Big Week....

Had a great surprise last week with an article written about me in the Northern Express... Thanks Al Parker! You can read it HERE.
And then I spent 3 days at Interlochen, learning plein air painting with Mark Mehaffey

This is one of my attempts.... (pardon the glare... tough to photograph) Mark gave great instruction on simplifying what's in front of you. (Which is easier said than done) A real challenge with all the activity around the Interlochen campus. 

I also need to give kudos to the Interlochen program... so accommodating. Beautiful campus, and so inspiring to paint to all the snippets of music being played around you all day. Creativity permeates and pulsates throughout the grounds. Highly recommend.

Classes

2015
June 11- Driven to Abstraction
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort MI -10-4
Are you ready to push past reality with your painting? Are you ready see how far you can go? Using your own photographs and medium of your choice, you’ll learn a variety of ways to apply abstraction to create new and exciting paintings and expand your portfolio of techniques — not to mention, have a blast in the process!

June 16 - Acrylic 101
Old Art Building, Leland, MI -10-2
Come and learn how to paint with this most versatile of mediums… all supplies included! From watercolor to impasto, acrylic can do it all. The first half of class is devoted to experimenting with different thicknesses of paint moving from very watery to thick applications. We’ll be adding in watercolor pencils and oil pastel, and using different supports. You’ll have a hands-on lesson, experimenting and playing with many techniques. The last part of class is devoted to completing a small painting using some of the things you learned. I’ll bring all the supplies… you just bring your can-do attitudes! We’re gonna have a lot of fun! Come and learn the versatility of acrylic paint, from watercolor methods to thick applications… All supplies included, just wear your paint clothes!

June 17 - Collage 101
Old Art Building, Leland, MI -10-4
Have you admired collage pieces and wondered how go about it yourself?  If so then Collage 101 is for you! Collage is not only an interesting art form in itself, but it’s also a valuable exercise for painters to experiment with. In this class, we’ll be painting our own collage papers, using magazine imagery, learning how to glue things down flat, and how to glue down wrinkled paper for texture. You can choose to create complete abstractions or more realistic imagery.  All levels are welcome.

June 30 - Acrylic 101
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort, MI -9:30-1:30
Come and learn how to paint with this most versatile of mediums… all supplies included! From watercolor to impasto, acrylic can do it all. The first half of class is devoted to experimenting with different thicknesses of paint moving from very watery to thick applications. We’ll be adding in watercolor pencils and oil pastel, and using different supports. You’ll have a hands-on lesson, experimenting and playing with many techniques. The last part of class is devoted to completing a small painting using some of the things you learned. I’ll bring all the supplies… you just bring your can-do attitudes! We’re gonna have a lot of fun! Come and learn the versatility of acrylic paint, from watercolor methods to thick applications… All supplies included, just wear your paint clothes!

July 22 - Acrylic Adventure
Old Art Building, Leland, MI -10-4
This full day workshop will take you from inspiration, to design to roughing in, to refining and finally to the completion (or close to it) of an acrylic painting. It’s the perfect class to take after Acrylic 101. (But taking Acrylic 101 first isn’t necessary!) I will give you a process to follow to complete your very own masterpiece. You can use your own photo reference or use one of mine as a starting point. Be prepared to be stretched and encouraged. All levels welcome!

July 31 - Collage 101
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort, MI 10-4
Have you admired collage pieces and wondered how go about it yourself?  If so then Collage 101 is for you! Collage is not only an interesting art form in itself, but it’s also a valuable exercise for painters to experiment with. In this class, we’ll be painting our own collage papers, using magazine imagery, learning how to glue things down flat, and how to glue down wrinkled paper for texture. You can choose to create complete abstractions or more realistic imagery.  All levels are welcome.

August 24 - Gouache Ink Resist (pronounced gwash)
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort, MI 10-4
Join me for a day of fun and surprises! In a full day workshop, learn how to do this highly addictive technique.Start with a simple drawing on watercolor paper, and end up with a painting that resembles a wood block or linoleum print. The results are somewhat unpredictable. (And that’s the fun of it!) You’ll leave class with new skills and a painting to frame. All the supplies are provided; just bring a bag lunch and your thirst for knowledge. All levels of experience are welcome.

September 10 - Abstract Painting
Old Art Building, 10-2
Let’s jump into the realm of abstract painting. This class will be a lot of fun with “no risk and lots of reward” painting methods. We’ll use patterning and repetition of a motif to create expressive works of art. I’ll guide you through the process and we’ll slap, daub and dab away the afternoon. I’ll be using acrylic, but any medium is welcome!Composition, value, color and shape will be discussed as we bring our paintings toward conclusion.

