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This is going to be useful... bought this drying rack from an art sale. Will help keep the cats from walking all over them when prints are drying.


Yesterday I finished printing some block prints for Bainbridge Arts & Crafts.

my bad, left a mess but then I need to print more cards!



Dropped them off today and did a craft with the residents at Wyatt House.
some I printed on wallpaper but think it would work better with an oil base ink.
I read awhile ago that Speedball was making a water based oil ink. hmmm they seem to have a "Printmaster" brand ink now - heavier/thicker than the others that might work better.

Will print some more to bring down to Traditions and for Art Walk which is right around the corner.

Finished the mirror for the NW Furniture Bank donation yesterday - cleaned up a few line, brushed the wood burned sections with gold acrylic and sealed the designs with acrylic varnish.

dropping it off today...

I was going to trace each design but then thought it was the Department of Redundancy Department - so I just burned through the paper designs - much faster...


after scrapping the paper off the design and before I brushed the acrylic paint into the burned ares.

sorry - little bit fuzzy... between the inexpensive camera and needing stronger glasses

keep artinge

Here's the next go round of classes...City of Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia, WA 98501
www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Adult / Fine Arts and Crafts

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut

Fee: $55.00

Mon, May 5 - Mon, May 19

Ages: 16 and up

Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults. All materials and supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1601 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 6pm to 8pm Mon, May 5 - Mon, May 19 M

Paint What You Love – Acrylics

Fee: $89.00

Tue, May 6 - Tue, June 24

Ages: 16 and up

This course is an instructional class for learning to paint with acrylic paint that will cover the essential elements of competent drawing skills, good composition, accurate values, exciting color harmonies and expressive textures. Participants provide their own materials (course outline and materials list provided). Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1643 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 6pm to 8pm Tue, May 6 - Tue, June 24 Tu

Introduction to Sumi-e

Fee: $69.00

Wed, May 7 - Wed, May 28

Ages: 16 and up

Instructor Ellen Miffitt will introduce you to the four treasures: ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. The simplicity and spontaneity of brush painting begins by learning to hold the brush, making the basic strokes and loading the brush to create tones and depth. The goal is to break away from logical thinking and to be spontaneous in expressing with the brush. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1505 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 6pm to 8pm Wed, May 7 - Wed, May 28 W

Enticing Your Personal Writing Muse

Fee: $89.00

Thu, May 8 - Thu, June 26

Ages: 16 and up

This creative writing class will develop your vibrant writer's voice by letting the words flow, stream of consciousness style. Two twenty minute writing exercises with nonjudgmental sharing encourages writing from your heart. Pen or pencil and a spiral notebook are all you need to begin this creative journey! Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1603 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 6pm to 8pm Thu, May 8 - Thu, June 26 Th

Make Art, Make Books

Fee: $49.00

Sat, May 17, 2014

Ages: 16 and up

This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition art books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1520 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to 3pm Sat, May 17, 2014 Sa

Zen Brush with Color

Fee: $69.00

Sat, May 31, 2014

Ages: 16 and up

We will first begin by practicing Sumi-e brush control and continue the basic stroke study by painting the "Four Gentlemen" and the "Four Seasons" in color (with a flower representing each season). Using the refined Sumi-e style, students learn to paint flowers, insects, birds, and animals with simple strokes in color. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1586 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 9am to 3pm Sat, May 31, 2014 Sa

Zen Ink

Fee: $55.00

Mon, June 2 - Mon, June 16

Ages: 16 and up

Calling all artists, doodlers and pen-wielding daydreamers! Using design principles and elements, you will create patterns and textures. Finished drawings can be plain black and white or add a little color to some or all of your Zen Ink designs. You'll be surprised at the results! This is a great right brain activity. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1611 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 6pm to 8pm Mon, June 2 - Mon, June 16 M

Design Principles: An Introduction

Fee: $49.00

Wed, June 4 - Wed, June 25

Ages: 16 and up

Design is the basis for all other art courses and it includes the elements and principles of art. The material will be presented through hands on studio problems in two dimensions. These will cover line, shape, texture, value and color. Also the topics of balance, unity repetition and other principles will be introduced through simple projects. These exercises will provide you with the tools to create compositions in any medium. Please bring pencil, eraser, pad of Bristol paper (11x14 inch) to first class. Other materials will be announced in class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1403 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 6pm to 8pm Wed, June 4 - Wed, June 25 W

