Serena Barton's Blog

Addendum: Art and Soul Giveaway!

2012-01-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

Well, folks, I was so excited to share Jen Crossley's interview that I forgot to mention another exciting feature of the art and soul blog hop! A Giveaway!

Make sure you leave a comment to be in the drawing for a wonderful prize: an inspiration-packed collection of delicious embellishments from Judy at Artistic Artifacts.

Judy runs the onsite store at Art and Soul in Virginia. If you are attending you can order your supplies through her. And if you make it to the onsite store, you'll be sure to find some must-haves. I speak from experience! Also check her online store for lovely treats for your art!

Here's a question to answer in your comment:

What do you want most from an art class or workshop?

On Jan 31, I will pull a random generator number, and that lucky person wins the jammed-packed-full-of-goodness ephemera pack!

Art and Soul Retreat Virginia Blog Hop: Presenting: Jen Crossley

2012-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

The instructors for Art and Soul Retreat in Virginia Beach are having a blog hop! It's a great way to get to know each other better and to share information and great photos with our readers!

Today I have the honor of visiting with Jen Crossley.

Jen is a generous and vibrant self-taught mixed media artist who has a passion for working with found objects, combining them in her work, to produce unique jewelry.

I'm a real fan of her work and of her online store, A Mark in Time. I was hooked as soon as I saw her homepage. Check out her blog, also called A Mark in Time.

Jen Gets an Idea

I interviewed Jen about her work and classes. Here's her description of her classes at Art and Soul Virgina Beach, coming up March 1-6.

In my workshops, we will unlock the secrets of found objects and journey through the world of mixed media to create unique and personal works of wearable art.

Tell me about your teaching experience:
I have been teaching for many years throughout Australia I have taught in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and also taught for a week at the Fibre Forum in Geelong, which was a great honor last year.

Last year I taught and took classes at Art and Soul Portland Oregon which was the highlight of my teaching career.

I have been published in several US Magazines, which include Somerset Studio, and Belle Armoire Jewelry. I also have been published in several Australian magazines. The passion for what I do comes out in my workshops. They are usually packed full of laughs with beautiful projects finished at the end.

What aspect of teaching do you love the most?

I love the students seeing the light go off in their eyes when they learn something new. I love seeing what they create. Everyone’s creations is so different and unique to them.

The energy that follows in a class situation there is a vibe you get from one another, there is nothing like it. I know online workshops are all the go at the moment but nothing beats the interaction with students and a very special bond forms with each of them-- teacher to student and student to teacher.

Why do you choose to work in Metal/found objects? (fiber, mixed media, paint, etc.)

I have always loved metal! I started off in paper but started adding metal, and found objects.

I wanted more, though. I love jewelry and wanted to combine more metal with metal or found objects. The passion grew and I'm a real metal head now. Don't get me wrong, I still love paper,but metal is my first love (sorry, to my hubby Mark.)

Have you always considered yourself an artist?

No I have never considered myself as I artist.To me, an artist was supposed to be trained in Fine arts.

I consider myself as self-trained, a jack of all trades; master of none.

If not, when did you realize that you are an artist?

I'm still coming to terms with this concept Me: an artist? Maybe?

Do you work in a planned or intuitive way? How would you describe your approach?

I don’t have a plan or sketch of what I’m going to create it comes to me in different way sometimes, I see something and think I would love to make that in metal. I might see a found object and think, Wow, that would make a awesome project. Sometimes I might even be tidying my work area and throw a few things to the side and think, hmm, that would go with that other thing. I really don’t know how it works but 9 times out of 10 it does.

I'll say it does! Thank you for visiting my blog, Jen, and I look forward to seeing you in Virginia Beach soon!

Work from Online Class

2012-01-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

One of my online students, Sox, sent me these images of pieces she made in my class. The class is "Layers of Memory and Imagination" at Creative Workshops. I've met Sox at Art and Soul retreats where she's been in my classes. I'm delighted she's allowing me to share these evocative and lovely pieces. Check out Sox's blog to see more and to see her gorgeous fabric books.

Giveaway Winner

2012-01-20T12:56:00.000-08:00

The winner is Katie! She will receive a large reproduction print of any work on my website. Thanks to all who entered and shared your creations! I'd always love to share what you make, so keep in touch!

Julia's Work

2012-01-19T01:14:00.000-08:00

Julia contributed a photo of a recent piece, part of her Portland series. This ethereal work is done in mixed media and resin. It's truly magical!

Tomorrow night I'll draw names from a hat and announce the winner. Thanks to those of you who participated in my January giveaway and creative share!

Last Chance for Giveaway: Online class opens tomorrow

2012-01-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to send me an email through my website or send me to your blog so I can post your latest work! This can be anything, art, craft, words, a new shelf, a casserole...you get the idea. This will enter you in my giveaway. If you win, you get an oversize reproduction of any work on my website.

My first online class opens tomorrow--I'm so excited. It's a six video class and you can work at your own pace. My host is the wonderful Creative Workshops.

I'm hard at work on my book for North Light on wabi-sabi work. But I'm not to busy to check out another great giveaway on one of my favorite sites, Altered Bits.


You Shine Mixed Media on Panel

Reader's Creations

2012-01-11T11:27:00.000-08:00

Debbie took an encaustic class from me last fall at the Art and Soul Retreat in Portland. She fell in love with the medium and has provided pictures of her first mysterious and evocative works. Here's what she said about getting started at home with encaustic.

