More than Fused Glass by Judy Butler

Usually I am involved strictly in fused class. I love the color and the intensity and the ability to translate whimsy. However there are stretches where I am waiting for the kiln to "do it's thing" so I am looking for other forms of expression.

Recently I have been enjoying working with colored pencils. I have played around with the Prismacolor colored pencils but never with much focus. Additionally, I am trying a new (or new to me) product by Dewert called an Inktense pencil. It's like a watercolor pencil however when the water is applied the color is very intense and it is ink (consequently the name). The advantage to have the ink is that once it is applied it will not shift as watercolor tends to do. I have been experimenting by layering the inktense pencil first then applying watercolors and the Prismacolor. I have frequently been pleased with the results.

These images - and more will be available at the Art Studio Trek in Rocklin, Roseville, and Granite Bay. I will be showing my work at the beautiful home of Pam Burns. I hope to be able to demonstrate the Inktense pencils. Please come by for a view.

Judy Dillon, 2016

High Country Spring, 24x18", Mixed media

AST artists are busy producing new work for Art Studio Trek 2016, now just eleven weeks away. Judy Dillon writes:
"I have been experimenting with lots of techniques this month. Waxed paper, saran, rice papers, India ink, and spray paint!  All these paired with watercolor makes for some exciting art. The painting attached started out with no subject in mind, just lots of paint and various layers of masking with saran wrap, etc. And, oh, yes, some copper spray paint.When everything was dry and the "stuff" came off, the idea of the rushing water became apparent.  And so, "High Country Spring" was created."

Pat Abraham!

A painting by Pat Abraham has been accepted into the California Watercolor Association’s 45th Annual National Exhibit. The show is being held at the Harrington Gallery in the Firehouse Art Center in Pleasanton, CA.


Pat has also had another painting in the hiding places series accepted into the 6th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition in Fallbrook, CA. “Hiding Places VII” will be on view from February 8 to March 22, 2015 at the Fallbrook Art Center in Fallbrook, CA.

On Pat’s itinerary is a watercolor workshop from May 17 to 22, 2015 at the Zephyr Cove Conference Center.

Darlene Engellenner starts new experiment with her encaustic art . Texture and color . One of the 17 artists on the Art Studio Trek for 2015 April 25, 26 Sat and Sun 10 am to 5 pm

Harris Center hosting Preview show for the 17 artists on the 9th annual Art Studio Trek Jan 14 to March 8 2015

Harris Center Preforming Arts Folsom CA

ART STUDIO TREK (Art and Chocolate)

The 17 artists group of the Art Studio Trek will have a preview show of their art presented at the Harris Center in Folsom CA  from Jan. 16 to March 8, 2015. Harris Center located at Folsom Lake College has an attractive facility that features live performances and visual arts.  This show will highlight the future Art Studio Trek of Roseville, Rocklin and Granite Bay open studio event which will be April 25^-26 from 10 am to 5 pm each day. This will be the 9^th annual free Art Studio Trek. Free maps are available at the Harris Center or can be downloaded at www.ArtStudioTrek.com

Glass That Makes You Smile - Judy Butler

Harry The Ostrich recently won a ribbon at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center. I was so pleased when my ostrich came to life in glass. He is created from an ostrich that I liked to draw when I was teaching English in Mexico. He would watch me intently in hopes of being given a reward - a lime from the nearby tree.

I work with glass because I enjoy the contrast of opaque and transparent. For example Harry is opaque yet the golden background is transparent - allowing the light to envelop him even more. Additionally the eyes are created from several layers of dichroic glass. Dichroic glass is highly reflective and therefore gives the depth I desired for his steady gaze.

This piece required multiple trips to the kiln - each time taking a minimum of 24 hours to carefully heat and cool the piece. This process is like Christmas because every time I open the kiln it is a new thrill to see what has been created.

To see more of my work please join me at Connie McLennan's beautiful home and studio in Rocklin during the Art Studio Trek.

Judy Dillon, Color and Form

Basset.com

 Judy's Dillon's submission for the Art Trek review show at Roseville's Civic Center

Watercolorist Judy Dillon enjoys a variety of  approaches and subjects, often starting with an abstract under-painting. An elementary school teacher for 21 years, Judy offered young visitors to her studio the opportunity to add their own artistic touches to a large paper mural during the 2013 Studio Trek. 

Diane at work in her studio

Working hard in my studios

Getting ready for a one person show at Gallery 21TEN, Mar 8 to April 5 with a reception on Mar 6,  4:00 to 9:00. Hope you can come! And....of course I am getting ready for our annual Art Studio Trek!

