The holiday season has run its course, and Tom and I have spent some time tidying the studio in preparation for the winter season at Cedar Lane. Tom built a great new storage space with a leaner footprint - and out of recycled materials too. Still a bit more to do (this afternoon, I promise!). Paints are lined up ready to go, lists are being made, so time to get thinking of some fresh ideas for us all to explore.

Prompting my first project idea was a little painting image I spied on the web. I was not quick enough to remember to gather the artist's information (oops) but it is a lovely little piece shown at left. Now, in my work as a designer, creating logos and designs from text is something I do all the time; however, I have not yet really created a painting using a word or words and the idea intrigues me. I do have calligrapher friends who excel at creating designs from words, but I have in mind something simpler as in this painting.

I was also prompted today by a conversation thread on a website I frequent for its insight (The Painter's Keys), and was lead to a site created by Ali Edwards called One Little Word. I will let you listen to her video and ideas,but suffice to say I found it an appropriate challenge for my students and me.

So, next Wednesday, January 13, weather permitting, I will have materials and ideas ready to share. I will have them ready for my Monday group too, starting next Monday, January 11. That being said the Monday group often like to bring individual projects, always welcome.

My children's classes are always a little more challenging recruitment-wise, so I plan to start Saturday, January 24 from 10 am to noon.

For more details <click here>. Classes are run on a drop-in basis, but it is great if you can let me know in advance.