We talked about those members who had moved away, wondering where they are now, and we talked about those members who have passed away, remembering their contributions and endearing qualities. Lots of pleasant and funny memories all round.
Ahh, the "Good Old Days" when we did art shows based on themes such as "But, Is It Art?" and "What I Did On My Summer Vacation". We had a lot of fun poking fun at ourselves as artists and stretching the bounds of our art at the same time. Not to mention having to walk five uphill miles in the snow to get to meetings and then another five miles, uphill, in the snow to get home! (Sorry, I just couldn't resist that! It's truly an old-timer's thing.)
Arteast has continued to grow and develop over the 25 years of it's existence, and has become one of the most active art groups in Eastern Ontario. Arteast offers a wide range of exhibition opportunities in a variety of venues, including libraries, recreation facilities, restaurants and other surprising locations. Each month they have a general meeting for members and guests with excellent speakers on a variety of interests, from painting technique demonstrations, critique nights where members can get constructive suggestions on pieces they are having trouble with, business of art information (marketing, photographing artwork etc), and much more. Arteast also offers workshops with guest instructors and tours to events, museums and exhibitions of interest to members.
This is an excellent organization to join if you want to get your art out there and learn a lot of good stuff along the way. They are very supportive of their members and offer an inclusive and democratic learning opportunity. Check out their website at www.ArteastOttawa.com. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
By the way, if you are a former Arteast member, I'd love to hear from you! Let me know what you are up to these days.
Something else that might be of interest to you is coming up on the October 31-November 1 weekend this year, in Ottawa. The very first "ART + SCHOOL + FAIR is Eastern Canada's first & only Art Material Trade Show. We bring together the best names and brands in the industry. See and try all of the latest tools and products on the market and walk away with a few samples! An opportunity for ages 10 and up to learn, explore, try and best of all… SHOP direct from the manufacturers themselves. We've invited well known instructors and professionals to share their tips, teach classes and demo exciting and innovative techniques. Whether you are a professional, or just starting out you'll leave inspired." You can get more information at www.artschoolfair.com.
The number of students at the senior's residence class just about doubled this week. Apparently we are having way too much fun and others want to get in on it. Perfect! While there are many skill levels and abilities involved, the one thing I want everyone to do is have fun and feel good about the art that they produce. I think I've been able to facilitate that.
I also wanted to mention a few workshops that I am offering this spring, in case there is something that you are interested in. These workshops will be held at St Columba Church, 24 Sandridge Road, (Manor Park) Ottawa,
Information and Registration: 613-833-8312 or [email protected]
COLOUR HARMONY AND CONTRAST WORKSHOP
Going beyond colour mixing, this workshop delves into selecting colours that work together creating harmonious effects which will take your work to it's next level. You will learn about desaturating colours, selecting background colours, how to select related colours and having taken this workshop you will have a much better understanding of how the impressionists used colour to their advantage. We will do a number of exercises and then students will work on a painting of their own in the medium of their choice.
Saturday, May 23, 2015
9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Fee: $115 (Includes extensive workbook and exercise sheets, students will need their own materials.)
DEVELOPING AN ARTISTIC JOURNAL WORKSHOP
Journals can be anything we want them to be... a record of a holiday; the story of your life or of a loved one; a study of a particular subject or theme; or a place where you polish your creative side, among other things. This workshop explores exciting techniques and materials that will start your journey of journalling, opening a window into your world. It will enhance your thinking process and your outlook on life!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Fee: $50 (Materials list at registration)
SILK SCARF WORKSHOP
Scarves are an accessory that enhances your outfit by adding a finishing touch and they are back in style this year! In this workshop you will learn how to create amazing scarves in the colours you want, to go with your outfits, or as gifts. Each participant will create two scarves. Additional scarves are available for $5, or $15 each for infinity scarves, for those who wish to do more. All materials are supplied for this workshop, and you will be amazed with what you create!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
1:00 to 3:30 PM
Fee: $65 (All materials supplied)
Please let me know if there are workshops on subjects that you would like to attend. I can set up workshops with visiting instructors if there is enough interest.
Today's painting tip: a request from Leslie
Shafts of light
Painting shafts of light is not as difficult as you might think. First paint your painting and when you are done you can paint the shafts of light, from the dissipating storm clouds or between the forest trees, by thinning your colour with medium and applying it in transparent layers until it is the intensity that you want.
Shafts of light can be done with white paint, or you might prefer to tint it yellow, or with a subtle red if it is sunset.
Transparent colours are best for this process, so Zinc White, Hansa Yellow Light or Quinacridone Red/Violet/Magenta could be good options, mind you, since you are thinning the colour to glaze it on, a semi transparent colour could also work quite well.
The process is actually quite simple. Thin your paint with liquid medium and apply it in thin layers until you achieve the look you want.
For acrylic painters you could use your liquid polymer medium as your glazing vehicle, or you could purchase a glazing medium, which is much the same thing with a different name.
Oil painters often use Liquin or mix 1 part Copal with 4 parts odourless solvent as their glazing medium.
One important thing to note is that light travels in straight lines, so you need to keep your shafts of light straight. Also, light shafts tend to get slightly wider at the bottom and have varying intensities through the width of the shaft.
Have fun with your light shafts! Please feel free to contact me if you have specific questions.
Thanks and best wishes,
Susan