Category Archives for "archived"

0 Exhibit Takes a Look at Death

Siegel’s Asheville, N.C., exhibit, called “Every Day a Little Death,” is equal parts brooding and cheerful. The artist says that most things aren’t born without death, and that death is an essential part of life. Many of his paintings are inspired by real people or figures in history and legend. All pieces are meant to pay tribute and honor the dead, he said, adding that the exhibit comes at an appropriate time of the year — Halloween.

The most obvious evidence of this is his technique of painting directly on top of an old painting, essentially creating something new and fresh with the death of something old.

Siegel also says that they layers of paint on one canvas tell the stories of people, who possess many different layers of personality, motivations, and more. Much of his paintings are forms of self-portraits, his art an attempt at understanding himself.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20130916/LIVING/309160025/New-painting-exhibit-celebrates-final-act-?odyssey=tab%7Cmostpopular%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1

Though the subject matter is often serious, Siegel considers himself a generally happy person. He simply likes to examine the tougher stuff in life in order to gain a better understanding of it.

Take a class on painting today to explore your own personal interests through using a paintbrush and canvas. Artistic expression is an excellent way to explore both topics you’re passionate about and subjects that make you a little more uncomfortable. Expressing yourself on canvas is a good way to start on a journey of self-knowledge.

0 Cancer Survivors, Caretakers Invited to Paint

The Dufferin project took off in June at the community’s Relay for Life event. The canvas itself features 90 squares with dimensions of about 5 inches by 9 inches each.

Local artist Mike Grice has organized the effort, inviting cancer survivors and caretakers of cancer patients to contribute to the piece.

The overall theme of the painting is a bouquet of pink and yellow flowers. Each participant paints in one square, completing a small piece of the larger artwork. Grice admits that the colors and squares don’t match up, but the discrepancies don’t take away from the beauty of the work as a whole.

http://www.orangeville.com/community-story/4085940-dufferin-s-painting-of-hope/

It’s more about the journey of cancer patients than the end result. He adds that many of the participants had no artistic background prior to painting on the canvas.

Much of the time, putting their own story in paint became an emotional experience for many of the participants.

When the large collaborative painting is finished, it will likely find a home in the office of a Dufferin cancer society, providing inspiration to everyone who visits it.

Interested in painting? Sign up for an acrylic painting class today to explore all the possibilities the artist genre has to offer. Acrylic painting is one of the most accessible forms of creating art, offering a starting point for even beginner students. Basic instruction may include proper brushstroke techniques and color mixing.

0 Artist Doesn’t Spoil His Paintings

Curtis favors “hot” colors, vivid hues that bring a lot of emotion to his works. He realizes that painting is an emotional experience for both the creator and the viewer — and uses that to his advantage.

The artist shapes the layers of paint into something that’s all at once recognizable and unrecognizable, a feast for the senses. He thrives working on large canvases, making the subjects of his modern portraits bigger than life.

As frenetic as his paintings may sound, Curtis sticks to a schedule and routine while painting. His techniques are rooted in classical skills of glazing, which entails working with many layers of oil paint and linseed oil on one canvas. This skill leaves his paintings with a thick, multi-layered, and almost touchable nature.

Curtis also starts his artistic day at 6 in the morning. He cleans up his mess from the previous workday and listens to music to get back into the groove of creating art. For portraits, he works from a photograph. He also doesn’t shy away from starting pieces without finishing the pervious one, working on as many as 15 canvases at the same time.

Put your own personal stamp on your artwork by taking a class on portrait painting. Instruction will focus on using different mediums, such as watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints, to capture a subject. Even if you have little to no background in art, personalized lessons will show you the basic techniques of making a likeness of your subject.

0 Sewing Fan Gives Back to Less Fortunate

Howard began sewing on her grandmother’s old sewing machine. She learned quickly to piece together new outfits and fashions using cheap clothing she picked up at discount stores.

After she mastered the art of sewing, the student decided that she wanted to use her talents for good. She inquired at a nearby children’s hospital to see if there were any needs for the young patients, and developed her ideas for giving back to the community from there. Howard began sewing personalized and pretty pillowcases for the children at the hospital.

