Photos From Latest Collage Workshop

I'm so pleased to share these lovely collages, which are some of those created at last Sunday's Layers of Memory and Imagination Workshop. I was fortunate to hold this workshop at Scarlet Star Studios in Portland. Creative Advocate Gretchin Lair has a magical studio filled with an amazing array of art supplies and a warm and inspiring atmosphere. Check out the website at http://www.scarletstarstudios.com.

Each participant brought images with special meaning. They created backgrounds and chose additional images to make collages full of meaning and beauty. These bold art makers plunged enthusiastically into collecting images and experimenting with new materials. The day flew by as we were indeed having fun!

I will be giving another workshop at Scarlet Star Studios on April 21, "Not Just a Pretty Face". You'll learn to paint fascinating faces, even if you are new to painting. Really. For more information check out the events listings at Scarlet Star Studios.

Collage Workshop

The Buckman Show and Sell was a great success. We had a large turn out of visitors this year and many wonderful artists! If you missed this year, look for the sale again next spring.

Gretchin Lair of Scarlet Star Studios is sponsoring my collage workshop next Sunday. Join us for a day of inspiration and enjoyment!

To register, contact http://www.scarletstarstudios.com/workshops/layersofmemory/

Layers of Memory & Imagination

Sunday, March 25, 2007
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
$70, which includes all materials
7 max, so RSVP quickly to Scarlet Star Studios!

Collage is a flexible, forgiving & insightful medium. If you're ready to learn more about the art of collage, this exciting & productive workshop is the perfect opportunity! Bring several copies of two images that you love, such as a reproduction of a vintage family portrait or a face from an old master painting. A variety of materials will be available to add to your images. You'll learn collage techniques, how to choose images that express your unique vision, and how to work from your heart. You'll leave with two or more magical collage creations.

Group Shows This Month
I'm participating in three group shows this month and am very excited about all of them! The first is a Portland institution with tons of cool art and craft and activities. Support this lively arts magnet school and come check us out!

The second show listed is in honor of International Women's Day at the exciting 100th Monkey studios.

The third is a group show of eclectic work based on the theme of identity. The Black Sheep are a group of dedicated and interesting artists who met on craigslist to form a collective.

The 17th annual
Buckman Art Show & Sell

A benefit for Buckman Arts Magnet Elementary School

Friday, March 16, 2007, 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Buckman Art Show & Sell features the work of more than 100 Pacific Northwest artists—everything from paintings and sculptures to ceramics, jewelry, fashions, photography and toys—in a festive atmosphere filled with music, food, and fun. A student art gallery showcases the talents of Buckman's young artists, and hands-on kids' art activities keep the little ones busy while their parents shop! Now in its seventeenth year, this vibrant, beloved event benefits the arts programs at Portland's Buckman Arts Magnet Elementary School.

Highlights of this year's show include:

• Gourmet food and drinks by popular Southeast Portland restaurants Navarre and Il Piatto
• Espresso from Floyd's Coffee Shop
• A wide range of musical talents, including performances by jazz artists Ed Bennett and Steve Christofferson, and singer-guitarist Corin Tucker of the famed rock band Sleater-Kinney
• Artist demonstrations
• And much more!

Admission:

Friday: $5 per person
Saturday: $2 per person (free last 2 hours of show)
Free for kids age 4 and under.

March 2007 First Annual Women's Show Co-sponsored by KBOO

Show Dates: 3/2-4/4

Serena Barton
Rebeca Beeman
Kindra Crick
Michelle Freedman
Julia Gardner
Hadley Hutton
Autumn Kern
Joy Leising
Kim Manchester
Molly McDavitt
Mariana Orantes
Darlene Pucillo
Joanna Schwartz
Beth Ann Short


100th Monkey Studios

110 SE 16th Ave

Portland, OR 97214

(503) 232-3457

Closed Mondays

Tuesday - Thursday 10am-7pm

Friday-Sunday 10am-6:00pm



Black Sheep Art Collective Group Show: "Identity"
Opening 23 March 2007
Crux Gallery
55 NE Farragut St., 283-2292.

Student Altered Books

Photos to inspire you! These are from students' altered books made in the Art of Life group.

Register Now for Altered Book Workshop

Artful Alchemy

Spin straw into gold! Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear! You get the idea...

Transform an old boring book into a fascinating work of art! Learn how to prepare your book as well as artistic techniques to make it uniquely your own. We’ll meet from 10-4 on Sunday, March 11 for this mind and book altering workshop. Tuition:90.

Bring an older book with a sewn binding and a brown bag lunch. All other materials are provided,along with morning snacks and beverages. Class size limited to 6.

Email me at info@artofyourlife.com

Unlikely Inspiration cont.

New encaustics: "The Approach" and "Last Resort."

Unlikely Inspiration

Bloom

Attachment Issues

Signs of Aging

Sometimes when we feel like creating, we aren't sure where to look for inspiration. It helps to be open to looking at usual objects in a different way or looking in unlikely places for colors or shapes that attract us. I'm working on a series of 8" square encaustic* paintngs. They are pretty abstract which is new for me. What inspired these paintings were photos in a book on the restoration of paintings. Each problem in restoration was illustrated with closeups of the problem area. I thought these closeups were absolutely beautiful and I wanted to create paintings inspired by these photos of problem areas. I thought encaustic would give me a lot of freedom to explore more abstract shapes. As I worked on the first three paintings, my "psychological mind" kicked in and I started relating the restoration problems to human issues. My paintings look different from the original closeups but the inspiration got me trying something new and exciting.

*encaustic involves painting, in this case on wood, with liquid beeswax. Different colored pigments are added to the melted beeswax and clear beeswax is also used. Each layer of beeswax is fused to the previous one with heat. (I use a heat gun, propane torch, or sealing iron.)