On-line Registration is open for Winter Session

On-line Registration for Winter Session starts today! Click HERE for the form. Art Classes will begin in the New Year on Jan. 5th. I hope you will join us!

Announcing: New Classes for the New Year

I have been thinking and dreaming and I am excited to announce the NEW class list for the New Year at The Apprentice Art Studio... drum roll please!

Staring  Tues. January 5th, 2016 Eelementary Classes begin with Let's Paint! In this 8 week class students will explore all there is to know about paint, color, mixing and more. We will look at traditional methods, as well as, explore modern methods too. We will use a variety of mediums and did I mention, PAINT!

For Adults, more painting! I am offering 3 courses Watercolor Basics, Watercolor II and Master Study-Van Gogh. In Watercolor Basics. This class is for anyone who has ever wanted to try watercolor painting! Get ready to be amazed– you will love it.Watercolor II is for those who have done watercolor before but would like to continue to develop style and skill through the study of still life. This class offers my methodology but different technique and model. Students will choose their own palette to work from in this class. Students may bring own supplies, but not necessary. 

My NEW adult class is the first of  a new series called Master Study, aren't you excited already? In this course students will learn about a Master Artist, their story  and create works as they did using their techniques and mediums. This is a beautiful way to develop skill and practice and widen your artistic eyes. The first in this series of classes is my all time favorite: Van Gogh! I. Can't.Wait. 

And of course there is Making Lessons my stand alone 2 hour classes that give you the opportunity to come relax and do something creative for an evening. These run once a month and utilize all kinds of materials. Starting in February Felting Sunflowers-Van Gogh style. This is a great introduction to the art of hand felting. If you love the fiber arts or just want to learn something new this is the class for you!  To download class list click HERE

Making Lessons~Altered Books Class

I love old books, they are like old friends. I also love art. Imagine my inner happiness when I found that the two had married into an art form called Altered Books? Is it possible? Why, yes it is! I have been making altered books for about 6 years now. There is something unique and whimsical about each one. They are filled with artwork, dreams, and the things I love. This art form is like discovering a secret and hidden garden with only one bench just for you! If you would like to learn more about such a thing, then you are in store for a real treat at my:

 November Making Lessons~ Altered Books Class!

 November 17th, 7:00 pm,
at The Apprentice Art Studio!

On-line Registration HERE 

As always, space is limited so register early, thanks friends! 

Below are some photos from my books!

              

 

 Both of these pages are from a painted child's book with flaps

 This book is for the Birds, My Ode d'Oiseaux

This book is to capture some of the products, kits and patterns I created for my online business, 

The Patchwork Heart Co. retired in 2009. 

This was an individual page I made for an Altered Book swap called a "Tip-in" 

I hope you will join us Making Lessons~ Altered Books!

Making Lessons~ Collage Class: These Two Ladies are Quite a Pear

Imagine with me... sitting in a cozy art studio, soft music in the background, with a couple of friends. Happiness ensues while ripping, relaxing, tearing, giggling, gluing, blending, experimenting, laughing, sipping tea, encouraging... do I need to go on? 

Don't you just want to join us!
Well you totally can, because this is what happens at: 

Making Lessons~ The Art of Making Meaningful Things.

 I just had the pleasure of creating with these two lovely souls. Women who I don't see much but need to see more! We had the best time together. One of them said "it was like therapy....*relaxing sigh*" Agreed.
To recap I wanted to share with you their creations because there are stunning and uniquely theirs! We started with black canvases and collaged to our hearts content, then added words from Galatians 5:22 the Fruit of the Spirit verse.

Happy Making Lesson Students!

I sat with them and did a different design, same concept, on a thicker canvas that I will hang in the kitchen when I re-paint the walls and cupboards.

Kitchen Pear

Kinda excited about the color palette: slate gray, antique white, bright white, copper, and apple green. Think old Country French style. Hope you will consider joining us for Making Lessons Oct. 23th and Nov. 17th or the Holiday Design Workshop in November more info to come!

Watercolor Initials

Watercolor seems to be everywhere in the art world these days, which is so wonderful for me to see. I get excited seeing all the wonderful ways that watercolors are being used to create.  I am offering my Making Lessons Class on Watercolor Initials(see photo) Oct. 23th at 3:00-5:00 pm.

If you would like to try watercolor, this class is fun, relaxing, simple and affordable. In this two hour afternoon class for all ages you will get to try your hand and my favorite medium! 

Those of you who took my Adult Beginning Watercolor class and need something to tide you over till my next class, this could be the one for you.  If you were undecided and missed my first watercolor class and  have now decided yes, this is your chance! 
I have 3 spots left!

Making Lessons ~ The Art of Making Meaningful Things

This class came out of a desire to just create a project. Many of us don't have the time or finances to sign up for an art course so this was a simple answer. I wanted to provide an opportunity to make something with meaning and to enjoy the process with others, (think quilting bee or knitting circle) married to the idea of connecting faith and creativity. These are stand alone classes and you can come and try your hand at a project. This class is a great time out with friends or a non-threatening way to try something new. This is a multi-generational environment. Children 5- 9 need to bring their parent for quality time together. 

