Interview with Artist Manon Sander visiting Instructor

Artist Lecture Series- July 26th, 2016 Sign up Here

Teaching "Switch on the Light-Luminous Paintings" July 30th, 2016 Sign up Here

SCAS: Tell us the basics: Where are you from? 

I was born in Berlin, Germany. I lived close to Munich and in Berlin until I moved to the US in 1995.

SCAS: What type of art/medium if your favorite to work with?

I LOVE my oils. The juicy consistency, the ability to build up texture, the luminosity, and the fact that oils dry exactly the way you apply them are the main reasons why I prefer them to other mediums.

 SCAS: How long have you been sculpting/painting/drawing? How did you get into it?

Even as a child drawing and painting were my favorite pastimes when I was bored. Cartooning kept me sane during suffering through business school. After moving to the US I painted murals for over a decade. I plunged myself into oil painting after standing in front of one of Ken Auster’s beautiful San Francisco scenes. That moment I knew I had to learn how to paint in oil. The stars aligned and I found exactly the right teachers. Since then I have not stopped learning and hope I never will.

SCAS: Who has been your biggest influence and why?

The artists I most admire are Sargent and Sorolla. But the artists who have most influenced me are all contemporaries I have studied with: Ken Auster, Camille Przwodek, Peggi Kroll-Roberts, Morgan Samuel Price, Elio Camacho. All incredible artists and very giving teachers.

SCAS: Why do you like teaching? Do you have a particular style of teaching? 

 In 2011 I was invited to teach a weekly plein air class. I wasn’t sure if teaching was for me and I was very nervous in the beginning. But I found out that I very much enjoy sharing everything I know about painting with others and feel it’s a privilege that others let me be part on their journeys as painters. I love when I see a light bulb go on because I showed a student something at their easel.

I definitely have a particular style of teaching. It evolved after spending a lot of time thinking about why some classes and workshops I have taken myself stood out to me and were my favorites. The most important factor for me to like a class was (and is) when the instructor could tell me the reasons for their choice of composition/color/brushshtrokes etc. I do exactly that, breaking it down into small steps, explaining my choices when I demo or why a student might benefit from changing something in their painting. I try to help my students to eliminate randomness from the painting process and to replace it with intention.

SCAS: We're excited about your workshop. What skills we learn? What will we do? 

I’m super excited about the workshop, too. You will learn how to see values better, how to nail them in black-and-white studies, and how to connect the appropriate color to those values. You will learn how to make clean and luminous colors and how to fill your painting with light. We will use still life set-ups to paint from and will start with exercises to separate the values in the light from the ones in the shadows. I will then show you how to use that exercise to add color to your study. And usually I sprinkle in a lot of useful little painting tips, too.

SCAS: Anything else you want to add?  

I’m looking forward to teach in California and to meet painters who feel as passionate and enthusiastic about painting as me. The workshop will be fun and informative, and of course there will be a lot of painting. One comment I get during every workshop is: “Why didn’t anyone tell me that before?”.  I share a lot and I’m sure you will make progress by taking the workshop.

SCAS: Once again, thank you! We're so excited to have you sharing your skills with our artist community. 

The pleasure is all mine.

Be sure to sign up for both her Lecture and Class coming up in July!

Catch up on Jane laFazio's latest Blog!

ABSTRACT COLLAGE AND GELLI PLATES RE-CAP

 

Jane laFazio recently taught "Abstract Collage and Gelli Plates" and did a little write up on her experience. She shares photos of the class, student work, and more! She comes back in November so be sure to sign up for our newsletter to see upcoming classes.

  Click here to sign up and click here to view her blog post. 

She's back! Debroah Goldman brings the fun with ZENTANGLE!

Explore the Exciting World of Zentangle®!

With Deborah Goldman, Certified Zentangle Teacher

Saturday, June 11, 2016   10am-4pm

$85 per person, includes starter kit*!

Join us for an exciting day of dreaming and doodling with Certified Zentangle Teacher, Deborah Goldman, and learn the secrets for creating your own dazzling designs! The Zentangle Method is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. A Zentangle practice builds on the Zentangle Method of simple deliberate strokes which build on each other in beautiful, mesmerizing and surprising ways. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. *Kit includes everything you’ll need for class!

About the Instructor: Deborah Goldman has lived in Southern California for most of her life. She enjoys sketching, watercolor, printmaking, and more. She has two grown children, one son-in-law, one grandson, and has finally turned that extra bedroom into her art studio! When she is not traveling the world, Deborah enjoys teaching workshops to future Zentangle fanatics! Deborah is a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT).

