The Art Blog

I'd like to invite you to come on an adventure with me. There’s no need to worry about packing, airports or lost luggage because I’m talking about virtual travel; a form of mental globe trotting. I’ve been traveling like this for months now... hiking up mountains to view distant valleys, wading through tide pools that stretch out beyond the horizon and exploring lush exotic gardens filled with rare botanicals. This is all my conception, of course, but when I’m depicting this place through my artwork, it becomes very real to me. So real that I can sense the mist on my skin, feel the mossy ground under my feet and smell the intoxicating perfumes of it’s strange and wild flora. An exhibition of my latest work, revealing this inner universe, will be on display next month at Hall Spassov Gallery . I invite you to bring your imagination and join me for the debut of Terra: New Encaustic Works.  Opening reception: Friday, Oct. 7th from 5pm to 9pm. Hall Spassov G...

It's time for the summer Open Studios Event at INSCAPE .  Come get inspired by this historic Seattle building now home to more than 100 artists and creative entrepreneurs. Join us on Sunday, June 5th, from 1pm to 6pm as we open our doors to the public for the first time this year. Take advantage of the Free Parking for the day in the back lot.  Don't forget to come by studio 118 and say hello to my new buddy, Winston!  Here are all the deets: WHAT: Inscape Open Studios WHERE: 815 Seattle Blvd, Seattle WA 98134 WHEN: Sunday, June 5th - 1pm to 6pm Check out the Inscape Facebook Page too!   

How could I have forgotten … just how much fun it is to teach encaustic classes? It’s been several years since I taught my last encaustic workshop and I had put it out of my mind just how delightful it truly is to teach and share my passion for this amazing medium. And as an added bonus, I get to meet so many lovely creative people at the same time.  Private studio session in progress! It all came flooding back to me last week as I initiated the re-launch of my Encaustic Workshop Program with two charming ladies from Down Under. They traveled all the way from Melbourne, Australia to join me for a private studio session. How cool is that!? This was the studio before the encaustic party got going! Calm before the wax storm! I am honored they made such a great effort to be here and we had an absolute blast flinging wax and creating art in my studio for four days.  Judy putting some new techniques to the test. I taught them all my tricks and techniques...

Celebrating the first official day of winter with some amazing icy art!  On  Mount Javornik, part of a mountain range in eastern Slovenia,  photographer Marko Korosek  captured these beautiful images of ice that is  formed by high winds and freezing fog.  Some great inspiration here for  sculpture.  Russian photographer Andrew Osokin captures wintery magic at a micro level. Check out these captivating images of ice formations: Francis Latreille captures mother natures stunning arctic sculptures. Love the dark blues and the beautiful layers. So inspiring... Any ice art collection must include a few works by one of my favorites… Andy Goldworthy: Stay warm and cozy my friends!

Good news my friends…I am offering encaustic workshops in 2016 and have posted the new line up on my website: Encaustic Workshops .  Choose a session that's right for you: 1-Day Encaustic Intensive   2-Day Encaustic Immersion 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Sessions   Space is limited and early registration is recommended. The April 2-Day is nearly full but I have spaces open for all classes at the moment.  Join me in the studio for an in depth exploration into the art of painting with encaustic. I will demystify the process of working with this medium and share some of my methods for creating unique painting effects. Small class size (usually 6 to 8 students) makes for a very personalized learning experience and students of all skill levels gain from the intimate studio environment . Due to the limited number of spaces available per class early registration is recommended to secure your spot. In combination with encaustic, students wi...

We all need a little push now and then so I put together this list of tips that have helped me stay motivated and perhaps they can help someone else too… 1.  Show Up : This is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your productivity in the studio. Get in there. Even if you are just making phone calls, sorting out your brushes or organizing your supplies. Simply spending time in your studio will get you into the habit of creating. Daily time spent in your studio will improve your productivity. 2.  Set Goals : Set goals for yourself and break them down into smaller categories: Long Range, Short Term and Immediate. Example: I am going to paint 5 pieces this month, 2 paintings this week and prep 1 panel this afternoon. 3.  Dress the Part : Put on your favorite work clothes for motivation. I have a great pair of funky old shoes (see photo) a beautiful scarf and a paint-encrusted smock that make me feel super creative the moment I slip them on. Discov...

Wow…it has already been a week since the Sojourns show opened.  After months of long hours laboring over this body of work it was such a joy to be surrounded by so many friends and followers. The gallery was at capacity for most of the evening. I'm still buzzing from all the love and enthusiasm from that night. Thanks to all you wonderful people who ventured out. And for those of you who longed to be there in spirit here are a few more snapshots from the event… My profile video, Organic Alchemy, played all through the night projected onto the gallery wall. It was a great way for people to see my process and saved me from having to explain my methods to those unfamiliar with encaustic painting.  This is one of my favorite pieces in the show titled "Playground". The colors are so vibrant in this one. Detail from "Playground" 24 x 48 encaustic w/ mixed media Me with gallery co-owner, Amy Spassov.  "Braveheart...