Valorie's collage from "Layers of Memory and Imagination"

Valorie, a student in my online class, "Layers of Memory and Imagination" ( at Creative Workshops) sent me a picture of her new collage creation . Here's what she says about it:

"This one is based on what I learned from lessons 1 and 2. I am really enjoying the videos. This is 8 x 10" board, using acrylic paint, re inkers and glazing medium and Neo color pencils. Thank you! Now I see some things I want to clean up a little bit so I will likely add more but this is the basic piece. I have several more in progress I am eager to play with."

This piece is so atmospheric! I can't help but start to create a narrative in my mind while at the same time I enjoy the mystery. Just lovely, Valorie!

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.

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.

Busy Days Coming Up

Are you sad to see summer ending? I know I am in many ways. I love the more relaxed pace (even though I'm working, I feel more relaxed.) I've had so much fun with my grandson, attending five outdoor Shakespeare plays and the high-toned classic, Men in Black III at the local Academy Theater.

The last few days I've started to feel the excitement of fall and new projects stirring in me. I've finished filming my online encaustic class for Creative Workshops. I'm grateful to Gail for hosting the class and  to Julia Gardner for filming! The go-at-your-own-pace workshop opens on October 22.

Ready to film!

The talented and patient Julia

Here's an intro to the class. You can see more here:

 Now it's time to get ready to teach at Art Is...You in Petaluma! More on that in the next post.

Work from Online Class

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.

January Classes and Giveaway

 

 

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!

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

 

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.

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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!