The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. - Marcel Proust
10/08/2011
08/25/2011
Summer 2011 - Final Reflections
Art-a-Fair opened June 22nd. During the course of the summer I created several new paintings on display the last week at Art-a-Fair which closes Sunday, August 27th. This also marks the end of my YUPO season, as I am developing a NEW series of larger mixed media works for next year.
Final Reflections
The Watercolor on Yupo Workshops at Art-a-Fair were a terrific success, finishing with eight students last Saturday.
more examples of the Workshop Jellies
This summer I took a LEAP of FAITH on the Trapeze at Club Med - Turks and Caicos in the Carribean. As far as I can tell the islands weathered Hurricane Irene as I plan to continue my Trapeze Artist training in the future.
As the sun sets on on this final week of the summer season I am preparing for a new school year as the Art Teacher at Newhart Middle School.
06/26/2011
Art-a-Fair Workshop
My first graduates from the Yupo Workshop on Saturday at Art-a-Fair.
Fun was had by ALL!
With any luck I will complete a new painting along with my students each week. See yesterday's work in progress below.
To make the day even better, Sophia and Stephanie, two of my favorite Middle School Advanced Art students, came to see me at Art-a-Fair yesterday afternoon. They were enthralled with all of the art, especially the dynamic mixed media paintings by Giam Truong.
06/24/2011
Schools out for Summer
Finishing up my first year of teaching Middle School Art. I have many fond (and a few not so wonderful) memories of my first year in my very own SCHOOL ART STUDIO. I will enjoy this much needed break, but miss the students already. The halls are now empty, void of the enthusiasm and vitality that they bring to school everyday.
I touched so many lives this year....and they touched mine. Over 300 SPECIAL STUDENTS; English learners, Students with ADHD, students from broken families, students who lost a parent, students living with illnesses, students who have “everything”....each one with their own unique set of circumstances.
I pondered the question “Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.” How could I be responsive to the unique cultures of each of these students? Male, Female, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Mexican, African, Asian, English learners, “Gifted” students, students with behavior issues, students with health issues...and various combinations of these conditions and circumstances.
What I discovered was that I have to spend the time to “get” each student. I ask myself, What is going on in THIS person's life right now? Why DON’T they do their classwork or homework? What motivates them? How can I challenge the more advanced students while allowing slower students the time they need? How can I manage the multicultural behaviors of 39 students at one time, including 25 boys, in order to allow successful art production and learning to occur?
We began the school year with this quote by Scott Adams:
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep."
My students learn that it is OK to make mistakes...in fact mistakes lead us to new discoveries. Whether it be how to “fix it” or how to use the mistakes to make their art even better.
My students learn Color Theory...primary, secondary, intermediate, and complimentary colors, tints, shades, warm, cool, analogous, and monochrome....and I left them with this final thought:
Circumstances and situations COLOR your LIFE but YOU have been given the MIND to choose what the COLORS shall be.
05/13/2011
We Can Do It!
Rosie the Riveter - Arts Alive Street Painting 2011
A Demonstration of the Stages - From Grid to Final
This years Arts Alive focused on "Art of the 1940's"
This propaganda poster of "Rosie the Riveter" demonstrated women's ability to step into jobs typically associated with men during World War II ...the rest is history!
A few favorites:
04/25/2011
Artists' Line up at Arts Alive - April 30 & May 1
Everardo Galvez "Best in Show" - Fun With Chalk 2009
157 Street Painters from all over California will be gathering at the Arts Alive Festival in Mission Viejo next weekend to create 85 Street Paintings including Everardo Galvez and Julio Jimenez.
Juilio Jimenez - "Best Newcomer" Temecula 2009
This two day festival is jam packed with Arts activities including Circle Painting, the UNESCO Art Miles Mural Project, Art Workshops for children, and Entertainment including KSBR live broadcast with Ellis Hall.
Arts and Crafts Show including Jewelry and Paintings by Caroline Verhagan, Art-a-Fair fibers artist Loretta Alverado, and Sawdust Festival ceramics artist Robert Jones.
And of course, Renee Keady and I will be collaborating on a demonstration piece based on the 1940's image of Rosie the Riveter.
Hope to see YOU there!
04/16/2011
Arts Alive & Street Painting Festival in Mission Viejo
Lillianna Mai - 29 Palms Chalkfest 2010
Norman P. Murray Center - April 30 & May 1
In just 2 weeks the Norman P. Murray Community Center will be transformed into an amazing gallery of ART by over 150 artists, including Lillianna Mai and Chris Brake!
Chris Brake - Santa Clarita Street Fair
04/04/2011
04/03/2011
Street Painting in Mission Viejo - April 30 & May 1
The Cave Project - Edgar Mueller
3D Street Paintings by Street Painters Edgar Muller and Julian Beevers
Mission Viejo may not be able to afford Edgar Muller or Julian Beevers this year, however, many talented artists have already sent in their applications for Arts Alive - Mission Viejo Street Painting Festival.
If you are a Street Painter, IT"S NOT TOO LATE, download your application and waiver TODAY!
Apple or PC Friendly Applications below
03/28/2011
Altered Books
And now for something completely different....
My Advanced Art students are currently working on Altered Books.
This site shows some absolutely amazing examples! Inspiration Green
