Wednesdays are class days at Karen's Studio 125 in the Essex Studios complex on Essex Place, Walnut Hill, Ohio. I have been meeting up with some of my Meetup friends for a leisurely lunch at Essencha Tea House or Coffee Please before heading to the studio.
Today I had some time to "putter" before students started arriving. Outside the studio there book stand that was left by a former craft person who shared my studio space for awhile. I use the stand as a "give-away stuff" table. I've been setting stuff outside the studio for several years now. I've rid myself of books, magazines, CD's, clothing, knick-knacks, food, seeds, picture frames, furniture and any other item that I think someone might take. In turn, other artists put out their "free" items, too.
I'm always amazed when I return the next week and find that most everything is gone. This week the hand-knitted golf sweater was carefully laid on the top shelf. I had displayed it on a hanger with a note on the paper part of the hanger - giving the size info. It's a sweater that someone back in the 70's may have worn. I don't play golf, but the owners of the building (whose offices are down the hall) are golf enthusiasts - so much so that they make the green jackets for the Masters play-offs. (Another story to be shared later).
I'm getting grid of a lot of cookbooks - don't need them. Bought "way too many" from an estate auction (Everything But the House) - about 200 cookbooks - a couple years ago. Each week I'm checking the shelves at home to see what I can take to the studio for "give-aways". (I'm getting there!)
There were four students from the Recovery Center - all focused upon their individual art projects. Some needed inspiration - so I guided them to the books that I have in the studio art library. I've collected many art books (for years) and they serve their purpose very well. Pam found a Christmas stocking design. Mary was working on a leaf design - watercolor. Weltha had a canvas on which she used a roller (brayer) to paint a sunset scene. Robin brought in a cigar box and sorted through the collage basket (overflowing with stuff). He needed a good paper cutter - which I did have - one that sliced with a razor blade - accurately. He used Modge-Podge and covered the box with bird pictures.
Other students arrive and sometimes overlap into the 2-3 p.m. time slot. Kathryn finished up a watercolor scene and Teri added the background color to her floral watercolor. Robin stayed on and worked on his cigar box. Gary arrived and brought in his next project, but needed something dark to use as a "gesso" - I had some Payne's Grey acrylic paint for him to use on his canvas. Lynn came in to work on a new watercolor.
Gary and I worked with an old computer and a WiFi antenna - trying to see if we could pull up some tutorials on You-Tube. It may be possible, but we finally quit that project for now. The rest of the time was spent discussing the "State of Everything". We stayed later than usual - 7:15 p.m. Robin continued to sort through collage basket and discarded a lot of junk. He also reconsidered giving away a lot of his paint stash - going to use it in his own class at the Recovery Center. I did a quick drawing of buildings - ink and pastel - figuring I wanted to create something, too.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
October Update
Doing art each day is something I'm adding to my "Daily Do It" list. I write down a check-off list each morning in a small, square notebook and "tick off" each item as it is finished. Sometimes I give myself a "big star" (I draw a star). Sometimes I even add "sparkle lines" to emphasize that I'm really proud of my accomplishments.
I've had an art project attached to the drawing board for many months. I'm doing a painting of "The Symphony Hotel which is located on 14th & Elm Street in Over the Rhine area in Cincinnati. I had made good progress on it until I realized I had put windows in the "wrong place" on the drawing. I used White Out to block out my mistake - I already had painted in the lines with black India ink. So, it sat for months without my touching it again. I finally "got back on track" by putting myself "on the timer" for 15 minutes at a time. The door to the hotel is sketched in ink and now I'm putting lines on buildings for bricks.
Today I'll add more lines and move toward finishing the ink line drawing. Then comes the "fun part" oof painting. I use acrylic paints (light fast) watered down so that they are transparent, but permanent.
The final step of painting usuall goes quickly. Then I will take a picture of the final work and share it on Facebook and make Vistaprint postcards and greeting cards to share and sell. Maybe this will be this year's Christmas card - maybe not. That's another decision for "Pro/ConList.com". Onward!
I've had an art project attached to the drawing board for many months. I'm doing a painting of "The Symphony Hotel which is located on 14th & Elm Street in Over the Rhine area in Cincinnati. I had made good progress on it until I realized I had put windows in the "wrong place" on the drawing. I used White Out to block out my mistake - I already had painted in the lines with black India ink. So, it sat for months without my touching it again. I finally "got back on track" by putting myself "on the timer" for 15 minutes at a time. The door to the hotel is sketched in ink and now I'm putting lines on buildings for bricks.