"Couldn't you just use the same griddle we use for food?" asked my practical minded husband as I was unpacking my newly purchased griddle to use for encaustic painting. My encaustic starter kit had arrived a few days earlier and now with griddle and heat gun in hand, I was ready to try encaustic painting at home. Last October I'd had the privilege of taking an encaustic workshop with Serena Barton in Portland and immediately fell in love with this medium. Even though I was somewhat hesitant to try it out at home, in the back of my mind, I knew resistance was futile."

Debbie, I'm glad you didn't resist. Here's the work Debbie made--I am impressed and delighted.

The above was inspired by a haiku by the master poet, Basho. I think she captures the feeling expressed by the haiku perfectly.

No one travels
Along this road but I
This autumn evening

Thank you so much for sharing your work, Debbie!

Reader's Creations

2012-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

Katie's felted bag

I invited you all to show me what you've made recently or what you're working on. Here's a gorgeous felted bag by Katie. Check her name to see more of her work! I'm also posting here the beautiful quilt that Katie and her mother made. What an incredible heirloom!


Quilt by Katie and her mom

Katie, thanks for sharing this work! You are entered in the giveaway, so I'll keep you posted!

Dexter's Recent Work

2012-01-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

Here's what we got from grandson Dexter for Christmas. His assignment in school was to describe and illustrate a creature not actually found in nature.

That's the flying crab on the left

Giveaway?

2012-01-07T00:26:00.000-08:00

I hope you'll enter my giveaway (below) and let us see what you are creating!

A couple of new pieces:

Rule the Waves: Encaustic/Mixed Media on Vintage Book


Three: Encaustic, Faux gold leaf, neocolor II crayons, oil paint

January Classes and Giveaway

2012-01-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

Ghost Ship

I had fun with incising and shellac on this encaustic piece!

Happy New Year! Here's to an art-filled year full of delicious surprises and warm friendships!

Classes coming up in January

Mind Your Own Beeswax with Serena Barton

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, NW Portland OR

Saturday, January 14, 2012; 9 -12 am
Fall in love with the aromatic, luminous, and versatile properties of beeswax in the form of encaustic painting! Learn how to build up layers, add color, and add collage elements. No previous art experience — just lively curiosity and willingness to risk addiction to painting with wax! Sign up early for this very popular class! Contact the arts program to register.

Mind Your Own Beeswax at The Queen Bee Art Cottage, Olympia WA--See the intro. below. You can register through this site. Here's a preview:

Lost at Sea  Mixed Media on Panel

Online Class:"Layers of Memory and Imagination"

Go at your own pace through six enjoyable video workshops! You'll learn techniques and tips for making mysterious, meaningful mixed media collages. Go here to see more about my workshop and the many other wonderful offerings at Creative Workshops.

 It's time for my semi-annual inquiry: What have you made recently or what are you working on? Send me information and pictures! In two weeks I'll draw a name from a hat and someone who answers the inquiry will receive a print of their choice from my website. This can be art and craft, cooking, home decor, whatever. Let me share more about you!

Okay, just one more!

2011-12-27T22:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm a kid with a new toy. Here's a short promo slide show for "Mind Your Own Beeswax" an encaustic painting and encaustic collage class. This will be available at Art and Soul Retreat, Virginia Beach in March.

I'll post this video and then take a rest by indulging my latest passion--watching old "Twilight Zone" episodes. (Wonder how that will affect my art...)

Wabi-Sabi Wax at Art and Soul in March

2011-12-27T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm on a roll. Here's another slide show. This is for my class, "Wabi-Sabi Wax" at Art and Soul Retreat at Virginia Beach. The retreat starts March 7. I can't wait!

Art and Soul Virginia Coming Up!

2011-12-27T19:23:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you have had and are having a wonderful holiday season!

I'm using the time between Christmas and New Year's to plan for my first art retreat of 2012. This will be Art and Soul in the gorgeous Virginia Beach!

The retreat takes place in March which will be here before we know it. I'm teaching three classes and want to share with you a short slide show for one of them, "The Forgiving Medium." This is one of my favorites to teach because the students always amaze themselves with what they are able to do in this acrylic painting class.

I hope you'll join me if you are attending this fabulous retreat!

Photos from "Encaustic Continued" Class

2011-12-19T23:35:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from Saturday's class--we had so much fun! I only wish my photos did the students' work justice.

Lots of incising in this piece--and a real teabag label!

The circles seem alive

A fun, quirky portrait!

A dreamy abstract...

A powerful face with a sculptural effect

Evocative encaustic collages

A strong portrait with an ancient feel

Online Class Uploaded

2011-12-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

I finally got all six sessions of my new online class up on the host site, Creative Workshops. I was helped and sometimes hindered in this by my new computer. I think it and I have reached detente now, but for a while there I was tempted to murder. I even googled "I Hate my New Computer" just so I wouldn't feel alone.

Now that this computer and I are friends, I'm looking forward to doing more videos and online classes!

"The Creative Conversation" Book Launch Party

2011-12-14T23:33:00.000-08:00

Bridget is flying high despite a broken foot


The place was packed

Sven and Gretchin of Scarlet Star Studios

I went to a wonderful party to celebrate the publication of Bridget Benton's book, The Creative Conversation: Artmaking as Playful Prayer. Bridget has spent five years writing and illustrating this fun and impressive book.