Painting Demonstration

Pink Deco, 10x10 in. oil on canvas

I recently re-created this painting in a 1-hr. demo for the Placerville Arts Association. It was a bit nerve-wracking but turned out better than I expected. For the Studio Trek, I will set up  my palette, a still life, and an in-progress painting of it on my easel. I probably will not do any actual painting while attempting to greet and talk to visitors, because I am not some kind of wizard. Other more wizard-like Trekkies will actually demonstrate their skills. Hope to see some guests from El Dorado County.

Pat Abraham's Works in National Exhibition

Carpe Diem by Pat Abraham

Two of Trekker Pat Abraham's abstact acrylic paintings, Carpe Diem and A Fragment in Time, have been accepted into the 2014 5th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition. The opening reception for World of Watercolor will be held Saturday, February 1, 5-7 p.m. at the Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA. The show was juried by noted watercolorist Dean Mitchell and runs through March 16.

Looking Forward in the New Year

 

     The challenge, as an Artist, is to "say" exactly what you intend as you create new pieces. My desire to accomplish this goal is ever-present each January. I struggle to find something new to express my view of beauty or express a viewpoint I hold dear. At its root, that is the chore of an Artist. 

     Then, there is you, the Adventurous Trekker. Do we create Art that you will want to purchase? Or, do we create Art that sparks a feeling, an idea, an emotion within you? That is the dilemma for many Artists. Myself, I decided years ago to create for my ideal with the hope that each piece gets to the proper audience. For the most part, I feel the pieces have been successful at this symbiosis. 

     I look forward to this next show. I know I will meet new "owners", see friendly collectors and watch this symbiotic proccess at work. 

AST 2014 is Fast Approaching!

On Monday, September 9, the "Trekkies" held their first planning meeting for the 8th annual Art & Chocolate Studio Trek, coming in April, 2014. Updates of the AST website will soon be complete, with examples from two new participants (Dana Barrow and Craig Johnson), one returning artist (Noel Sandino), and new work from the rest who showed in 2013. Please check back here, as well, for more information and posts from other participating Studio Trek artists in the near future. In the meantime, we are busy creating and looking forward to a great event in 2014. 

  

Judy Butler's Passport Prize

Spring is here and with spring comes the delightful Art Studio Trek. Artists have painted, sculpted, carved, buffed, burnished, and cleaned to prepare for this annual event. Visit the studios and meet the artists. Passport prizes are available for visitors who collect 10 stamps from the 15 studios.
The event is free and - it includes all the chocolate your doctor will allow.
Good luck and see you on April 27 and 28.

Collect "Passport Stamps" to Win

Connie McLennan's "Passport" drawing prize

Visitors who collect stamps from at least 10 of the 15 Studio Trek locations are eligible for a drawing to win one of 21 fine art prizes, one donated by each artist. As a new member of the Trek, after some deliberation, I have decided that my "Passport Prize" will be a signed copy of The Rainforest Grew All Around, an award-winning children's book I illustrated, plus a signed, matted print of one of the interior watercolor illustrations and a matching, hand-crafted necklace. Good luck, and see you on the Trek! (April 27th & 28th)

April 27 & 28

It's time to spring into action. Be sure your calendars are marked for the Art Studio Trek. Local artists are busy applying the finishing touches to masterpieces that will be available to the public. This is the 7th year that this dynamic group of local artist have opened their studios. The event grows in popularity every year so for best choice be sure to be early.

It's great fun to get to talk with artists in their work environments. Artists love to talk about the process of creating as well as demonstrating their passion. And best of all (almost) - there are lots of delicious chocolate goodies to sample.

Lynda Pike

Acrylic on canvas

Judy Butler

Fused Glass

A Brand New Year

It's a brand new year and with that always come a burst of creativity. I have been busy in my studio creating a new piece to enter in this year's Animal House Exhibit. It is held each year at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center in Carmichael. Info is included here incase you are considering this fun event. It is always a delightful show that features my favorite topic - animals.

Animal House Annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition

February 19—March 9, 2013

Animal House 8th Annual Juried Fine Art Exhibition of Animal Themed Artworks.

It’s a ZOO out there!

Co-Sponsored by Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Carmichael Recreation and Park District, Sacramento SPCA and Sacramento Audubon Society.

February 19—March 9, 2013. 5330B Gibbons Dr., Carmichael, CA 95608. Gallery hours Tuesday 11 am-7 pm, Wednesday through Saturday 11 am-3 pm.

Sacramento Fine Arts Center and Sacramento SPCA will host an Animal Rescue and Artists Award Reception on Second Saturday, March 9, 2012, 5:30-8:30 pm. Painting demonstrations by artists and live music by Breez, food and refreshments.