Today I'll add more lines and move toward finishing the ink line drawing. Then comes the "fun part" oof painting. I use acrylic paints (light fast) watered down so that they are transparent, but permanent.
The final step of painting usuall goes quickly. Then I will take a picture of the final work and share it on Facebook and make Vistaprint postcards and greeting cards to share and sell. Maybe this will be this year's Christmas card - maybe not. That's another decision for "Pro/ConList.com". Onward!
Monday, August 13, 2012
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
It's been my goal to eventually "cover" the rent at Karen's Studio #125. The rent currently is $530 a month with heat, light included. My other expenses include insurance, transportation, advertising (Vistaprint postcards and business cards) supplies and groceries (snacks/tea, etc.). The students pay $5 per hour. If I have 10 students for an hour, this means I have $50. I have added more hours to help bring the total up to $100 for one afternoon of work 2-6:45 p.m. I've opted to allow some of the "old timers" to come in for free, because they contribute through donating their time to help out with the Essex Studios Art Walks, bring in refreshments and help to teach the "newbies" what they know - they are my "assistant" teachers.
All of my students are making progress! I've been uploading pictures of their work on Facebook and on my Meetup "Art, Music, Theater" site. Starting out with stick figures, ink scribbles and lessons from John Gnagy's Drawing Course (eBay purchase), the students move to watercolor postcards or trading cards, perspective drawings and then to painting on canvas. They come into the studio - pick up their own folder with their work in it and move to a place in the studio where they can set up their work area. The supplies are available on the table or supply table and shelves. I continue to provide most of the materials. Some work at a table easel, standing easel or portable drawing board.
Some of us go over to the "snack area" for soup, instant coffee, tea or chilled water from the water cooler. The fridge offers some snacks, too and is there for keeping food chilled. A microwave oven is available, too.
The "Art Library" is an area where students can find instruction books. There is a large selection of vintage Walter Foster books and many books about art and famous artists. Nearby are two couches and comfortable chairs available for a relaxing retreat into the "Art World".
Easy music is supplied from WGUC's Classical Music Station or from my own "painting music collection". The air conditioner works well. Three overhead fans and two floor fans move the air throughout the studio. Wide, tall windows let in plenty of daylight.
I "interview" each student to help me find out what they want to do or accomplish. Each student seems to find their own "niche" - choosing the media that they like best. Some like to work in watercolor, others like doing colored pencil work, others work in pastels. There are those who are painting with acrylics and still others are working in oil - "each to their own" - unique and personalized.
Now, all I need are more hours and more students to break even! Onward!
All of my students are making progress! I've been uploading pictures of their work on Facebook and on my Meetup "Art, Music, Theater" site. Starting out with stick figures, ink scribbles and lessons from John Gnagy's Drawing Course (eBay purchase), the students move to watercolor postcards or trading cards, perspective drawings and then to painting on canvas. They come into the studio - pick up their own folder with their work in it and move to a place in the studio where they can set up their work area. The supplies are available on the table or supply table and shelves. I continue to provide most of the materials. Some work at a table easel, standing easel or portable drawing board.
Some of us go over to the "snack area" for soup, instant coffee, tea or chilled water from the water cooler. The fridge offers some snacks, too and is there for keeping food chilled. A microwave oven is available, too.
The "Art Library" is an area where students can find instruction books. There is a large selection of vintage Walter Foster books and many books about art and famous artists. Nearby are two couches and comfortable chairs available for a relaxing retreat into the "Art World".
Easy music is supplied from WGUC's Classical Music Station or from my own "painting music collection". The air conditioner works well. Three overhead fans and two floor fans move the air throughout the studio. Wide, tall windows let in plenty of daylight.
Now, all I need are more hours and more students to break even! Onward!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Update from Karen's Studio 125: More students, more fun, more creativity! Earlier this year I started teaching students from The Recovery Center at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays at my studio. I think at least 25 people have come and gone - some staying and growing. Others, other obligations and choices take them elsewhere. We're going to be starting the third session of 10 weeks next Wednesday.
It was a "big leap" for me to reach out and take a risk of expanding my teaching to more students. I had been accepting the fact that I had some "regulars" for years, some paying in cash others helping out with shows by bringing food, helping out, etc. - something of a "trade out". So now, I'm realizing some help with the rent, making it easier for me to accept that the "out-go" is more than "in-come".
Other people are coming into the studio just for company and companionship, others for some instruction and encouragement. Gradually, gradually I will finally have enough people to make it a "break-even" enterprise. I only charge $5.00 an hour "pay as you go", a bargain - designed to keep people coming into do their art for months and even years. It all "adds up".
