UPDATES to class offerings!

Due to the ever-present Covid-19 virus I have (again!) updated the way I offer classes.  

Instead of individual participant pricing there is now a “class for two” and “class for three” option listed on the website. Round up a person or two that are in your “Covid Circle” (family or friends that you trust and see on a regular basis) and sign up as a group. Three participants will be the max until further notice, giving us adequate room for social distancing in the studio.

I’ve also left the time options flexible for each date so that you can select whatever start time works best for your group, you’ll be prompted to add that information when you sign up. Once the date & topic are set I will remove the option from the website so that date is reserved just for you and your circle! A listing of current classes can be found by clicking HERE. 

These revised class listings include discounted pricing for multiple participants – SAFETY & SAVINGS!! 

(Prefer to take one of these classes without your buddies? We can make that happen! Click below and sign up via the “One-on-One” Instruction option listed below the group class listings.)

I’ve been featuring different classes that are available in my newsletters, here are a few that I’ve shared so far:

Speaking of my newsletters….have you signed up for them yet? Subscribers always get a 20% website discount on classes, art and services! There is a link to sign up on the bottom of each page on my website, maybe you should go do that now!

I’ll post again soon and share some new art I’ve been creating. Until then, stay safe!

Your randomly creative artist friend,

Lynne

Changes in the Fall wind

I wanted to share some changes I’ve implemented regarding class offerings. I’m not going to re-invent the wheel here so this is an excerpt from a newsletter that goes out to those interested in my classes and workshops: I’ve been, especially this year, less than successful with the class offerings I’ve promoted. I’ve spoken with other teaching artists and know that I am not the only one struggling in this area. Trying to discover the right combination of topic, date and location is frequently like pulling the handle on a slot machine….  …NOT a winner! Although I adore sharing my love of art and techniques with others, I have reached a point where my outlook has shifted. Instead of putting things out there and hoping for the best and I am going to rely more on you, and others like you, to determine the dates, topics & locations! As I make this shift you will see changes to my website making it easier for you to do the choosing. You can visit THIS PAGE to see how the new system looks and works. (You’ll notice one scheduled event listed too…that’s because someone has already taken advantage of both the new system and the discount offered below!)

Another change you will see is that for classes here at my home studio there will be NO minimum attendance required. If you are the only one that registers, congratulations – you’ll get one-on-one instruction! Want to have a special date night with a family member or friend? Here’s the perfect opportunity. If you’d like me to bring a project to you for a gathering, party or shower – can do! You’ll find all the offerings listed HERE.   If you’ve been thinking you’d like to take a class, now might just be the perfect time! As an incentive to try out this new approach, I’m including a coupon code for $10 off any(all) class(es) you register for during the months of October or November. You are welcome to share this code “NEWshift” (with no quote marks) with those you feel might be interested. I’d also love some feedback on the changes, I’d appreciate it if you’d share your thoughts!

Your randomly creative friend,

Lynne

Stages

So I thought today I’d share a couple recent pieces that I finished and show a bit of the stages it went through along the way. Both these pieces are currently hanging in the gallery at the Blackford County Art Center in Hartford City, Indiana in my show titled “”Cairns & Other Repurposed Treasures” – along with another 26 pieces that are part of my “Wood | Stone | Metal” series. The beginning inspirations were a set of rocks that I painted last month:

In addition to those larger, detailed pieces I also had painted several batches of smaller, colorful, messy, drippy, watercolored stones:

 

Deciding on the composition is a trial and error process for me, first one layout, then another, tweeking the arrangement and inclusion of stones and material as I progress. This shows an early layout vs. the final version for each of the two pieces.

Potential Layout for “Celebration”

Final Design of “Celebration” mixed media art, 5×12″ in wood cradle

 

 

Early design idea for “Simpatico”

Final design of “Simpatico” mixed media art on 12×5″ panel

The third rock in the set is still in the studio, waiting for inspiration to lead me to it’s final destination, who knows where it will end up!

Lynne

 

Holiday Greetings

To all my friends, readers, family and any other wonderful person who happens along to this blog, my wish for you:

Much love,
Lynne

Butterflies everywhere…

I’ve been working on two large pieces of art featuring butterflies. Today as I was waiting for some of the layers to dry on those two pieces I took time to create three smaller butterfly pieces. Using the batik style I’ve been fond of lately I started by drawing them with a Sharpie on some hand made paper.

After the outlines were down I added color with my Pitt pens that are full of india ink. Love me some Pitt pens!!

The next couple of steps involve wax being applied on the surface to make a resist when I spray liquid watercolor onto the paper. The first layer of wax just covers the part of the the drawings I don’t want to blend with the background color. After that has been sprayed on and dried I cover the entire piece with wax. Then comes the part that continues to make me nervous – wadding up the paper into a tight little ball to crack the wax in a random kind of way. Then (gently) unfolding it and spraying the piece again, this time with a contrast color to make random lines throughout the piece. I used black watercolor on these pieces but have some white ink on order than I’m anxious to try for a different result.

