For 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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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!!

I 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.

Life 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.