Willie Evans of Framecare Studios comes in every other week to pick up art work to frame. He does an incredible job and is quite talented. He has a "traveling frame shop". He brings in his mats and frames. We show him what we want framed and he makes suggestions. We work together looking at all the various options - choices of double mats, acid-free mats, clear glass, interesting frames. Sometimes I just give him something I need to have framed and have him "choose". His choices are excellent and it saves me "all that decision-making"!
We've had two big Art Walks at Essex Studios (that's where my studio is located) with many other artists in the same building. Not only artists, but businesses, as well. The American Sign Museum was in Essex Studios for several years, but now has grown so large that it now has a new home! That location is now a church for "creative people". The Art Walks (Open House Events) are usually the first weekends - Fri., Sat. in Oct., Dec., Feb., and April. Many "outside artists" participate by "setting up shop" in the hallways. I like buying wonderful jewelry - inexpensive, nice. And, I love the food trucks that offer special food out in the parking lot. Being part of Essex Studios makes the whole "art experience" exciting and fun.
I list my classes on my Meetup.com group "Art, Music, Theater Meetup". Listing there helps me get more students and let my Meetup people know "What's Happening". Will update again, soon. Keep creating!
It was a "big leap" for me to reach out and take a risk of expanding my teaching to more students. I had been accepting the fact that I had some "regulars" for years, some paying in cash others helping out with shows by bringing food, helping out, etc. - something of a "trade out". So now, I'm realizing some help with the rent, making it easier for me to accept that the "out-go" is more than "in-come".
Other people are coming into the studio just for company and companionship, others for some instruction and encouragement. Gradually, gradually I will finally have enough people to make it a "break-even" enterprise. I only charge $5.00 an hour "pay as you go", a bargain - designed to keep people coming into do their art for months and even years. It all "adds up".
Willie Evans of Framecare Studios comes in every other week to pick up art work to frame. He does an incredible job and is quite talented. He has a "traveling frame shop". He brings in his mats and frames. We show him what we want framed and he makes suggestions. We work together looking at all the various options - choices of double mats, acid-free mats, clear glass, interesting frames. Sometimes I just give him something I need to have framed and have him "choose". His choices are excellent and it saves me "all that decision-making"!
We've had two big Art Walks at Essex Studios (that's where my studio is located) with many other artists in the same building. Not only artists, but businesses, as well. The American Sign Museum was in Essex Studios for several years, but now has grown so large that it now has a new home! That location is now a church for "creative people". The Art Walks (Open House Events) are usually the first weekends - Fri., Sat. in Oct., Dec., Feb., and April. Many "outside artists" participate by "setting up shop" in the hallways. I like buying wonderful jewelry - inexpensive, nice. And, I love the food trucks that offer special food out in the parking lot. Being part of Essex Studios makes the whole "art experience" exciting and fun.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
New Year 2012
It's "about time" that I share an update of Karen's Studio 125 "happenings"! Since my last blog post we've had a couple of Essex Studios Art Walks which brought in many more people to see our art. And, the good news is: we're selling our art! Our next Art Walk will be Friday and Saturday, March 2nd/3rd 6-11 pm. I sold two paintings "Findlay Market" and "Gateway Quarter". My students also sold some of their work, too.
My Wednesday classes now include students from The Recovery Center. They are definitely creative artists! We have a wonderful time together - sharing and laughing. I really enjoyed receiving a special birthday card from the ladies plus a stack of greeting cards that were designed and made by Recover Center artists.
Then, more students are signing up for classes - making a day of 16-20 students. I will be expanding class times into Thursday and then setting up other class times, too.
I upload students' work and mine also to Facebook under Karen's Studio 125 and under my own name, too. Students are working in watercolor, oil pastels, acrylics, colored pencils, chalk. and making collages.
My current challenge will be doing more "Over the Rhine" paintings for The Symphony Hotel. I'm thinking, first, to take paintings from my personal collection to show at The Symphony Hotel as I gradually do more paintings.
Now to add some art work to this blog:
My Wednesday classes now include students from The Recovery Center. They are definitely creative artists! We have a wonderful time together - sharing and laughing. I really enjoyed receiving a special birthday card from the ladies plus a stack of greeting cards that were designed and made by Recover Center artists.
Then, more students are signing up for classes - making a day of 16-20 students. I will be expanding class times into Thursday and then setting up other class times, too.
