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

Soul Searching

“Soul Searching #3″ 12×12” mixed media painting on canvas

After neglecting my blog for the better part of a year it’s more than a bit intimidating trying to figure out what to jump back in with! I’m fairly prolific so the choices are numerous and with several shows and exhibits last year that is probably an understatement. I finally decided to just start writing about what is currently dear to my heart, a series I titled “Intuitive Abandon”. Then, within that body of work, I found these pieces, aptly titled and begging to be shared. Perfect!

Something that’s been on my heart for several years is the desire to merge both my art and my faith, to feel like my work is more inspired and led than just merely decorative. I can kind of put it in “auto-drive” and make art that is pleasing to look at but when asked what it means, well, nothing really. I tried just referring to it as “Happy Art” (which it is) because so many people commented on the colorful and happy content. That, in and of itself, isn’t a terrible thing – I am a fan of happiness and if I can give others joy with my art that’s pretty darn cool. But I wasn’t satisfied with just that anymore.

“Soul Searching #2″ 12×12” mixed media painting on canvas

Enter my favorite, most “mountain top” experience each year called “Gathering of Artisans“. 2018 was my third year in a row to attend/participate in this event and I cannot recommend it highly enough! And, yes, although I’d classify it as a mountain-top experience no matter where it is held, it happens to actually be held in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Each year I’ve attended I’ve grown and deepened my life in ways I couldn’t imagine. In addition to the most powerful worship I have ever experienced, 2018 led me to classes by two different instructors, Aeron Brown & Amy Smith, both of whom had an amazing influence on my artistic and spiritual path. I finally feel like I am stepping into my desire of combining my faith with my artistic expression.

These newest explorations are full of freedom, mark making and lively conversation. After some prayerful quiet & meditation these pieces start with mark making – my thoughts, prayers, song lyrics, text randomly scribbled with charcoal/pencil/graphite on the canvas/paper/wood substrate. In the case of these pieces, 12×12″ canvas. From that place I try to listen quietly until I get a feel for the initial colors. Once the painting, scraping, stamping and marking begins I try to not think at all! Often I get so lost in the process that, unless I stop to take progress pictures, I have no idea how I got from point A to point B. The freedom to create this way is so very freeing.

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  Progress of “Soul Searching, L to R

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Currently I have close to 40 pieces created in this manner – on canvas, wood and paper. They even inspired another artistic endeavor! I’ll be sharing more as I continue to blog but if you just can’t wait to see them you can CLICK HERE to visit the web page where they are featured.

Until next time…blessings & love,

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

 

Playdates!

So this year I’m just feeling a little more loose & free with the idea of classes, teaching and hosting events in my studio. Instead of “formal” classes I’m going to have a few dates throughout the year where I open the studio, have out supplies for certain projects and let you come, create and play in a relaxed atmosphere!

I hope you’ll join in one or more of these sessions, as I determine future topics I’ll post updates. All dates are subjected to change.

Of course I’m always available to schedule a specific class for you if you are interested, you can see a list of possible topics right HERE. I have “add more topics” on my to-do list but haven’t finished that project yet so you might want to check back in a few weeks!

Lynne

Rural Routes to Main Streets Second Saturday Tour

THIS Saturday, January 10th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is the first Second Saturday “Open Studio” Tour of 2015.

Presented by the Rural Routes to Main Streets Cultural Trail in both Hendricks & Morgan Counties, these open studio dates give you a chance to glimpse into a working art studio that doesn’t have regular weekly hours for visitors. I was part of the tour prior to moving and am happy to be included again this year in my new location! I’d love to have you pop by for a visit, I’ll have the coffee pot on and might even bake a few cookies for nibbling. If you haven’t visited the new studio yet this would be a perfect time to see it and I’ll have something creative for your to make & take during your visit as well.

Drop me an email if you’re planning on visiting and I can send you a detailed map on how to find me…I’ll also have an “Open Studio” banner hanging out on the white gazebo building in the front yard to make it a little easier. 🙂

See you soon!

Lynne

April 2013 Layers & Lattes!

