New Book: Creative Photography Lab by Steve Sonheim

I’ve kept kind of quiet about this project, but it’s time to begin talking about it! Last year my husband, Steve, and I collaborated on a new book: “Creative Photography Lab.” It’s being published by Quarry Books and is due out August 1st! (It’s mostly Steve’s book, but includes 6 mixed-media photography projects by me.)

I’m mentioning it now because tomorrow (Sunday, May 26, 2013) Steve and I are going to be interviewed on Rebecca E. Parsons’ “Artistically Speaking Talk Show” at 6:30pm EST (3:30pm PST). Steve and I will be talking about the creative process, making photographs that are uniquely YOURS, technical tips and tricks, and more!

Tune in if you can by clicking this link!

(And I’ll be talking more about the book soon here at the blog. Yay Steve!)

True Craziness

Giraffes with Their Birds” in the style of Adolf Wolfli.
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Nothing new to report, except that I was having a mini “panic” attack this morning because of all the things I need to do. By the time I walked from the car to the office, though, I felt much better because I thought of a new book idea and am excited to put it into motion.

So… basically I was stressed about the things I  need to do and became LESS stressed when I added a huge project on top of everything.

I’m truly crazy.

 

 

Homeward Bound

I’ve spent the last few days in Santa Barbara, CA visiting my mom… we had a great visit and even went to the zoo one of the days:

When I get home it will be chaos as I finish the last-minute preparations for the Gelli class. Here is one of my favorite prints so far:

In the class I won’t be teaching exactly HOW to make the above, as I don’t know/remember myself!

But I CAN show my process and what I’m thinking as I do these types of prints and, then, when combined your own tastes and sensibilities, you will create prints that are uniquely yours.

I can’t wait to see the work that will come from this class — my favorite part of online teaching!

Repeating Three Online Classes in May-June

Hi!

I re-run past online classes about once per year. Besides the new Gelli Plate Printmaking  class starting Monday, I am repeating three older classes in the weeks immediately following:

Junk Mail Artist’s Book • May 27-31
Watercolor Transfer Paintings • June 3-7
Cereal Box Paper Dolls • June 10-14

All class purchases are good for participants living in a single household and is up and available to you “forever.” Hope to see you there!

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Junk Mail Artist’s Book
One-Week Intensive Class • $35
NEXT CLASS: May 27-31, 2013

This is a mixed-media-junkie’s dream project! Junk mail combined with gesso, watercolor, a little swirly technique here, some packing tape there, creates beautiful and complicated textures that you can use as backgrounds for any mixed media projects you currently have going.

In this class we’ll use our pages to create an irregularly shaped book. Then, we’ll DRAW! You will begin a drawing on one spread, with the goal of having each image connect to and work with the images from other spreads. The drawing exercises throughout the week will build up to you being able to see more creatively and embrace the “puzzle” nature of this beautiful artist’s book.

Take this class if you love textures, layers, and everything mixed media. This one is just FUN!

Just $35… SIGN UP HERE!

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Watercolor Transfer Paintings
One-Week Intensive Class • $35
NEXT CLASS: June 3-7, 32013

In this class we’ll experiment with this easy and quick technique that creates some of the loveliest watercolor textures I’ve seen… if you love the intricate patterns found in a single rock, for example, you will love this class.

Using only t-shirt transfer paper and watercolors, we’ll first just play with brush techniques, working in layers and experimenting with fabric. (Watercolor on fabric? Yes!!) Later in the week we will add other media to the mix: charcoal, ballpoint pen, and pastel to add even more texture and depth to these unique paintings. And use cut and torn bits and pieces of the painted transfers to create fun and unique pieces of art. We’ll also work with “plates” to create multi-layered paintings.

Just $35… SIGN UP HERE!

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Cereal Box Paper Dolls
One-Week Intensive Class • $35
NEXT CLASS: June 10-14, 32013

“What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes?
Here is the key to your earthly pursuits.” — Carl Jung

It’s fun to play with paper dolls! (It’s even more fun to see grown men play with paper dolls, which happened in our household recently.)

In this class you will create set of stand-up paper dolls and a unique, interactive artist book using cereal boxes as your substrate. Your paper dolls will fit into the pockets of the folded book structure, which becomes the backdrop for your characters when folded out. Fun!

On the last day you will receive tips and tricks for photographing your 3D project by Guest Teacher Steve Sonheim.

Just $35… SIGN UP HERE!

Thanks!

Thank you, everyone, for the birthday wishes. I had a great day and then a super weekend, and hope you did, too!

I’m leaving for California tomorrow… a short trip to visit my mom. While I’m gone, Steve will be editing the videos for the Gelli Plate class starting Monday!

Here’s a little promo video he made:

(I’ve had a blast putting this class together.)
Sunny California beaches, here I come!

I got to feed a giraffe on my birthday!

Today is my 50th birthday.

I got to feed a giraffe.

With my grandson(s):

(A perfect day!)

This and That

Gelli Plate print; acrylic on watercolor paper.

Hello and how are you today?

A wonderful response to the Gelli Plate Printmaking class — thank you!

I also wanted to give a shout out about a workshop happening this summer in New Jersey: Teaching Out of the Box: Summer Creativity Institute. I taught there two years ago and had a great time with both teachers and non-teachers alike, so if you find yourself in need of a creative kick-start this August in New Jersey, check them out!

This is Steve’s and my birthday week; Steve’s was May 5th, and mine is tomorrow, May 9th (50!). Tomorrow I have a zoo date with my grandsons, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday!

Have a great day!

New Online Class: Gelli Plate Printmaking

 
The monotype printing process is something that got me really excited about art over 20 years ago. You never know what you’re going to get, and I love the myriad of textures and patterns!

The new, inexpensive product called “Gelli Plate” allows you to create beautiful monotypes without a press, using materials anyone has in their studio.

Click here for class description and to sign up!

(It’s really fun. Join me!)

Mermaid Circus Class

 

I’m enrolled in Jane Davenport’s and Teesha Moore’s online class, “Mermaid Circus.” I’ve been enjoying seeing all the student output… and finally took some time today to create this little one! (mixed media, elements created separately and combined digitally)

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!