Travel Sketching with Watercolor/Pencil

Fee: $29.00

Sat, June 14, 2014

Ages: 16 and up

Ever wonder why we rarely relive our travels through photos? Perhaps because taking a photo requires so little investment of one's attention. Artistic journaling slows your pace, as you observe a scene for at least as long as it takes to sketch it. Journaling is solely for pleasure - it doesn't require that you be an accomplished artist. Regardless of skill level, you'll be amazed how quickly you’re drawing and watercolor skills improve - within hours! We'll sketch around Olympia's Percival Landing and by the end of the workshop; you'll be dedicated to journaling! Supply list available online and at registration. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1645 Meeting Room 204 at The Olympia Center 9am to 1pm Sat, June 14, 2014 Sa

Summer Solstice Mandala

Fee: $39.00

Sat, June 21, 2014

Ages: 16 and up

The word "mandala" is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as "circle" or "sacred center." Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop we will explore the history of mandala patterns and you will create your own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself. This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun! Some supplies included in class fee. Supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1605 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to 3pm Sat, June 21, 2014 Sa

Youth and Teen / Fine Arts and Crafts

Manga

Fee: $80.00

Mon, June 16 - Fri, June 20

Ages: 12-16

Are you a fan of anime and manga? In Japan, people of all ages read manga "whimsical pictures." If you interested in learning to draw in black and white manga style - then this is the class for you! Illustrate your action-adventure, comedy, or fantasy writing in a single episode - to be continued in the next issue or collection of stories. Basic drawing skills and more that you need to know to develop your characters and storyline. Please bring a sketchbook and pencils to class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1650 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, June 16 - Fri, June 20 M Tu W Th F

Art Sampler

Fee: $75.00

Mon, June 16 - Fri, June 20

Ages: 8-12

Through the use of paint, pastels, watercolors and other materials, we will explore nature from Aardvarks to Zebras and beyond. You will be guided through step-by-step drawing and painting techniques that include subject development using basic shapes, shading, blending, and the development of an environment/background. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1651 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 3pm Mon, June 16 - Fri, June 20 M Tu W Th F

Draw Your Own Comic Book

Fee: $80.00

Mon, June 23 - Fri, June 27

Ages: 8-12

Have you been wondering if you could come up with your own super characters or silly family? Join this class to draw, doodle, and have oodles of creative fun! Learn how to develop your ideas into a story line which then is translated into character studies for your comic strip. Get the ideas out of your head and into reality through basic drawing, sequencing, writing, production and character development techniques. Students should bring a drawing pad, pencils and erasers. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1647 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 4pm Mon, June 23 - Fri, June 27 M Tu W Th F

Art from Around the World

Fee: $99.00

Mon, July 14 - Fri, July 18

Ages: 8-12

Take a trip with your creativity and imagination! Discover the secrets of art from faraway places. Create a range of art projects derived from various cultures around the world. Both 2D and 3D processes will be covered. Enjoy painting, drawing and mixed media as we learn about different countries. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1648 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, July 14 - Fri, July 18 M Tu W Th F

Zen Ink Camp

Fee: $69.00

Mon, July 14 - Fri, July 18

Ages: 12-16

Calling all artist, doodlers and pen-wielding daydreamers! Using design principles and elements, you will create fun patterns and textures. Finished drawings can be plain black and white or you can add a little color to some or all of your designs. You'll be surprised at the results! This is a great right brain activity. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1649 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 3pm Mon, July 14 - Fri, July 18 M Tu W Th F

Draw Your Own Comic Book

Fee: $80.00

Mon, July 21 - Fri, July 25

Ages: 8-12

Have you been wondering if you could come up with your own super characters or silly family? Join this class to draw, doodle, and have oodles of creative fun! Learn how to develop your ideas into a story line which then is translated into character studies for your comic strip. Get the ideas out of your head and into reality through basic drawing, sequencing, writing, production and character development techniques. Students should bring a drawing pad, pencils and erasers. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1653 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, July 21 - Fri, July 25 M Tu W Th F

