AlamedaStudioTime

Klee Hearts

2012-02-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

The challenge for this Cubist inspired + Valentine project involved using a straight edge, symbols, variation of color, and texture.

Artic Explorers

2012-02-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

Creating these polar bear landscapes involved a series of techniques and multi-stepped processes. First we sketched our horizon lines and landscape idea's. Then using a wet-on-wet, salted watercolor treatment for a Northern Lights sky feeling, we then added a watercolor wash, covered with plastic wrap to create the frozen ice surface.

The second week of the project started with more polar bear drawing studies. We then cut templates of our final polar bears, using white acrylic to stencil them onto our watercolor landscape backgrounds. We finished by colored pencil to add back in the details. You can see how varied and interesting each piece is, reflecting the vision of the different artists.

I love the size we worked at! It really felt expansive and captured the beauty of the Arctic landscape. (See happy artist above!)

I especially love the way the polar bear family (above) is interacting with each other! (See detail below)

We found that using a template is great way to create multiple images, or mirror images. I love the brother and sister bears above!

Using watercolors on already wet paper creates sky patterns that reminded us of the Aurora Borealis.

(Click on the one above to see the two wrestling cubs!)

You can't tell by these pictures, but the very last thing we did was to spray a light coat of silver glitter over the entire surface of each piece and it really added a "frozen" and glittery feeling!

Bravo everyone!

(Sorry to the Wednesday afternoon class. I didn't get ONE picture that day!)

For All of My Doodlers!

2012-02-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

Off to Sea!

2012-01-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Claire

I don't think the California Coastal Commission will know what hit them!

For the first time, the kids of Alameda StudioTime are entering their artwork in the CCC's statewide poster contest! As you can see, the kids (ages 5-15) created works both conceptually and artistically beautiful! We California artists all have personal experiences with our coastal landscape, the animals from marine to grassland, and the sights and sounds of the lifestyle that we all enjoy. I believe these rich experiences helped to guide our hands.

Go ahead and click on the works to see them in all their detail!

Annie

Ilana Rose


Johnny

Clara

Leah

Hady

Ajna

Tor

Emmett

Raziah

Kevin

Zak Ali

Iesha

Juni

Liris

Maggie

Lukas

Liam

Zarinah

Aoife


Lukas

Hady

Kassi

Amelia

Thaila Rose

Nelson

Cat

Ilana

Sofia

Faith

Cat

Annie


Faith

I am SO proud!

Keep posted to see the results which will be available in April of this year.

Ode to a Greek Urn

2011-11-17T07:43:00.001-08:00

In our one-room-schoolroom way (each at our own level) we've been studying the human figure and proportion here in the studio. Everyone got so much from these classical lessons and their figure drawings IMPROVED SO MUCH!

We took those improved figure skills, first to our Altered Books and then applied them to this Greek Vase project. The Greeks shared so much of their culture, passions, myths, and their love of the human form on this wonderful art form.

I love how the figure studies look (above) sketched in the books!

We used craft paper (above) and "drew with scissors" to explore vase/urn shapes. The kids were amazing while playing with symmetry and shape. They pasted them in and went to the thumbnails stage in their books too!

I love how varied the vase shapes are! Please click to enlarge...They are fantastic!

Again, click on the pictures to enlarge. The details will amaze you!

(Clockwise from top left below- Zak Ali, Iesha, Annie, Johnny, Juni, Amelia, Ilana, Liris)

With each class so full and lively, I am often unable to photograph each artist and their work. Sorry! If you are not represented here and want to be, please help to remind me to get your work on film!

Thank you artists for stretching and growing your skills!
Your willingness to focus and try new things really shows up in your work.

Bookish

2011-11-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting beautiful and interesting books so the kids and I can do an Altered Book Experiment together. We began the project a week or so ago! Each book, like each artist in this studio, is unique, interesting and has a story all of it's own to tell. Each week we are going to "rewrite" these old books. We'll illustrate, collage, paint over, dream up, recover, rip-out and all together breath new life into these old tomes.

My hope is that these recycled books will be a place to capture our dreams, hopes and ideas in, focusing on the power of imagery and beauty, like a sacred art diary/journal.

I loved watching the kids sitting in the sun, rewriting history.

Spirits Welcomed

2011-11-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

It was an especially fun and great-spirited week here at StudioTime. The Fall sun was shining down as we worked indoors and out, enjoying our projects and each others company.

