Steiner Ranch annual show is May 4th at Steiner Steakhouse

Hello, Art lovers! If you are in the Austin area on Sunday, May 4th, please visit the 2nd annual Steiner Ranch Art Show held on the beautiful patio at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. You can enjoy the very fine display of artistry that is being presented by local watercolor, acrylic , oil,  jewelry, and metal artists. Our sign was designed by one of the artists, Paul McGuire.

I will have signed and numbered reprints , note cards and originals at my booth. Please stop by to say hello. Other artists whose work I greatly admire including Rae Andrews, Nancy Charbeneau, Janine Martens and Martha Ruth, will have their award winning work on display and for sale. If you are a painter or just an art admirer or collector, this is a wonderful opportunity ...try not to miss it....and bring the family!  You can enjoy Brunch up until 2:00 pm but a food purchase is not necessary.

                                             Here are a few of my offerings that will be available in note card and reprint forms:

Steppin' Out in Austin

                                                                           The Star

                                                                 Don't Fence Me In


Visual examples of my portraits of families and pets will be on display for anyone interested in commissioning me for this lasting treasure.... I have some surprises,too! See you there.

Inspiration from Central Texas painted churches

 I promised to take my mother to see these churches, all of which are Catholic, when we lived in north Texas. We never made it so this trip was really for her...you were right, Mom! I was with a wonderful group of folks from Steiner Ranch and with my new friend, Ethel, who made the arrangements for all of us on a beautiful Spring day. The bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush were the perfect backdrop for the artistry displayed by the Czechs and the Germans who lovingly brought their faith to their new land. These churches exist today with far fewer families but a dedication that even tornadoes and fires could not destroy. I'll begin with the stained glass windows that are just a portion of the appeal waiting for visitors...all dedicated with love from founding families. There is a wonderful documentary if you cannot make this trip........http://www.klru.org/paintedchurches/documentary.html



 Here is a sneak peek of what is inspiring me to paint some scenes using the brilliant colors and patterns. Enjoy!

 

 

Painting tulips this week!

After a lovely day at Filoli Gardens in the Bay area on Tuesday , March 4th, I selected a row of tulips from my photos as our painting selection for Thursday's class in Austin. They were so brilliantly red and sassy....sitting along a rock wall that bordered a path...they just had to be my choice. 

We began our class with a small discussion on framing watercolors which can get expensive when doing your own art work, especially if you are prolific. I am not an archival framer but I do think it's important to be aware of some basics to protect your artwork and to consider completing your frames on your own. Currently, I order mine online from American Frame ( although there are other choices) where you get a large selection of styles and can even upload your own artwork to "try on" various frames ( stained or painted wood, metals, ornate or simple, wide or slim) and mats. A complete set with frame, mat , backing and your choice of glass or acrylic is then sent directly to you at a reasonable price. You can expect prompt delivery whereas many frame shops have a 3 week waiting period and it can be quite pricey. Not to say that some paintings don't deserve that professional touch.

Frames are also works of art on their own so one suggestion is to not have them compete with your art. Keep it simple. This is especially true if you will be entering a Show. Many restrict ornate frames, mats must be white and they will not accept glass; they will state the specifications in the Show prospectus.

1. Use an acid-free mat so that there is a space between your painting and the glass or acrylic that will be on top of it.

2. Make sure to take a good photograph of your artwork before framing it in case you want reprints later.

3. Assemble all in a clean and spacious area with a few tools such as a framing gun, hanging wire and wall protective bumps for the bottom corners.

4. Attach your painting to the back of the mat with a safe release tape that holds the image in place but does not invade any more of your paper than is absolutely necessary. Add a layer of foam core behind the painting.

5. For wood frames, use frame points to secure the sandwich of the glass or protective acrylic surface, matted painting and foam core inside the frame. Be generous and use mirror imag points on top, bottom and sides for best support.

