Fall happenings...camping, sketching and studio tours.

Some of my work showing at Lynn Scott Studio during the Edmonds Art Studio Tour.

Art in the works...encaustic and mixed media.

I had the privilege of participating in the Edmonds Art Studio Tour at Lynn Scott Studio, September 17 and 18. We enjoyed varied weather (sun, rain, clouds) and LOTS of interested visitors. Lynn's entire house was filled with beautiful art, both upstairs and down! I demonstrated encaustic technique for most of the weekend, while gazing at the beautiful Puget Sound and Whidbey Island (through the studio window). What a treat!

There is A-R-T happening in my studio, in "fits and start" due to work and family obligations, but at least something is taking place! Shown above, I am experimenting with encaustic and mixed media (Pieces of Love and Happiness).

My partner, David, and I (and Chai the Bishon) recently went on a camping trip to Eastern Washington, to a beautiful lake near the small town of Winthrop. We were able to enjoy 80 degree weather, gorgeous "high and dry" views of desert, rolling hills and mountains. We had an abundance of quality sketching and reading time. We even caught a few trout! Chai had a wonderful time chasing ducks and fish, but kept "forgetting" how to swim...David even did some landscape sketching with me, under that beautiful tree by the lake.

But, in all this beauty, there is sadness this month. Chai (the Bishon) passed away on October 8. We are so thankful that we had one last camping trip together before she left this earth. I hope that she is chasing ducks and enjoying naps, wherever she is now...

Chai, 2000 (?)-October 8, 2011

Edmonds Art Studio Tour is coming this weekend!

This art assemblage piece that I just completed is ready to "debut" at the Edmonds Art Studio Tour, taking place this weekend, September 17 & 18, from 10-5! I will be showing at Lynn Scott Studio (#3 on the Tour map, see link below) along with Lynn Scott, Tracy Kay Fraker and Robin Westbrook.  When you arrive, you will see some amazing artwork! We will be showing acrylic and mixed media paintings, encaustic paintings, collage, assemblage, photography and hand-beaded jewelry. We will also be demonstrating various art techniques throughout the weekend. Edmonds is located approximately 30 minutes north of Seattle, and there is plenty to do (and taste there) this weekend. I'll see you there!

EdmondsArtStudioTour.com

Can you guess what this art piece is about? Come over to Lynn Scott Studio and share your thoughts...

Various versions of a theme...

I am currently working on an assemblage piece with the theme of "By Definition", dealing with thoughts and issues surrounding womanhood, life, death, aging...It's been a joy to be working on this piece over the last three weeks, after coming through a very hectic time at my new job, coordinating classes for the Schack Art Center in Everett, Washington.

I am using encaustic with paper mache torsos and dried rose buds, a "found" vintage trunk shelf, wire, quail eggs and other found objects. It has been a fascinating journey, and the piece "shape-shifts" every day. The mechanics of putting this piece together have been a real challenge! At one point, I was hanging shellac-dipped quail eggs from tree branches in my back yard, tending to the their "drying" process like any good mother hen might do.

I am hoping to finish this in time to enter into the National Collage Society's online juried show. What's next? Attaching the other two remaining torsos, and arranging the "veil"...it will be a two-person job for this task!

Fall is coming and it's time for Warm Wax Collage!

My next workshop, Warm Wax Collage, is coming up on September 7! I will be teaching this creative workshop at the Schack Art Center in Everett, Washington. It's a one-day class that is very popular. If you are interested in encaustic art or collage, and want to know about the basics of working with warm beeswax, this is the class for you! You may find aout more about the class, and register here:

http://schack.org

or call 425-259-5050. I'll see you in class!

"DOORS" exhibition at Fraker/Scott Gallery opens in Seattle this week...

"Sacred Door", one of my  mixed media pieces with collage, acrylic and assemblage, will be showing in downtown Seattle at Fraker/Scott Gallery during the month of August. This group exhibition, featuring intriguing door-inspired artwork, will include some innovative, new assemblage works as well. Don't miss it! Come on down to First Thursday Art Walk this Thursday, August 4 (5-8 p.m.), and find out from the artists–in person–what inspires them!

Fraker/Scott Gallery is located at 121 Prefontaine Place So., in the historical neighborhood of Pioneer Square in Seattle, Washington. For more information about hours and events, please visit:

http://www.frakerscottgallery.com

See you at Art Walk!

Whoa! Three weeks since my last post!? Some amazing student work...

I wanted to share these wonderful pieces done by my students in the "Artful Altered Photos" class at the Schack Art Center in Everett, Washington. What fun we had! I am sure my mom would not  have minded that she her image from 1955 became fodder for some fabulous artwork!

The NEXT class starts this Friday, June 15, at the Schack Art Center. There is still time to register! Please visit www.schack.org or call 425-259-5050!