<![CDATA[CEDAR LANE STUDIO

<![CDATA[CEDAR LANE STUDIO - Blog]]>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:55:23 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[Meadow studies]]>Fri, 10 Mar 2017 15:03:35 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/meadow-studiesFor the last couple of weeks we have left winter behind in the studio classes to explore flowery meadows using a loose and energetic approach. We worked on 140 lb watercolour paper, 11 x 15, using acrylics. To encourage this approach students were given a 1/4" wide bristle brush to layout their painting, having first toned the paper with an orange acrylic wash. Using energetic scrubbing strokes, layers were built up from darks to lights. I worked alongside students and had a lot of fun exploring these image studies. Resources were gathered from Pinterest for educational purposes only.

]]><![CDATA[Our black canvas paintings]]>Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:55:46 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/our-black-canvas-paintings

Winter flu kept folks away, but our small but mighty group managed to pull off some very nice paintings. Painting on black is very relaxing, and full of little surprises as you see your image emerge from the dark background.

]]><![CDATA[Let's beat the winter blahs!]]>Wed, 08 Feb 2017 14:19:53 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/lets-beat-the-winter-blahs

'King of the Castle' is a little painting, acrylic on masonite, 7x10. The cool thing about this piece is the process - painted on a black surface, leaving the black underpainting to define the drawing. For the artist, it is a fascinating to build the painting. The below paintings were accomplished using the same technique.

Trout Lily, 5x7, unframed, collection the artist.

Val des Monts Stream. 18x15 framed (using our own cedar), $150.00

This week at Cedar Lane students will explore this process using a subject of their choice. I will have a variety of animal resources (wonderful to paint wolves in this manner, for example). Wednesdays from 7-9:30, $20, all supplies included. Contact me for more information.

]]><![CDATA[Year of the Rooster]]>Wed, 08 Feb 2017 14:07:29 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/year-of-the-rooster

We've had a lot of fun this week in all classes honouring the Year of the Rooster. I guided a fun approach by creating a funky background first, engaging the creative spirit in a fun, loose process. Students worked on a variety of sizes, and could choose watercolour paper (140 lb) or canvas. I got to do one too - upper right corner:) Also, our two Chinese students took the opportunity to explore a more traditional style.

The kids enjoyed using unusual tools to create their paintings, including credit cards and plastic forks. Their colourful interpretations spell fun and personality!

]]><![CDATA[Winter classes starting up 2017]]>Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:17:25 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/winter-classes-starting-up-2017

Classes have started again at Cedar Lane Studio. We eased into painting with a mixed media piece on 140 lb wc paper. A thoughtful drawing in charcoal, fixed with unscented hair spray, coated with gloss medium, and glazed in layers. Very relaxing (I get to paint too!). The theme was inspired by seeing all the lovely winter trees. Just want to hug them. This one is an elm.

Last term we did a huge variety of projects and approaches. The 'open windows' project was one of my favourites. This was a 2 week venture, and the results were stunning. I supply the initial vision and advice, students supply the talent and personalize the vision. The inset painting is by Cindy Tor. I want to go!!

In Wednesday evening's class (7:00 to 9:30) we will also explore a winter theme. Only $20, supplies included. For more information, please visit the Art Classes page.

]]><![CDATA[Fall 2016 - Painting Fall Scenes]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2016 12:07:21 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/fall-2016-painting-fall-scenes

I am always looking for new approaches in painting fall scenes, and Pinterest is a great place to start. I found work by Graham Gercken, an award-winning Australian artist who provides a clear process to paint a beautiful painting, and learn a little more about atmospheric perspective too.

Using his work as an example, we have had a lot of fun creating our own forest scenes. To check out Graham's work, click the pic to the right.

Directly below are two pieces are student work at the beginning stages. They have created a lovely atmospheric backdrop for their fall colours using a limited palette of cool and warm grays. Below those are one I did, and one by a young student (13).

Maddie Roddick enjoyed creating this scene in the Saturday morning children's class. Students just imagined their forest, without photos!

I enjoyed creating this scene alongside the class.

This week at Cedar Lane Studio

This week students will have the opportunity to complete their project from above, and/or start a new one. I have always enjoyed exploring the beautiful colours of our Canadian fall using palette knife. We will also take a quick review of 2 point perspective to correctly render any buildings we might place in our paintings.

At right is an 8x10 palette knife painting (acrylic) I created on a wooden canvas. The trees were taped out to reveal the wood on completion.

Finally, below are the sky paintings completed in our first adult session. We were aiming for movement and textured brush work. Click to see larger view.

]]><![CDATA[Figurative abstract]]>Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:39:44 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/figurative-abstractI am excited - I just joined OMMA (Ottawa Mixed Media Artists). This summer I am going to once again concentrate on figurative and landscape abstract painting, and I intend to apply to their shows. While it is a real challenge for me to let go of drawing what I see, and not to preplan my work, letting go and letting the process take me along feels like a great ride! Here are a couple of little paintings created today.

off shoulder

pearly duet

]]><![CDATA[Wow - is it May already?]]>Fri, 13 May 2016 18:15:11 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/wow-is-it-may-alreadyLife seems to get in the way of my creating my own artwork, and with Art Kruze on the way I gotta get going! However, helping others create is still one of my favourite things. I recently had gelli printing demonstrated, and I am on it! I created some plates and have had both my young artists and my Monday adult group give it a shot. As usual, the kids just latch on a go for it. The adults are more cautious, but the consensus is it is fun, freeing and has serious creative potential. So, here are some of the younger creations. Evocative, feisty and funky. Enjoy:) Click an image to see the larger version.

The gelli pad acts as the printing plate to create 2 monoprints from each stage, the positive and the reverse. The recipe: 1 1/2 cups glycerin, 7 pouches of gelatin, 1/ 1/2 cups of hot water. Pour into a flat, low receptacle with a very smooth bottom. I found I was easily ably to remove the pad after running my knife around the edge. You can also place the dish in warm water to ease teh pad out.

Come and give it a try during our Art Kruze weekend, June 11 and 12.

]]><![CDATA[This week, March 9, at Cedar Lane Studio – whas' up?]]>Wed, 09 Mar 2016 19:02:28 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/this-week-march-9-at-cedar-lane-studio-whas-up

The woods at Haliburton this weekend offer beautiful abstract shapes, textures and values.

Spring is around the corner, and the ongoing melt/freeze cycle has its effect on the landscape, often reducing the world around us to black and white shapes and patterns. Puddles reflect, and rocks and plants start to appear through the melting snow, patches of shape. Bare tree branches, dark with moisture, puncture the sky, offering beautiful transitions between earth and sky.

This week we will create an abstract in black and white. We might choose to be expressionist, or prefer to stick a little closer to a representational approach. Here a a few examples of black and white art/photography that should inspire.

]]><![CDATA[Painting in the round]]>Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:29:34 GMThttp://www.cedarlanestudio.net/blog/painting-in-the-round

Joan Hanson's

Heather Delsey's

Mine

This week and last Wednesday students enjoyed painting little scenes in the round. The small round canvases were a delight to work with (I got them at the Dollar Tree). We used a scrubbing technique that allows for smooth transitions of colour, causing the acrylic paint to break up over the textured canvas surface. We chose a limited palette and created small scenes. Fun (as always!).

This week I purchased some long narrow canvases. Using the same technique, I thought we could paint a single flower or herb with healing powers in a delicate style of the botanist. Thinking about the winter colds and flues....

Pink Ginger

Willow bark aspirin

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