantra will be ‘What can I make with these old________?’ See the image of the heart? Can you identify the recycled items that I used? Hint: There are 5 different materials.
This year I’m going to learn how to make fused glass and incorporate it into my work…..my work being oil paintings and jewelry made with watercolors. I have always LOVED glass and found out that you can get a glass kiln that works in a microwave! Who knew? It is only for small pieces but it works well and you get quick results. Here is an image of an oil painting that I did and added fused glass to the center. As I have no idea what I am doing, this will be an interesting endeavor. Stay tuned for more updates.
The beginning of a new year is traditionally a time where we take stock in our lives; what we have accomplished, what we still want to do. I have taken some time to identify goals for my art work for the coming year. My first goal is to paint more abstract pieces in both watercolor and oil. I love trying new things and abstract is an area where I haven’t explored much and is a GREAT BIG challenge. I especially love painting an abstract piece from a realistic resource. A book that has helped me with this is ‘Realistic Abstracts’ by Kees van Aalst. See this painting? It is one I did from a realistic resource of koi fish. Do you see them?
Purchase an array of one-of-a-kind Holiday Ornaments for 20% off at pARTiculars Art Gallery & Teaching Studio starting Dec. 26 and running to Jan. 7. Help support local artists and buy locally! Thanks for your support!
I am teaching a Watercolor Color class for the months of Jan & Feb, 2012 at pARTiculars. We will be using the book Exploring Color by Nita Leland as our guide. Tha class is Wed AMs from 9-11 and takes place in the classroom at pARTiculars, 401 S. Public Rd. Stop in or call 720-890-7888 to register. Cost is $25 per session with a discount for monthly sign up.
I got up this morning to a fresh blanket of snow and frost covering everything. How beautiful! I have to be some place today but I would rather stay home and paint…..mostly in black and white!
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY for YOU….our valued customers! Stop by pARTiculars, 401 S. Public Rd, Lafayette, on Friday, Nov. 18 from 6-9PM. Enjoy complimentary food, drink and music, sales and meet the artists. 10% off one regularly priced item with coupon.
Give a special gift this Holiday Season……local art made by professional Colorado artists. Help support your community and celebrate creativity. pARTiculars, Art Gallery & Teaching Studio is an artist owned and operated art cooperative in Old Town Lafayette (401 S. Public Rd). Watch for special Holiday events and upcoming sales. The artists of pARTiculars thank you for your support of local art and artists.