Howard uses the profits that she makes from selling other types of sewing projects to fund her more charitable efforts. She uses the proceeds to by fabric and other materials for pillowcases. She recently donated 60 pillowcases to a camp for youths with brain tumors.

http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/square/index.php?i=3&d=&t=10336

Giving back to those in need of comfort has inspired Howard. Some of the most rewarding experiences have come when she personally hands out her handmade pillowcases to children and others.

Sewing is a versatile art that you can tailor to suit your personal tastes. Take a class on sewing to find your niche in the genre. Use your newfound skills to donate handmade and personalized items to the less fortunate, or use it to save money while designing and putting together your own clothes. Sewing is a great way to be frugal and stylish at the same time.

0 Winter Blooms Bring Beauty Indoors

Kawana visited Australia to help present a class covering the various techniques he uses to construct such works of art.

The arrangement master used plants and flowers typical to Australia while completing the arrangements.

The expert explained that while flower arranging is practiced throughout the world, Japan treats it as fine art.

During his recent class in Australia, Kawana used wires and other materials to make his arrangement seem to be blowing in the wind. He used the same artistic medium later to shape willow branches to interpret the movement and appearance of raindrops.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/art-of-creating-beauty-from-winter-20130726-2qqbu.html

The flower arrangement master also embraces plants around the year. Just because flowers aren’t blooming during the cold winter months doesn’t mean that he won’t find materials to make his arrangements. Kawana even said that branches lacking leaves or blooms are more attractive, their bareness emphasizing their unique shapes and curves.

Perhaps one of Kawana’s biggest trademarks is to adhere to principles of minimalism. He doesn’t overload his arrangements with flowers and branches. Instead, his designs are sparse with pops of color — much like real nature.

Flower arranging is much more than simply placing cuts of flowers in a vase. Sign up for a flower arrangement class today to explore this accessible and rewarding art form. Personalized class sessions will address your specific interests in flower arranging, including crafting the perfect centerpieces for your special events, making modern and beautiful bouquets, and much more.

0 Young Cartoonist Looks to Future

Mathis won a young cartoonist award this year and is planning on spending the $5,000 prize money on a trip to Florence, Italy, to learn classical drawing.

In the meantime, he contributes drawing cartoons for a New Zealand newspaper. The job depends a lot on art direction, following directions, and deadlines, but the tight constraints have enabled Mathis to flourish.

However, he knows that making a living as a cartoonist is difficult — nearly impossible. That’s why he’s branching out, embracing every drawing opportunity that floats his way. He recently worked as a storyboard artist at a small New Zealand design firm.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/culture/visual-arts/9190928/Cartoonist-hungry-for-success

Mathis is going to school at night while he creates his art during the day. He gets a small amount of money for an allowance, but winning the young cartoonist award provided him with the greatest windfall of money he’s ever had.

At the awards ceremony, an older cartoonist told him to “enjoy the ride.” Mathis understood that he should never expect an easy life while creating his art, but that it’s good to stay hungry and never get comfortable.

Do you enjoy drawing? Are you ready to take your passion and creativity to new heights? Enroll in a cartoon drawing class to explore different techniques to get your drawing to the next level. Classes can focus on everything from figure drawing to shading while helping you develop your creative drive.

0 Younger Generations Show Interest in Sewing

Sewing is getting increasingly popular with younger aspiring seamstresses. Many start classes without prior experience.

“I literally didn’t know anything,” beginning sewer Amy McCarty said. “I took a sewing class with a friend of mine, and they had to start with the very basics, like how to thread the machine.”

McCarty has enjoyed learning the art of sewing.

“It’s been a long process for me, but I finally feel like I’m really getting the hang of it and starting to enjoy it,” she said.

Angie Wylie, a sewing supply store worker, says there are a variety of reasons for people to try out the hobby.

http://www.news-journal.com/features/local/sewing-seems-poised-for-comeback-with-members-of-younger-generation/article_057c0853-3253-5cd3-9066-2a5f074f84ca.html

“When the economy isn’t doing well, everybody goes home and digs out their sewing machines,” she said.

Sharman Dorsey, the owner of the store, says the renewed interest is a cultural movement.

“I think a lot of it is just the whole DIY (do it yourself) movement, which is gaining serious momentum,” Dorsey said. “I think younger people also like that it gives them control of their style. They can make something from start or repurpose older items into something new and fun.”

