Sunflower 3 Work in Progress

As I continue to work on another sunflower painting I am reminiscent about the great time had at the Art in the Making Event this last weekend. 

Sunflower III

 Alcohol Inks

11" x 17"

Work in Progress

I started my demo for the event with about 60% 

of this painting covered with it's first inking. 

I had so much fun talking with people that I'm afraid I didn't get much of the painting done. Luckily I had painting at Katie's Cup the following Monday. The first inking is done and most of the masking fluid is off- except the dots inside the flowers.

The Guild is filled with people who may be very different from each other - yet we all seem to like each other quite a bit.

 

  Happy 60th Rockford Art Guild.

220 W. State Street

Yesterday I got to paint my favorite
building in Rockford. 
220 W. State Street

It was pretty chilly out there so we only stayed for about 1 and a half hours. 
I will finish this painting at home when things slow down a bit.

 

  



EAST SIDE CENTER 1889
NW Corner, State & Madison
Rockford, IL

This building is the landmark YMCA built in 1889, now called the East Side Center. Built by subscription, the building was Rockford's first YMCA but was sold in 1906 and was the East Side Inn until it closed in 1968. The Richardsonian Romanesque style building was renovated and now serves as an office building. .

 I will let this beautiful building talk for itself.

Getting My Demo Ready for Art in the Making

This Saturday I will be joining many of my fellow Rockford Art Guild members in a celebration of 60 years of the existence of the guild.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 

1-8 PM Conveyor & Ascension Art Studios

317 & 323 W. Jefferson St., Rockford

About 14 members will be demonstrating their art during the 7 hour even. People will be encouraged to watch, ask questions, visit the kids table and shop art in the studio next door.

I'll be demonstrating my alcohol inks with a large, for me, painting 11" x 16" of sunflowers. These sunflowers were from the vendor who was next to my booth at the Rockton River Market last summer.  I've been painting them ever since and can't seem to get enough sunflowers.

I've masked out the flowers and have begun applying the first coat of alcohol inks. I'm hoping to paint just a bit more before the event, leaving a quarter of the surface free to paint Saturday. Then  people can see me remove the masking fluid and apply the final coat of paint and ink it up. I don't expect to finish this during the 3 hour demo but I'm hoping that I will show enough to give the general idea. I'm also excited to be working bigger and am considering making that one of my goals for 2016. To go big.

So if your in Rockford this Saturday
stop by and see us. 

We're a fun group of people with a variety of talents. 
I'll be demoing from 1 to 4 PM.

Come for demos, inspiration, nibbles and cash bar by Kryptonite.
And it's free! (except for the bar)

Lookin Forward to Alcohol Ink class II

Wednesday will be my second
alcohol ink class at Katie's Cup.

I'm excited that there will be a mix of people in the class; some new, and some that took my poppies class. This gives me a chance to review some important tips when painting in alcohol inks. (I'll list them in a blog after I'm finished writing them up.)

Sunflower III

Alcohol Inks on Yupo Paper

8" x 10"

317 Alcohol Ink Classes

I have been loving the alcohol ink classes that I have done so far. Yesterday's class was at 317 Studio and Gallery in Rockford. A relaxing evening with friends and drink.

What impresses me the most is how people seem to just take to the alcohol inks.
I did one quick demo and then that was it, everyone was off doing their own works and weren't really interested in any further demos. The inks will do that to, they're addicting.

I love how even though we're all doing the same picture the variety in styles and colors.

I can't wait for our next class.

Great job ladies!

Fall Art Scene 2015

If it's October it's Fall Art Scene.

Twice a year the city of Rockford throws a big party in the name of art- hosted by the Rockford Arts Council. It's pretty wonderful. For two nights there's art at 36 sights throughout the city. Everyone's art is welcome, from the professional artist to the closet artists who just show their works once in awhile. (You know who you are. We love your work.) There is live music, free food and wine. It's like trick or treating for adults - and kids too- but this time you're going for eye candy. Lots of people come and the streets are filled with excitement as people scurry from venue to venue. It's quite the social event.

I am art City Hall with 
20 or so fellow artist. 
 Samantha, my daughter, is always there helping set up, sell and just have a good time. You'll catch her crocheting most of the time (although she is quite an accomplished artist herself). Sandy Conness shows up with her FREE sweet treats and delightful mouthfuls. This time she has brought apple-pear crisps, pumpkin squares, pineapple upside down cakes and brownies. This she does to advertise her company Sandy's Sweet Treats and to entice people to my table so I can talk them into signing up for my newsletter. This Art Scene is very special because my niece Heather Moon and her daughter Freyja are participating as well. Heather paints guitars. Just beautiful. And Freyja is there with her beautiful drawings as well. She is young, and it will be thrilling to watch this wild talent grow over the years.

So if you're in Rockford tonight make sure you come down for this wonderful event. You're sure to enjoy yourself.

September 30 in 30 collage

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Thanks everyone, for your support during this
30 in 30, especially my family.

That doesn't necessarily mean that I'm back to cooking dinner most nights or that the house will be cleaner. Just say'in... Too many paintings still waiting to be painted.

Many of these pieces are still for sale right here on this blog.