To observe Dios de los Muertos, we used basic printing techniques to make these colorful banners.

We laid down even layers of Speedball block printing inks with soft rubber brayers to reproduce each of our designs.

A warm welcome to Raziah(above) and Ajna! So great to have you both working in the studio.

Each design was unique and WONDERFUL. Annie and I had found the perfect sized ceremonial papers in Chinatown, and I offered craft foam to etch our "plates" on.

During Wednesday afternoon class we had the time to write some rememberances on Chinese Joss papers, to those beings who have passed into the spirit world. We offered up these burning papers, watching as they curled, burned and the smoke disappeared up into the air.

What is it about reproducing your work that is so thrilling?

Again, I'm so proud of these fearless, curious and clearheaded artists!

Magical Gourds

2011-11-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Wow October! We paper mache'd, primed, painted and prepared for Hallow's eve all though the month! We were all up to our elbows in glue, paint, ghost kitties and Medusa Challenges that no one had a spare second to pick up the camera. I managed to capture just these few. Here's 11 gourds out of the 30 that left the studio.

Cat (top) with her magical Owl Gourd. Malcolm (behind her) did a wonderful Spider Web motif.

Annie created this Dios de los Muertos tribute (above) to her cat Scully and her dog Finny.

Faith made this wonderful Black Cat Gourd (above and below). Love the teeth!

Gorgeous Ellie and her gorgeous gourd (above and below).

Clara's Black Cat Gourd, above.

The very focused and vibrant Liris created this lively Magical Gourd, above.

Zarinah made this ecstatic Gourd Man! The photo doesn't capture it's beauty.

Kevin did a front and back on this wonderful gourd, above and below.

Zak Ali and his fierce, powerful Gourd Man!

Iesha layered and added details in marvelous colors!

These are my two samples (above and below) that I had a BALL making!

Puppy Love

2011-09-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

DreamTime

2011-09-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

We here at StudioTime just spent two weeks deep in primitive Australia! We studied the symbols and dot art techniques of the Aboriginals. The kids really embraced it all and communicated about their lives, their world, and their hearts. The pieces themselves are stunning and the "story" behind many of them are profound and moving. Take a look.

The artist above, Aoife, said this piece showed the love between her and her mother, and mothers and daughters everywhere.

Annie's piece show's her Dragon, Fish and Snake spirits, and how she feels unique in the world.

Wow! Ellie shows the important spirits that have been part of her path in life, and brought her joy.

Faith showed the strength and beauty at the center of her family, her parents!

This artist above, Kassi, tried to capture the amazing creativity she feels that comes out of her body. I think she succeeded.

This powerful piece by Lukas, shows tribes living in the natural world. Water sources, cliffs, paths and forest.

Both pictures, above and below, show Caleb and his work. So happy to have you back Caleb!

Ilana, above, missed the first week of this project, didn't hesitate and produced this powerful painting in no time.

David, above, used symbols to express what he feels.

Amelia took much time and care to show, with symbols, the joy of being in her family!

Cat, above, said her piece is very personal and secret, and that she could feel her heart beating and leading her through this project!

Hady's piece above shows how her family was created.

This piece above by Thaila shows the artist in the middle, her beating heart on the right, and her broken heart on the left.

Liam shows his strength above, Liris her joys below!

Maggie, above, says the feeling of aliveness in her body feels just like this painting!

Kevin who's piece is above, just returned from camping in Tahoe. The middle circle shows his family in their campground and the trails they explored radiate out from the middle. The green and brown dots show the forest!

Emmett! Showing us how he used symbols to represent his family!

Iesha, above, wanted to convey her joy of faith, family, trust and gratitude in this piece.
I think she nailed it!

Johnny, above, mastered his materials and tools and showed his strength and vitality.

Master Work by Lukas, age 8

2011-09-07T07:49:00.001-07:00

And the best part about it is that it's a gift to me!
Thanks Lukas, I'll treasure it!
(click to enlarge)

Ecstatic!

2011-08-30T20:05:00.001-07:00

I think this picture shows the great energy and community flowing from StudioTime today!
From left to right Maggie, Sofia (who just joined us today and what a great addition to our resident artists!), myself, Ajna, and my Annie.
Have I mentioned how ecstatic I am with Alameda StudioTime and all of these vibrant artists?

