Wabi-Sabi Wax at Art and Soul in March

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!

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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!

 

My first online class debuts in January!

 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"!