Workshop, Show, e-book

It's official - I will be offering a 1-day workshop on April 26, 12:30 - 5pm at the North Shore Art League in Winnetka, IL. Spring class information will be posted on the website in the next few weeks. The encaustic workshop will be a predecessor to a weekly encaustic class in the Fall assuming all goes well. We will cover basic studio safety, use of materials, and how to paint with wax. I will be demonstrating a variety of techniques accompanied with plenty of painting time.

I also have been notified that all 3 of my paintings were accepted into "Encaustic Nature in Art" at the Art Center in Highland Park, IL. The show opens and runs through the month of March and for me the opening reception on March 7 will be the first time I visit the art center. It's starting to feel like I actually am establishing myself in the arts community here in the midwest. There are so many opportunities, it all takes time to pick and choose the right fit for my artwork.

Paintings in the show:

"Autumn Sky", 6" x 6"

"Pathway", 24" x 18"

"Pollinator", 6" x 6"

Last bit of news - it's taken several years but Linda Robertson Womack is finishing details on her soon to be published e-book, "Embracing Encaustic", and yours truly is one of the featured artists included in the book. I will hear in the next few weeks when the book will be released and I am thrilled. The book is an excellent tool for beginners to advanced encaustic artists in search of new inspiration, studio tips and plenty of visuals with different techniques describing how to paint with beeswax.

Painting to be included in the e-book:

"Sunday on Snow Street", 8" x 8"

There are over 70 encaustic artists in the book and each has explained their technique accompanied with a sample of their work. I have a hard copy of the 2nd edition but the e-book will be less expensive with more content. As more information becomes available, I will share it here.

Thinking Summer thoughts, Warm thoughts

"Kayaks"

8" x 8" encaustic on panel

This winter in Chicago is one of the coldest and snowiest that has been recorded, ever. I know it's not usually like this and I have to admit, it's starting to get on my nerves! Walking my dog is a problem, his paws sting from the chemicals in the salt on the treated sidewalks and it's just too cold to go out for any length of time. I can hardly wait for the summer warmth and sun to return.

I decided to paint one of my photos from the local beach I walked past daily when I lived on the east coast. I was attracted to the colors more than anything else although the composition of the stacked boats with the cast shadows was also eye catching. It was a good sign when I posted this painting on Facebook and one of my friends said her kayak was the middle yellow along with the smaller blue to the right, the fact that she recognized them made me feel good. I may have to continue to paint the colors of summer just to give myself the illusion of warmth. Stay warm, everyone.

Works on Paper

Mini-works on paper - mixed media image transfers with wax, pigment, and oil pastel

"Red Barn"

"Lake Shore Drive"

"City Lights 2"

"Storm Field"

"White Barn"

"Lakefront Trail"

"River Rocks"

These days, I always use encausticbord as a ground for my mixed media works. The board comes primed and ready to go and it is sturdy, made specifically for working with wax. I have a mini works on paper show that I would like to submit to but I had to switch back to using 140 lb. watercolor paper as a ground. I have painted most of these landscapes before, but working on paper gives slightly different results. The practice of repeating the same subject allows me to get to know details even better, altering shape, light and color.  I think about how many haystacks Monet must have painted… and then I know repetition is a good thing.

I can only submit 3 pieces and I am not sure if I should use the city scenes or keep all 3 submissions as a cohesive body of landscapes. Any suggestions?

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In the past seven months, I have been enjoying city life and reconnecting with old friends. When I was living on the east coast, my primary focus was on my family and the art world, now that I am back in the midwest I have time to renew friendships. Tonight I have been invited to go hear the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, something I haven't done in over 30 years. I am always inspired by classical music plus I get to spend time with my friend. Then tomorrow, I am going to spend the day at a spiritual retreat with another old friend. She is a yogi and she offered me an invitation to attend a Day of Mindfulness at Touching Earth.

I am so fortunate and feel blessed to have an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make them new again.