Swimming with Friends

2011-08-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Amelia is back (her work below) and I'm always tickled by her approach and vibrancy.

Summer vacation was wonderful, but no where close to how wonderful it was to welcome my artists, new and returning, back to the studio. I'm still abuzz with all of the energy, excitement and creativity that came through the door the last two days!

Welcome to the studio Kassi!

Welcome back Iesha (her work is above) and Ilana and Annie (below).

This project was in celebration of the fun, pleasure and mystery of swimming. So many of us filled our days with swimming this Summer, that this project was a natural way to start back to StudioTime after our break.

Johnny's back! Yay! (His Were Shark above)

Welcome Ellie! Can't wait to see more of her work. Wow!

Cool Cat is back! (Her piece above)

A big hello and welcome to Haley, above! What a love!

Each student easily connected to their joy of swimming and each approached this project from a different perspective.

A warm welcome to Faith! And a big welcome back to Hady! (Pictured above)

Art class wouldn't be the same without Aoife and her sense of style! (Above)

Cat (pictured above) with her framed finished piece!

Kiah, above, is a welcomed addition to Tuesday afternoon class!

Another incredible piece done by Kevin, returning for his second year. Amazing, huh?

Lukas is back and I'm sooo happy! His work, his strong sense of style and story-telling, his kindness!

The piece above was done by Maggie, who in fact, inspired the whole project with her enthusiasm for, and pure joy of swimming. So glad to have you in class Maggie!
(Maggie pictured below with her dad Mark.)

So Proud!

2011-06-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the kids in the studio each created a Japanese inspired watercolor that we turned into beautiful bookmarks. Each child sold their creations and together we raised $360.00. We found a terrific agency that we donated the money to called JEARS.
I feel so proud that we could contribute.

Ten Little Monkey's

2011-06-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'll miss my little monkey's this summer! Nothing can top the energy, beauty and creativity of these young artists in my studio each week. This project was a perfect for this week. So fun!

Today's Starry Starry Night

2011-05-31T18:09:00.001-07:00

What a satisfying way to end for Summer break, talking about our hopes and dreams for Summer and reflecting on Van Gogh's Starry Night.

The mood was quiet, reflective and light as the kids built up layers of color and texture, interpreting this iconic painting in their own way.

We used a heavy watercolor paper, blue, black, and white tempra to start.

We talked about Van Gogh, his isolation, his prolific output, the role religion played on his life, and how he spent a lot of time outdoors at night during the summer painting, relaxing and pondering life and the stars.

We also talked about "copying" great works and how doing so can allow you to walk in the shoes of an artist you enjoy.

As we all worked together today I realized that I never imagined I would have an art studio like Alameda StudioTime, and now that I do have a place to share and create with others, it really is a dream-come-true for me! Thank you to all of my artists, and all you parents who value creating, dreaming and making. It's been a great, great year!

Jen+Johnny+Ajna+Zahrinah+Iesha+
+Annie+Juni+Nini+Treyvon+Lucas+
Aoife+Caleb+Liam+Ilana+Cat+
+Hady+Amelia+Cecilia+Nelson+
Clara+Asher+Alabama+Caliope

See How Far They've Come?

2011-05-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

The amazing Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti (pronounced Jacko-metti) was the inspiration for the wonderful "bronzes" that came out of the studio today.

My StudioTime artists expressed emotion, movement and an new understanding of materials with these successful sculptures! I am so proud of everyone for going along on this three week journey, with confidence and curiosity.

We began the project with quick charcoal sketches, then moved onto "drawing" with wire, and creating a "skeleton." Engineering each piece was different because of weight distribution and the amount of points fixed to the base.

We did two layers of paper mache using paper towels... texturally much better than the standard newsprint. Then we finished up with a layer of tempra paint (a mix of black and brown), then a light coat of bronze, feathered on top of the black and brown, for a aged metal affect.

Click each one to see them bigger, and to see the name of each artist.

I loved every step of this project and was brimming with pride and excitement over how confident each artist has become as this "school" year comes to a close.

I can't end this post without mentioning Serena. Projects went more smoothly because of her, and the kids all enjoy having her here. (See picture above.) She supported the kids as they worked and got plenty dirty in the process. Thank you Serena!!!

My Most Serious Art Students

2011-05-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

I've got to get them to loosen up some...

