Ros Stallcup Seminar Update

Our seminar with Ros is nearly full but there are sill a few seats for Sun, Mon, Tue, and Sat.

Register Now!

A Few Artful Notes

These weeks seem to fly by and there is so much that I want to paint, see, teach, learn.....

Tomorrow is our CADANC chapter meeting at the studio and Cathy Cox is teaching a watercolor elephant. I'm looking forward to learning more about watercolors with Cathy.  You are welcome to visit our meeting any month and always welcome to join the chapter.

New Classes:  There are so many subjects and techniques that we want to explore and our July classes promise to be inspiring.  Since the 4th of July fall on a Wed this year, we have planned a special workshop for the 6th of July. I have a wonderful packet from Kathie George, Outside Cat, that several of us have wanted to paint. In it Kathie uses fascinating techniques with more texture products. When I get the painting done I'll post a photo. Also in July the morning class on Wed wants to paint my Quilts on the Line design.  I had designed this piece for a quilter friend who requested her favorite quilts. Students will have the opportunity to add their own favorites.  On Wed evenings we will start the first of Dorothy Dent's Seasons Minis. We'll paint on small canvases and begin with the colorful Autumn design. Love this whole series.
Our Cary painters are in the process of designing an orchid design to complement Willow Wolf's Orchids. What fun.  Their next adventure will be my Under the Maple, that was published in Issue 1 of the Decorative Painter this year. It was such an exciting design for me to explore.
We have lots of other exciting ideas so keep checking back.

Workshops:  July and Aug workshops are posted and we're looking forward to some exciting artwork.  You'll find information on the Outside Cat and our Summers End ArtFling.  Registration is open so plan to join Gail Schmidt and me for some excellent art fun and laughter.

Seminars:  We have a few seats left in our seminar with Ros Stallcup in July. The Winter Lake on Thurs and the Garden Gate on Fri are full, but the other days have 2 seats or more available. If you are able to join us register soon so that you don't miss your seat and you have time to prep. I still have some of the surfaces for some of the projects. If you need a wood or metal surface, order by next week to make sure one is available for you.

Students:  I hope you've been keeping up with the student's paintings that I been posting. They have done such excellent work in our classes

Trees: What do we really see?

It's rained enough around our area for lush foliage to develop on our trees. The street behind the studio is an excellent example of a lovely variety of trees.

As we paint our landscapes with trees it's important to understand how the foliage is shaped and shaded to create volume and interest.

Each species of tree has it's own shape, density, and height.  Knowing this about any specific tree will help in creating your painted vision.  In the large tree above notice the height of the tree as compared to the cars. The trunk is straight and large enough to support the branches and leaves above it.  Next notice that the leaves are clustered along branches that you may not be able to see. The leaves do not create a solid shape but have shadows and lights according to the limb to which they are attached. Next, we are able to see some of the branches through the leaves (see photo below), which helps our eye, and therefore brain, to realize that the tree has some leaves on the near side of the tree, some inside, and on the far side of the tree creating volume.  As we paint this tree's foliage we need to visualize and create with our brush the clustered leaves along each branch, the lights and darks that create volume and depth. Your tree will begin to emerge. You will either have started with the trunk or add it as you develop your tree.  After your leaves are painted you will then add some inside branches to create depth.  Then possible add lights and darks along the trunk, depending on your light source.

The barks of trees have different textures as do these trees outside the studio. 

 And we have a variety of textures in the foliage.

 As you are outside start really looking at the trees around you. Actually see the shape, volume, values, and textures as you study the trees.  Notice color variations and how the trees layer with each other.  Photos make great references. Start a photo reference library if you don't already have one.

While you are looking, start "seeing".

This is the beginning or our "See while you are looking" tutorials.
Enjoy,
Liz

Let me know if you found this tutorial helpful. Leave a comment.

DecoArt Helping Artist Web Site

DecoArt has a new helping artist web site where you can find information on all their helping artists including seminars that they are teaching around the country.  You'll also find terrific projects designed by helping artists for DecoArt.
Be sure to check out the site and look for me.

A Barb Watts Original

Beautiful painting by our own Barb. She painted this from 2 photos that were sent to her by her family.

Summers End ArtFling

Photos are posted, classes are scheduled, registration is open, and Gail and I are excited to bring you a weekend of creative fun in August at our Summers End ArtFling.

You can read all the thrilling details about our Handmade Art Journal/Memory book with Gail, and Butterfly Greetings and Sunning Turtles with me by following the links above. So save the weekend and plan to join us for art and laughter.

Visit Gail at Shabby Cottage Studio to view her beautiful artwork.

Summer Class Schedule

We have our classes planned to begin summer 2012 and invite you to join us.

Next week in Raleigh we have open classes in the morning and evening so that you can finish that painting you haven't completed or begin a new painting with which you would appreciate my assistance.  Let me know if you plan to join us.