6. Use double back tape to apply a sheet of protective paper over the framed and well pointed sandwich.

7. For wood frames, when attaching the wire ( never use claw tooth hangars) space each round headed screw 1/3 of the way down the sides of the frame. Thread the wire tautly across the back of the painting. This will keep it flat against a wall when hanging. Protect the wall by using small protectors on the bottom corners.

You are ready to hang. If you are planning to sell this piece, remember to include not only your fees for the frame but also the cost of your time and expertise to frame it.
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We also got excited about an app called Waterlogue that allows one to plan a watercolor by uploading your photo directly to it and  in about 20 seconds, voila!... once sketched, variations can be used to try a variety of techniques. This will save sooooo much time! Here is one example:

 My photo redone in Waterlogue............

                                                      Try it and have fun. 


 

Don't Fence Me in.......

Finally , after thinking I was finished several times, I am really finished with my first longhorn painting....thanks to all who encouraged me. I am now officially in love with these huge animals who are as much a part of Texas as the armadillo and cactus.

Signed and numbered giclee ( high quality print process) prints are available in 3 sizes:
11"x15".............$25        15"x22".............$50   22"x30"........................$75

 (plus Texas state tax 8.25% and shipping if required )

I am also pleased to announce I will be donating a framed version ( 15"x22" print number 100/1000) to the Giddy Up Gala to be auctioned off at their annual fundraiser. What a great cause. February 21, 2014. If you post a bid at the Gala but are not the highest bidder, I will follow up to see if you are interested in a purchase  and will donate 20% of any of those sales to Hill Country Education Foundation.

I'd love some feedback!

Our talented class is having a great time!

We have a great beginner class going in Steiner Ranch! We started with 6 weeks but have now decided to add 2 more to be able to meet for 8 weeks. There are 4 true beginners and 4 who have had some experience with other mediums. Drawing is not a requirement in our 3 hour sessions although it is a necessity when moving on. I am providing line drawings to be transferred onto watercolor paper or they can provide a drawing of their own.

Our goals are to get familiar with paper, brushes, transparent and staining colors and, of course, techniques. We begin with a "distraction warm up" to get everyone in the zone. I usually do a small demo of an area being covered by the subject matter at hand ( sky, clouds, trees, reflected still water) and then they are off to work at their own discoveries at their own pace.  In this short  time, the personalities of each painter are emerging and can be seen in their work. A brief walk around critique is done in the last 15 minutes. We are about to start a long term project with the subject matter of their choice; any size. Note cards will be made from a selected painting at the end.


As I knew it would be,  I am getting a refresher course by teaching this class and learning, too. In encouraging them to start with the basics, I'm getting back top some basics in my own painting. We have used masking, blotting, sponging and some knife scratching. Soon we will splatter and maybe pour. Just a taste of the fun stuff...Thanks to Mary we know that soaping a brush or sponge before dipping it into masking fluid will help protect the brush or sponge and make it easier to remove that sticky residue later. Here are some examples of their work:

Meanwhile, they are following me in my efforts to capture a wonderful boy and his dog in a 22"x30" painting with a leafy Fall background. Again, I have used various techniques such as sponging, scratching and masking. My starting point is typically the largest area so the stunning background foliage will simple be a background for this beautiful little guy and his Golden Retriever.

Last week we practiced reflectivity in still water and this week we will try active water and splashing. Stay tuned ....

Watercolor Class is happening in Steiner Ranch

  We have a group , a location and a date for our sessions. Starting Jan 23rd for 6 consecutive Thursday with the exception of Feb 13th, we will meet from 11:00-2:00 at Towne Center in Steiner Ranch. I will post our progress and the subject matter on this blog as we move forward.

Do you want to add a little color to your life in 2014? Here's an opportunity to try your hand with watercolors. 6 beginning lessons will include information on brushes, paper and watercolors along with handouts for techniques using salt, sponges, masking fluid and trios of colors that work well together. Subjects will be provided or you can bring your own photos.

Contact me if you are interested and I will send a supply list.