Tearing it Up.

While Hurricane Joaquin was threatening to tear us up in Virginia Beach, students in my "Tear it Up" class at Art and Soul Retreat, tore it up creatively. The class is designed to be fun and freeing and to help participants see possibilites. A lot of these pieces use magazine, book, and collage images to suggest wild, imaginary flowers in these whimsical collages.

I don't think I got pictures of all of them, but here are some to get you smiling.

Styles ranged from the blissfullly serene (above) to the delightfully surreal (below.)

Thank you, students for such an enjoyable day!  To see work from my oil and cold wax class, visit my other blog," Wabi-Sabi Inspiration: Cold Wax & More."

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.

New Class June 2

 I'm offering a new class at my studio in a couple of weeks--come join us for waxy collage fun! Mention that you saw the class on my blog and get 10.00 off tuition!

Waxy Memories

Saturday, June 2, 2012 1-5 PM
80. Supplies included! Optional: Bring toner (Kinko's type) copies of vintage photos or favorite paintings.

You'll combine copies of vintage photos or old master paintings, vintage papers, art paper, and beeswax to create mysterious and evocative collages in beeswax. You will come away from this class with two gorgeous collages and all the tools you need to keep creating collages incorporating your memories and your imagination. Register here.

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.