Monday, November 16, 2009

New Ideas


Last week my friend Ilse and I attended the Art of the Carolinas, sponsored by Jerrys Artarama in Raleigh, North Carolina. We came back with many exciting samples and lots of new ideas to try.


Here I am with Patti Brady, author of Rethinking Acrylics. I've mentioned her book before and I hope you followed my recommendation and bought it, because it will lead you into new territory. I was so excited about meeting her, and was lucky enough to take two classes, one on digital grounds and one on using interference colors and other paints on various mediums. Patti said we were 'women on wheels' because she was driving around on a scooter due to an injured foot. And isn't her hair color ( uhm, colors ) the coolest? I've always secretly wanted to try a shock of hot pink. Maybe this will be an encouragement.


Patti was demonstrating the effects of fluid acrylics on fiber paste, a very cool feel. I would never have known about these mediums if I had not read her book. Each medium leads the artist to experiment with paints in a new ways, leading to more excitement in your work.


Another artist I was anxious to meet was Bob Burridge. I've tried to get in his classes before in other places, but they were always full. When I heard he would be here, I was the first to sign up. This class was about loosening up and painting abstracts. He really had some great ideas and we experimented with various compositions and using just one color with black and white. He also introduced his new color wheel, which is geared toward more intense colors that appeal to me.


Did I mention that my friend and I drove through one of the worst storms in the past few years? Schools were closed back home, but we slogged on and showed up with the drowned rat look, which I'm modeling here. Bob was happy to stop for a second to pose with me.

8 comments:

Manon said...

Hey Deborah!!

Love Patti's book! It's so funny .... I took a class with Bob about ten years ago!!!

Uta said...

Ooh wow you lucky duck!!!! I bought the book due to your recommendation and there you are hob knobbing with Patti Brady herself.

liz wiltzen said...

Hi Deborah,

Wow, your art is so FUN! Looks like you really enjoy yourself while you're splashing paint around. Will be sure to check back in and see what's new.

Unknown said...

I am sooooo envious! I am glad you had a great time and a learning experience. I've wanted to meet and learn from Bob also. I'm going to check out Patti's book.

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

Taking a class can be so inspirational...sounds like you will be using what you have learned in new and different ways...we all need a fresh kick in our work...good for you! I'll look for her book.
Mary Ann

Unknown said...

Manon, I bet you learned basically the same things I did with Bob. I wish I could do a 3 day class with him.

Hi Uta, yes I feel lucky! Have you tried any techniques yet? I'm going to check on you.

Liz, I do enjoy myself and a goal of mine is to have fun in the studio. I never want it to be a chore.

Hi Sheila. I hope you can take a class from Bob sometime. And do get Patti's book...new ideas!

Mary Ann, the book is really worth it. I hope you enjoy it.

Dean Grey said...

Deborah!

This looks like fun!

Hmmm.....interesting idea about doing an abstract with just one color in addition to black and white.

I might try that now!

-Dean

Paula Villanova said...

Wow, Deb! I love the pics of you and this sounds like it was a fantastic event! Now I have a new book to look forward to!