What a great way to start 2018: part 2


At Craft Napa on Saturday, I taught a brand new class- Blooming Inspiration.

This class is about learning to paint on fabric in layers using acrylic inks while creating simplified more graphic elements.

We began by making several pieces of colorfully painted fabric, by applying acrylic inks in a few different ways. Then we worked out designs by looking at patterns and textures in the colors and creating a design around those areas and learning to paint the negative space in a composition.

Once the design has been drawn, students can bring out the imagery by painting freehand or with the assistance of cutting freezer paper masks.

My goal when I teach is to help each student create unique work, learning the various steps and techniques presented in each demo, but then take that information along with the tools and reference imagery they brought to class and create work that is distinctly their own.



I always give short lessons on basic color theory and color mixing whenever I teach painting classes as well, pointing out how to avoid mud and also how to create various browns when you want them.

Watching each piece come to life is so exciting!

Overall, I’m thrilled with the work created in this class on its first run. Each person approached creating their imagery in their own way, by looking at the colors and textures present in the fabric that they created at the beginning of class. They explored new ways of seeing and painting, examining the negative space and working in those areas to make them more interesting.

 

My last class at Craft Napa was Painting Imagery on Fabric with Textile Paints. This is the perfect way to wrap up a full-on 4 day retreat with a class that moves at a more relaxed pace than my mixed-media classes.

This painting of carrots was my demo piece for the class where I covered techniques like preventing bleeding, painting solid or multi-colored textural backgrounds, painting smooth gradations, color correcting previously painted areas for increased contrast and shifting colors to be warmer or cooler with glazing, and I also show several different ways to paint fine lines and details.

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I had a very busy schedule at Craft Napa with no down time, working from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed, all four days. So after Melly and I packed up the car and drove back to my place Sunday night we were ready for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

On Monday we went wine tasting at my local winery Bogle! with Phil, his brother John who was visiting from the east coast, my son Ty who came home from Berkeley for the weekend and our family friend Ruby.
These are the kind of times that fill my heart with joy.

Happiness is spending the afternoon with loved ones, in a beautiful spot with a lovely glass of wine, a bite of cheese, some garlic/jalapeño stuffed olives, yum!, and great conversation.

Until next time!

 

Keep creating, Judy


I’d love to spark your creativity at one of these upcoming events:

May 4-6 Nadelweldt, Karlsruhe, Germany
Exhibition and workshops

June 1-2 Meissners, Sacramento Blooming Inspiration

August 14-18, 2018 Woodland Ridge Retreat, WI
5 – day Paint and Print-a-palooza retreat

October 19-21 Ephemera Paducah, Paducah, KY
Tea and Ephemera and Blessings in the wind: mixed-media prayer flags

October 27 Meissners, Sacramento Fiesta Ornaments

ABOUT JUDY
IMG_5538Judy is an artist, explorer, image wrangler, knowledge seeker, instructor, speaker, creative alchemist, and purveyor of inspiration, helping others channel creativity on a daily basis.


4 responses to “What a great way to start 2018: part 2”

  1. Hi Judy,
    From the art that your students created, it looks like another successful teaching retreat. I love seeing all the beautiful pieces that your students create. They are so fortunate to have the opportunity to take your classes. Thanks for sharing!
    Hugs,
    Joanie

  2. I have always enjoyed the classes that I have been lucky enough to take from you, Judy. This looks like another that I would love to add to my list! You are a talented, inspiring and patient instructor. Thank you for sharing these great images.

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