Liz's Quilts

The end of May and the beginning of June start new paintings. You'll find birds, scenics, and several of my designs including Under the Maple from issue 1 of the Decorative Painter. We play with texture, stencils, and more of the acrylic inks. Hope that sound like fun and you'll want to explore your creativity with us.

Under the Maple

Be sure to check out the fun 3 hr workshops, Simply Art. Please register at least one week prior to class so that I have supplies available for you. I'll add more workshops soon.

Our seminar with Ros is filling and promised to be the best yet. Thurs and Fri are full and several of the other days are very nearly full. If you haven't registered yet do it soon.

Have you seen our Summers End ArtFling information. We're going to have such fun in August. These classes are appropriate for all levels  and types of experience. Come join the fun.

Summers End ArtFling

Save the dates!

More Information.  We'll have registration and more photos soon.

I've finished my painting of the wetland turtles. This project has not been taught anywhere else (especially since I just finished it) and I'm saving it for you to paint with me in August. My husband and I took a trip earlier this spring to the wetland area of NC and I love the beauty of this location. I decided that I wanted to share it with you. The sunning turtles were at the Asheboro zoo and just too comical. I had to paint them and thought they made a nice complement to the wetlands.  Hope you like it. 

You've been saying that you wished you could come paint with me and here is your chance to join not just me but Gail Schmidt, of Shabby Cottage Studio and Creative Workshops ,a wonderful mixed media artist and my best friend. Gail is excellent with design and experimentation with terrific outcome. She inspires me at all times. 

We'll have 3 whole days of mixed media, painting, and laughter.  Gail will inspire you with her paper painting and mixed media techniques as you create a awesome personal journal.  In addition to the Sunning Turtles I'll guide you through crafting the Butterfly Greeting cards using Gail's terrific digitally designed papers, acrylic painted butterflies, and a good dose of creativity.

Save the dates and plan to register soon. I should have the registration information up by next week. Yeah!

Easiest Linework Ever!

FW Acrylic Inks by Daler-Rowney

Acrylic Inks:
 The easiest line work ever! That's right. I've had a bottle of FW (Daler-Rowney) acrylic ink for quite a few years but had not used it very much. Recently, I painted a design by Willow Wolf where she used the acrylic inks and I was once again reminded how wonderful they are.  Before I started the painting I started to research the inks and walked into Jerry's Artarama where an artist was demonstrating them.  ?? Coincidence? She uses the inks rather than watercolors. Fascinating... Of course I had to purchase a set...  And they are as fun as they appeared.
Back to the line work... These inks are just the right consistency for excellent line work. One brush load goes for ever. (Just goes to show that when we say paint should be "inky" consistency for line work, we were absolutely right.) I used the Antelope Brown.
Inst:  Shake well. With the applicator in the bottle place just a little on your palette and from this, draw out your liner brush load.  Remember the secrets to good brush work are: 1) hold your brush perpendicular to the surface and 2)paint with your arm not your fingers.  (#3 was to make sure your paint is an inky consistency.)
Remember that these inks are acrylic and therefore water based. The good news is that you can easily correct a line with just a damp brush. The bad news is that you can easily remove paints with a damp brush. After you complete your design work with the inks be sure to set the design with a spray sealer if you plan to paint over it or varnish.
Hope you checkout this product. Notice all the wonderful colors including Pearlescents.
Liz 

A Little Digital Art

Some photos just call for a little digital embellishment. My cats are always photo ready.  What fun.

Upcoming Classes with Liz

I've finished the Holly Hanley Postcards From Paris painting. We'll paint this design starting next week in our Wed evening class, May 15 on Tue evening in Cary, and on May 16th in a one day class on Wed day.  Plan to join us.

Web Art Surfing

I just been out to Susan Crouch's web site to see her latest, gorgeous watercolors. Susan is a wonderful North Carolina artist living near Statesville.  I've had the good fortune to paint with her in a workshop. She is also an excellent teacher.
You can visit her web site for a look at her beautiful paintings filled with such light and life.

More New Photos on our Student's Page

Students have been finishing up their Shara Reiner designed Angel Boxes from issue 1 of the Decorative Painter and have brought them in for photos. Excellent painting y'all.

More photos...

I have posted quite a few of our student's paintings recently so be sure to check out the student's page.

Ros Stallcup Seminar Update

May 1 update:  We have a couple more seats left on Sun and Wed. If you are interested in those days, register now. Please check with Liz for seat availability.

There are more seats left in the other days but are filling quickly. 

Register now!
  more information

May is Older Americans Month

a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities.

As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults—many of whom remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.

Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots.

Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation for some of our most beloved citizens. We have many reasons to celebrate them!

Artful Endeavors is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with classes to promote intergenerational engagement and recreation. We invite you to join in the fun!

All Simply Art classes for those 65 and above are just $5 for the month of May.

Join us for our art class where you complete a painting in 3 hrs. This is a fun family and friend event. No prior painting experience is needed.  All supplies are included.  Registration is required at least 1 week in advance.

Projects and schedule are shown on our web site.