I've been eagerly waiting to buy my copy and now that I have it, I must say how inspiring I have found the book. It's perfect for anyone who wants to make their mark, whether they are a newbie or an experienced artist.

Bridget's book reminded me of why I make art in the first place. And I need to be reminded regularly, as much of my art is somewhat product-oriented. Reading the book made me happy and made me want to lose myself in the artmaking process.

I bought the book last Friday night at the launch and ran out to Muse Art/Design the next morning to get a copy for my daughter-in-law as a college graduation present. I'm happy she'll now have some time to make art with me before she starts applying to graduate schools.

Open House and Class at Queen Bee Cottage and Online Class: Shameless Self-Promotion

2011-11-28T12:45:00.000-08:00

At Queen Bee Art Cottage

If you are a Washington State-er come by the Queen Bee Art Cottage in Olympia this Friday, December 2, for an exciting Open House. I'll be showing and selling work along with other vendors at this inspiring retreat center.

I'll also be signing up students for my Queen Bee Cottage encaustic class, "Mind Your Own Beeswax", meeting Saturday, January 17 from 10-5:30. Contact me for more information about the class.

************************************************************************

What an interesting learning experience preparing my first online class has been! I've been wanting to teach an online class for a couple of years, and have finally achieved my goal.


"Camille " Acrylic paint, alcohol ink,stamped text, collage on panel

Learn how to make a collage like this from a previous "failure"

The first step was obtaining a video camera, external microphone, etc. and learning to use them. The next step was finding my invaluable helper, Julia, who assists me in the filming. Then I learned that Windows Movie Maker is completely useless on my computer, even though WMM comes with my computer. So after purchasing Adobe Premiere Elements, I was able to edit and add music to my videos. Now, I have bought a new computer as the video editing process may have hastened the end of my old second hand computer.

Was it worth it? Yes! I am very happy with the way the class videos turned out and with the techniques and processes I teach in "Layers of Memory and Imagination." I'm so pleased to be included in the online classes offered by Creative Workshops. I hope you'll check out the promo and class description and see if this class is for you or someone you know!

My first online class debuts in January!

2011-11-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that my first online class begins January 16 through Shabby Cottage Studio and Creative Workshops! I have really appreciated the site owner, Gail Schmidt as she has patiently waited for my class to be completed. I also couldn't do this without my artist friend, Julia Gardner, who has been helping me film each segment of the class.

The class, "Layers of Memory and Imagination", is aimed at both beginners and those who want some new inspiration and techniques.Here's the description from the website:

You’ll learn to create magical collages in an exciting and productive workshop! I’ll guide you through:

Mixing luscious layers with re-inkers, acrylic paint, and glaze medium

Using alcohol inks, stencils, handwritten text, a variety of papers

Three fun methods of adding photo transfers to collage

Choosing the best images for your collages

Composition tips for making your chosen images pop and for creating a balanced collage

Combining paint and papers to add mystery to your pieces

Enjoying and building on so called “mistakes”

Sealing your collages with a variety of mediums and adding finishing touches

You’ll come away from this class with several gorgeous collages and all the tools you need to keep creating collages incorporating your memories and your imagination.

You can see a short promo here. I hope to work with some of my far-off artist friends in "Layers of Memory and Imagination"!

50's-60's Inspiration

2011-11-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Realities Encaustic Collage on Panel

I don't get network TV, relying on Netflix instead, so I'm always behind in watching a series. I have been watching the acclaimed series Mad Men, about ad executives in the late 50's and early 60's. I've been impressed by how well the series captures the ambiance of the times.

I was in junior high and high school during the times the series covers (at least what I've seen so far.) I was a precocious reader. While I was still in jr. high I read The Saturday Review, Theater Arts, Show, and Realities (pronounced the French way.) These now defunct magazines were full of gorgeous images and writing that covered literature, theater, cultures of the world, art, and more. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy brought world-renowned artists, writers, and musicians to the White House. Some of the best Broadway plays of the century were written and produced during this period.

While there was a certain amount of kitsch during the period I'm talking about, it was also a time of innovative and powerful design trends. I did a couple of new encaustic collages yesterday inspired by the color schemes, art, and design of the period. I plan to do more soon.


New Society Encaustic Collage on Panel

Above: a precursor of Bob Dylan's Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat with Abstract Expressionist color and design.

Student Work from Saturday's Class

2011-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

Bright colors, texture, and incising in a work that reminds me of the Abstract Expressionists

Students had fun with their first encaustic pieces in Saturday's class. I wish the pictures were less blurry, but I am happy to be able to share them with you!

Many layers of color in this Universe


A colorful and loose riot of flowers

Especially for Halloween

Incising, bold strokes, and contrasting color--it makes me think of a hill on a rainy day

Incising and shellacking create a mysterious Victorian piece

A snowy landscape done in a loose, whimsical style

Encaustic Class Samples

2011-10-30T12:22:00.000-07:00


Underground (Demo of painting,collage, & shellac burning	)

I did these demo samples in yesterday's "Mind Your Own Beeswax" class. It doesn't show up here too much, but I used my absolute favorite encaustic paint, R and F's Celadon for the upper part of the collage/painting. I make most of my own paints with encaustic medium and powdered pigment or oil paint. This color, though, is one I can't do without buying.

