Creative Work from My Online Class

I'm excited to share images from students in my online class,  "Layers of Memory and Imagination" at Creative Workshops.

Valorie sent this image of her first collage inspired by the class. I love the energy in this piece and the way she created a visual narrative for the girl in the center. Valorie thought the collage was a bit busy, but I think it works great, as the focal image of the girl is so strong and because Valorie tied everything together with her bold color scheme. Great work, Valorie!

12x12" canvas board, acrylic paint, photocopy, glazing medium, alcohol ink, collaged papers.

I've posted several pieces by Linda Kunsman on this and on my Wabi-Sabi blog. Here's an excerpt from her blog showing the collage she created after viewing my recent tutorial from my "Layers" class. The transformation of this rich collage is amazing. Beautiful and evocative!

"My last project for today was inspired again by Serena Barton who recently posted a You Tube tutorial on her blog. For some reason I wasn't able to put the actual video here but you can use this link or go here to see it. It is really worth watching!

 My stretched canvas began like this:

 And here is the finished piece:

                                                         Beautiful Dreamer (6" x 8")

   Vintage image; patterned papers; dress pattern tissue; stencil; reinker glazes; acrylic paint; black ink pad.

  I've already begun two more canvasses which I'll share when completed. I'd love for you to share if you watch the video and create your own project (and I know Serena would too:)!



That's right, Linda, I would! Thanks to Valorie and Linda for sharing their lovely work.

And the Winner Is...

Cissy is the winner of one of my new wabi-sabi DVDs from North Light. Congratulations, Cissy! I hope she won't mind if I share a description of her from her blog.

I was exposed to art at a young age. My mother was an elementary school art teacher, therefore we always had projects around the house. I in turn, did the same with my three children, painting and drawing with them as toddlers. Although I took some art classes in college, I am primarily self-taught. I didn't start seriously painting until the summer of 2008 when I became interested in the emotions of non-objective paintings by use of mixed media and collage. Recently, I have been experimenting in oil paints. During a difficult and trying time in my life, I picked up a brush as means of an outlet. I found inspiration from a song, a verse, a friend. My paintings are statements evolving from personal experiences in my life. By not being bound by any realistic representation, I can communicate through my work, my feelings, gratitude, faith, and my past. They often give a glimpse into my life, a reflection of myself.

I can relate very well to her process as I'm sure many of you can.
Here's a link to Cissy's blog.

Thanks so much to all of you who posted. I loved learning about your wide range of current projects and I will be exploring your blogs and sites for weeks to come. 

Collage Tutorial

While you are waiting for my giveaway drawing (winner announced tomorrow), enjoy this tutorial! The whole six class online series is available at Creative Workshops.