Woo-hoo!

 

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

 

 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!

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

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

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

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

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