Classes and Workshops
Unless otherwise noted, classes are held at:The Art of Your Life Studio
1210 SE Oak St.
Portland OR 97214
Wabi-Sabi Wonder | |
 | November 2, 2008: 12 - 4 and May 3, 2009 9-4:30 Fall and spring are the perfect times to explore Wabi-sabi, the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in nature; of accepting natural cycles. It's simple, slow, and uncluttered and reveres authenticity above all. We’ll honor ourselves and go with the flow as we create a set of simple, eloquent, and, yes, gorgeous abstract pieces. The word “abstract” doesn’t have to scare you! I’ll show you how to let delightful accidents and mistakes lead you to create with a playful spirit. We’ll cover some basic shapes and designs to start you on your journey. Using pen and ink, acrylic medium, and acrylic paint, you’ll discover relaxing ways of interacting with your materials and your inner self. You’ll leave with four small paintings and with inspiration to continue the Wabi-Sabi way.
$70. Includes supplies. Light snacks provided. Bring brown bag lunch.(November class) May class is given at Art and Soul Retreat, Hampton, Va. Registration: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/vir09-art-workshops/969/index.htm |
Altered Alchemy | |
 | November 16, 2008: 11 am - 5 pm An altered book is a work of art created from an existing book that has been transformed through painting, collage, rubber stamping, tearing, cutting, or any creative means. Join us for this mind and book altering workshop! Bring an older book, preferably with a sewn binding. All other materials provided! We’ll explore using collage, painting, and embellishments, practice creating windows and niches, and discover many more fun ways you can create a stunning art work, journal, or special gift.
$90. Includes supplies. Light snacks provided. Bring brown bag lunch and old book to alter. |
The Forgiving Medium | |
 | January 11, 2009: 11-5 PM No, I’m not talking about a compassionate clairvoyant. I’m referring to acrylic paint and a fun and supportive workshop for beginners! Acrylics dry quickly, have brilliant colors, and can be painted over as many times as you want. We’ll cover ways to use acrylics from transparent washes to thick texture. We’ll experiment with mixing colors and explore various acrylic mediums and how they enhance acrylic paintings. Bring your desire to experiment and leave with two paintings.
$90. Includes most supplies. Light snacks provided. Bring brown bag lunch and two canvases, canvas boards or painting boards in sizes you’d like to work on. |
Assemble Yourself | |
 | February 8, 2009: 12-6 pm We’ll meet at SCRAP (School & Community Reuse Action Project) as it opens at noon. Your goal is to spend no more than 10.00 collecting all kinds of found objects, paper, fabric, and valuable junk for your assemblage.
When we go to the studio, you’ll create a 3-D collage that expresses your history and your dreams, using the supplies you found at SCRAP. Additional supplies will be available in the studio. You'll leave with a unique finished assemblage, perfect for a special valentine or a cherished keepsake.
$75. Boxes for assemblage and many supplies provided. Light snacks provided. Bring brown bag lunch. |
Tear it Up! | |
 | February 14, 2009 9-4:30 and April 30, 2009 9-4:30 Create fantastic flower collages from torn paper—magazine pages, colored paper, tissue paper, collage papers, letters, handmade papers, and more. You’ll learn how to use various papers to create depth, shadows, and highlights. We’ll play with color and composition. We’ll explore adding paint, ink, stamped images and text to your work. You can remove or add elements of your collages anywhere during the process. This is a fun, no-worry way to express yourself while creating art for your home or as gifts. You’ll leave with a pair of collages or maybe a trio!
At Abigail's Retreat: An Art and Soul Retreat, Portland, Oregon and Art and Soul Retreat, Hampton, Virginia For registration go to: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/Abi2009-art-workshops/920/index.htm (Abigail's) or http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/vir09-art-workshops/968/index.htm (Hampton, VA) |
Mind Your Own Beeswax! | |
 | Date/Time TBA This is your chance to fall in love with the aromatic, luminous, and versatile properties of beeswax in the form of encaustic painting! We’ll cover basic techniques such as building up layers, fusing the wax layers, adding color, including collage elements, and incising. We’ll explore various heat tools and many design elements.
No previous art experience needed—just lively curiosity and a willingness to risk addiction to painting with wax!
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Not Just a Pretty Face | |
 | February 16, 2009 9-4:30 What Leonardo and Van Gogh knew: Learning to paint faces is all about learning to see! You can paint fascinating and expressive portraits by learning from the masters. You’ll choose faces painted by great artists to work from, discovering your own style as you go. You’ll get to know your subjects and use the magic of paint to bring them to life! We’ll use acrylic paints and acrylic mediums on canvas. We’ll cover ways to get thick, juicy paint, as well as how to create smooth surfaces. We’ll play with mixing colors and trying different styles. You’ll leave with several “studies” and at least one finished painting that you’ll be thrilled to hang on the wall!
At Abigail's Retreat: An Art and Soul Retreat Register at: http://www.artandsoulretreat.com/Abi2009-art-workshops/921/index.htm |
Layers of Memory/Imagination: Women in My Family | |
 | Date/Time TBA Create original collages in an exciting and productive workshop! Bring several laser and/or inkjet copies of images of women in your family, past and/or present. You’ll learn many techniques to inspire you to create collages honoring your legacies from your foremothers and expressing your unique vision. We’ll have lots of materials on hand. You’ll leave with two or more magical collage creations.
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Meet Your Muse | |
 | Date/Time TBA Have fun exploring with creative exercises designed to unleash your inspiration! Create your Secret Book. Design your own plan for keeping regular dates with your Muse.
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The Art of Life | |
 | Ongoing Women's Creativity Group An group for women who want to experiment with art, move through blocks, and share the joys and challenges of the creative process. Each group includes playful activities designed to bypass the inner critic and loosen up inspiration. Spirited art-making produces fun and surprising results!
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Coloring Outside the Lines | |
 | Individual art coaching for beginners Learning to make art involves learning to see, moving past the inner critic, and accepting what you produce at a given moment. I provide gentle and inspiring coaching and guidance with both the technical and emotional aspects of creating. Media used are: acrylic paint, water based oils, collage, assemblage, and gouache. We go at your pace and free you to find your own style.
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Group Requests | |
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