Surfacing ( Demo of collage, teabags, painting, and tea)

The Shape of Things to Come (Demo of incising, scraping, painting, and teabag)


Portland, 1938 (Demo of painting, incising, collage, and shellac burning)

I found an old book page with an ode to Portland. I included this in the demo sample which was made mostly to show students various techniques. Now that I look at it, I seem to see an undertone of part of Portland's past. A self-congratulatory city then, as now, but with fewer reasons. Portland until the sixties was mostly all-white, racist, sexist, etc. I like Portlandia better...

Next post: Student work from Saturday's class.

Simple

2011-10-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

A simple Wabi-Sabi piece for today

Was It Murder??

2011-10-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Cafe Solitude" by Serena

Is it possible that Van Gogh, our model for the starving, unappreciated artist was actually murdered, rather than died by his own hand? That's a theory outlined in a new book on Van Gogh. Find out more about it here.

I'm interested in reading this controversial book and the question of murder or suicide makes me think about the stories we take for granted. What would it mean for us as artists if Van Gogh didn't kill himself, but was rather going about his work of painting and trying to recover from a nervous breakdown? What if he didn't intend to give up in despair?

Vincent Van Gogh with Cut Ear

In 2009 two German art historians who had studied Van Gogh and Gauguin's friendship extensively, declared their belief that it was Gauguin who perpetrated the famous ear slicing of Van Gogh during a fight, and both artists agreed to hush up Gauguin's involvement. You can read more about this story here. If this is true, then it calls into question Van Gogh's self-destructiveness.

Did Gauguin Do It?

We'll never know for sure about any of this. But I think of how entrenched the story of the desperate genius starving in a garret has affected our view of artists. Artists are often encouraged by others to remember that Van Gogh only sold one picture in his lifetime, the idea being that most of us are doing far better than that. Or maybe that we'll be famous after we're dead.

What if Van Gogh had just kept plodding along and eventually made a modest living as a painter? Would the world still have recognized his genius? Would he have made a better role model for those of us plodding along steadily? What do you think?

Pictures from "Who's Your Mummy" at Art and Soul

2011-10-17T22:49:00.000-07:00


One of the striking Mummy Portraits

In this workshop, students learned about the Greco-Egyptian mummy portraits of ancient times and created their own encaustic paintings. Large expressive eyes were a feature of the ancient portraits and these lively faces created by students reflected this. Nice work!

Mixup Stencilry at Art is...You and The Egg and I at Art and Soul

2011-10-16T17:31:00.000-07:00


Mix-Up Stencilry

I so regret that I don't have more pictures of this class. It was fast paced and the students kept up, doing great pieces. I had ordered a can of black spray paint for the stenciling and had a bad moment when it didn't look like it was going to work. One of the clever students figured out how the "artist-quality" fancy sprayer worked, and then we were off. I'm not sure what happened with the rest of the pictures. I hope you can get a feel for the class from the two I have. (If you were in this class, I'd love to post a picture of your piece, if you send me one.)

Mixup Stencilty

The piece above uses stencils designed by Judy Wise and created by Mary Beth Shaw, aka Stencil Girl.

*****

Art and Soul Retreat Portland followed in my retreat lineup. The students in "The Egg and I" created these wonderful paintings. Egg tempera works differently from other paints and has its own distinctive glow. We made our own paint with eggs, water, and pigment. Most of the students had painted quite a bit before, but they found the properties of egg tempera to be unusual and well-suited to their work. One student painted her first portrait ever in this class. To do your first portrait in egg tempera is no mean feat!

This painting has subtle collage elements in the background

I got in the way here in the photo, but this is an amazing piece for a first portrait!

This painting is in its first stage, but I can tell it's going to be great.

Aren't these all super?

Layered Memories Class at Art is You

2011-10-15T23:19:00.000-07:00


A Layered Memory

This was another class that Judy Wise developed that I taught for her at Art is...You in Petaluma. Students brought images that they wanted to use and developed them into collages, using provided collage papers, paint, encaustic medium, and embellishments. A highlight of the class was shellac burning, which created stunning effects. The pieces included family photos and symbols of happily remembered times. We were all thrilled with the group's creations.

Encaustic Workshop Coming Up

2011-10-14T00:07:00.000-07:00


"Bloom" Encaustic on Wood Panel

I interrupt the posting of student work from Art is...You and Art and Soul to announce my upcoming encaustic workshop for beginning and intermediate students.

When: Saturday, October 29, 2011 1-5 PM
Tuition: 85. Supplies provided.

Fall in love with the aromatic, luminous, and versatile properties of beeswax in the form of encaustic painting! Learn how to build up layers, add color, and add collage elements. No previous art experience needed—just lively curiosity and willingness to risk addiction to painting with wax!

We'll play with fire (safely) as we wax lyrical over this wonderful medium.

Dreamy Landscapes from Art is...You

2011-10-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Some delicious photos of work created by students in one of my evening classes at Art is...You in Petaluma. The students used palette knives, Claudine Hellmuth Studio paints, and various acrylic mediums to create juicy landscapes. The class was called "Landscape of Dreams" and I'd say this work evokes the title very well!

"Transferred Secrets" at Art is...You in Petaluma

2011-10-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

I taught this evening class at the Art is...You Retreat in Petaluma last month. We covered three kinds of transfers: blender pen, gel medium, and packing tape. The students played with these methods and incorporated them into collages.Very lovely work!