Sketchbook Drawing

Fee: $109.00

Mon, July 21 - Fri, July 25

Ages: 12-16

Comprehensive drawing skills are taught in conjunction with student selected subject interest. You will have the opportunity to design long term projects while also being taught the skills needed to express yourself visually. Drawing exercises include: upside down drawing; contour and gesture drawing; the value scale and blending techniques; and using a basic unit and sighting. You will use a variety of media: graphite/pencil, charcoal, pastels, pen & ink, colored pencils, watercolor pencils and a variety of paper in accord with the media to illustrate the subject matter of your choice. Developing your unique style of illustration from stylized to realistic will be emphasized. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1652 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 4pm Mon, July 21 - Fri, July 25 M Tu W Th F

Ocean & Marine Life Art Adventure

Fee: $99.00

Mon, July 28 - Fri, August 1

Ages: 8-12

Based on an ocean theme, you will explore art materials and create fun projects such a papier mache fish, beach treasure wreath, ocean creature sock puppet, collage beach scene, mono print "swimmy" type story and much more! All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1654 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, July 28 - Fri, August 1 M Tu W Th F

FUNdamentals of Acrylics

Fee: $115.00

Mon, July 28 - Fri, August 1

Ages: 12-16

This class is designed to take you from "Start to Finish" in the “FUNdamentals" of accomplishing an acrylic artistic endeavor! "How To's" include planning, thumbnails, composing and executing a painting with subject matter of still life, portrait, landscape, seascapes and cloudscapes. Students will be worked with individually to take their creative ideas from beginning to end. This class is designed to increase essential foundation of drawing skills, composition and value, capturing light, color theory and expression to a finished work. Instructor will demonstrate techniques in class. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1655 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 4pm Mon, July 28 - Fri, August 1 M Tu W Th F

Mimic the Masters

Fee: $109.00

1 Week Session

Mon, August 4 - Fri, August 8

Ages: 8-12

Each day one or two different artists will be featured. Students will use various media such as watercolor, pastel, or acrylic paint to mimic the artist's style. All supplies provided. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1540 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, August 4 - Fri, August 8 M Tu W Th F

Explorations in Watercolor

Fee: $115.00

Mon, August 4 - Fri, August 8

Ages: 12-16

Each day, you will imitate an American watercolor artist's unique use of color, method of applying paint and subject matter. This is a great way for you to gain skills, learn about American artists, and gain a sense of your own personal expression. All supplies provided. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1656 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 4pm Mon, August 4 - Fri, August 8 M Tu W Th F

Art in the Middle Ages and Today

Fee: $99.00

Mon, August 11 - Fri, August 15

Ages: 8-12

Explore medieval art and its influence in today's time! Your projects will include creation of a contemporary coat of arms, illuminated page, gargoyle sculpture, simple woven tapestry, and faux stain glass design. You will also learn about contemporary artists who combine text, symbols and images in altered books and create an altered book of your own! All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1658 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, August 11 - Fri, August 15 M Tu W Th F

Recycled Art (Collage/Mixed Media)

Fee: $99.00

Mon, August 11 - Fri, August 15

Ages: 12-16

Join us for this daily camp where you will create a series of collages using a variety of materials - this is recycled art at its best! Come prepared to learn the basics of collage, materials and techniques in a supportive environment. Emphasizing fun - collage is a spontaneous art! Enjoy finding and sorting objects, bits and pieces in the most unlikely places and putting a puzzle together. All supplies provided. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1657 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 1pm to 4pm Mon, August 11 - Fri, August 15 M Tu W Th F

Fantasy Sculpture

Fee: $109.00

Mon, August 18 - Fri, August 22

Ages: 8-12

Create imaginative, playful animals, monsters and masks using self-hardening clay, papier-mache, found objects and other materials. You will learn about form, space and have lots of fun! All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

1659 Meeting Room 205 at The Olympia Center 9am to Noon Mon, August 18 - Fri, August 22 M Tu W Th F

at the Illustrating Your Interests class tonight, I played with a discarded watercolor from when I used to teach at ORLA between offering the participants suggestions. I played with a regular ink pen and watercolor pencils which means the ink blurred with the small amount of water I added to the WC pencil areas.

© 4/2/2014 Nine Lives Studio

Interesting what came out of the blobs of paint... stream of consciousness doodling

keep arting,
e

cover of the invitation...

below inside of the invitation:

I need to get the wood burning tools out and start my mirror!!!!

Now that I can attend the Puget Sound Sumi Artists monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month from 11am to 2pm at the Fircrest Community Center in Tacoma WA. www.sumi.org , I have renewed my membership.