Entry date for this Open Exhibition is Friday, February 1st from 1:00-5:00 pm Saturday, February 2nd, 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Entry Formhttp://www.sacfinearts.org

Judges include Dale Laitenen, Anne Bradley and Larry Brenden.

Show Chairs Phyllis Eymann 916-725-8186 and Sheila Jacobs 916-482-9534

Swinging Into A New Art Trek

Preparations are in full swing for the 2013 Art Studio Trek. This year there will be more fabulous artists included on the tour. Pam Burns is one of the local artists who will be showing her luminous watercolors. Her colors are bright and fresh. Her work would be a delightful addition to any art collection.

Pat Abraham was selected to participate in the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibit. This is a top level watercolor show with submissions from all over the United States. Pat's work is in great demand as is her teaching. I've heard that her classes fill up immediately. I know from experience that Pat is a patient, warm and concise teacher. She truly understands her medium and knows how to bring out the best of her students.

Time

Where does the time go? I vow to write on this blog yet it seems that the opportunity slips through my fingers. Time is clearly one of those challenges that many artists face and few can conquer.

Recently however I had the opportunity to share a blustery Sacramento afternoon with Chris Foster and Veronica at Access Sacramento. Veronica has been meeting with many of the Art Trekkies to interview them in their studios. I opted to go to the Access TV Studio with Chris. It was my first opportunity to get to see that type of environment so it was quite exciting.

I was impressed to see the organization that was going on to create a public television clip. The camera crew were all very dedicated and focused - in spite of their youth or lack of experience. Veronica was the director and she lead with a clarity and patience. Many kudos to her and her team. I am looking forward to seeing the tapes that she creates from the interviews of the art trek team. They will be airing on Channel 17 & 18 Cable TV. When exactly we don't know yet but we are all eager to have our debuts.

I have been enjoying some time to work in my studio as we have Easter break. It's been luxurious to have time to clean up some piles and to pursue some ideas that have been floating in my head. There are two things that I have been focusing on so far. One is a plate of a tabby cat. This is for a gentleman in Pennsylvania. He contacted me and asked me to make a piece for his daughter. What a lucky daughter to have such a thoughtful dad. He sent me a picture of an adorable tabby cat that has little white paws. It was fun working on and I am so pleased I would like to make a similar one of my friend's cat Bubba.

The second project that I have been working on is due to that day with Chris Foster. Chris creates these beautiful paintings that include phrases or quotes. I was listening to her explain her passion for the word and for calligraphy. So I started to consider including some quotes with my glass. I am now making some fun tiles that include some of my favorite "words of wisdom".

Diane Ruhkala Bell - Printmaker Extraordinaire

I've recently had the pleasure of meeting with Diane Ruhkala Bell. I was in love with her use of color and repetition of design elements. It’s very dynamic and playful. She uses a variety of printmaking techniques to create these vibrant images and will frequently combine printmaking with found materials and collage. It’s refreshing to see art that is fun, well crafted and also irreverent.

“How do I work? I work best alone, in my studio with music in the background, dressed in comfy clothes okay for ink spots. I like a little mess around me so I can play without thinking too much. At my age I have learned too many things about art and techniques so I have to try to forget about them and play until I get back to that more child like state of self-expression.”

If you have the opportunity take a look at Diane’s work on her web site at:

www.dianeruhkalabell.com

Chris Foster Musings

THE PROCESS

MUSINGS BY CHRIS FOSTER

“Where do you find the words?” Chris is often asked this question about her paintings. She tells us she has, for 30+ years, accumulated a computer database of writings, organized by subject matter.

Sometimes the idea or words come first, and then the image that follows is my interpretation of those words. Other times, I just paint what appeals to me and find my own words to accompany the visual. The stage of finding the right words may require weeks of meditation before I find the right fit.

I‘ve recently been doing what I call improvisational “Jazz Writing.” I start the work with an idea but no thumbnail plan of the finished drawing. One mark is put down, and then the second mark (or stroke or word) is a reactionto the first, and the piece continues to unfold. This is a very spontaneous way of working and the resultscannot be predicted,as it’s best to work in the moment. The viewer may find misspellings, no punctuation, or illegible passages. Of course, the artist’s knowledge of good composition and design are crucial to the success of the painting. Unexpected things will appear.This method of working requires a setting asideof my ego. “Going with the flow” isn’t as easy as it sounds, nor is silencing my own mental critic. Quite often, failure is part of the process.

My calligraphic paintings aren’t just about reading words. They draw the viewer in to ponder meanings and explore their own personal feelings about the ideas expressed.

If you's like to see more of Chris' work take a look at her web site. Her use of color and lettering is inspiringly beautiful.

www.letterdesign.com