Multi-Media and Mixing It Up

I was not an art student.

I never thought to take an art class in high school.  It didn’t fit in with the narrative of going to college to pursue a career because, God forbid, art be a career!

It is, by the way.  Many people make a wonderful living as a full-time artist.

One summer, I took an art class at UNCG for my interior design major.  My ego fought that class every step of the way.  It was a simple drawing class.  We would sketch the “pile of the week” with pencil or charcoal.  The pile was anything from old wooden boxes and desks to barstools and brooms.  My favorite was getting out of the classroom and sketching buildings.  Outside and inside.  I was doing a little Plein Aire back in the early 90s before I even know what it was.  Not to mention I didn’t even consider myself any type of artist.  I was in design school.

Young and dumb.

Historic Interiors class at East Carolina is where I discovered my love of architecture, design, and art. I hadn’t even thought about painting houses or universities at this time. I was just in love with architecture—the lines, the accents, the columns–because it was art in itself.

I had purchased an 8 color box of Prang watercolors.  You know…the ones we used in elementary school in the 70s?  I painted a picture I recreated from a magazine.  I literally painted it almost as if it was a paint by number.  There was nothing “watercolor” about the style.  Only that I used a watercolor paint.

I can still remember the Andy Warhol Apartment design I did for a class project.  High ceilings with mylar pillows floating in the air (attached to the ceiling, of course).  His iconic cow print turned into wallpaper to highlight one wall.  It was so much fun.  It was also the beginning of my obsession with Pop Art.

Pop Art is by far my favorite.  Bright, colorful and FUN!  It has that hint of nostalgia, too.  Things that were old are new again.

Pop Art is what influences my acrylic painting pieces — All of the below are available for purchase.  Fill out the form HERE to inquire about purchasing.  Details on my website HERE.

 

I’m working on some new acrylic on canvas pieces for my upcoming show in June, as well as acrylic on paper.  I can’t wait to see all the color exhibited together!  I love bright fun colors!  I will start posting more and adding to my site after the artist reception on the 13th.

The thing about art is that people tend to expect you to be “one type of artist.”  I’m not that at all.  I like to paint with watercolor, acrylics, oils, pastels and oil pastels.  I like to mix it up.  It really depends on what I’m painting and what I want that painting to look like.  I’m very much a mixed media artist yet I haven’t created many pieces that mix the the different media on one painting.  Something to try, I suppose.  My goal with the upcoming show is to generate a feeling of nostalgia and love of things that make us happy.

My point in this post, though, is to say….do it all!  Try it all!  See what clicks with you.  It ALL might click. Then you’ll find yourself deciding your paint medium based on your mood.  Whatever it is, just try it.  You don’t have to go all in.  Find a local art class and sign up.  Creating and finding your creative spark is what we all need right now.  It’s the calming element in a world of chaos.  It’s self expression and meditation all rolled into one.

My upcoming show at Studio 136 will showcase my mixed media works. The oil paintings I’ve been doing in my Monday night class, as well as some work I’ve been doing in my home studio.  Including lots of acrylic work with tons of bright colors.  I am so excited for my work to be showcased for the month of June.  I am working on all different sizes and price ranges, too. My tagline has always been, ‘Art for every day living,’ and I want to make sure art is affordable for all.

I’m hosting an acrylic painting workshop on Saturday, June 13th from 9:30 am-12:30 pm! We will walk-through the basics of preparing your canvas, sketching your design base, preparing your workspace, and create a beautiful, floral painting of peonies.

Join me for an acrylic painting workshop. You’ll be able to paint along with me and create your very own acrylic painting. This 3-hour workshop will be a “Follow the Leader”- style class and is perfect for beginners and practicing artists alike. I will explain and demonstrate the process of applying acrylic strokes that not only blend well, but leave a bit of texture to your 16″ x 20″ painting.  

Class size is limited to 12 people. $65 includes all materials, as well as snacks and water. Feel free to BYOB if you’d like–just remember to bring a cooler and ice, for cold items.  This is a relaxed and fun workshop where we will open up our creative flow and create together! 

**If you are on my email list…be on the lookout for a special email with a discount just for my confirmed subscribers.  You’ll have a month to sign up at that discounted rate before we open it up to the public. The link to sign up will be in that email. Sign up HERE!**

Come and start your creative journey with me!  It only seems scary until you show up for yourself.  Practice makes perfect, but you’ve got to show up first.  And we’re going to have so much fun!

I am now offering my expertise, my experience, my guidance to help others with their own awakening and creativity. Currently one-on-one, but as my guides would have it, they think I should also offer this in a group setting. So, stay tuned for that and let me know if this is something you’d like as well.  I give you ALL the ways to work with me:

A series of coaching sessions with me to get on track can also help. Both types of sessions allow me to bring my gifts and connections to work with you during our time together.

Set up a free consultation with me today to begin moving in the right direction HERE.

Single Coaching Session available HERE, but your best deal is 3 or more.

Three Session Trial available for purchase HERE.

Monthly Sessions available by subscription HERE.

Need extra support in a short amount of time? Try 4 sessions in 30 days HERE.

Energy and Psychic Mediumship Readings are now available. Schedule an appointment HERE for a one hour reading. Once you select your day and time. Payment will be taken at this time through the link. Have questions or concerns? Let me know.