Dolls for Big Girls at Art is...You

2011-10-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

I'm delighted to share these pictures from "Dolls for Big Girls" at Art is...You in Petaluma. This class was developed by Judy Wise. She was unable to teach in Petaluma this year and asked me to teach the class for her this time. I took Judy's class a couple of years ago and have been making dolls ever since.

I took pictures of the dolls in various stages of creation. It is so amazing to see lumps of Sculpey clay become little people with their own personalities!

This mischievous elf appears in a later picture, suitably aged

We all loved her sweet face

Look at this sculpted hair! You'll see it in living color later.

Such elegant braids!

Waiting to bake

Disembodied parts cooling after baking

Now he's subtly aged--I love him but not sure I trust him...

My demo doll left, Judy's mermaid, center, and my Miss Havisham, right

Glazing the face

We were in awe of this graceful arm and hand

Spiky hair in living color!

Coming to life with this great face

What an expressive face!

She looks alive and about to get up and dance

Time Travel: An Altered Book Diary: Pictures from Art is... You Retreat

2011-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from one of my workshops at
Art is ...You. Hope you enjoy them!

Time Travel Journal

In this workshop, students created an altered book journal in the form of a diary or journal honoring a person or being they admired. You can see here how the work progressed, and I have included some of my class samples as well.


This student begins a journal written from the perspective of her great-grandmother

The addition of a lace collar brings the old photo to life


My demo pages

The lacy page above was made by coloring with a white neocolor crayon over collage. I then used packing tape printed with a lace image over the layers below. The result looks like it was embroidered. On the left hand page above, I pasted a lightweight beige tissue onto the book page and then wrote on it with a steel nib pen and walnut ink.

A beautifully decorated page using rubber stamps,

Tim Holtz tissue tape, added text and color


The beginning pages of a book dedicated to the Divine Feminine

The student utilized the original design on the book pages, layering them with translucent colors, and adding text.

Delicious pages to the Hindu Goddess, Kali

Pages to Radha, consort of Krishna.

The student combined a collaged image of a pillared pool, and image of Krishna and Radha, layers pf paint, and additional images to make a luscious whole.

The gold leaf embellishment was the perfect final touch for this page

A page from my demo journal

Wabi-Sabi Wax at Art is...You Petaluma

2011-09-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

From Wabi-Sabi Wax

This was the first of seven classes I taught at the West Coast Art is...You retreat last week. The retreat was fabulous, from the organizers and the adventurous and talented students to the helpful and friendly hotel staff. I have a lot of pictures to show you in upcoming posts, so I'll get started.

In this workshop the students worked in encaustic and mixed media to create images in the Wabi-Sabi style. We also got a couple of architectural details painted and decorated in what we called "Wabi-Sabi Steampunk" plus an ordinary wooden round box was transformed into an ancient looking treasure box.

Thanks Sallianne, Ellen, your helpers and all the wonderful students!

Focused on Retreats

2011-09-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

Sample Work for "Who's Your Mummy?" at Art and Soul

I am sooo busy getting ready for Art Is...You coming up soon in Petaluma CA, and for Art and Soul Portland coming right afterward. I'm so excited to be teaching at both of these wonderful venues. I'll be teaching 7 (!) classes at Petaluma, as I've taken over 3 classes for another instructor, and 3 at Art and Soul. If you don't hear from me for a while, that is why!

I've still got New Mexican folk art on the brain, as well. Here's the latest:

New Mexico Inspiration

2011-08-30T11:21:00.000-07:00


Santa Ana: Patron Saint of Grandmothers

A couple of New Mexico inspired retablos--thanks to Mary Stilwell for the title of the piece below.

Our Lady of Perpetual Errands

Pictures, At Last

2011-08-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Harwood House Museum in Taos

A few pictures to share from my recent trip to Northern New Mexico. I am so appreciative of my friends

Donna and Don of Albuquerque for the opportunity to stay in their house and spend two weeks of inspiration and relaxation. I had the perfect mix of solitude and sociability. While in Taos where my friends let me stay in their condo, I visited with Leighanna Light and Thomas Ashman. I got to see their new home in Ranchos de Taos.

Leighanna's Studio in Progress

Leighanna and I visited the Mabel Dodge Luhan House where we are planning to teach workshops next year.

Look at the site of this historic and beautiful setting.


Leighanna at Mabel Dodge Luhan House

Birdhouses at Mabel Dodge Luhan House

Shops Near Taos Plaza

Driving Back from Taos

Back in Albuquerque, I spent a day with Annie Hooten who lives there. We went to a great thrift store and then to a meeting of her Art Journaling group. Thanks to all you group members for letting me visit your dynamic meeting!

Annie and Me at Journal Workshop

A few days later I ventured up to Las Cienegas, just outside of (or just inside of?) Santa Fe to drop in on Ariel Gore and Maria Perez who moved from Portland about a year ago. They kindly fed me a vegan, mostly raw food dinner which was delicious, as was the conversation sitting on their patio. Maria and I share a love of Hispanic/Indigenous Catholic iconography. (You'll see my first attempt at my own version of this arte popular in the next post.)

The drive back to Albuquerque that evening was gorgeous--sunset in the huge sky, and and the mountains--well, words fail me.

No pictures...