Watercolor Class was Pear-fect!

This was the class example I prepared

What a wonderful group of artists!

Many thanks to my first students of the year for making Art A La Carte Watercolor Class a success at The Apprentice Art Studio! I was absolutely tickled and amazed at the beauty that was created in just three sessions, yes three! WOW! You gals are becoming wonderful artists. We had Caramel Apple Tea  and Cranberry Vanilla Wonderland- delicious, and cozy fall tasting! We laughed and had warm friendly conversation! It was truly a great experience for me.
Here are some pictures of what we did:

Using 3 colors and value on gray scale pear

Students playing with color and being bold!

Focused students

Sarah working on her mid tones

Love the text Katie!

Lovely Marion!

Great start Michelle!

Here is what my students are saying:

 " I feel successful, thank you so much!" 

 " I painted that, wow, I really like it!" 

"This has been great! I have always wanted to learn how to do this and now I do!"

" When is your next class?"

Thank you for being brave and trusting me to guide you and share what I know and love. This has been a dream come true and I am so glad I got to share it with you all! A wonderful start to an amazing year of art!

As we look ahead...

 I still have room in my October 22nd and November 17th. Making Lessons Classes. Register HERE
More info and class description HERE. Space is limited register early, bring a friend!

NEW and Exciting! 

I will be offering a Holiday Watercolor Design Workshop. 2 workshops one for Adults and one for kiddos! This workshop is for anyone who would love to add that special whimsical, homemade magic to their holidays! More information is coming soon! I am finalizing dates as we speak!  Be on the look out for online registration beginning in October!

Art A La Carte-Beg. Watercolor for Adults

Time to register for Fall Adult Art A La Carte Watercolor Class

At The Apprentice Art Studio!

This class is for anyone who has wanted to try watercolor painting! I will demystify the tools and process. Get ready to be amazed– you will love it. In this 3 day course, students will learn about tools, paint, paper and how to make it work for you, in fun warm-up exercise to help decrease the fear factor. In the 2^nd class students will learn design, how to work from a photo, and sketch a simple still life in” follow me” fashion. In class 3 students will begin a painting.

Through out our class time I will also talk about my method of painting, my palette, and give other tips and tricks to encourage you in your own pursuit of watercolor painting.

Register HERE with my on-line Form. 

Payment holds your spot. 3 day class 7-9 pm Sept. 10,17, 24th 

$65.00+$10.00 material fee

Class held, at The Apprentice Art Studio, North Tacoma

Online Registrations- Life Just Got a Little Easier!

Hello Future Art Apprentices! 

I have just made life a wee bit easier for you. Voila! You may now register online via this awesome google form. Click the link HERE fill out the form, click the submit button...and done! Now you can check that off your back to school to do list YEAH!

The Apprentice Art Studio is Finished!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Studio Open House: Tuesday, Aug. 18th 2-5pm Download Invite HERE

•  Fall Class List, Download your copy HERE 

• Classes will begin in Sept. 22nd and space is limited. I can't wait to get messy!

I can hardly stand it!  Thanks for being so patient! I finished up the last of the studio this weekend- so exciting! Finally you can see what I  have been going on about! Now, all I need are stools, which I promise will be here by the time classes starts. I still have a couple things to finish off the room for the open house next week, but they will be a surprise.

To the right is my personal working area

My Palette Plate, thick with paint

View from my working space to class space nice and cozy!

There are lots of interesting things to find inspiration from

I hope you can stop in and say hi!

Wrapping Up the Summer With Making Lessons

Look at those sweet faces and that sweet ART!

As I prepare for the Fall, I am not only working on the studio space, but I am also finishing up summer classes I taught called Making Lessons~The Art of Making Meaningful Things. These classes were so fun to teach through my church, First Presbyterian Church. I especially loved sharing spiritual truth from the Bible along with our projects, hence the meaningful things part! Here are some pictures of the fun we had making our Household of Faith Collage Canvases (or houseboats of faith :o) using my paraphrased version of Romans 12:9:18.

Mother and Daughter Duo made this masterpiece!
I love how they added the verse everywhere-super special

This mixed media collage has great detail and dimension!

Adding Rom. 12:9-18 to her canvas.

Doing art together is a great way to spend some time together!

Love the swirly sky, a bit Van Gogh-esque!

Finishing up the canvas with a nice coat of my favorite Mod Podge.

If this is something you wish you could have done, well don't despair, I will be offering these classes again this fall so check out my class list HERE and sign up(FYI: space is limited) I am also offering an adult class and student classes too, a little something for everyone! Any questions send me an email via the contact box to the left.

A New Space for The Apprentice Studio and Apprentice with the Masters Art Class

Have you ever had to do something you didn't like, in order to do something you do like? There are quite a few times in life that I can think of that are like that. Eating all your dinner, so you can have dessert. Cleaning up your room, in order to go out and play with friends. Weeding the garden, in preparation of planting seeds. For me, sometimes taking the time to sketch or draw my subject before I start painting can feel this way. 