It’s been a while since the last Layers & Lattes workshop! Those of you that have attended one of these sessions know what a great time they are. A group of creative people with an art project and their own barrista for the evening? How great is that?! This workshop will be held on Friday, April 27th at Artistic Designs Gallery in Brownsburg, Indiana as part of the “Fourth Friday” series of events.

mixed media on wood panel (c) lynne medsker

We will be creating mixed media art on wood panels from 6:00 to 8:30(ish) (please note new time!!) that evening. The cost of the workshop is $30 per person and includes all supplies & your coffee. If  you have any items you’d like to include in your art please feel free to bring them with you! Here are some images of student work (in progress) from previous classes:

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

As you can see each creation is unique! Come let your muse out to play and see what happens…you know you want to! To register for this evening of fun contact Artistic Designs Gallery via email (Contact@ArtisticDesignsGallery.net) or phone (317-852-0252).

Layers & Lattes, February 2013 Edition

It’s been a while since the last Layers & Lattes workshop! Those of you that have attended one of these sessions know what a great time they are. A group of creative people with an art project and their own barrista for the evening? How great is that?! This workshop will be held on Friday, February 22nd at Artistic Designs Gallery in Brownsburg, Indiana as part of the “Fourth Friday” series of events.

mixed media on wood panel (c) lynne medsker

We will be creating mixed media art on wood panels from 6:30 to 9:30 that evening. The cost of the workshop is $30 per person and includes all supplies & your coffee. If  you have any items you’d like to include in your art please feel free to bring them with you! Here are some images of student work (in progress) from previous classes:

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

student work, Layers & Lattes at Artistic Designs Gallery

As you can see each creation is unique! Come let your muse out to play and see what happens…you know you want to! To register for this evening of fun contact Artistic Designs Gallery via email (Contact@ArtisticDesignsGallery.net) or phone (317-852-0252).

Review/Preview, Open Studio

So, last month I participated in my first ever “Open Studio Saturday” event as part of the local cultural trail!

It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day (especially for January) so my fear of snow and access/parking issues (we have a LONG drive that can become rather “interesting” when there is a lot of snow) didn’t materialize.  That was a fabulous start!  My cat got a little lap/love time while we waited for our first visitors.

I’d promised that the first three people through the door would each get a free piece of art and, as luck would have it, the first car held exactly three people! They were all so excited to choose the piece of art they would take home.

The other part of having the studio open was that I wanted to have some small “make & take” activity that visitors of all ages could do while they visited. This month I used some magnets I’d picked up at Indy Upcycle (if you live around Indianapolis you need to go there, what fun!). I cut watercolor paper to fit on the sticky-back magnets and then got out the permanent markers and watercolors so people could make their own artistic magnets. This is the sample that I made that morning:

I got people to participate! Happiness! I love it when people jump in a make something.

All in all it was a great first day on the trail. I had new subscribers sign up for my newsletter, got to chat with visitors and – drumroll please – even sold this piece of digital art before the day was over!

“Illumination” digital art on aluminum SOLD

The next Open Studio Saturday is in just six days, on February 9th, I hope you’ll stop by to visit and get creative. The plan is to have a drawing for a free art class as well as doing some small printmaking projects. The hours are 11 am to 3 pm, see you then!

Lynne

Suspended (again!)

I’m reposting this from September of 2009. It’s one of my favorite posts, as well as some of my favorite photos. Oddly enough, at the end of the post it mentions “suspending” new blog posts for the week – which is exactly why I chose to do a re-post for today. I’ve been working hard the last few weeks so I could take an entire week to escape into my studio and exercise my creative muscles before they atrophy! I’ve got several new works planned and am looking forward to this time dedicated to making new art. Enjoy this re-post and a few other automated postings this week. I’ll be back with some fresh new content soon! ~ Lynne

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suspended #6 (c) Lynne Medsker

(Continuing my musing from yesterday’s post! ) I was able to spend some time at a nearby nature preserve, taking in a quiet, peaceful morning in the woods.  The sun dotted the path where it could sneak between the heavy canopy of leaves and the weather was beautiful.  One of those days that was neither too hot or too cold but just right.  As I mentioned before, I was captivated by the leaves that, during their plummet to the earth, had been detoured.  They were hooked to branches, lying on the leaves of other trees or on top of undergrowth.  Much like many of us that get caught up along life’s path when we least expect it!  As I rounded a slight bend in the path I looked up and, directly in front of me, there was a leaf suspended in mid-air.  It almost looked as if time had stopped at that particular place, freezing this leaf on it’s journey downward.  On closer inspection the spiderweb that was holding it in place became evident.  I was mesmerized!  How often I had felt like that leaf!  Certain I knew where I was going and what was going to happen only to be stopped in mid-flight.  Suspended, going nowhere.  Although that sounds frustrating (and usually is!) there was something peaceful about the leaf too.  Even though it’s journey had been halted I couldn’t help thinking that dangling there gave it a chance to rest.  To slow down.  To not crash into the hard earth quite as sharply when if finally did touch down.  Perhaps these detours and time-outs are there to help us, not just frustrate us!  It was a comforting thought that I’m still enjoying as I write this post.