2011-08-18T14:30:00.001-07:00

Alice (in Wonderland) famously asked, "What is the good of a book without any pictures?" I feel the same about blog posts without any picture. But here I am in magical Northern New Mexico without a way to download and publish my photos until I get home. If I were better at writing, I'd try to evoke the Italianate light, and the life-affirming scent of juniper and sage...Just come here someday, that's my advice.

I came here by myself for some R and R in Albuquerque and Taos. The rest of the fam is home minding the fort. Tuesday in Taos, I visited Leighnna Light and Thomas Ashman in their new adobe home. They just moved there and are still unpacking, but the walls are already filled with art.

Well, I just tried to put in an image of one of Leighanna's pieces, but this borrowed computer won't let me. Ah well...later. BTW, there is a wonderful store in Taos called Wabi-Sabi ...

Heading to Art Unraveled on Monday

2011-07-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

I'll be heading out to teach, take a class, and vend at Art Unraveled. It's held in Phoenix, and yes, it will be hot there. But I don't plan to leave the hotel very much, except for a walk early in the day. I'll be teaching "Wabi-Sabi Wax", a mixed-media encaustic class, and "The Egg and I", painting with egg tempera. I'm taking Pam Carriker's Pan Pastel class. I've never used these before, but the word is they are amazing.

I'll be selling my art at the Saturday Shopping Extravaganza. Here's a sneak preview of two altered books I'll have for sale.

Playing With New Toys

2011-07-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

Don't you love trying out new art supplies? I recently got a delightful encaustic iron and yummy hot sticks at Muse Art/Design. The iron is lighter than my other ones and covers a larger area. The hot sticks are made by Enkaustikos and contain rich encaustic pigment with a metallic sheen. I made this triptych just playing around with the iron and sticks.


*Triptych Encaustic on Wood*

I used the iron to smooth out my base coats of wax, then did a couple of coats in off white. I then melted the hot sticks onto the iron and ran the iron over the piece. I first used a quinacridone gold stick and then a gold pearl stick. Finally, I used encaustic paint on a brush and made the black swirls. As often happens when I'm just playing, I was happy with the result and with the experience itself.

If you don't live here in Portlandia, you can order these supplies and much more here. I love the iron for an interactive experience with the wax, and the hot sticks are delicious!

Woo-hoo!

2011-07-15T10:07:00.000-07:00


Contemplative Chaos

I'm thrilled to announce that I have had a book proposal accepted by North Light Press--I just found out! The book will be on wabi-sabi painting and mixed media techniques with lots of inspirational prompts. What an adventure this will be. Thanks to all of you who encouraged me to go for it!

In Praise of Altered Bits and a Coffee Filter Dress

2011-07-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

I won a cool steampunk goodie bag from Altered Bits Altered Art!

I'm excited to a be a giveaway winner from one of my favorite blogs, Altered Bits Altered Art. Alicia Caudel is a mixed media artist after my own heart: a lover of mystery, rusty things, steampunk, and artistic possibilities. She has just released her first print zine. I ordered mine right away and I love it. The zine has lavish pictures from various artists and from Alica herself. I find it pure magic. Alicia is one of my "imaginary friends", that is to say we haven't met yet. We both live in Portland and I'm sure we'll soon manage to have our long awaited tea party and art supplies swap.

You can find this zine through Amazon and through Lulu.

I was heading for the parking garage today after a routine dental visit when mine eyes were arrested by a window display in the Galleria. In the window were several mannequins wearing garments of recycled materials. My favorite was a dress made of discarded coffee filters by Adrienne Duckrow. As I paused to take a picture, several people crowded around this window, looking at the dress. Apart from a couple of inane comments as to the dress' practicality, I heard many gasps of wonder at its beauty.

July 4th Special on West Coast Art is...You Classes!

2011-07-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching photo transfer in "Transferred Secrets" at Art is...You

I just found out about an amazing offer I want to pass on right away! The organizers of the West Coast Retreat, "Art is...You" are offering 50.00 off your full class registration when you register this Monday using the coupon code July 4!

Art is...You is an established, respected, and delightful organization that has offered retreats on the east coast and Australia for years. This fall will be the first west coast retreat in Petaluma, CA.

I'm very excited and honored to be teaching in Petaluma.

I'll be teaching all day workshops on Mixed Media Encaustic ("Wabi-Sabi Wax,) and Creative writing and visual journaling ("Time Travel Diary). I'll be teaching evening workshops on photo transfer ("Transferred Secrets) and palette-knife painting ("Landscape of Dreams.)

Check out the many wonderful class offerings here.

Here are my classes:


Create juicy landscapes with palette knives in "Landscape of Dreams"

Have fun with art and creative writing in "Time Travel Diary."

Mine above is the journal of a 17 year old girl living in France

in the 18th century. She has a crush on Mozart.

Create encaustic/mixed media pieces in "Wabi-Sabi Wax". (Torches are involved!)

Encaustic Workshop Coming Up

2011-06-19T14:30:00.000-07:00


Detail of "Palimpsest" Encaustic on Wood "Mind Your Own Beeswax" Saturday, July 16, 2011 1-5:30 85. Supplies provided Fall in love with the aromatic, luminous, and versatile properties of beeswax in the form of encaustic painting! Learn how to build up layers, add color, and add collage elements. No previous art experience needed—just lively curiosity and willingness to risk addiction to painting with wax! Register here.