Sweet Strawberries

2011-05-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

I threw a short strawberry study into this weeks line-up of classes to break up our three week journey into Giacometti inspired sculptures. I love them! I encouraged my kids to really look at the shadows and the small details. These pieces are from my wonderful Wednesday morning class.

(Strawberries from top to bottom, Cat, Annie, Hady, Cecilia at work, Cecilia, Amelia, Ilana, then Nelson.)

I can't wait to post the sculptures the kids have been pouring their hearts into! Next week I'll photograph them all!

By the time Nelson arrived on Friday, all of the strawberries had been used for our project (then eaten by the artists) so we went next door and picked a lemon to use for our study. Lovely lemon!

Viva Mexico!

2011-05-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo in the studio this week by creating Amate Bark Paintings.

Amate bark paper goes back as far as the Aztec Empire and has remained in the Puebla and northern Veracruz states until current times.

I prepped our "bark" paper (grocery bags) by spraying them with coffee and drying them in the sun.

The kids tore the edges of their "bark" and planned their pieces by looking at traditional paintings.

We used tempra paints then dried them back in the hot sun.

We discussed repetition, symbolism and using what is around you to make art.

The last thing we did was take a Sharpie, adding details and accentuating the positive.

About a Bunny

2011-04-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Being that it is almost Easter, I created a lesson around the rabbit below so that we could explore gouche, some wet-on-wet techniques and refining our brush strokes! I love how opaque the gouche is, and how it leaves a slightly chalky feeling on the paper when it's dried.

Welcome Back Spring

2011-04-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

We've been busy little bunnies in the studio these days. These beautiful Spring diorama's were multi-step, multi media and mega fun. Each one turned out differently and I think I may be converting some of these kids into "little world" artisans. Because of the complexity and support each student needed, out of the twenty or so kids who did this project, these are the only pictures I took!

Picasso Inspired

2011-03-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

It doesn't do these pieces justice to post them at this size. (Click on them to see it bigger.) These works are big, colorful and wonderful. This project was a leap of faith for most of the kids. Letting go of capturing a "realistic" face and instead, show multiple perspectives and interpretive shadowing and details didn't come that easily.

Until they got into it!

You can (hopefully) see how engrossed were while they worked in the photo above. You may also notice how wonderful and spacious the studio is for each artist to spread out while at work.

A Dream Come True!

2011-02-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how much things can change in just two short weeks! My studio has grown to more than double it's size with the removal of a few walls, closets and a hallway. New lighting, hardwood floors, custom shelving, tables and storage have been added, plus an already enjoyed snack corner. (See Clara, Asher and Alabama above, after they slurped all up the orange slices. Sorry Caliope!)

I left some original details, like the old built-in cabinet, above.

Added these new honey + amber glow oak floors...

And there was so much more room for all my artist friends this week!

I know how much I like to spread out when I work in the studio. Three cheers for more elbow room!

Just look at the light! Balanced and bright.

Annie went straight from her bed to the studio this morning. A My Little Pony accessory making session is still going strong over here.

I love the new custom shelves with a suspention rod support system designed and built by my brother, Master Builder T. Kern. He guided me through this whole renovation process and it has been wonderful working with him.

I'll post more pictures after I spend this weekend playing in my new studio!

A special thank you to
Annie Louise O'Farrell Hinz
William Hinz
LaLa Pat Sieler
Grandma Bettie
Thomas Kern
Nieters Family

and all my wonderful artist friends and their families!

And The Wall Came Tumblin' Down

2011-01-31T21:41:00.000-08:00

What a natural demolition worker!
(Except she wanted to keep all the scraps)

It was amazing how fast it all came down! Thos methodically reversed his building skills and undid the work of the past. It really takes brawn and an understanding of how structures are engineered.

A huge part of demolition is clean-up, and that is what I did, take many, many loads of rubbish and recyclables to the driveway. You can see Robert above taking a load.

Thanks Thos, Bill, Annie, Robert and Kevin the hauling guy!

Day #1

2011-01-31T08:25:00.000-08:00

Annie has given the walls a final send off, plus a welcome for my brother Thos who is the contractor on this job. The demolition begins in a few minutes.
More later...

Off to Paris!