Interview with teacher Bobbi Baldwin

This month, we are offering the class "A Focus on Animal Life" with Bobbi Baldwin. In this class you will learn how to get create a beautiful portrait of animals with the use of chalk pastels. Receive tips and tricks on how to focus on the features of each animal and paint soulful eyes. You will learn how to paint noses, mouths, ears, paws, hooves, horns, fur, and hair as you are guided through the easy steps of creating a fine art painting in soft pastel. Gain confidence with the use of soft pastels, color mixing, composition, and how to make animals look natural. Join the class Fri-Sun, May 27th, 28th, 29th, 2016 from 10-4pm. Some previous experience with pastels is encouraged. Register here or sign up by calling (949)369-6603

Interview with Bobbi Baldwin

SCAS: Tell us the basics: Where are you from? 

I was born in Woodland Hills in Nov, 1958. I moved to Colo, NY, NJ, FL, & Conn. Between the ages of 3-7. My dad was a computer engineer in training.

SCAS: What type of art/medium is your  favorite to work with?

I have two favorite mediums to work with, Soft Pastels and Oil paint.  But, I also love to work in all mediums including clay and wax sculpture. 

 SCAS: How long have you been sculpting/painting/drawing? How did you get into it?

I started drawing, sculpting, and painting as a child and took every class I could, but then took a job at a computer company by the time I was 18.  Knowing my heart was in art, I started to do commission portraits at the age of 24 while working.  I began teaching at the age of 27 while working for the computer industry.  At the age of 30, I became a full time artist and teacher.  I have always loved to paint animals and people since my first drawings at the age of 10. 

SCAS: Why do you like teaching? Do you have a particular style of teaching?

I love to feel the excitement in my students when they really get what I am telling them and it feels like the light has finally gone on in their concepts and understanding.  It is a passion for me to teach.  There is nothing more gratifying to me than to see my

students proud of their work. 

SCAS: Who has been your biggest influence and why? 

I have been influenced by the great Renaissance, Russian, and Past masters and many contemporary artists as well.  I am a founding member of the Portrait Society of America and have learned from some of the greatest living masters on the East Coast. 

SCAS: We're excited about your workshop. What skills will we learn? What will we do? 

This class will focus on how to create a beautiful portrait of any animal with the use of chalk pastels.  We will look at the overall features of each animal introduced according to the interests.  We will learn to paint soulful eyes and also look at how to paint noses, mouths, ears, paws, hooves, horns, fur, and hair.  I will guide you through the easy steps of creating a fine art pastel painting that you will want to frame!   We will discuss many things including how to use soft pastels, color mixing, composition, how to make animals look natural, and most of all character, while creating a colorful and exciting painting!   

Additionally, there will be instruction throughout on the specifics of how to see negative space, angles of lines, simple bone structure concepts to line up the anatomy, thinking in shapes vs. thinking of the model as a whole, shadow and light division, composition, how to train your eye to see, and how to comparatively measure your subject out and get your drawing accurate. Plus, smoothing, edges, and subtle changes to get the real likeness you are wanting. 

SCAS: Anything else you want to add?

I am SO excited to be teaching at San Clemente Arts again!  I really love meeting the artists of this area!  It’s going to be a very fun workshop!  I believe in having fun while you learn.  This class will be filled with enjoyable moments, lots of learning, and a great group of people.  I explain things as easily as possible while giving you some really simple steps to make your work stand out.  I look forward to meeting many new and wonderful people at this workshop! I can also help for ideas with marketing your work as well. 

My work ranges from fun and fast to detailed and intricate so I am good at teaching everyone in their own style.  I have30 years of teaching experience; I teach at least 5 classes per week, year round, because I love to teach and my devoted students.  Whatever level you are at, I guarantee I will give you new ideas to enhance your work. 

  SCAS: Will you help us paint a portrait of our favorite pet?

Yes, bring your favorite photos of your pets or animals and let’s finish one or more portraits! (The quantity of finished pastel paintings will depend on your own speed as an artist.)

SCAS: Okay, I'm coming to the workshop. Can I do anything to prepare?

To be prepared ahead of time, you can draw your subject lightly on your colored paper (Canson Mitientes or pastel paper)

SCAS: Once again, thank you! We're so excited to have you sharing your skills with our artist community. 