Birthday Party

2011-06-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Rob!

Yesterday my partner and I went to Albany OR for my stepfather's 82nd birthday. Neither of us was related by blood to anyone present. You can read my partner's description of the event here.

My children and grandson couldn't be there but present were: my stepfather who was married to my mother for 31 years before she died, his current partner, my stepdad's daughter from his first marriage, her son, her stepdaughter, and her stepdaughter's son.

The prefix "step" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word, "steop" which means bereavement. All these step relationships were born out of losses of divorce or death. The new relationships have "stepped" in to fill the emptiness and create a new loving family.

Show at Comma

2011-06-05T15:53:00.000-07:00


The Fam minus a few who couldn't make it

A few pictures of my opening at Comma Spa, Winery and Gallery. I was so busy taking photos of my extended family, I didn't take many of the art or other guests. Hope if you are local, you'll check out the show and the great spa services available!

Dot with guests Allan and Gary

Claudia: Gouache on Board


Adorable Lily, my stepfather's partner's granddaughter(got that?)

Me with three portraits after old masters

Teahouse 3

Teahouse 2

Teahouse 1

"The Egg and I" Workshop

2011-06-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

Katie's First Painting in Class

Here are some photos from "The Egg and I'" egg tempera painting workshop yesterday. As you'll see, egg tempera works well for Renaissance-type portraits, contemporary style paintings, abstracts, and collages!


My demo of Egg Tempera with Collage

My Class Demo in Progress

Susan's Abstract Landscape Begins

Susan's Completed Landscape--It Glows!


Katie's Picture in the Beginning

Katie decided she wanted to add collage elements to the above piece. Here's how it looked by the end of the workshop!

Katie's Finished Piece

Katie added a specialty textured paper, collage paper, and red tissue paper for this wild and wonderful piece.

The haunting pieces below are Susan's works in progress. I can't wait to see pictures of them when they are finished!

Grieving Woman in Progress by Susan

Gentleman in Progress by Susan

2011-05-30T22:24:00.000-07:00


Mary inspired by Della Francesca

Egg Tempera on Board

I have a couple of spaces left in "The Egg and I", a new workshop I'll be holding on June 4. If you've ever been curious about how to paint with egg and pigment, come join us! Register here.

The title of this workshop comes from a 1940’s book about chickens. But it’s not the chickens we are interested in, it’s the eggs!

Learn how to make the simple and inexpensive paint that Botticelli used for "The Birth of Venus." Using pigment, water, and egg yolk, you'll create rich and luminous colors, just like medieval painters did. The process is fun and easy. You'll use the paint to create a glowing portrait, still life, or abstract. You'll learn how to prepare your support, layer colors, develop lights and shadows, and how to scrape and incise paint for special effects. You’ll experiment with using your collaged backgrounds with your paintings.

You'll leave with at least one wonderful painting and with the knowledge that you can make your own paint any time! Don’t worry if you haven’t painted before—I’m here to help and encourage!

Note for Art Unraveled Attendees: I'll be teaching this class in August!

Art Unraveled Coming Up

2011-05-28T13:44:00.000-07:00


Palimpsest (detail) Encaustic/Mixed Media on Wood Panel

I'm looking forward to Art Unraveled coming up July 31. I'll be teaching "Wabi-Sabi Wax", so if you are headed to Art Unraveled consider taking this fun and easy class! You'll fall in love with beeswax and with the freeing process of adding mixed media, scraping, incising, and fusing. (Torches are involved, for those who so choose.)

The wax "dries" instantly yet you can continue to make additions, subtractions, and changes literally forever. If you took my Wabi Sabi class last year, join us again--the addition of wax will inspire you to new heights of creation!

My Show at Comma

2011-05-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Blooming Encaustic/Mixed Media on Wood Panel

I have a solo show coming up next week. I hope those of you who are Portlanders will join me at Comma Spa, Winery and Gallery. In addition to the art work, you'll be able to sample the "Spa Tapas"--15 minutes of spa treatments for 15.00.

"Seasons of the Heart"

Work by Serena Barton

First Thursday Opening: June 2 from 5-9 PM

Comma Spa, Winery, and Gallery

1126 SW Morrison St.

Portland OR

Navigation with Lesley Riley

2011-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00


My Navigation Journal

I'm reaping the benefits of a class I took at Art and Soul in Hampton VA a couple of weeks ago, "Navigation: Charting a Course to Your Soul". Lesley Riley has developed a workshop that is invaluable for understanding more about our art, our goals, and even our lives. Lesley is an experienced artist, the author of several books, and an outstanding art success coach.

Lesley provided the book cover sheet, collage papers, binding materials, and loads of creative support. This included sharing with other students and creating using written and visual prompts.

A really useful exercise was looking at the images of our own and others work that we had brought to the class and then writing about why we responded so much to the images. We then were able to compile information and insight about what characterizes our own work.

What I learned about my own style

A mosaic of images that speak to me--I love it!

A major breakthrough for me was looking at my goals and what is stopping me from pursuing them. One of the promises I made to myself and the class was to go home and mail the book proposal that had been sitting on my desk for almost a year. I'm not usually a procrastinator, but I was sure blocked about this task. Once I could articulate my fears to myself and others, I was ready to take the plunge.