September 15 - Driven to Abstraction
Old Art Building, 10-4
Are you ready to push past reality with your painting? Are you ready see how far you can go? Using your own photographs and medium of your choice, you’ll learn a variety of ways to apply abstraction to create new and exciting paintings and expand your portfolio of techniques — not to mention, have a blast in the process!

simply and deliberately

6x6 warm-up ; Acrylic on paper
I'm back painting... and I'm a bit rusty. (I taught a 3-day workshop in Aberdeen NC last week...Fun!) I seem to be less decisive after I've had a break from working. ...and I just push the paint around and fiddle more. I just made myself a big sign...

SAY IT SIMPLY AND DELIBERATELY. 

Yup... I'm shouting at myself. There is no room for wishy washy in the studio.

hair-do ladies

"Red" 12x12 Acrylic and collage on panel
It's all about the hair.
I've been having the best time creating these portraits. Acrylic painted faces and collaged hair and brows using the paper I made with the Gelli Plate. Reproductions of them will soon be in a hair salon! Perfect, right?
Actually the series came about from a conversation with a friend of mine that owns a salon... he was looking for artwork after a re-model and had seen this older painting-
"Is My Hair too Blue?" acrylic and collage on paper (sold)

We decided that a series of "hair-do ladies" would be fun salon art... Can't wait to see it placed!

bursting

"Bursting" 12x12 Acrylic on Watercolor paper
This painting is a result of a process that I call... "Make a mess and then cover it up." I start with a mess of reds, and then negative paint (paint the background) with various whites.  I love the smudgy bits that show up in the white areas... mysterious!

cardinals... bright red?.... or not.

waiting for "red fox color" ink 
Had an interesting discussion over at my Facebook Page, when I claimed that the red cardinals would be too much after the fox was printed in his correct red fox color. I had quite a few "But I love the red cardinals" comments...

This was my response....

"I'll have to wait to see. When I start a project, whether it's paint or print or collage... I try to decide my "intent" before I start. That way I have a focus... This print is about the fox. I have to be careful not to fall in love with any parts that end up good, but don't support my "why"...My concern is that the cardinals would call attention away from the star of this particular show. I won't know for sure until I see it with the right fox color... You two have made me decide on my next linoleum project though... and it will be about Cardinals! I love them too!!! Thanks so much for your input... Seriously, I appreciate it!... because sometimes I get too much in my own head, and lose perspective."

Since I posted that comment... I've decided to do a few prints with a Grey Fox and the bright red cardinals...

Because I can. 

the one that got away

"Stellar" photo of a fox just outside the studio window on left....and the preliminary sketches on the right.
I was so excited to see this visitor outside the studio window... Just grabbed my phone, snapped this shot (whaaaaah) and now I'm trying to make a linoleum print of him... or her. How can I fail with such terrific reference shots?

There have been two foxes hanging around lately... hopefully I'll get another chance.


first try



Here is my first go at the linoleum block. It looks more like my dog Major than a fox. :)
Working on rendition number two now.

whirling dervish

3 at a time.... 
Paint has been flying... and I've been prepping for a couple of classes this week. More Acrylic Fun... (oh yes... way more fun) and Mono printing with the Gelli Plate. Both will be in Leland at the Old Art Building.

This new work is having a mind of it's own.... sort of. The one on the wall is the most complete...Working title is "Wind Dance"... it's been giving me fits actually.... stating then obscuring... there is a lot of action on that canvas.

fun raiser

"Fun Raiser" 12x12 acrylic on acrylic paper
Last night was Oliver Art Center's Fun-Raiser. I painted live and donated the painting to the silent auction. I tend to say YES before I realize what I've gotten myself into. Let's just say it's a bit intimidating to be painting in front of a large group...and let's just add on the auction sheet sitting next to you... luckily I didn't have to wait too too long before there was some bidding. Aaaack! I worked on two paintings at a time, and the winner get's to pick their favorite after there are a couple of finishing touches, varnished and framed. This one is the first one dry....I'll post the other one tomorrow, and let you know which one they picked.

here kitty kitty

"Here Kitty Kitty"  12x12  Acrylic and oil bar on Canvas Panel
I don't have a cat. I have never had a cat. But I do really like cats. How long do you think this bouquet will tempt him before he needs to swat it?
Add caption
Woke up this morning and decided that the kitty paws could use a bit of a shadow...and added a couple of dotty stuff on the far left to repeat the white dotty stuff... Hardly EVER go back once it's signed, but couldn't leave it be.

bouquet on dots

Bouquet on Dots ~12x12~ acrylic on canvas panel
I'll be painting bouquets for the next week. Practicing for a live painting event at the Oliver Art Center in Frankfort, MI next Friday night. I used a limited palette.... Quinacridone Crimson, Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, Thalo Turquoise and white. (Mary Todd Beam's favorite palette)
I like painting these...Does it show? :-)