The final step is to place the waxy art between sheets of newspaper and iron it with a hot iron, which pulls the wax out of the art and leaves it on the newspaper. Sometimes this takes a few ironings before it’s totally wax free. Ta-da! Art! Well, okay, I did go back in with some gel pens and add a few details. Then the ta-da happened. 🙂

 

Rather amusing is that these quick little pieces are more exciting to me than the larger ones are right now! Go figure. I’ve added these three to the “Giftables” page on my website so go pick out your favorite and give it a home!

Lynne

Thursday Auction Preview

Yup, it’s still going on! I hope you’ve visited the auction site to learn why I’m raising money – and to place a bid or two!

As it turns out I did find one more “theme” for the daily auction items. Thursday’s items will all be related to printmaking, gelatin prints specifically. I love to create these fun piece, they are full of surprises and happy accidents. In addition to a class for two to learn this fun art form I’ve also got some matted, ready to frame pieces up for auction that are new…they’ve not been on my website, page or blog before.  Consider this not just their debut but your chance to get them at a great price too. 🙂

Gelatin printmaking class for TWO! A $130 value, available to bid on Thursday, April 2nd, 2015. © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

“Growth” mono print, framed to 11×14″ in black metal frame © Lynne Medsker

“Greens” mixed media, printmaking, matted and ready to frame in an 8×10″ frame (not included) © Lynne Medsker

“Pastel Happiness” mixed media, printmaking, matted and ready to frame in an 8×10″ frame (not included) © Lynne Medsker

“Blue Garden” mixed media, printmaking/ink details, matted and ready to frame in an 8×10″ frame (not included) © Lynne Medsker

“Watercolor Splash” mixed media, watercolor/printmaking, matted and ready to frame in an 8×10″ frame (not included) © Lynne Medsker

You can click on the smaller images to see them in a larger format. Friday will bring the last six “one day only” items – including a class for two, a class for TWELVE and a photo session! Details on that tomorrow!

Lynne

Wednesday Auction Preview

I so, so, SO appreciate everyone bidding, sharing and promoting this event! So before I share what’s coming Wednesday I just wanted to give you all a big THANK YOU! That being said…I’m going to ask for more. More bids, more sharing, more positive vibes, whatever you’ve got. Three more days left to make a big impact on a family in need. So I’ve got some special deals for Wednesday. If you’ve not noticed the last two days had a “theme” of sorts, shadow box art class & shadow box art on Monday followed by a rock painting class and digital art created using textures of rocks. Today’s preview is no different! If you know me and my art, you’d have to expected a Mandala themed day!

Class for TWO – Intro to Mandala Art $70 value

In addition to the class these mandala art pieces are going to be up for bid too! Click on the small image to see details and a larger image of each piece.

Digital Mandala 18, matted & framed in a 12×12″ black wood frame

Mandala #87, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #83, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #54, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #82, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #48, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #80, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #50, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Mandala #3, matted to fit in an 8×10″ frame, © Lynne Medsker Art & Photography, LLC

Thursday & Friday are not as thematic but I’m throwing in some extra special offers so that makes up for it, right? Auction Site! Keep up the good work and thank you again! Lynne

Tropical Tree

Created in late winter/early spring as I was craving the warm weather and having my toes in the sand!

“Tropical Tree” mixed media (marker, watercolor, ink) on watercolor paper, 12×12″ © Lynne Medsker

Similar in style to “Monochromatic” that was posted last week, this whimsical creation at least let me dream about being somewhere tropical! Here are some images taken during the creative process:

So, does it warm you up too? Lynne

Weekend Mandala Sale!

Wow, I can’t believe I’ve missed a month of blogging. I’d apologize but you’ve heard it before! This is just something I’m going to struggle with I’m afraid.

SO…anyhow. I thought I’d give you a heads up about a little weekend sale I’m having on my Facebook Page. My inventory of small mandala art is down to the last nine pieces and I’m ready to clear them out to make room for some newness. This weekend I’ll be having them all at 20% off, plus FREE shipping. How do you get in on this great deal you ask? Well I will tell you just how easy it is. Follow this LINK, find the post with the mandala art images, type “SOLD” under the one you’d like then leave me your email address (either with the “SOLD” or in a private message) and I’ll contact you for payment/shipping info. Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy! 🙂

Here is a preview of the pieces that are included in the sale:

Shop early for the best selection…sale ends at midnight on Sunday, August 24th, 2014!

Ceaseless

I’m back! Keeping the blog going on a regular basis seems to be my Achille’s heel this year! Thanks for sticking with me during the hits & misses.

So, back to finishing up the recycled/upcycled art pieces from last year. This piece, Ceaseless,  is mounted on an old LP.

Just like “Conjured” it was drawn on watercolor paper, painted on the reverse side and then the design was cut out with an x-acto knife.

After that it was mounted on the LP and details were added with ink and an old piece of jewelry was mounted in the center.

“Ceaseless” © Lynne Medsker

Ta-da!!

Coming up next is the last piece from my show of upcycled/recycled artwork and it’s a bit different from all the others. Stay tuned, it WILL be posted yet this week. 🙂

Lynne