I upload students' work and mine also to Facebook under Karen's Studio 125 and under my own name, too. Students are working in watercolor, oil pastels, acrylics, colored pencils, chalk. and making collages.
My current challenge will be doing more "Over the Rhine" paintings for The Symphony Hotel. I'm thinking, first, to take paintings from my personal collection to show at The Symphony Hotel as I gradually do more paintings.
Now to add some art work to this blog:
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
More Bricks
Starting another day of brick painting. Today, I finished "French Row Houses" with the little pink ribbon emblem and my signature, too. Then, I worked on and completed a brick that features 4 scenes - "Dawn, Day, Dusk, Night". If I can locate the Super Glue I'll add a sparkle to the star or use the "BeDazzler" gadget I got at Gatlinburg, TN a few years ago.
The next brick is triangular in shape. I'm using Sharpie lines to define the shapes and filling in the blocks with primary and secondary colors. I may do shades and tints of the colors for variety. Hoping to start the cafe one, too.
It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass when I'm absorbed in a painting project. I'll take some pictures and see if I can upload them, too.
The next brick is triangular in shape. I'm using Sharpie lines to define the shapes and filling in the blocks with primary and secondary colors. I may do shades and tints of the colors for variety. Hoping to start the cafe one, too.
It's amazing how quickly time seems to pass when I'm absorbed in a painting project. I'll take some pictures and see if I can upload them, too.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Brick Designs
A couple months ago, I listed an announcement for "Brick Painting" on my Meetup.com Brunch Club group and my Art, Music, Theater group. For several years my students and I have painted bricks for www.breastcancerbricks.org for their annual Brick Cancer Brick Auction. We have completed nearly a dozen bricks. More are "in progress".
Today, I received a challenge on Me/You Daily Health Challenge to write about a problem for five minutes and come up with two solutions. So, this is my task for this blog.
I have several more bricks primed with Gesso that I want to complete. Choosing a unique design "to me", something that reflects my style is a challenge! I have completed "Froggy" - painted pond green (s) upon the outside of the brick, painted a blue center area, added a glued in frog from Bonsai arrangement (long gone) and clear colored flat glass blue bubbles also glued to the blue "pool" center. Froggy is clever and will possibly attract some good bids.
Another brick is called "Firey" (can't find word in dictionary). Painted all over in red/yellow and interspersed with black Sharpie lines.And, I'm now completing the "French Row Houses" - just a few tiny areas to finish. It has my "signature" pinkish street - using one point perspective, too.
Yesterday, while waiting for Riverfest fireworks, I sketched some other brick possibilities including a French cafe scene, a modern stained-glass design (multiple shapes of color), a brick of piano keys - pink ribbon notes, a brick wrapped in a pink ribbon "winding around it", pine cones glued to another brick - winter scene and another one that I've started - day to night - moving around all 4 sides of the brick.
The challenge is to choose from these or to design others. At the moment I'm up "against a brick wall" which has already been done in previous years! To meet the Me/You challenge, I've completed five minutes of puzzlement. Now, I'm choosing to do the stained glass block look for one brick and finish the day to night one, too. Enough for now! Onward!
Today, I received a challenge on Me/You Daily Health Challenge to write about a problem for five minutes and come up with two solutions. So, this is my task for this blog.
I have several more bricks primed with Gesso that I want to complete. Choosing a unique design "to me", something that reflects my style is a challenge! I have completed "Froggy" - painted pond green (s) upon the outside of the brick, painted a blue center area, added a glued in frog from Bonsai arrangement (long gone) and clear colored flat glass blue bubbles also glued to the blue "pool" center. Froggy is clever and will possibly attract some good bids.
Another brick is called "Firey" (can't find word in dictionary). Painted all over in red/yellow and interspersed with black Sharpie lines.And, I'm now completing the "French Row Houses" - just a few tiny areas to finish. It has my "signature" pinkish street - using one point perspective, too.
Yesterday, while waiting for Riverfest fireworks, I sketched some other brick possibilities including a French cafe scene, a modern stained-glass design (multiple shapes of color), a brick of piano keys - pink ribbon notes, a brick wrapped in a pink ribbon "winding around it", pine cones glued to another brick - winter scene and another one that I've started - day to night - moving around all 4 sides of the brick.
The challenge is to choose from these or to design others. At the moment I'm up "against a brick wall" which has already been done in previous years! To meet the Me/You challenge, I've completed five minutes of puzzlement. Now, I'm choosing to do the stained glass block look for one brick and finish the day to night one, too. Enough for now! Onward!
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