THE START OF SOMETHING KNOWN BUT NOT KNOWN!

In the middle of trying to unpack from my Oregon trip, deal with end of the month matters, doctors' appointments and all the other "stuff" that gets in the way of what I really want to do (paint) I started my next 30" x 30" painting in the self portrait, quilt collage series.  I figured that the necessary things of life will get done somehow and if I waited until I had free time, I would never have time to paint. The deadline to enter the next "Stroke of Genius" book is the last day of the month.  I thought this might qualify, so I am madly trying to finish the painting, photograph it and submit the results!  This is the first step, collaging all the squares onto the paper.  I then collaged tissue paper torn in strips over all the drawings (haven't photographed that yet)  Tomorrow I will draw a full size self portrait in ink on top and then add paint.  All these drawings were done on assorted yellow page ads.  I really like the maps and venue seating plans.  I have enough old phone books, I could probably do a background with just that imagery. This painting will be more subtle than the last one as the background material is muted in tone.  I have a general idea in my mind how the layered elements of these collaged pieces will look when finished but it is impossible to know exactly what will happen......and that is where a lot of the fun is.  It's always a revelation.  Each time I do one of these paintings, it generates more ideas for the next one. Right now I have about 5 ideas percolating in the back of my mind.  I keep a notebook to write things down as these thoughts are often fleeting.

SLIDE SHOW FROM PORTLAND WORKSHOP OREGON SOCIETY OF ART

Here is the result of 3 days of hard work by the wonderful group in Portland! Move the computer mouse over the image to see the artist's name. If I have misspelled anyone's name, let me know and I can change it on the slide show very easily. You can also stop the slide show to study any of the paintings by clicking on the middle circle on the lower left of the slide show that has the two parallel lines. We had a lot of fun and I am excited to be asked to return in January to present the "Variations" workshop. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

DEMO PAINTING FROM OREGON WORKSHOP!

I had a few days at home and then I was off to Portland, Oregon last Monday to do a three day workshop for OSA.  I was able to spend Monday and Tuesday with my long time friend before the class began.  She took me to Powell's Bookstore...I think I could live there!  If you are ever in Portland, Powell's is a MUST!  I controlled myself and only purchased 3 books. (mostly because I had to carry them all afternoon)  They have the used books and the new books all on the same shelves.  Rows and Rows and Rows of books on art.  Rooms and rooms and rooms of books on every subject in the world.   We walked around the Pearl District looking for galleries.  Many had closed but we saw lots of interesting art.   Portland was looking especially lush this week with all the flowering trees in bloom.  Lots of forested areas in and around the city.

The workshop was wonderful.  Everyone worked hard and there was a wide range of experience in the group.  I will post a slide show tomorrow after I get all the photos labeled and adjusted.  In the meantime you can pop over to Carrie Holst' blog and get her perspective on the class.  This is my demo piece.  Good old Morris is painted one more time.  I just love his face, hat and beard.  I showed texturing gesso with stamps.  You can see the effect in the detail photo.  This painting came together very, very quickly. Sometimes the gods are with us!

  

SLIDE SHOW OF KANUGA!

After a few days of recovering from my week at Kanuga, I am off again to Portland for the week.  I am giving a 3 day workshop for the Oregon Art Society on Wednesday through Friday.  It's filled!!  I finally have a slide show of the beautiful grounds of Kanuga in the gorgeous North Carolina mountains.  Tomorrow I will try to make a slide show of the art work created in Mary Alice Braukman's workshop.  Enjoy!!!

FIRST PIECE FINISHED!

I rephotographed the finished painting and this is as good an adjustment as I can get.  It actually is a much more muted painting.  It was lots of fun to create.  Today I managed to insert the box into the gallery frame canvas.  For a first try it came out very well.  I LOVE this technique.  Can't wait to go home and try it again.  I have a few more things to do to it before I photograph it.  I am thinking I will make a little video showing the process.  Stay tuned!

Tonight we had a chance to go around to all of the different classrooms (they are spread out all over the place so lots of walking)  and see what everyone is working on.  What fun!!!!  I know a few new people I want to take a workshop from...PLUS...I saw a fabulous way to distort and drawing.  Cant wait to try it!  All in all, a very exciting day.

TEXTURAL PAINTING STEP #1

This is the painting that I started on illustration board.  After applying all sorts of mediums and grounds,  letting it dry, I added color.  Photographing the painting in full sun was a mistake.  I cannot color correct the photograph to come very close to what it actually looks like.  I added collage elements after this step and photographed it but I will show that tomorrow after I retake the photograph in better lighting conditions.

Tonight there were 5 demonstrations going at the same time!  I was able to see how Sue Tregay puts together her fabulous new series of "free range children".  She has a layered process using exciting color and engaging drawing for a very entertaining result.  You can find a link to her blog on the side of mine. Check it out! 

Mike Bailey also did a very engaging demo.  Besides being a consumate painter and educator, he is very entertaining!  Mike is giving a workshop here this week at Kanuga.  

I was also able to watch Carrie Burns Brown share some collage ideas.  I love her video and it was wonderful to get to meet her in person.

Tomorrow I am going to learn how to make an insert into a stretched gallery canvas !!! Exciting times.

KANUGA!

I'm spending the week in Hendersonville, North Carolina at the fabulous art retreat called Kanuga.  The grounds are fabulous, woodsy yet elegant.  There are eleven different workshops taking place at the same time.  All the instructors are significant names in the watercolor world.  I am taking Mary Alice Braukman's texture and mixed media workshop.  Here are a few photo's from the first day....look at all the STUFF!  We painted tissue this morning along with some other interesting processes.  The information came fast and furious and the day zipped by!    I took some photos early this morning of the grounds.  I will try to find a few minutes and make a slide show in the next couple of days.  They are keeping us pretty busy here at "art camp".  No internet connection except in the lobby.  I will attempt to share each day with all of you.

The Kanuga workshop week is already planned for next year.  Check out their website if you are interested.  It is a special experience to be in this kind of setting, sharing art energy with over 250 people!