2011-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

Actually, I'm off to remodeling world! Alameda StudioTime will double it's space in the next two weeks and it will be a world-wind trip! I'm all set up to do some Valentines Post Cards from Paris with the kids next week, thanks to the idea from fellow art teacher Gail Bartel.
Keep posted. I'll do some before and after shots of the work as I go if they don't cart me off to the funny farm first.

Masking & Contrast

2011-01-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

Amelia, above and her finished detail below, and her wonderful owl in the tree!

The kids all came away from this project with a great piece! We used low tack painters tape, Exacto blades, blue and white tempra, and a variety of brush sizes. I loved the level of concentration and focus, and then the happy smiles upon completion.

So good to see Cecilia again after her trip to Panama! This is an artist that could easily double her StudioTime.

Kat, above and below, so happy making a blizzard.

My dear Annie, above, lost in a snowy night. Full piece, below.

Beaming Zahrina below, detail above, with her finished piece below. Notice the nails!

Ajna, finished above. Full piece below.

Johnny below, loving the steps involved to achieve the final result, and wishing there was even more time to work.

Hady, love the nails, below, loved this project!

(More) An Early Spring!

2011-01-18T14:40:00.000-08:00

The lesson this week was about symmetry, working loose, and mixing colors. Didn't they turn out magnificently?

Hady, age eight, above, with amazing concentration.
Kat, age five, both photos below, adding details to her vase, then working loosely with a larger brush to add flowers.

During class I played some classical flute music. Kat said dreamily "Some music makes me drift..." Love her!

Pieces by my Wednesday artists, above, clockwise from top left: Ilana, Lukas, Annie, Hady, Amelia, Kat.

Annie, or Supergirl Kitty, age 9, shows off her dragon vase, above.
Lukas, below, age eight, shows off some tools-of-the-trade.

Annie, arm above, experimenting with loose brush work!

Skye, 6 years old, at work.

My Tuesday artists final pieces above.
Clockwise from top left: Skye, Johnny, Iesha, Kevin, Ajna and Zarinah.

Everyone's a critic. Even Harpo!

Our wonderful newest addition Ajna, age ten, working on her flowers.

Johnny, age eight, above, feeling the joy and surprise of mixing colors.
Kevin, age eight, designing his bouquet.

Wishing Trees

2011-01-12T21:45:00.000-08:00

Skye, age 6, (welcome back!) and her work above. Asher, age 5, below.

I love this project for the new year!
My youngest students named it "Wishing Trees" because they said the flowers looked like dandelions at the tops. Cally, Alabama, Asher and Clara really are my sages and poets! On thick watercolor paper, we used cut cardboard to scrape acrylic paint to look like birch bark, and once that dried, we used chalk pastels to layer colors to create backgrounds and tops to the "stems".
Wow!

Ilana, age 8, above. Benidict, age 2, holding his brother Kevin's, age 8, work below.

Lucas, age 7, above. Zahrinah, age 9, below.

Iesha, age 13, above. Anne, age 9.75, below.

Let it Snow

2011-01-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Above, Annie (age nine), below Liam (age five)

This was a great winter project!
The kids (ages four through nine) were bursting out with their after-holiday energies and tackled this project like the brave artists that they are.
We used colored pencils on black paper. It really makes the colors pop off the page. We started with a snowy horizon line, added verticals in brown to start our trees, and then added detailed trunks and limbs, delicately covering them with pine needles in two different greens, then added a light dusting of snow. We discussed shadows and how to show distance using grays, and making the white of the snow brighter the closer it is to you. (Objects far away are diffused because there is a lot of atmosphere between the viewer and the object.)

Showing the falling snow, and adding animals (and glitter) were the frosting on the cake!

Above, Thomas (age seven), below Ilana (age eight)

Above Caleb (age six) and below Aoife (age seven)

Above Kevin (age eight) and below Johnny (age eight)

I was so happy to hear from parents how proud their kids were with their projects!

Goodbye 2010

2010-12-15T17:47:00.000-08:00

I feel so full and happy winding up classes in Alameda StudioTime for 2010! Sharing my studio with kids and adults has been so much more satisfying than I had anticipated. I really love it.
We ended this last week of StudioTime for the year with an exotic camel project and a I had a few request for a "little family" or manger scene for the younger artists. The decorated camel in Islamic tradition symbolizes Mohammed, and in the Christian tradition my thoughts went to the wise men following the star. For both projects we used cut paper, trims, ornaments, ribbons and gold and silver pens, we adorned.

