House sitting with Tar

This is the Christmas tree I enjoyed this Holiday season.  Don't you love the creativity of it?   Tar, who is one of my favorite dogs in the whole universe kept me company during the snow storm.  It was quite a change of pace.

December Gilr's Night Out

Such beautiful paintings this month.  We were fewer in number but had a great time creating together.  A couple of these paintings were given as gifts this Christmas to some very fortunate mothers.  I bet they were some surprised mothers too.  I'm working on the January painting now.  Will post soon

Kid's art class

Here are three versions of Monet's Japanese Footbridge.  All painted in watercolor by  delightful and delighted students.  They learned the wet in wet method which really set them free.  The other beginning lesson was in perspective.  Good perspective is one of the major problems my adult student's struggle with.  These kids got the idea pretty quickly.  My favorite quote of the class was hearing a 5 year old boy say "Wouldn't it be fun to live in this painting?"  I hope he keeps that playful attitude as he matures.

Gelatin Printmaking

This is the Wednesday morning art class. or at least those who were able to make it today.  What a messy fun time we had.  The energy runs high during this printmaking process.  It feels quite addictive.  One idea sparks another. We use acrylic paint which layers really nicely.  
Yesterday I made the gelatin plates by  mixing 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin to  each cup of water.  The plates are a little over an inch deep.  I chose foil loaf pans for my molds. My recipe for a loaf pan is 2 and 2/3 cups of water to 6 envelopes of gelatin.  These set up overnight and felt quite strong.
 Paint is applied with a brayer and then textures are created or paper stencils are cut to create interest.  We are careful to preserve the surface of the plate.
 We used three different printmaking papers for variety.  Masa paper which is a nice inexpensive Japanese paper, Rives BFK (the pricey one) and Canson for a mid price range.  These plates will last another two weeks.  I am looking forward to seeing what they create on their own during the week.

Celebrating family and creativity

Last night my home studio hosted three generations of women.  It was an activity for a family reunion to come and paint together.  We had such a great time.  As usual everyone was surprised that they could paint so well and be proud owners of their own efforts.  Several had never painted before at all.  Many had great fear at attempting something like this.  My joy is in watching guests relax and begin to discover they have ability (we all do) in this area.  As usual at a mid point the room became quiet as their focus intensified.  That is an exciting time for me.  I know they are "in it" when this happens and I know they will be happy with the results.  This type of evening would be great for any group or team to come and bond as they play.  I have posted the beautiful women and their wonderful results as well as my painting which was our inspiration piece.

Vail visit

This past weekend I went to Vail CO with family.  It is such a beautiful town and setting.  We visited the Betty Ford Alpine Garden, which had something of interest for every age.  While cooking our evening supper the kid's discovered that we had a visitor.  See the photo.  Such magnificence.   My daughter loaned me a book while there which I couldn't put down once opened.  It is"The School of Essential Ingredients" by Erica Bauermeister.  It's a perfect summer read, light and entertaining.  You wouldn't have to be a "foody" to love it but if you are one you'll love it.

Labyrinth Inspired Designs

Here are three of the 5x5 inch designs I have created to help fund the labyrinth project.  So far I have twelve of these with no two being alike.  There will only be a total of 24 in this design package so it is a limited edition so to speak.  There are small differences of colors and quotes.  All quotes pertain to personal growth and are related to the idea of the labyrinth. They are all mixed media on wood.  The price is $38 which makes them a nice gift for someone as well as a reminder of life being a journey and being more circular than linear.  The have a saw tooth hanger on the back and are ready to hang and enjoy.   Three have been spoken for already.  Let me know if you have an interest in seeing more of the designs and quotes.

Girls Night Out Friday July 15

As you can see these beautiful and courageous women did a wonderful job painting the watermelon still life.  It is so gratifying to watch people exceed their expectations.  We listened to Rod Stewart's Oldies as we worked or rather played.  One woman is considering joining the Wednesday morning art class.  This is where we work on color theory, composition and the principles of design.  While we have fun there, real learning is the goal.  We say if you leave with a painting you like then that is bonus.  Developing and refining your skills is the aim in that class.

Girls Night Out

Last night nine fun loving and it turns out talented (even though everyone said they had never held a brush before) women attended our Girl's Night Out.  This was the hardest composition yet and I did have some secret apprehension.  You can see for yourself what a great job everyone did.  There were requests for painting sunflowers in August.  This we can do.  Tonight nine more wonderful women will put their energy into this more difficult  painting.  Can't wait to see what they accomplish. Everyone is surprised by how much they like their painting and how well they paint.

Frying pan art

The six week summer kid's art classes came to a close on Tuesday morning.  Classes will resume later in August and will continue through the school year.  We closed this session with some frying pan art which the kids ( and adults) love.   It is hard to explain the fascination with melting crayons over low heat and letting the colors mix and flow.  Encaustic art for beginners!   The whole process is is mesmerizing.  Keeping the heat setting on simmer and using a designated frying pan are essential.  Also choosing good quality crayons and having a stock of large white crayons on hand promise a successful product.  Sometimes a friend to hold the paper still is a good thing too.  We use a pair of scissors or a fork.  It is addictive.

Labyrinth site

This shows the site where the labyrinth will be one day.  Yes, I know that it is a weed patch right now.  This is the "lawn" that was here when I recently moved in.  The landscaper will be arriving in about a week for a total transformation of the front and back yard.  This project will take about four steps, the first being the shaping of the land to clear the labyrinth space and to create a berm on the right side which runs parallel to the sidewalk and street.  After that is in place I will have " Breeze" laid in the labyrinth circle.  Breeze is a compressed rock base.  Stage three will be the ordering of the landscape cloth template.  This I am planning to order from the Labyrinth Company.  The final stage will be the laying of pavers and stone.  For each stage I will be offering artwork for sale to help fund it.  Have you walked a labyrinth before?  What has been your experience with this form of meditation?

The Labyrinth Project

Today I begin the Labyrinth Project which will lead to the creation of a 16 foot diameter labyrinth in my front side yard.  I have chosen the front yard because I want it to be accessible to anyone who wants to walk it.  There will be a U shaped garden around it with a berm on the street side to help with privacy and wind control on this hill.  Currently there is a rock garden on the left front corner and a wooden fence on the left and facing side of the labyrinth entrance.  To fund this project I am designing some hand painted silk labyrinth patterned scarves which will sell for $38. I am also creating a series of small mixed media panels, perfect for giving or for those small areas in your home.  Heading into the studio now.  Stay tuned.

Garfield Estates

Two years ago I painted this still life during a lunch break at Garfield Estates Vineyard and Winery. It was August and very hot and sunny. My friend Diane Mayer and I were there for three days of Plein Air painting. Chasing the sunlight across this beautiful landscape was both challenging and exhilarating. Consider joining us this August to experience this for yourself. Click here for more information.

Girls Night Out Next Thursday and Friday

This is the painting we will all be painting this coming Thursday or Friday night. Should be a lot of fun. Call or email to register. $35 and a snack or beverage.

Molly Brown

Today my latest house guest went home.  She was a sweet but demanding guest.  She expected to sleep in my bed and to chose the hour we should awake. However I never needed to cook even a meal for her. She enjoyed long walks and frequent stops.  A playful girl, Molly preferred to not have any other guests here and art students were a drag on her idea that I should be available at all times for her. She was so happy to go home but my feelings aren't hurt at all.  I will now revert to talking to myself again.  At least I let myself sleep in until 6:00.  Molly Brown is in the disguise of a miniature poodle but I think she is quite a lady.  Love you Molly.

A new pathway.