I sent the book proposal to a very well-known publisher in the art/craft field. Imagine the thrill when I received an email from the editor, the day after she received my proposal, telling me how much she liked it! We're still in the process of seeing if the firm will publish the book. Whether it happens or not, I sure learned an important, encouraging lesson. Thank you, Lesley!

I'm Offerng a Brand New Class

2011-05-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Lady Egg Tempera on Panel

I've enjoyed working with egg tempera for some time and I'm pleased to announce this new class:

Egg tempera painting has been used for centuries and it is still makes an exciting and durable medium. Learn how to make the simple and inexpensive paint that Botticelli used for "The Birth of Venus." Using pigment, water, and egg yolk, you'll create rich and luminous colors. The process is fun and easy. You'll use the paint to create a luminous portrait, still life, or abstract. You'll learn how to prepare your support, layer colors, develop lights and shadows, and how to scrape and incise paint for special effects. You'll leave with a wonderful painting and with the knowledge that you can make your own paint any time!

Saturday, June 4, 2011 1-5:30
75.00 Supplies provided.

Incandescent Apple Egg Tempera on Wood Panel

Dancing Onion Egg Tempera on Panel

Messing Around with Art

2011-05-16T01:28:00.000-07:00


Teahouse Encaustic/Oil /Mixed Media on Wood Panel

One of my dear friends came over for a evening of art last night. We always have a great time playing around in the studio following dinner at Ya Hala, a restaurant in my neighborhood. I find that having a good friend over to make art greatly increases my inspiration and productivity.

The above piece is a reworking of a demo I did during one of my classes at Art and Soul. Doing demos is a fun risk, as I never know what is going to emerge. I liked this piece a lot before, but am pleased with the changes I made today. It's done on a piece of wood from a broken up bureau or cabinet. The piece has all kinds of stuff in it including teabags, vintage book scraps, WW II letter scraps, strawlike paper, and handmade paper.

My Friend's What the Heck Painting

My friend and I were both feeling a bit off last night, and she wasn't sure what she wanted to do. She decided to play around with acrylic paint on Masonite. She said she didn't think she was in the mood to produce anything good, so she'd just make a mess. As usual when we give ourselves permission to make something ugly, something good comes out. I think this painting turned out great! I love the movement, color, and free brushwork.


Untitled as Yet Photo Transfer/Encaustic on Wood Panel

I've been returning to my stash of pieces that didn't turn out so well and reworking them. I chose one encaustic piece that was okay but nothing special. I excavated and found that under many layers of wax were some blender pen photo transfers on the bare wood. I painted white around the images, added oil and encaustic colors, and some text done by one of my students. I ended up with this abstract piece that was fun and freeing to make.

Texture Garden Encaustic/Mixed Media on Wood

The above piece was another re-do. This encaustic piece had been done over so many times I have no idea what was underneath. So I decided to make the piece an ode to texture. I found some dried flowers, specialty papers, tissue paper, vintage book pages and raffia-like skinny thingys in my stash and went to town. You can see from the burned bits that I had fun with the torch, water nearby of course just in case.

The moral of this post is: Play, Play, Play!

In the Mail and Around Town

2011-05-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

It's Arrived!

When I was a small child I was fascinated with the idea of getting packages in the mail. This rarely happened as my close relatives lived in town and this was decades before ordering online became possible.

I still remember my excitement when a large package showed up at our suburban door one day. I ran to my mother and begged her to open it. Alas, she told me the package should have been delivered to Mr. Blackwell across the street. He was in something called "business" and thus was known to receive packages occasionally. I was devastated.

Maybe this is why I still get excited to get packages in the mail. Especially if they contain books or art supplies. My most recent package contained elements of both. Stephanie Lee and Judy Wise have a new book, Plaster Studio, put out by North Light Books,that will teach us all about the magic of painting and collage with plaster. I can't wait to get started!

I made this in Stephanie's class

I took a plaster class with Stephanie a few years ago and a class with Judy last year. I've known Judy for years and am continually amazed at her energy and talent. Both women are inspirations to me.

The book contains Judy and Stephanie's work and also showcases pieces by other talented artists. One of these is Linda Womack, encaustic painter extraordinaire. Linda is showing this month at Comma Spa Wine Gallery
(yes, spa services and vinotherapy--what's not to like?)
Check out her new and recent work at this new Portland hot spot.

Wabi-Sabi Wax at Art and Soul Hampton--Pictures Say It All

2011-05-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Not Just Pretty Faces

2011-05-06T10:04:00.001-07:00

After della Francesca

Students With Their Paintings

In addition to glorious apples, the "Forgiving Medium" students painted portraits from copying the work of famous painters--Old Masters, Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, Expressionists, etc.

I was sad when I return from teaching and find that some pictures I was sure I took were not on the camera. My apologies to the students whose work doesn't appear here--I don't know where it went. If you were in the class and don't see your painting, please send me an image of it. Thanks!

Work in progress after Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun

After Coroto

After Sonfonisba Anguissola

After Vigee-Lebrun

Work in progress after Botticelli

Work in progress after Paula Mondersohn-Becker

Work in progress after da Vinci

After a magazine photograph

After Gabrielle Munter

In Progress after Reubens

After Simone Martini

After Manet

After Greco-Egyptian Mummy Painting

After Photograph

In Progress after Manet

In Progress after John Singer Sargent

In Progress after Berthe Morisot

After Raphael