 

New! Life and Costume Class Stamp Cards

Introducing Brand New Stamp Cards!

Introducing brand new stamp cards for Life and Costume Drawing sessions. This card allows you to purchase five classes at a time and then you will receive the sixth class free. You no longer have to attend monthly as this card is stamped as you attend. Come in and ask us how you can get one today!

Interview with Artist and Workshop Instructor Sarah Webber

Check out the following interview, and join us for her "Creative Critters" workshop, Saturday & Sunday, May 9th & 10th.

SCAS: Who are you and what do you do?  

SW:I am Sarah Webber, a nationally recognized western painter of animals, who specializes in barnyard portraits of cows and donkeys, and some wildlife.

SCAS: What mediums do you use?

SW:I primarily use oil.  I draw my paintings in vine charcoal. I just started using acrylic, but only here and there.

SCAS: Who has been your biggest influence and why?

SW:My biggest influences are the great artists of the past. The California Impressionists, the Taos Masters, Cowboy Artists of America, N C Wyeth, Wildlife painter Bob Kuhn, etc... I read and study a lot of art books!  However, my style and approach to painting is uniquely my own.

SCAS: We're really excited for the Creative Critters workshop. Are you? 

SW:Yes, of course. I love to teach! I have fun helping my students not copy what I do, but find something unique that they want to say in their paintings by focusing on their strongest abilities.

SCAS: What's your favorite animal to paint and why? 

SW: I guess it would have to be cows. They are what started me in this business; brought me my first awards, national exposure and of course, help me pay the bills. Their bucolic nature and expressive faces never bore me...always want to paint another one!

SCAS: Will you help us paint a portrait of our favorite pet? 

SW:Yes, I want my students to bring photos of their own pets or any animal they want to paint!  That's what my workshops are usually about.

SCAS: Okay, I'm coming to the workshop. Can I do anything to prepare?

SW:Make sure you are ready to work.  Bring drawing materials, stiff brushes, photos and the colors and supplies that are on my supply list...that makes it easier for all of us!

March-May Model Schedule

Did you know? We offer life drawing and costumed model painting every week! 

This is a great way to enjoy the art store, meet fellow artists, and improve your artistic talents in a fun way. Sessions are open to painters and drawers of all skill levels (painters please use Gamsol). The studio is a relaxed environment with easy lighting, music, and hot coffee and tea to enjoy at leisure. Bruce Vanderwilt, studio moniter, is available to answer any questions. Bring your own materials, pull up a chair, and unleash your inner artist.

Join us for an upcoming session!

Open Life Drawing with Nude Models

Mondays - 1-4PM

Wednesdays - 6:630-9:30PM

Costumed Model Painting

Mondays - 6:30-9:30PM

MARCH

MONDAY / LIFE DRAWING 1-4PM & COSTUME PAINTING 6:30-9:30PM

16 – Tracy

23 – Toni

30 – Ruth

WEDNESDAY / LIFE DRAWING 6:30-9:30PM

18 – Len

25 – Mike

APRIL

MONDAY / LIFE DRAWING 1-4PM & COSTUME PAINTING 6:30-9:30PM

6 – Yoni

13 – Ruth

20 – Yoni

27 – Vanna

WEDNESDAY / LIFE DRAWING 6:30-9:30PM

1 – Jim

8 – Paul

15 – Paul

22 – Ruth

29 – Jim

MAY

MONDAY / LIFE DRAWING 1-4PM & COSTUME PAINTING 6:30-9:30PM

4 – Stacy

11 – Tracey

18 – Vanna

25 – Sherry

WEDNESDAY / LIFE DRAWING 6:30-9:30PM

6 – Daniel

13 – Mike

20 – Ruth

27 – Paul

Models are subject to change due to cancellations. For 100% accuracy, call us at 949-369-6603

Interview with Artist, Sculpture, and Workshop Instructor, Regina Hurley

SCAS: Tell us the basics: Where are you from? 

RH: I was born in Youngstown Ohio and came to California with my parents and siblings when I was 10 years old.  We came across the country by station wagon camping and landed at Doheney State Beach. I've been in orange county ever since.

 

SCAS: What type of art/medium if your favorite to work with?

RH: I have been known to master many of the mediums. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawing and then sculpture of course. In sculpture I've worked extensively in bronze and Clay, with some stone carving. Currently I am up obsessed with painting on porcelain, particularly small murals.

 SCAS: How long have you been sculpting? How did you get into it?

