Monday, May 16, 2011

Evolution of a Mermaid

Greetings Everyone!

I had an absolute blast teaching Saturday's class: Mermaids under Glass. I am presenting this project in two class sessions.  Some I'm sure consider this unnecessary and will make the class too expensive.  However I assure you that two classes are definately needed.  Most of the first class was spent visualizing, drilling, sanding and otherwise prepping the piece. Still don't believe it? Well following I have included a couple of photos and steps taken to create Lisa's amazing assemblage.


Here you see the basic structure that Lisa has decided on.  Two base pieces: One is a vintage crumb sweeper pan and the lower piece is a small candy dish. Lisa has done a great job matching two totally seperate base pieces. They both have wonderful open work like filigree around the edges.
We began by sanding each piece thoroughly to create the needed "tooth".  This is the most tedious step but also one of the most important ones. Don't skip this step guys or your paint will not stay on the metal.
When you begin any assemblage you need to decide the basic structure of the piece and how it will  be displayed.  In this project all the pieces will be hung on the wall instead of free standing,  Since it is to be hung holes have been drilled and picture hanging wire inserted into the holes. Lisa decided to connect the two base pieces together. To do this we drilled a hole in both pieces and screwed them  together. Another option would have been to suspend one from the other in some fashion.
Next we prepped each piece with clear Gesso (Thank you Michael DeMeng!) and let it thoroughly cure.
Lisa then chose her Mermaid image.  She altered the image to suit her, attached it to a mat board base and covered it with a glass lens. It was then glued onto the round metal dish.
Lisa then chose a base paint color and applied it. That base coat of paint was in turn covered with a protectant.   You can see the result in the photo above.  As you can see this is the start of a great assemblage.



In this photo Lisa has started the Victorian type shell work in a flower type design around the Mermaid,  By this time the class was over but it was the perfect place to stop. This will allow the glue around the shell work to dry thoroughly and without the benefit of a heat gun. Warning-do not apply heat to the lens or you risk it cracking. Cracking-Bad.  Also please remember that metal conducts heat.   When Lisa resumes next month she can create the shell work she planned at the top of the piece and because its not as close to the lens she can risk a little heat gun time to speed up the drying.  

Interested in seeing a finished product?  Well come back next month and I will post the last steps and the incredible piece of art that I know this will be.

If you are interested in this class I will be teaching it again this Saturday the 21st at C.Andrews Studio.  Here are the details:

Saturday May 21st/Saturday June 25th

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Assemblage: Mermaids under glass
Description: In my first assemblage class we will combine decorative metal trays, glass pocket watch lenses, collage images, sea shells and acrylic paint to create a representational “mermaid”. This class will focus on the materials and logistics of “assembling” this unique creation. Please note that this class will run for two sessions a month apart.
Items to bring: Paintbrushes,scissors, and apron and any decorative items that you think you might want to add to your assemblage. All other materials will be supplied.
Time: 10:30 to 3:30 Lunch break at 12:30
Fee: $ 120.00 for both classes
Class Limit: 6
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com


C. Andrews studio is located at 103-1 Harvard st. in Princeton-by-the-Sea.

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

New Art (Mermaids under Glass)

Greetings Everyone,
This weekend I debut a new class: Mermaids under Glass.  This will be my first real found object assemblage class. This class will focus on techniques and  logistics of combining found objects into a unique work of Art all your own. This class will combine learning, fun and intensity.   Here's my latest sample for your perusal. 


If you are interested in this class here are the details of where I will be teaching this class this month.

Saturday May 14th /Saturday June 18th

Location: Art Max in Seaside
Class: Assemblage: Mermaids under glass
Description: In my first assemblage class we will combine decorative metal trays, glass pocket watch lenses, collage images, sea shells and acrylic paint to create a representational “mermaid”. This class will focus on the materials and logistics of “assembling” this unique creation. Please note that this class will run for two sessions a month apart.
Items to bring: Paintbrushes and scissors. Any found object you might want to include on your piece.  All other material will be supplied.
Time: 11:00 to 4:00 Lunch break at 1:00
Fee: $ 120.00 for both classes
Class Limit: 6
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com


Saturday May 21st/Saturday June 25th

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Where: C.Andrews Studio
Class: Assemblage: Mermaids under glass
Description: In my first assemblage class we will combine decorative metal trays, glass pocket watch lenses, collage images, sea shells and acrylic paint to create a representational “mermaid”. This class will focus on the materials and logistics of “assembling” this unique creation. Please note that this class will run for two sessions a month apart.
Items to bring: Paintbrushes and scissors, any found object you might want to include on your piece-all other materials will be supplied.
Time: 10:30 to 3:30 Lunch break at 12:30
Fee: $ 120.00 for both classes
Class Limit: 6
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com

Please note that if you cannot make the second class date you my schedule a make up class with me.
 
Don't you deserve some creative time?  Come and play!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Mermaids under Glass

Greetings everyone!
I am announcing my new assemblage class: Mermaids under Glass.  This class debuts next Saturday at
Art Max in Seaside California.  I will also present this as a two part class so that everyone can see a finished
piece of art.
Our Mermaids will start with a small vintage metallic tray or bowl for a base.




 In the center will be our mermaid collage image covered with a large vintage pocket watch crystal.




 Next we will learn some shell work reminiscent of the work done in a Victorian Sailors valentine.



Lastly we will pull our assemblage together with acrylic paint and add perhaps a word or a line of poetry to add to the mystery of our mermaid.

