Summers End ArtFling

Save the dates!

Easiest Linework Ever!

FW Acrylic Inks by Daler-Rowney

Acrylic Inks:
 The easiest line work ever! That's right. I've had a bottle of FW (Daler-Rowney) acrylic ink for quite a few years but had not used it very much. Recently, I painted a design by Willow Wolf where she used the acrylic inks and I was once again reminded how wonderful they are.  Before I started the painting I started to research the inks and walked into Jerry's Artarama where an artist was demonstrating them.  ?? Coincidence? She uses the inks rather than watercolors. Fascinating... Of course I had to purchase a set...  And they are as fun as they appeared.
Back to the line work... These inks are just the right consistency for excellent line work. One brush load goes for ever. (Just goes to show that when we say paint should be "inky" consistency for line work, we were absolutely right.) I used the Antelope Brown.
Inst:  Shake well. With the applicator in the bottle place just a little on your palette and from this, draw out your liner brush load.  Remember the secrets to good brush work are: 1) hold your brush perpendicular to the surface and 2)paint with your arm not your fingers.  (#3 was to make sure your paint is an inky consistency.)
Remember that these inks are acrylic and therefore water based. The good news is that you can easily correct a line with just a damp brush. The bad news is that you can easily remove paints with a damp brush. After you complete your design work with the inks be sure to set the design with a spray sealer if you plan to paint over it or varnish.
Hope you checkout this product. Notice all the wonderful colors including Pearlescents.
Liz 

A Little Digital Art

Some photos just call for a little digital embellishment. My cats are always photo ready.  What fun.

Upcoming Classes with Liz

I've finished the Holly Hanley Postcards From Paris painting. We'll paint this design starting next week in our Wed evening class, May 15 on Tue evening in Cary, and on May 16th in a one day class on Wed day.  Plan to join us.

Web Art Surfing

I just been out to Susan Crouch's web site to see her latest, gorgeous watercolors. Susan is a wonderful North Carolina artist living near Statesville.  I've had the good fortune to paint with her in a workshop. She is also an excellent teacher.
You can visit her web site for a look at her beautiful paintings filled with such light and life.

More New Photos on our Student's Page

Students have been finishing up their Shara Reiner designed Angel Boxes from issue 1 of the Decorative Painter and have brought them in for photos. Excellent painting y'all.

More photos...

I have posted quite a few of our student's paintings recently so be sure to check out the student's page.

Ros Stallcup Seminar Update

May 1 update:  We have a couple more seats left on Sun and Wed. If you are interested in those days, register now. Please check with Liz for seat availability.

There are more seats left in the other days but are filling quickly. 

Register now!
  more information

May is Older Americans Month

a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month—a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities.

As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults—many of whom remain physically and socially active through their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.

Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots.

Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation for some of our most beloved citizens. We have many reasons to celebrate them!

Artful Endeavors is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with classes to promote intergenerational engagement and recreation. We invite you to join in the fun!

All Simply Art classes for those 65 and above are just $5 for the month of May.

Join us for our art class where you complete a painting in 3 hrs. This is a fun family and friend event. No prior painting experience is needed.  All supplies are included.  Registration is required at least 1 week in advance.

Projects and schedule are shown on our web site.

We’re stocking up at the studio. Paints have arrived from DecoArt and the paint rack is full. Our paints for Ros’ seminar are here and the Traditions Green Blue that we used with Bob Pennycook is in stock now as well as the Quin Gold.

And if you haven’t check out the wood items from Leon, you should. Those of you who have asked for stools and benches especially.

Our wood for Ros’ seminar is here and ready to be reserved of picked up.

We have lots of canvas sizes now too. I have the 12x24” for the Paris painting, the 16x20” for the Red Truck and so many other designs that we are painting, and the square 10x10’s and 12x12” canvases for Ros’ seminar.

I’ve added new Simply Art Workshops, our 3 hr to complete the painting workshops, that have been so popular. Painters have asked for beach and light house paintings so here they are.  We’re working on ideas for our summer schedule so come help us plan.

Lots of new techniques in this beautiful Willow Wolf design.

Student's Work

I have such talented students.  Check out their paintings.

Last weekend the Capital Area Decorative Artists hosted a very successful seminar with Bob Pennycook at Artful Endeavors. Bob was an excellent teacher with lots of exciting and easy techniques for us to learn. Be sure to visit his web site to see his wonderful art.

Summer's End ArtFling

What's the Summer's End ArtFling you ask?
Gail Schmidt (my very good friend) from Shabby Cottage Studio and Creative Workshops online classes and I are teaming up again this summer to bring you an exciting Aug weekend workshop/retreat at Artful Endeavors.

Gail will teach some splendid design, mixed media, journal creating techniques.  I've seen her working sample and I want to do that! Just so you know, Gail is artistically fearless and has an awesome design sense that she willingly shares. We always learn so much and have such fun with Gail. She is very creatively inspiring.
I will bring some fabulous different painting techniques including an original new design never before offered.

I'll have more details a little later, but save the dates, Aug 24-26, 2012. It's our ArtFling before fall activities begin.

Old Red Truck

I finished the Old Red Truck and it was so much fun to paint.
I've always wanted an 1940s red Chevy. It's such a classically beautiful design. Since I can't have an actual truck I've painted one. Maybe not a Chevy but red none the less.
Love this Dorothy Dent design.

Ros Stallcup Seminar Update

Ros' paintings have arrived! And, they are especially beautiful this year. I can't decide which is my favorite. Check the seminar page for more photos.

Kathie George Tjap DVD

Exciting news for your Tjap enthusiasts. Kathie has her new Tjap instruction video out!  She also has new Tjap stamps for sale.  There sell fast so if you see one you want don't delay in purchasing it.  More news from Kathie.  I'd love to go on one of her trips but just have to day dream about it for now. How about you?