RH: I have been sculpting professionally for about 30 years.While earning a  BFA in painting, I fell in love with Sculpture after having 2 classes in sculpture.  Before returning to school for my MFA in sculpture, I created numerous bronze sculptures including a life-size sculpture as well as a monumental size.  

SCAS: Why do you like teaching? Do you have a particular style of teaching? 

 RH: I like teaching because I feel I have something to offer and people enjoy learning. I teach by lecturing, demonstrating and then helping each student with their particular need.

SCAS: We're excited about your workshop. What skills we learn? What will we do? 

RH: The skills taught are clay handling techniques and tools to use.  I have taught figurative sculpture for 25 years and have developed successful techniques for teaching  the student to understand and capture the anatomy in clay. You will learn to sculpt the human head and also firing techniques to make it permanent.

SCAS: If we want to sculpt at home, do we need tons of supplies and space? (a studio with clay, a wheel, a kiln etc.) 

 

RH: The supplies are simple. For this class, little working space is needed. Of course if you were going to make large sculptures life size etc. you would need a large space to work in.  To make the sculptures permanent a kiln is needed. I offer the students to fire in my kiln for a small fee.

SCAS: Anything else you want to add?  

RH: This class is also beneficial to painters and those who love life drawing, to better understand the anatomy of the portrait.  Please check the syllabus I sent for more information.

SCAS: Once again, thank you! We're so excited to have you sharing your skills with our artist community. 

Framed Brushes in a Shadowbox

                        

     We recently saw framed fountain pens in a magazine and decided we wanted to create a similar sample. Since we also sell art supplies, what better object to frame than brushes! This technique can apply to vintage objects, collections, and more. We demonstrate stacking techniques, inlay, pen lines, and handmade applications. This a step by step process of framing these three brushes in a shadowbox.

First we chose these frames. They aren't deep enough, so we created a deeper frame out of wood. We will show you how we created that in a few more steps.

This is the screen for the Wizard, it is like a Mat board cutting version of Photoshop, but using measurements instead of images. It creates windows, v-grooves, pen lines, and designs based on how we create a project. We took into account the size of the brushes, how far away they needed to be spaced, and how big of a border around so we could fit foam core and mat board a shadowbox strips inside with the objects.

Here is the Wizard Drawing perfect pen lines for the mat board.

Finished mat board with tiny stands.

Our framer Chris then used the Wizard to create cutouts to resemble shelf brackets. They were stacked three at a time to hold each side. He measured each space and glued down the brackets so that the brushes could be nicely placed. He then glued the brushes to the brackets so they stayed in place. Sometimes we use silicone or something less permanent so that the objects can be removed if needed.

Chris adding tiny bits of glue to the stands.

After the mat was created, we had correct measurements to build a frame. In this case, we used a fillet, two small frames that were stacked, and handmade wooden sides to make a deep shadowbox.

After Chris cut the frames on the saw, he attached the handmade box.

Patrick made a wood frame, drilled holes, and connected the frames together to form a deep shadowbox. He then sanded it smooth. Modeling paste was used to cover the separation of the two frames and let it dry. He created a faux wood texture on the sides for interest.

After the modeling paste dried, Patrick painted the sides gold and then applied a brown glaze to show the texture. It blends nicely with the original frames. Its great having an Artist in the frame shop!

Below, Chris needed to create mat board sides to hold the glass in place while allowing the brushes to sit back in the frame. He went to the next level and created an inlay design with the mat cutter.  The pattern then sits between two solid mat board strips on each side to imitate the look of a wood inlay.

After setting the Museum glass in, he set half inch foam core strips into the frame. They were then staggered on the sides so each corner had a clean edge for the viewer.

After cleaning the glass and blowing any excess dust out, he then placed the brushes and mat inside the frame. We backed it with acid free grey paper and wire sufficient for the weight. 

Here are a few photos of the finished product!

Spring Back to School Sale!!

Hi folks! Bendy and Twisty here to tell you all about our BIG Back to School Sale that starts TODAY! We personally selected our favorite must-haves for class that you can find in store now!

Come take a look!

Can you spot us in the photos below?!

We have drawing tools like pencils, charcoal, erasers, sharpeners, & blending stumps galore!

Stock up on drafting supplies like Triangles, Rulers, Micron Pens, Ink, & More!

We have sprays to protect every stage of your projects, from Workable Fix to Varnish!

