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

Lettering Short-Cut

I love to include words, quotes and text in my art but, despite some instruction and practice, I’m not always thrilled with the way my hand drawn letters turn out. This little hack is a favorite of mine and I thought you might find it useful as well! This was just an impromptu, messy fingers project that popped into my head one day. The first step was to add acrylic paint to the board I was painting. Somedays my favorite paint tools are my fingers, and this was no exception.

I have accumulated a large selection of fonts on my computer (there are many resources for free downloadable fonts available online) and have fun using different ones in digital creations, advertising and such. They are especially handy when lettering on artwork! Some of my batik work is done on Unryu paper which is transparent enough you can actually just trace the letters onto the paper as they are visible when placed underneath.

“Psalm 11:7”
Batik art, three steps – lettering, adding ink, after the batik process

If I’m working on wood or canvas I have a way of getting the letters on my art that works very well. First I measure the space where I want the words placed and create a blank file in Photoshop Elements that is the same size. Then, using the type function I type, resize and arrange the letters to suit my project. This is what the file looked like for the project I am showing you:

I printed it the exact size as the file (which meant it had to be printed in two sections) and then taped together the pieces. The next step was to turn it over and take either pencil or charcoal and cover the back of the paper where the letters were printed.

You want to cover it fully, the pencil or charcoal is going to be used like copy paper to make outlines of your letters onto your art. Turn it over and position it where you want the letters to be on your art and then take a ball point pen and trace the outlines of each letter. I get excited and always want to rush things so come to find out my paint wasn’t as dry as usual, I ended up lifting some of it from the wood when I applied the marks. It still worked!

• 

• 

Now that I had the outline on the artwork I could use markers, paint pens or a really steady brush to add the colors and outline for the lettering and any details I decided to include. I decided to just handwrite the “hello” portion of the lettering and kind of wish I’d have traced that too. Oh well! Here is the final piece.

Let me know if you try this technique for adding letters, I hope it’s inspired you to get creative!

Your randomly creative friend,

Lynne

Classes Resume in Carmel, IN

So it’s taken me half the year but I’ve got new classes set up at Art on Main Gallery & Gifts in Carmel, Indiana again! The first one with be on Wednesday, July 31st – the flyer below has all the details.

Future class topics are as follows:

August 7th, Mixed Media Painting

August 21st, Batik Painting on Paper

September 4th, Introduction to Journal Making

September 18th, Artistic Jewelry Class

October 16, 30, November 6, 20 – TBA

For your convenience here is a link to the registration page: REGISTER FOR CLASS All dates are Wednesdays and all classes run from 6-9 p.m. I hope you can join me for one (or more!) of these creative evenings!

Creatively,

Lynne

May Classes

Been slacking around here…I think blogging will always be a struggle for me but I keep TRYING anyhow! Thought I should at least post the details for two upcoming classes that have been scheduled. Hope you can join one!

Register for this class by Monday, April 22nd to get $10 off using promo code: EARLYBIRD10!

April Workshops

On schedule for the month of April? Batik Art on Paper, presented at three locations so you can choose which one works best for you! To reserve your seat in one (or more) of these classes please go to THIS PAGE of my website. With locations in Carmel, Martinsville and Nashville Indiana you’ve got a nice selection to choose from.

Please note this workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 people so you’ll want to reserve your place early!

New in the Studio this week

I’ve had the pleasure of being able to spend a few days in the studio this week! As of yesterday I completed five “in progress” batik pieces that I have been working on for the last few weeks and also completed painting 12 stones that will be incorporated into new mixed media art pieces for an upcoming show. Here is an image of one series of stones as they progressed throughout the day:

A different set:

If you are interested in creating some painted rocks, or just playing in the paints I’ll be having open studio play dates next week! The cost is only $10 for a 2-3 hour session and this month all the fees are going to be donated to HDSA. You can read the details in THIS POST.

Here is one of the batik pieces, almost finished:

I tried my first stop-action film while working on the finishing details on this piece but it turned out slightly blurry and a bit too fast. It was a good learning experience none the less. My second attempt was in focus but my camera battery died mid-recording. Now I’m out of works in progress to film! I’ll get it done eventually though, it’s one of those things I’ve wanted to do/learn. There are so many!

Now I’m off for a few more hours in the studio…I wonder what will be created today!

Lynne

Upcoming Open Studio Play Day!

This year I am doing something a little different! Instead of scheduling formal classes I am going to open my studio for a “play date” every  few months (sessions will normally be on the third Thursday of the month, followed by a session the next Saturday for those that need a weekend option). Topics will change each month and all will be fun & easy and each only $10 per person to cover the material and supplies.

5×7″ dimensional mixed media artwork © Lynne Medsker

For September the studio is open for play on Thursday, September 8th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. as well as Saturday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I’ll be working on preparing some new pieces for the show that opens later that month so materials will be out to paint rocks, create pieces on wood or sticks or just paint – whatever sounds like fun to you! Please reserve your 2-3 hour times slot as your schedule allows, I’ve got room for 3 or 4 people to work comfortably at the same time. The cost is $10. Visit the Online Reservation Form to sign up.

Your entire $10 fee will be donated to the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) to promote education about, and research for, Huntington’s Disease. Many describe the symptoms of HD as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously. There is no cure. We have two family members currently battling this deadly disease. I will be participating in walks in Indiana this September (for our son) and Knoxville, Tennessee in October (for our grandson).

I hope you are able to come out and play on one of these dates and help me raise money for HD at the same time!

Lynne

Mandala Workshop

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

New Class! Batik Art on Paper

Here are the details about a new class I’m going to present here in the studio. Both sessions are the same, just giving people more options to fit in their schedule. I’ve been exploring this technique for several months now and feel like I am prepared to help YOU explore it as well! I hope you can join me.

Creatively,

Lynne