Today I submitted a whimsical Sumi-e called "I Got It!" for the annual Seattle Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival PSSA exhibit.

Dates: April 25-27, 2014 Location: Seattle Center,305 Harrison Street, Seattle

If this painting doesn't sell it will move on to the Kirsten Gallery "It's Never Too Late to Celebrate" [PSSA exhibit] along with my traditional Sumi-e "Kitten Shreds the Mouse Toy".

The Kirsten Gallery exhibit runs from May 4 to June 1 at 5320 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle WA. Hours: Wed-Sun from 11 to 5pm

Below the back of the Post Card:

Front of the Post Card:

I received this inquiry [below] for a scarcrow image that I made as a demo for a children's summer class making silhouettes as a German craft project in Around the World [art projects].

Hi Ellen, I am the founder and principle editor of a small press in San Francisco devoted mostly to poetry with a spiritual and social focus. Our forthcoming book, from a Mayan-born poet, is titled "This Is Crow Land." We are seeking bold, simple B/W images of crows alone, and with other specific imagery (such as scarecrows) to include in the book. It will be a standard print run for a small press, perfect bound - we are distributed by Small Press Distribution in Berkeley. We are interested in the possibility of using one or more of your crow images in the book. Payment is one copy of the book plus mention in the contributors page with links to your site. Please let me know if this interests you and we can proceed from there. I would just need a 300dpi jpg of the image to insert into the book. Thanks so much! Virginia Barrett

I will be sending an image shortly...

keep arting,

e

Mailed my six 6X6 entries for the annual fundraiser weeks ago... Rochester Contemporary Art Center
137 East Ave., Rochester, NY 14604

We have received and processed your 6x6 artwork donation(s). Thank you! Your generous contribution will help us raise critical funds to support our activities throughout the programming season.

You will be able to preview all the artworks online beginning May 23, 2014.

http://www.roco6x6.org

We hope you will encourage your friends and family to attend the opening reception (or visit the website), acquire their favorite artworks, and support our thoughtful contemporary art programming. All artworks will be exhibited anonymously and available to the public for $20 each.

Again, thank you for your participation and support.

6x6x2014

Finally getting grounded and figured out the design for my donation for the NW Furniture Bank annual fundraiser... of course, it's due this Friday - not sure why I have been such a space cadet lately.

Chair Affair 2014 information...

NW Furniture Bank - 117 Puyallup Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98421

Here's what the mirror looks like - they always need a before photo. Spunky, our new terrier buddy, kept trying to see what I was up to! I bought the wood frame mirror at the Re-Store on Copper Point.

I knew I wanted to do a Celtic design which I will wood burn. I have several Dover clip art books and researched online for salmon/fish designs.. Now that the design is laid out, tomorrow I start the woodburning.

Here was the description:

Event Type: Adult Program
Age Group(s): Adults
Date: 3/29/2014
Start Time: 1:00 PM
End Time: 3:00 PM

and my longer info for the flyer included:

The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. The psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw the mandala as "a representation of the unconscious self." Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with a design that represents yourself. Your mandalas may contain radial symmetry with 2 to 12 sections radiating from the center or have an asymmetrical design.This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun.

I wa so excited with with the participants designs. This is a series of a design's progress. 1

2

finished

I ran around and tried to snap some quick photos between helping folks with their design questions so many images are a little wonky

this person was going to finish at home...

I suggested trimming the white edge, adding an outline in gold and then mounting the piece on a mat board putting foam core under it to raise it up.

I wish I had time to take a finished photo of this one. Very inventive use of design elements.

this was so "sunny" bright. thinking about the upcoming gardening season.

this person wrote and wrote filling the mandala shape [stream of conscious writing]. Then added all those curving shapes in green and then in pink. It looked like a flower when he was finished.

I had purchased a bag of wrapping paper which was enjoyed by many. In the center, she placed a photo of a bird nest. She had a great quote that she was going to write onto the photo along with a small bird painting the size of a quarter to balance the design.

lovely focal point... other circles were added and the artist was going to use line work once the design was complete.

Then to my surprise one participant at the end came up and said I have a gift for you...

her friend casts these sculptures and she paints them but they're only to be given as a gift. I was so surprised at such a lovely and thoughtful thank you for teaching a workshop.

Keep arting,

e