suspended #2 (c) Lynne Medsker

suspended #1 (c) Lynne Medsker

suspended #3 (c) Lynne Medsker

That reminds me to mention that I will be “suspending” my blog posts for a few days while I take a mini-vacation.  (Although I am testing out the “schedule” feature to do a pre-written post or two while I am gone!) It will feel good to travel a bit, see some different scenery and change up my routine.  I’m packing my camera so, rest assured, I’ll be back with more photos and stories to share!  Peace & love till I return.

Floating on the breeze,

Lynne

Industrial Art Duo – Workshop Saturday, November 10th!

We had such a great response (and some great fun) during the first of these workshops I’ve decided to squeeze one more in before the weather gets too cold! Here are all the details:

“Industrial Art Duo” ~ Two Exciting Projects, One Industrious Day!

miscellaneous metal parts

Don’t let the title (or the image!) scare you – I’ll be there to guide you through using any of the materials or equipment that may seem intimidating. I’ve also recruited my favorite collaborator, my husband Mark, to assist us with some of the work. Especially the welding!

work in progress (c) lynne medsker

I’ve had several people mention how much fun it looked like it would be to create art using concrete as a textured underlayer (by the way – it IS fun) but I couldn’t figure out how to make that work in a one day class since there is a fairly long gap of time for the concrete to dry. Then it occured to me I could add a second project during that drying time that would keep us all busy.  Compared to just staring at the concrete as it dried it seems like a perfect solution. But what other project goes with concrete? Steel, of course!

student work, Industrial Duo Workshop, August 2012

We will start and finish the day working on our concrete creations! You can choose if you’d like to create that work on one large wood panel or several smaller ones. Then, using various tools (and most likely your fingers!) you’ll make marks, lines, texture – or even embed items – on the surface. Once you’ve satisfied your yearnings to texture concrete, it’s time for metal!  To begin that project you will select different pieces and layout the design for your metal wall sculpture (approximately 12″ x 18″) as the concrete dries. You’ll get instructions on how to prep the metal materials and then Mark will work his welding magic to construct it for you.  After it has cooled from the welding process it can be spray painted, wrapped in wire or further embellished in a variety of ways. Although we have quite a selection of parts and metal to choose from you are welcome to bring in any items you’d like to include in your sculpture and we will help you find a way to incorporate it. At some point there will be lunch and snack breaks as well, keeping you busy until your wood panel is ready for more attention. Finishing the concrete artwork includes sealing it and then covering it with layers of acrylic, adding, subtracting and blending until it makes you smile. That could be just one or two layer, or many, many more!

student work in progress, Industrial Art Duo workshop, August 2012

Gloves will be provided for the concrete work plus there are gloves and safety glasses available for you to use when working with the metal. Although not neccessarily needed for the concrete work you will need to bring a long sleeve shirt, long pants and full cover shoes when working in the shop creating your sculpture. Most work will be done outdoors but we will have the studio and the shop nearby & warm if the day is chilly. Coffee, bottled water and afternoon snacks are provided, please pack a sack lunch for your noon meal. Detailed information and a release form will be emailed to you once you have signed up. Be prepared to get dirty and happy during this creative day!

Date: Saturday, November 10th, 2012

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (more or less!)

Cost: $145 – includes all materials & instruction for creating two unique pieces of art (if you wish to bring a spouse, family member or friend to collaborate with the fee for creating both pieces is $175 per couple.)

Minimum 2 participants/Maximum 8 participants

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 7th!

I can’t wait to help you explore these mediums…it is going to be so much fun!

Lynne

P.S. To see more samples of mixed media and metal artwork, visit my website!