You'll look sharp with your shiny new sharpeners, X-ACTO Blades, cutting mats, & scissors!

Check out our official Back-to-School Flyer for More Info!

From The Frame Shop: Vintage Button Collections Get a New Look

   A few weeks ago, our customer Megan brought in a collection of vintage buttons that were carefully sewn on to old posters. She collects vintage buttons as a hobby and has four or five mason jars at home filled with different colors and designs, but she never knew how to display them until she saw these unique hand-sewn pieces at a garage sale. Megan was drawn to the handmade and vintage quality of the pieces and she chose two of her favorites to take home.

     Megan works at a local restaurant where our framer Tom grabs coffee in the mornings. She had originally spoken to him about framing possibilities, but he explained it’s best to bring the artwork into the store, so we can explore the variety of framing options that we offer.

   When Megan brought the pieces into the store, we began the framing design process. Our priority was to keep the look and feel of the vintage buttons and paper as simple and authentic as possible. We decided on a neutral sand colored mat to float the artwork on top of. To create some depth between the artwork and the glass, we chose a deeper frame and created a shadowbox-effect by installing one-inch sides with the sand colored mat board we chose. We wanted to protect the delicate colors and fabric on the buttonsso we used Conservation Clear, a UV resistant glaze, to help prevent them from fading over time.

     Every piece that arrives in our shop is as unique as the framing process itself. From the initial design consultation to the final inspection, our goal is to create the most efficient, safe, and beautiful pieces possible. Megan's vintage button pieces were a fun project for us and we think they turned out great- we love how they pop against her cobalt blue wall!

 Is there anything that you would like to frame that is out of the ordinary? Comment below and let us know!

Abby's Holiday Gift Guide!

Art! Art! Abby the Elf here with my top picks for the best gift ideas for all of the two-legged artists in your life! With so many colorful products in store, it was hard for me to pick my favorites, but since  all of these things looked good enough to eat,  I thought you might like them too! 

Here are Abby's top picks for holiday gifts this year!

1. NEW! Elmer's Painters, opaque paint markers in ultra-fine, fine, medium, and chisel tip,

 starting at $3.88 each!

Use these awesome new acrylic paint pens to decorate and customize your favorite things! Use on surfboards, backpacks, furniture, shoes, and more! Paint is permanent when dry.

2. Amsterdam Acrylic paint sets in 6, 12, and 24 colors! 

Starting at $13.80 each

These paint sets are perfect starter kits for painters of all ages! High quality paints in clear, easy-to-squeeze tubes will make creating your next masterpiece a cinch!

3. NEW! Montana Water-Based spray paint in 300ml cans! In dozens of bold colors, 

just $8.79 each!

Low odor and non-toxic, these new water-based spray paints are friendly and fun for the whole family! Decorate your surfboards, furniture, household objects, and more with these vibrant colors, in neons and metallics too!

4. NEW! Americana Satin Finish paint for Plastic, Metal, Canvas, Wood, Fabric, & More!

Available in 2oz. bottles, $2.30 each  and 8oz. bottles, $7.50 each!

Feeling crafty? Paint your own gifts this year! Use these vibrant, satin-finish acrylic paints on all of your next projects!

5. NEW! Intricate postcard colouring books by Pepin with 20 pages of unique designs on high quality watercolor paper that you can paint and pop in the mail!

Just $9.99 each!

Pair with a travel watercolor or paint set and these postcard coloring books make the perfect gift for any artist on the go! Bon voyage!

6. New Gold Shadow Gellyroll pens!

5 pack, just $8.95 each!

Unleash your inner pre-teen with these smooth and sparkly gel pens! Write colorful notes to your BFF's or use to embellish your drawings. We, like, totally heart these!

7. NEW! These water-soluble pigment drawing blocks from Portugal are perfect for sketching! 

6-block gift set, $49.00 each!

Create beautiful water-color effects with these professional quality drawing blocks in six  beautiful earth tones; sanguine, ochre, sepia, brown, dark brown, and carbon black!

8. Last but not least, these awesome journals made from recylced vintage library books are perfect for everyone! My personal favorite is the "Pokey Little Puppy!"  

Journals just $14.00 each! 

These unique journals are made from deconstructed library books and are filled with bright white sketching paper so you can doodle to your heart's content! 

Trust me, there is a lot more where these ideas came from, so stop by today and I will show you around the shop! 

I woof you all a very happy holiday season!

xoxo Abby, the shop dog xoxo