Two May Workshops!

May brings two new workshops at The Art of Your Life Studio!

Assemble Yourself, May 13 10 AM-4PM

Using found objects (old junk and stuff), paper, fabric, clay and more, you’ll create a 3-D collage that expresses your history and your dreams. I'll provide many materials. If you have things you want to include, bring them.

If you are new to assemblage, check out the work of Joseph Cornell at http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/cornell

Cornell was one of the early makers of assemblage. His work inspires all of us today to construct 3-D evocations of our dreams. You can see images of his work above. (Used sans permission but with great reverence and admiration.)

May 13, 10 AM to 4PM. Morning snacks provided. Brown bag lunch. Tuition: 90. Call 971-404-7664 or email info@artofyourlife.com to register. Class size limited to 6, so register early!

The Forgiving Medium, May 14 4-7 PM

No, I'm not talking about a compassionate clairvoyant. I'm referring to acrylic paint, and a workshop for beginners. I was asked to do this workshop by a couple of women accomplished in many crafts, who confessed to a Fear of Acrylic. I am excited to teach a beginning acrylic workshop and plan to demonstrate that acrylics can be embraced, rather than feared!

Some of the great qualities of acrylics are: they dry quickly, they have brilliant colors, they are easy to use, they can be painted over as many times as you want, and you can use lots of exciting mediums with them to change the how the paint looks. (If you think the use of the word "exciting" is overblown in connection with an acrylic medium, you may be on the wrong blog. On the other hand, maybe you'll come to this workshop and be convinced of the thrill of painting with acrylics!)

The third image is my painting in acrylic and acrylic medium and molding paste on wood.

Tuition is 50. Supplies will be provided. Just bring your desire to experiment and a brown bag dinner. To register, call 971-404-7664 or email info@artofyourlife.com. Four openings are available so register soon!

Both the above workshops will be held at The Art of Your Life,

1210 SE Oak St., Portland 97214.

Great Portraits from "Not Just a Pretty Face" Workshop

Seven courageous explorers attended last Saturday's "Not Just a Pretty Face" workshop held at Scarlet Star Studios. Participants plunged into creating portraits based on the work of Old Masters and Impressionist artists. Several who had never painted faces before did an awesome job by looking at the portraits of the masters and looking for light and dark colors and accents and shapes, and translating these into their own pieces.

Because there was so much to cover, Gretchin Lair of Scarlet Star Studios (http://www.scarletstarstudios.com)and I have decided to offer this as a two day workshop in November. Stay tuned to this blog and the Scarlet Stars site for updates.

As always, the Scarlet Stars workshop studio was comfortable and abundantly full of lovely supplies.

Above you can see some of the amazing work from this workshop.

First Fridays at The Art of Your LIfe

Starting on May 4, The Art of Your Life will be hosting art shows for the First Friday openings held in the Central Eastside Art District!

Remember how when you took dance or music lessons there was always a recital for friends and family? I figured this fun shouldn't be just for kids. We all like to show our loved ones what we are creating and share our joy in the process and the result. Our first show will include paintings, collage, assemblage, and more from my students, group members, and workshop participants. Not just for friends and relations, this show, called "Emergence", is open to all who want to see the lively, passionate, and creative work shown here.

Julianna Waters, who has participated in two workshops, is also a talented singer/songwriter. Her lovely music will be an added attraction at the Emergence show!

First Friday

May 4, 6-9 PM

1210 SE Oak St.

Portland OR

"Art is made by ordinary people"--Ted Orland & David Bayles

"True Reflections"

A unique group for teens is now forming! I'll be holding this new group at my office studio. The studio is comfortable and packed with art supplies. Don't let middle aged ladies have all the art fun! Come and join us for:

"True Reflections"

A 7-week art-making and support group for girls 15-17

Creativity and support in a safe setting

No previous experience needed

Each session will include discussion, creative exploration, and art making.

Mondays 4:00-6:00 PM

April 23-June 11 (no group May 28)

1210 SE Oak St., Portland OR

Tuition: $35 per week, includes supplies.

To register or for more information, call 971-404-7664

or email serena@artofyourlife.com.