Starving artists!

Thank you to all my students, parents, friends and family who have helped make StudioTime such a wonderful place!
See you in 2011.

Some Good Friends of Mine

2010-12-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

I count myself lucky to be a part of this little group! With the addition of Alabama (above) the harmony and good spirits of the group skyrocketed. The four of them laugh, tell stories and stay focused on their work, producing such masterpieces as shown here! (These photos don't really do the originals justice. The lighting was poor and the pieces still wet.)

We started with quick sketches and a short talk about a self-portrait that was done by Swiss artist Paul Klee. I had laid out an already painted canvas, aprons, simple templates, (so they would fill up the canvas) acrylic paints, four brushes of different sizes, and then I just stood back and watched. As the kids had snacks, I set up the blow dryer in the bathroom and got the pieces really dry. After snack, a few of them went back in with chalk pastels and added some finishing touches.

After seeing the current show at the DeYoung, ( I LOVED it and recommend it for young and not-so-young!) and being so moved by the Les Nabis artists works (pronounced Na-bee), I realize these kids don't even have to strive for the qualities of simplification and enhanced colors that were so sought after by those artists. These kids are the real thing!

Superstars!

2010-12-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

Super hero Johnny!

His fabulous mom, Jen!

My students are all superstars! First, I took their picture and turned them into "sketches" via Photoshop and printed them onto watercolor paper. We used markers, colored pencils and in the case of Aoife above, glitter!

Thomas Rocks!

Annie's piece!

Caleb and Liam!!

These two are my samples.

Gecko's Gazing at the Moon

2010-12-01T18:52:00.001-08:00

This project was so fun to do with the little kids! We looked at photos of all kinds of gecko's, did sketches and added a lot of details. We worked in watercolors, markers, and tempra paint. Notice the last photo. My newest student, Aoife (pronounced Ee-Faa) felt strongly that she could express herself better with people than with Gecko's.
Love it!

Step Three

2010-11-16T17:45:00.000-08:00

Bluebird by Cat age 5

We've just finished our paper mache birds! We did small steps each week along with our regular projects, and this week we finished painting them! I put little Hans, one of our live canaries, on the table for us to use as inspiration while we painted. I'll tell you, the amount of energy generated by the kids in the studio today could have fueled a rocket ship to the moon! I'll post more finished birds after classes are done tomorrow. Now, I'll put my feet up!

Peacock by Annie, age 9.5

Cecilia, Annie, Ilana and Cat proudly show their birds!

Birds in the grass by David, Age 8 and Kevin, Age 8

Thomas, Age 7

Caleb, Age 6

Liam, Age 6

Landscapes, Laughing and Frogs Tounges

2010-11-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

What did we do in the studio today?
Laugh!
Something tickled the kids funny bones early on, and that was it.
Snickers, giggles, and tear producing peels of laughter. I tried to be sober and reel them back in, but then I thought "This is fun! This is creation. This is joy! So we laughed and painted and that is what I want for them.

The older kids did a simple perspective study in watercolor, and they turned out wonderful (see above)! The younger kids (see below), did frogs with long tongues. Plus we all started on some paper mache birds that will take a few steps to complete.

Bird Songs

2010-10-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

I love kids art work! Aren't these birds wonderful?
After a short line drawing demonstration on birds, Caleb, Liam and Thomas used tempra paint to color them. They added wing, beak and leg details and some of them added head and tail feather details. At the very end, I brought out a box of feathers and they added them into the wet paint.

Let's Dance

2010-10-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

I love the Day of the Dead and the opportunity for all souls, living or not, to get together and celebrate life! I'm hosting a Día de los Muertos workshop for some little artists I know and this is the format, and my sample for the class.

I can't wait to see what gets created!

Getting Goulish

2010-10-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

These pieces look really cool in person!
Click on them for a closer up view.
I love these kids and I love having them in my studio with me.
I really do!
Now that I've been opening up my studio for over a year now, I think I'm really getting the hang of preparing projects, scheduling, and setting up the studio.

These skulls literally glowed after those little fingers
burnished the oil pastels into the black paper.

Thank you Nelson, Clara, Caliope,
Caleb, Audrey, Cecilia, Maia,
Annie, Ilana, Kevin, David,
Iesha, and dear Zarinah,
and all your
wonderful parents.