This class will be open to all students beginner and advanced alike and will focus on the logistics and methods of creating a true found object assemblage. We will be adding wire on the back to server as hangers so that when finished you can immediately hang your Mermaid on the Wall.

This is only the first sample I will be posting so stay tuned for more assemblage to come!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

May class schedule-Late!

Greetings Everyone,

I just realized that I had not post the C.Andrews studio schedule yet.  EEEKKK!   May is a short month because of Mother's Day and Memorial day but we are offering some great classes.  Here are the details:


Saturday May 7th Back by popular demand!
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Personal Collage Icons
Description: Icon: 1. An Image: representation, a simile or symbol. 2. A representation or picture of a sacred Christian personage that is traditional to the Eastern Churches.
In this intermediate collage class we will be creating our own personal icons on a 10 x10 canvas. What images have deep meaning for you? Is it a person? A place? Or maybe an object? Even the ordinary can become sacred or symbolic of some deeper personal meaning. To accomplish this we will be creating our icons using collage images and small found objects carefully boxed into compartments using embossed and corrugated papers and texture mediums. To help create a unified piece we will then apply paint washes and finally a glossy topcoat.
Items to bring: A variety of paintbrushes, scissors, 5 of your favorite acrylic paint colors and 3 to 5 related images. Please make sure that one of the images is large enough to become your focal point. The images must be color copied or printed on a permanent ink jet printer.
Time: 10:00am to 3:30pm Lunch break at 12:30
Fee: $55.00
Class Limit: 6
To sign up for this class please email Connie at: connie@isbjorn.com.


Friday May 13th
Scrapbook Night at the Studio
Hey Scrapbookers! Back by popular demand is a Friday Night crop. Come and join the fun and get caught up! Join Cindy McCool & Maureen Barton as they crop till they drop and rumor has it that several Paris books will be worked on for some time to come. We have missed our little socials, so come on down. Space is limited to 6 so reserve early and put this on your calendar for the 2nd Friday of the Month until further notice."
Cost $10.00
To reserve your spot please email Cindy at cindy@mccoolmgt.com







Saturday May 14th
Instructor: Ingrid Pomeroy
Class: Marie Antoinette Altered Tins
Description: This month I am teaching an altered tin class with a Marie Antoinette theme. She seems to be making a comeback again! I have lots of fun things to embellish our tins with, including German Dresden, bling, trim, and great images of the queen herself. The possibilities are endless! Here are the details:
Time: 12:00 to 3:30
Fee: $45.00 (includes sweet treats)
Class Limit: 6
If you wish to sign up for this class please email Ingrid at ipomeroy@peoplepc.com


Sunday May 15th
Open studio /ABC workday
Time: 11:00 to 5:00pm
Fee: $10.00 for the entire day

Wednesday May 18th
Altered Books Club
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Fee: $10.00 per person







Saturday May 21st/Saturday June 25th
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Assemblage: Mermaids under glass
Description: In my first assemblage class we will combine decorative metal trays, glass pocket watch lenses, collage images, sea shells and acrylic paint to create a representational “mermaid”. This class will focus on the materials and logistics of “assembling” this unique creation. Please note that this class will run for two sessions a month apart.
Items to bring: Paintbrushes and scissors-all other materials will be supplied.
Time: 10:30 to 3:30 Lunch break at 12:30
Fee: $ 120.00 for both classes
Class Limit: 6
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com



Thursday May 26th
Instructor: Cindy McCool
Class: Father’s day/Birthday/all occasion cards
Description: When you need it do you have the right card or do you have to make a quick trip to the store and spend upwards of $5.00 to get one that says the right thing for the right occasion? If so then this class is for you. This month you will complete 5 cards for all occasions. Let's face it, your friends want to hear from you and a special handmade card received in the mail will always brighten their day.
Items to bring: basic tool kit, scissors, adhesives and a journaling pen all other materials will be provided.
Time: 6:00 to 9:00pm
Fee: $25.00
To sign up for this class please email Cindy at cindy@mccoolmgt.com.


C.Andrews Studio is located at 103-1 Harvard, Princeton-by-the-Sea. Please email me at connie@isbjorn.com if you need directions.


More classes in May
Saturday May 14th /Saturday June 18th
Location: Art Max in Seaside
Class: Assemblage: Mermaids under glass
Description: In my first assemblage class we will combine decorative metal trays, glass pocket watch lenses, collage images, sea shells and acrylic paint to create a representational “mermaid”. This class will focus on the materials and logistics of “assembling” this unique creation. Please note that this class will run for two sessions a month apart.
Items to bring: Paintbrushes and scissors-all other materials will be supplied.
Time: 11:00 to 4:00 Lunch break at 1:00
Fee: $ 120.00 for both classes
Class Limit: 6
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com





Sunday May 22nd
Location: Palace Arts in Capitola
Class: Texture for Collage Artists
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class Description: In this techniques driven class we will explore ways to add texture to your art work using paint, Gesso, Gel Medium and special texture mediums. Each student will walk out with a tag book of Texture samples to use for future reference.
Items to bring: We will be splattering paint so please bring paint brushes and an apron or smock to cover your clothes with and paintbrushes. All other materials will be supplied.
Time: 11:00 to 4:00pm Lunch break at 1:00
Fee: $50.00
Class size limit: 8
To sign up for this class please call Palace Arts at 831 464-2700