Category: learn to paint

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A new look at learning

If you know my husband at all, you know how passionate he is about education. While he has taught adults most of his professional life, when he was on the faculty at university he often lamented at the un-preparedness of students. Maybe that’s why this video caught his eye. When he showed it to me, I thought, “wow, if I’d had school like that, maybe I would have gone on to college.” Truth is, I was bored out of my mind. In teaching art I have often used some out-of-the-box methods, but I never got this innovative. Maybe I should…..hmmmm

Take a look, and let yourself imagine the possibilities. Click this link.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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Thank God 2008 is gone..high hopes for 2009!

In thinking back over the past year, my high point was my low point. The struggle to decide to move my gallery was the 800 pound gorrilla in my life. In the interlude, while we were in Mexico (how gloriously providential that it was provided and paid for well in advance) was also both. Coming to the realization that the continuous struggle to monetize my passion, and promote and make the artists in my gallery successful had so weighted me that I was exhausted even to stand up was an earth-shattering understanding to me. Finding a way back was tenuous and scary for me. I had lost sight of the goal and been overwhelmed by the task of getting there. When? I’m not sure, but sure that I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

Being away from it all, no phone, often no internet, no gallery, cleared the windsheild of my soul and let me see it. Then the question was, do i let it go and walk away? or do I let it go and hang on for dear life to see where it would take me.

I guess by now you know I chose the latter. I can’t explain the sense of well-being or the upward bend of the corners of my mouth. If I listen to the pundits on TV I’ll be out of business by the end of the first quarter of 09. For some reason, I just don’t believe that.

And so, Happy New Year.

I’m working on a new website, by the way. I’m working on a 26 week (or more ) course in drawing and painting. Video instruction. I’m laying out the curriculum and researching hosts and how to offer it. I’ll start recording as soon as next week. Drawing will come first, since that is really the foundation of every good painting, even the ones that get drawn with a brush. Watch for news of it and I’ll send the links to it from here, so follow this blog with the link on the right.

And for now, the sun is shining and the sky is clear. I’m unabashedly optimistic and moving forward like it matters. My resolution? I don’t really have one, but I am setting new goals and ways to reach them. May you reach yours too.

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM
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painting, videos and stuff

Things have slowed to a crawl here in Angel Fire, and dismay with the local newspaper notwithstanding I’ve been in painting bliss. Free speech had nothing to do with it. That they printed a blatant attack on the character of our Mayor, our new CEO of the EDO, and the hard working volunteers that are intent on improving the community, had me furious. That they devised a headline pulled from the tabloids to sensationalize it, was downright mean.

And enough on that. Thank God I had a commissioned order to fill, because it got me painting again, and Thank God that the commission was to paint on Yupo paper, because I had to rinse and wipe it off three times before I did something I was happy with. While I didn’t film the wipe off parts, I did film the final process and the “lifting” technique I used to create the daisies. You can watch the video here. (It is just under 10 minutes.)

And here is finished triptic:

Each one is 6 1/2 x 18. I’ll finish them with a white mat and black frosted metal frame. Painting on Yupo is an incredibly free-ing process to me. The brush and paint just glide across the paper, moving and blending, rich and true color. It does take a long time to dry…especially if it’s raining outside! But it’s worth the wait!

On other matters, my newsletter will be out within the next 24 hours, and I finally got the new website uploaded, complete with that shopping cart I’ve been working on for what seems like forever! At any rate..it’s “Done” (somewhat of a misnomer, since what’s on there will hopefully change on a regular basis! (as items sell!) At least I learned alot in the process. The company I bought the editor from, Ewisoft, was incredible helpful in working with me to figure it all out. I’m on a first name basis with their Tech Support!

It will likely be quiet today as the road (Crestview Drive) is being paved (YAY!!) and there is a detour to get here. We’ve waited a long time for this! I’m hopeful the paved road will be the begining of the “easy to find” improvements we (the tenants) need to help ensure our success! Yay, and thank you, Alex and Jerry!

Back to work…see ya!

Angel Fire ArtSpace,
3469 Mountain View Blvd, Suites B2-4 Angel Fire NM