Love these kids!

2010-10-05T22:02:00.001-07:00

I started by plucking this pumpkin out of our front yard and had the kids sketch it in pencil. Then we used our powers of observation and added the ridges, stems and dead leaves.

Next we added surface detail with oil pastels, showed a foreground, middleground and background. Then we used watercolors and washed the pieces, creating a wonderful texture as the water resisted the oil.

I thought I might be raising the bar too high on this project with the techniques and materials I offered, but no! These kids dove right in, stretched themselves and finished pieces that were so good that the hair stood up on my neck a few times.

Just look at their faces! (And their work!!)

Look how happy and proud they seem!

I'm so glad that I could help them create these pieces.

Annie said "Mine looks as good as yours does Mom!"

What a Hoot

2010-09-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

From four years old to nine and a half, my students all love owls. The barn owls featured here are done by my 8-9 year olds and I love the way the oil pastel gave the owls such a feathery, ancient quality! I loved watching the kids the work, and helping them develop their pieces. I feel so excited and honored to be teaching art and sharing something that has made my life so rich and satisfying.

A Lesson in Acrylics

2010-09-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

I can barely contain my excitement about today's Acrylic lesson!

I had two very confident artists in the studio who were totally ready to put paint to canvas.

No quicker than I could get the words out of my mouth, and these two gals were painting like they'd done it for years!

I guess with a little color theory, and simple painting ABC's under their belts they let their instincts guide them.
I'll stop gushing now, especially since a picture, or painting, tells a thousand tales.
(See the finished paintings below!)

Mixed Media

2010-09-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

I'm introducing using acrylic paints with some of my older students.
I made these canvas pieces to be painted and finished off with embroidered accents. Our theme was birds in a tree and I like the direction these two took. Mine sample is on the bottom. I'm using mine as a patch for a denim jacket.

Healthy Color

2010-09-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Classes this Summer have been so sweet! With only a few children in each class, we were able to combine some simple color theory with fun crafting. Like a smoothie with lots of protein powder hidden within, we painted and crafted while learning what complimentary, warm & cool colors, monotone and saturation means!

Hens & Chicks

2010-07-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

I love this hen and chick project I did yesterday with some kids in the studio!
We did our sketches then transferred them, via a light box, onto heavy weight drawing paper, using a wide Sharpie,
then used oil pastels to color them in.

I think I'll offer this project this week to my younger students.

(My Sample above)

Giraffe's in the Studio

2010-07-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

While trolling around the internet looking for project ideas, I saw a great blog post at That Artist Woman featuring a giraffe wax resist project. We tried it on Wednesday and my students loved it. Maia, Cecil and Annie all knocked my socks off with their interpretations. The harmony in the studio was wonderful and we worked steadily for a few hours, only to stop for a jump on the trampoline and a fresh fruit smoothie.

So Much Fun!

2010-05-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been so full of creativity, excitement and fun in the studio!

Since my last post we have made dolls and stuffed animals, done painting, drawing, pastels both oil and chalk, studied koi, eels, jellyfish and deep sea anglers, done self-portraits, robots, made dream catchers, candle holders, felt birds, owls, candy houses and beautiful Fimo mothers day jewelery.

So far the hardest part of offering classes is that the students take their work home and then I really miss it looking at it!

Really.

That said, I try and take photos to post here and these are just a few.

Treasure Boxes in the Studio

2009-11-27T21:31:00.001-08:00

Will you join me?

Using small boxes, Dresden trim, glitter, vintage images and creativity we will create small treasure boxes to hold small holiday gifts and treasures. I've filled them with nuts and sweets and given them as hostess and teacher gifts.

Saturday December 5th 1-4 PM
$30 plus a $12 material fee.
A snack of tea and cookies included.
Call Patrice (510)522-3494

A Hootin' Good Time

2009-11-13T16:16:00.000-08:00

First we sketched using raw charcoal and blended the lines to create a realistic drawing.

Then we made beaks and eyes out of fimo and baked them.

We picked out sticks to use for perches, then glued it all together to make these wonderful owls.

Then using wonderful upholstery fabrics, raw silk, foam core, googly eyes and skewers this big owl came to life!

Robots in the Studio!

