Ames Art Walk 2009 Sneak Peak

May was a very busy month with special events and special visitors, so I've been away from this blog. Thanks to those who keep checking on me.

Tonight I will join my Tuesday night painting group, Artists of the Heart, to set up our exhibit at Chocolaterie Stam in Ames, Iowa. The annual Art Walk will be held in the downtown shopping district on Friday, June 5th from 5-8 p.m. This is a great venue to hold an open house because the atmosphere is cozy and the treats can't be beat... gelato and European chocolate. ~swoon~

Earlier this week I took paintings to the Swinging Bridge Studio in Story City. The annual Scandinavian Days festival is being held all weekend in Story City. I plan on spending some time at the studio and meeting fellow art-lovers.

The above image is cropped from my mixed media painting "Remember". I'm showing it at Stam. You can read more about it here.

I just finished reading "A Three Dog Life, A Memoir" by Abigail Thomas. Memory is a major theme in this book. Abigail's husband suffered a major brain injury when he was struck by a car one evening while out walking the dog. His skull was crushed and part of his brain was destroyed. He lost his short term memory. You would think this was a depressing read. Yes, there were aspects that were extremely sad, but Abigail does not wallow in sorrow. She is a woman of courage, loyalty and strength. The book stimulated a lot of thought for me.
I thought of the journey my Mom took with Dad as he was taken away gradually by Alzheimer's Disease. I wonder what lies in the future for my family. Where will AD show up again?
I am so grateful for the hope I find in Scripture. When fears nip at my heals, I remember Who will never forget me and find my comfort in Him.

New at Swinging Bridge Studio AEDM2008

Friday afternoon I took several jewelry items and fantasy icicles to Swinging Bridge Studio. I found a nice lighted tree at Target that I used to display the icicles, and angel and crystal pendant necklaces. The photo really doesn't do justice to how cute it turned out. The silver chains sparkle like tinsel on the tree.

You can see my paintings in the background. I'm so happy the studio has given me a wonderful spot close to the front. If you live in or are traveling thru central Iowa, stop in Story City. It's right on I-35.

I've added a couple items to my Etsy store.

Home Improvements Disrupt Artist

If you have wondered why I haven't been posting as frequently, this picture is a clue as to why. Our 24 year old house needs new siding and windows! Hubby (such a happy guy) has been doing most of the work, and I do what I can. (I am a skilled clean-up artist, stray nail gatherer, and 3rd hand.) So far he has stripped the old siding and wrapped the house in Tyvek. We replaced window number 4 out of 7 tonight. Between rainy weather and work, it's been a challenge to stay on schedule.
This is our dining room, but it functions as my art studio. I had hoped to complete my latest painting/collage before we got to this point, but it's still in pieces on my drafting table (the corner of which is shown in the lower left corner of photo). Argh! The rest of the week is supposed to be rainy, so maybe I can get it done before the Art Walk in Ames this Friday, June 6th.

The Octagon Art Center organizes the Art Walk the 1st Friday of June each year. The merchants of downtown Ames host artists in their businesses from 5 - 9. The public is invited to view art, enjoy live music and refreshments. I will be exhibiting with my painting group, Artists of the Heart, at Chocolaterie Stam, a haven of European confections. Friday night is also the opening reception for the bi-annual Community of Artist exhibit where I will have a colored pencil work on display through July 27th at the Octagon Center in Ames.

As if this wasn't enough, I just learned that there will be an open house in Story City at Swinging Bridge Studio where I have paintings, jewelry and painted hand bags for sale. This is also being held on Friday evening from 5-7 to coincide with Story City's annual Scandinavian Days festival.

If you live in the area, check out these fun events. Maybe I'll see you at one of them.

(By the way - I found the fun smiley clip art at designstop.com.)

