NEWS FROM THE STUDIO

January 2012     Vol 7    No 1     200 subscribers

January News

Happy 2012!  This is the 7th year I've been writing this newsletter.    I have a consistent compulsion to mark time; hence this newsletter, as well as journals, sketchbooks and weekly planners...read ahead for more.  I hope to see you soon!

In this news:  New Work, 2012 Art Classes, From the Treasure Box - Exhibit, Responding to Circumstance

Quote:  Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.  Will Rogers

Image:  Lamp in Charite Sur Loire, France

New Work

I remember when I was my son's age, visiting a carousel in River Park in Guelph with my grandfather who was the gardener there.  It's one of the very few memories I have of him.  It felt so magical to see a carousel for the first time.   The awe may have been heightened by the fact that it wasn't running and so I didn't get a ride!  

Every major town in France (where we were travelling this past spring) seemed to have one of these ornate carousels, circa 1900.  They struck me as an embodiment of childhood magic and wonder.  To me, the black horse is inviting the viewer to come be a part of this imaginative world we knew as a child.

Image:  Carousel, France; acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"

2012 Art Classes

We had a wonderful fall session of art classes at the Gordon Ross Studio in Tin Town.  The space is relaxing, quiet and has an artsy vibe.  The winter session starts January 23rd.    

NOTE: As I write this, "Drawing; The Right Approach; beginner", has filled.  However, still contact me if you're interested.  If I have enough people on the wait list I'll run another day time class.

I'm excited to be offering a couple NEW options this winter; Acrylic Painting - A Six Week Adventure, where you will cover all the steps of completing a painting, from design to final highlights (Colour Basics is a prerequisite).  As well, I will be offering an Open Studio in May for those who would like to continue painting or drawing but want extra motivation, a place to work and some individual instruction.  

I'll also be teaching a couple of fun kids classes called Wild and Wacky Animals at the Comox Valley Art Gallery in February; all info here.

Image:  Kama and Ava painting; Gord Ross Photography

From the Treasure Box - Children's Art Exhibit

This winter I'm busy putting together an art show of kids work created in my classes within the past year.   I'm happy that all these amazing artworks which I usually get to see for only a few brief moments before they go home, will be on view for others to see too!   Details are as follows:

From the Treasure Box - A Look Into Childrens' Imaginations                                 March 10 - April 21st     Opening:  Friday, March 9;  7-9pm

Image:  Imaginary Animal by Cohen S., Age 9

Responding to Circumstance

Since I was a kid I've kept a journal and a sketchbook; now I am also glued to a weekly planner.  It seems I have a consistent desire to keep track of and manage time.  I also think that someday I may want to look back to see where I've come from.  Kind of like how I've always been taught to have a sketchbook because it keeps your drawings all in one place, so you can view your progress.

Lately I've been experimenting with mixing my journal and sketchbook together into more of a visual journal or "observation book" (what I'm calling it for now).  I like to use a 5" x 8" spiral bound sketchbook and any black roller pen...pencil crayons are nice too.    I may include several aspects of my life in this book (besides just the usual "self analyzing"); such as, the weather, the title of the book I'm reading, a recent dream, something my son said etc.. I may just sketch something that's in front of me, or capture a sudden idea for a painting or art class. Another thing I've heard of others doing, is keeping it positive and writing things that you are thankful for.  I find this "observation book"  much more interesting to look back on than my usual written journal.

When I was in Atlin in 1998, taking a course called "Idea and the Creative Process", the teacher was forever telling us the importance of "responding", his Austrian accent emphasizing the "ing".  This word often just jumps into my head for no reason: "responding".  Since then I've noticed that to respond to life's opportunities and lessons you need some increased level of awareness, which also brings confidence.  The more aware you are, the more you are able to respond; and the more you respond, the more aware you become.

So back to the sketchbook/journal - I think more importantly than a planner (that I noticed kids get given in school starting grade 1), is one book where you can write and draw everything you notice or are learning.  This would foster the understanding that things are interconnected and encourage one to be more in the moment.  I'm thinking this may be a good thing to try in my kids art classes: they are all getting "observation books" this year.

I recently read in the Globe and Mail, in an article about finding your dream job, that to be successful it was important to "make decisions on your environment, not your plan".  To me this  means not blindly adhering to a pre-conceptualized idea, but with awareness, responding to the circumstances that presently surround you...perhaps an "observation book" in tow.

Thanks for reading!  

Happy Creating, Tracy