2009-11-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

Robots have taken over the studio! Were swimming in wires, nuts, screws, fuses, hinges, coils and parts that I don't know the names of. It's amazing how much personality one can achieve with hardware.
Call me Patrice, today to book a time
to make your own robot sculpture.
(510) 522-3494

2009-11-07T00:04:00.000-08:00

Calling all Connecting Waters Students!

Alameda StudioTime is now an approved vendor.

Call your ES and join in the fun today.

Some upcoming projects include;

Robots

(wood, metal, hot glue, etc.)

Monet's Garden

(liquid watercolors, oil pastels, tissue)

Ho Ho Holiday Cards

(wool felt, buttons, simple sewing).

No-Sew Felt Ornaments

(Felt, fimo, jewels, bells, ribbon)

Call Patrice (510) 522-3494 for class times and costs

Coming Up! (For 12 & up)

2009-10-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Please come and join me in creating a hand-made holiday!

Fun & Easy Felt Workshop
Felt is a wonderfully forgiving and easy fabric to work with,
especially the imported wool felts.
We can make no-sew ornaments,
wallets, banners, brooches, and badges.
Saturday November 7th 1-5PM
$30 plus a $12 material fee

A snack of tea and cookies included.

Linen & Leaf Napkin Workshop
Using fresh leaves, 100% linen and fabric paints
we will each make a lovely six napkin set.
Saturday November 14th 1-5PM
$30 plus a $12 material fee.
A snack of tea and cookies included.

Ladies Dancin' Lords a 'Leapin' Garland
This delightful garland will lift your heart each time you gaze upon it!
Vintage papers and metallic trims adorn and personalize your paper cut dancers.
Saturday November 21th 1-5PM
$30 plus a $12 material fee.
A snack of tea and cookies included.

Treasure Boxes
Vintage images, Dreseden trims, glitter and love will adorn
these little boxes that will hold all kinds of precious gifts.
(I've stuffed them with small chocolates and candies.)
Saturday December 5th 1-5PM
$30 plus a $12 material fee.
A snack of tea and cookies included.

Winter Greetings Theater
Last year I made these little theaters with woodland creatures,
a bit of paper mache' and other miniature items.
They are wonder gifts for a child of any age!
Saturday December 12th 1-5 PM
$30 plus a $16 materials fee.
A snack of tea and cookies included.

Call Patrice to save your spot (510)522-3494

People, Food, Fun and Life!

2009-10-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today was so fun!

The first Day of the Dead Teatro class produced some beautiful treasures!
(Click on the photo above to enlarge.)
This project brought out the miniaturist in some, the magpie in others and the sweet sentimentalist in all.
I love the Day of the Dead celebrations, and the invitation it extends to loved ones to come back and visit the pleasures in life.
People, food, fun and life!
I will hold this class at least once more before November, so come play with us!

Oil Pastel Skulls in the Studio

2009-10-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Skull Project Instructions
-Use a sheet of thick black paper and draw a simple skeleton shape.
-Take white glue and carefully trace your lines. Let dry 24 hours.
-Fill in your skeleton with Oil Pastels, and rub life back into those bones!

Come and Play!

2009-10-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

New Classes Starting in November

Morning Classes
Weekly on Wed & Fridays 11:00-12:30

After-School Classes
Weekly on Wed & Fridays 3:30-5:00

Saturday Class
Most Saturdays 11:00-12:30

Ages 5-12. Each class $25 and is limited to 5 students per class.

To sign up or ask questions call or email Patrice

(510)522-3494
treeshinz@sbcglobal.net

Day of the Dead Theatro

2009-09-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Day of the Dead Theatro Workshop
Make your own shadowbox to celebrate life!

Saturday October 10th 1-3:30

Register Now! 3 Spaces left!

Call Patrice (510) 522-3494

Scarecrow Miniature Sculpture Workshop

2009-09-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Scare away crows and pesky blackbirds with this spooky scarecrow!

Make your own!
Saturday October 17th 1-3:30
$30.00 per person

Call now only 5 spaces available!
Patrice (510)522-3494

2009-09-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

StudioTime Taster Classes Saturday's in October!
Age 7 & up. Each class $30

Day of the Dead Theatro
October 10th 1-3:30 PM

ScareCrow Miniature Sculpture
October 17th 1-3:30 PM

Bat Mobile
October 24th 1-3:30 PM

Coming soon!
Pictures of upcoming projects.