Sewing is a great way to embrace your personal tastes in fashion while saving money. Enroll today in a class on sewing even if you’ve never tried it out. Start with simple tutorials — such as threading a needle, learning different stitches, and using a sewing machine — and then complete different projects that you can use around the home.

0 Window Painter Brightens Outlooks

The prolific artist paints windows, using her artwork to decorate the entire community.

“I was painting my mother-in-law’s trailer’s windows, and she told me to go down to the businesses and see if they’ll let me paint for them,” Ryan said, explaining how she got a start in the business.

“LaFonda’s, Sherwyn and Williams, Brooks Jewelers and Dr. Middleton started me off, gave me the chance to paint. Now I paint practically the whole valley,” she added.

http://www.ivpressonline.com/news/local/window-painter-leds-her-palette-to-valley-s-canvas/article_af80214e-1f61-11e3-a221-001a4bcf6878.html

Ryan’s commissions increase around holidays, but she’s flexible with how she gets paid.

“I average about five businesses a day and four cleanups a day,” she said. “And if they can’t afford it, we barter.”

Sometimes, businesses offer Ryan dinner in exchange for her services. Other times, Ryan donates her window paintings.

“Whatever school my grandson goes to, ‘cause he’s autistic — his name is Adriel Sanchez — that school gets free paintings from me throughout the year,” she said. “They’re entitled to free ones the whole time he’s there, so he gets to contribute to his school.”

Ryan says that her work never falls victim to graffiti.

“I’m part of the Valley flavor, you might say,” she said.

Sign up for a class on decorative painting so you can get started in spreading your work throughout your community. Getting hired to decorate windows, walls, and other surfaces is lucrative while providing you with canvases and practice.

0 Artist Uses Shoes as Canvas

Yazzie’s art company, Soul2Sole Custom Designs, offers painted shoes along with custom apparel and other designs. Yazzie has done everything from paint faces to murals.

“I’ve always been fascinated by art,” he said. I’d sketch people a lot. I’d sometimes tell them I’m practicing to be a courtroom sketch artist so don’t let me sketch you again. I’ve also volunteered for the past five or six years painting kids’ faces for families in recovery.”

Yazzie helped out at a children’s art event, watching as kids completed art projects.

http://www.standard.net/stories/2013/09/18/painting-soles-soothes-designers-soul

“What most impressed me, however, was when a kid would make a mark, or mistake, and how I got to help them incorporate that mark, enhance it and make it a part of the finished project,” he said. “If that isn’t a life lesson I don’t know what is.”

Yazzie said he had a message for everyone.

“Stop watching so much TV and start reading more, creating art, learn how to cook a killer meal for yourself or family, tell your loved ones how much you love them. Enjoy more sunrises and sunsets,” he said. “By no means has Soul2Sole made me wealthy, but it has given me an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives through art.”

Sign up today for a class on acrylic painting. You may discover a talent or passion you never had. Explore different canvases for your work, including shoes, shirts, and other clothing. Customized sportswear makes for excellent gifts.

0 Painter Goes Back in Time to Create Buffalo Art

“The thought came to my mind last November of the buffalo and it grew from that,” DeCesco said. “I thought it would be unique, what I had in mind. I made a metal frame on wheels and have metal and cement. It weighs about 160 pounds and it’s five feet high and five feet wide.”

The end result is a striking tribute to history. While the cement that constructs the painting surface was still wet, DeCesco used a stick and red dye powder to give the buffalo form color. After the concrete dried, it took on the appearance of a cave wall displaying the work of a prehistoric culture.

“It’s the way I thought it would turn out,” DeCesco said. “I’m quite happy with it.”

http://cmsimg.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=C5&Date=20130920&Category=LIFE03&ArtNo=309200031&Ref=AR&MaxW=640&Border=0&Redford-artist-take-prehistoric-approach-painting

The artist has perfected his work over time.

“It’s the third buffalo I’ve painted,” he explained. “The first I painted almost totally red and the second had 22 different colors. I sold those at Native West Gallery in Plymouth.”

DeCesco found more time to pursue his artistic interests after he retired, amassing a number of creations in his portfolio.

“I sell in some galleries and have a bunch at home. I pass them out to the kids,” he said.

Art is an excellent way to explore other areas of interest and history is no exception. Enroll in a painting class today to open your world to new possibilities. Teachers are both professional and flexible, able to tailor their lessons to students’ specific needs and passions.