Watercolor Class Preparations

I've been working on making a supply list for the beginners' watercolor class that I'm scheduled to teach at Swinging Bridge Studio beginning April 15th. Follow the link for details on signing up.
The biggest challenge has been to narrow the choices of supplies. Who wants to spend a small fortune to start? I've been reviewing triad color schemes in order to recommend the least amount of paint to get started. That's been fun.
Here's a shot of my palette and some of the supplies that made my list.
Do you have any favorite supplies that you recommend for beginners?

Limited Palette Watercolor Landscape Study

A fun challenge with watercolor is to do a painting using only THREE paint colors. Tonight I did a quick study with a triad of earth colors: Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna & Indigo. They make an earthy version of the classic yellow, red, blue triad.

I only used a 3/4 inch flat brush to paint this 6 x 9 inch landscape. It was done quickly & intuitively. The final touch was to scratch lines into the foreground with the pointed end of the brush handle while the paper was still quite damp.

I have been inspired to play with triads by Dory Kanter and Nita Leland. I love their books.

I am teaching another watercolor class at the Swinging Bridge Studio . Check out the link for information on signing up. We will meet on April 15th & 22nd with the option of further sessions. Working with a limited color palette will be included in the class.

Thanks for stopping by.

Watercolor Workshop Recap

I really enjoyed the women who participated in the workshop I led on Saturday at Swinging Bridge Studio. They were good sports about all the information I shared and I kept them busy all afternoon. Dear Hubby came to help me set up and stayed all afternoon - which I had not expected. He was an excellent assistant and he took the workshop pictures I'm posting today.

I still need to finish typing my workshop info sheets to get to the studio. Yesterday was a wash for me, because I picked up some bug that left me without energy, a sore throat & no voice. I'm feeling a little better today, but the voice is still mostly gone.

Watercolor Painting Workshop - Valentine Cards

I will be teaching a watercolor technique workshop on Feb. 2nd at the Swinging Bridge Studio in Story City.

I love to take a sheet of watercolor paper and fill it with color and texture. It can be used as a background for collage/assemblage or torn up as focal pieces on a greeting card. The finished paper can also be scanned or photocopied. When scanned, further manipulation of the design is possible in a program like Photoshop Elements.

Here are just a couple examples of what can be done.

The Business of Art

I came home exhausted tonight close to 9 pm. After a cat nap I've been back at the business of art which is how I spent much of my day.

After labeling and writing an inventory list, I delivered painted totes, fantasy beaded icicles, and more jewelry (one item pictured above) to Swinging Bridge Studio in Story City. They worked on making a really nice display while I was still there. Sorry, no photo! If the weatherman is REALLY wrong, I will go back tomorrow and take pictures. We are supposed to get really nasty winter weather tomorrow.

After my regular pool exercise session, it was time to teach beginning knitting at Prairie Fibers Company. I was really excited about this opportunity. Many years ago I managed a needlework shop where I taught many skills. Knitting was among my favorites. To oversimplify - you are taking 2 sticks and string to make fabric. Wow! 3 years ago I introduced some of my nieces to knitting. I loved seeing them "get" it. So I was looking forward to helping my students get the same satisfaction. My students are a mother and her young daughter, both determined and both left being able to knit. I'm proud of both of them and looking forward to getting together for our next lesson.

I have 2 new listings on Etsy tonight. I hope you will check them out.

Swinging Bridge Studio & Other News

I was recently asked to submit art to a new studio/gallery located in Story City, Iowa. Swinging Bridge Studio's name is inspired by a local landmark in the city park. I took this opportunity to update my artist statement. It is SO hard to describe my work in a few words since I'm involved with many media.

I took some jewelry pieces. Pictured is a necklace composed of jade, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crytals, and Czech glass leaves.

I also took some paintings. Leaf Trio is an example of what can happen when I play with watercolors and one of my favorite subjects.

Tonight I took several shots of some jewelry pieces I plan to post on Etsy in the next few days. I think it's important to write detailed descriptions, so it takes some time to get listings posted.

Finally, this Friday I start teaching knitting at Prairie Fibers Co. There are still opennings, so contact me if you are in the area and want to sign up.