These last couple of weeks have definitely felt this way. However, I am so glad that I did the hard stuff, because now, I get to do the fun stuff! What am I talking about, you ask? I have been preparing my studio space for the NEW The Apprentice Studio and my new art students! Packing and sorting, painting and designing, praying and dreaming. It has been worth it!

I am so excited that I have to share some of the process with you in hopes of getting you excited as well! Here are some pictures to show you what I have been up to.

Oh dear, look at the piles and boxes!

What a complete mess....

Now we are making progress!

I am in love with these new colors!

I will post again so you can see the end result and more information. I hope this encourages you art students, as you look out to next fall.... which seems to be just around the corner.

Hello Summer! End of the Year ~ Things to Think On

What better way to end the year than with giant palette cookies!

Another wonderful art and home school year have come to an end. I have seen you all grow so much this year. The way in which you slow down and really observe a painting, your excitement when using a new medium,  practicing your drawing skills and your joy at ending your co-op day doing something really fun!

 I really enjoyed seeing you work together on this last project and I am just awed at how wonderful it turned out! It shouldn't surprise me though, you are all such wonderful art students. You have done well!

Our collaborative project (ooopps! a couple are missing when I took the picture)

But this year I am also closing a beautiful chapter in my life and starting a new one too!  I have finished home educating  my own children. The last one will be a freshman at a local Classical Education High School next year in the fall.  I have decided I am not quite ready to say goodbye to the home schooling community and I plan on teaching again next year at my co-op and also from my home studio.  I will also be working part time as a teaching assistant at a local Classical Christian Elementary School. I have an exciting future don't you think?

If you live in the South Puget Sound Area of Washington and wish to inquire about private or group art lessons, please email me with your name, current email, and a phone number at the top left of the screen. I am gathering names now and I will contact you with class details and information about an open house in the art studio in late August.

Have a wonderful summer filled with lots of paint and gesso! ~Mrs. W.

Check out some of the awesome art from our EOY program-- Super job kids!!

The Iconic Christus Mosaic from the San Vitale - By Kyle

Frescoes from Michelangelo's the Sistine Chapel- the Creation of Adam and the Delphic Sybil

Medieval stained glass

Variety of  Book of Hours' highlighting illumination and 4 hands of calligraphy  

Delphic Sybil Fresco- by Abigail

Uncial Hand and Book of Kells illumination art- by Sophie

Ancient Chinese Gongbi Silk Painting- Koi by Josiah

Shield Motif from the Bayeux Tapestry-by Andrew

Renaissance Review and The Renaissance Man, Leonardo Da Vinci

                      Leonardo Da Vinci                                                              The Mona Lisa

What were the four things that changed how paintings were done in the Renaissance and from then on?

Let's review:

1. The materials used. There is an interesting progression here from egg tempura and wooden surfaces and panels to fresco walls and ceilings to oil paints on stretched canvas. Oil paints on stretched canvas became the preferred methodology  during this time in art history.Why? Because artists were able to use a wider variety of rich colors and broader value scales to depict more realistic and life like paintings.

2 Perspective. This was very significant because it allows the artist to create the illusion of dimensional space on a flat surface.This technique becomes part of  the foundation for all of European painting over the next 500 years. Da Vinci uses this technique in The Last Supper and The Mona Lisa.

The Last Supper

3. Light and Shadow or Chiaroscuro which is literally translated light /dark in Italian becomes a painting technique perfected by Leonardo Da Vinci and it is used in the Mona Lisa where the light areas, as in the folds of her garments emerge, looking rounded and draped from the dark background of her dress.

4. Pyramid Configuration arranging figures and items in a triangular arrangement or pyramid creates symmetry and a focal point. 

These four new ways of doing things really changed the course for artist during the Renaissance.This time period is so exciting to study because so much was happening during history. Artists were being influence by so many things, science, discovery, exploration, religious change, innovation and inventions. We can see this in the art world as the artist reflected the time, social, political and emotions of the age.

 Vitruvian Man

One such person was Leonardo Da Vinci. Many claimed that he was "The Renaissance Man" because he possessed so many excellent qualities and talents. There was nothing he couldn't do once he set himself to it. He was also found to be handsome and charming. What an interesting person, this Leonardo from Vinci. He was mountain climber, bird watcher and nature lover.  Today we say that he was able to think on both sides of his brain.

Leonardo's Journals on the human body

Leonardo's Journals on flying machines and inventions

This means his logical mathematical mind accomplished just as much as his artistic and creative mind.
Our final project will be a collaborative one. We will work together to paint the Mona Lisa! I look forward to giving you all the details in class.

~ Lots of paints and gesso,  Mrs. W

Annunciation

(The Annotated Mona Lisa, Carol Strickland, Ph.D.pg.32-34)

Photos from Google for educational purpose only