A Big fat Merry Christmas

Well this was the scene out at Maverick's Beach this morning.  Glorious isn't it?

I want to take this opportunity to give thanks for every person that has taken my classes, everyone that has purchased my art and everyone that reads this blog.  Without you I would not be living my dream.  So Thank you for my dream.

I also want to say a great big fat non politically correct Merry Christmas!  And as Mister Dickens so aptly put it " God bless us everyone".

Results for Texture in a Big Way

Greetings Everyone!

My last class for the year was this past weekend and I am on cloud nine.  It was my first weekend workshop called Texture in a Big Way .  It was a small class but a mighty one.  The pieces created were so beautiful that I had to blog about them.  You can see one of the finished pieces above.  It was created using the artists own photo from Paris and several different texture mediums. This artist usually creates in vivid colors so using such a sedate palette was a definite departure from her norm.  But I am sure that you will all agree that the results are stunning. You can see a 3 step process below by the same artist.

The finished Product

And here is second series of in progress pics by another artist in the class :

Please note that this piece is still in progress and I will try to post the finished product at a later date.

Both of these students had expressed to me at the beginning of the weekend that they didn't feel like real artists. That they had never created any work that felt truly original. If this was true I do not believe it is true now.  I think that the works above are stunning and very original to the individual artists. From the rough ancient winged Nike at the top of the page to the more graphic Toulouse Latrec poster feel to the serene nature inspired Tree of Ages piece at the bottom. These "students" did not merely follow my instruction. They have reached much deeper inside their hearts, minds and souls. This was my real purpose in designing this class.  I read emotion in each of these pieces like I am reading a book. Yet each artist has still allowed me to interpret each piece in my own fashion and draw my own conclusion as to their meanings.  Isn't this the very essence of what an artist does?
What should these "students" call themselves but Artists?

I want to thank these artists for taking my workshop and allowing me to be part of their artistic achievement. 

Art Sale at the Wind Warrior studio!

Greetings everyone!

Ok how many of you are still looking for Christmas gifts?  For all of you coastside people,  do you really want to brave the traffic and go to a crowded mall?  Well I have found another chance for you to find that perfect item and still stay on the coast!   Some of my fellow artists from the Colony of Coastside Artists group will be at the Wind Warrior Energy Center in Moss Beach on Saturday from 10am to 4:00pm.  Here's another chance to find that unique hand made item at excellent prices and support some excellent local artists in the process.
The Wind Warrior Energy center is located of California and Highway One in Moss Beach.  The center is right next to Harmony Road Music. 
So go on down and take a look!

Texture in a Big Way

Greetings Everyone!

With a successful Open Studio and participation in a very wonderful Farallone View Holiday Bazaar behind me, I can now focus on my very first weekend workshop: Texture in a Big Way. 

The students in this class are going to work on three goals
To create a much larger piece of art than they might normally create. The piece must be 11 x 14 or larger.
To combine two or more textures with a collage image.
To practice using texture and color to imbue emotion and a sense of the artist's personal history with the image selected.

I love to work with texture. But it can be tricky combining more than one especially when you add a collage image as well.  In the piece above you can find crackle paste, coarse pumice and fine pumice gels surrounding the collage image.  I use texture as an alternative to adding alot of layers or found objects to collage. However just because I have added complicated texture doesn't mean that I can't add found objects as well. In fact found objects are a very tactile way to impart emotion and experience into your collage and luckily many of the modern texture mediums are sturdy enough to embed your found objects directly into the texture.  Again if you click on the picture above and magnify it you may see that I've added a few rusty items from the place that I originally took this picture.  Below you can see another large collage in my tree series.

If you are interested in this class I still have a couple of spots left.  Here are the particulars about this class:

Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th ++++++Weekend Workshop+++++

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Texture in a Big Way
Description: In this advanced class we will have two objectives:
To combine at least two textures.
To combine texture and collage on a surface no smaller than 11 x 14.
Note this is a 2 day workshop. If you choose to combine more than two textures or to use crackle paste a third day may be needed. This can be scheduled separately at a time of your choosing provided that the studio is available.
This workshop is only for advanced collage artists that have had experience using texture mediums. Class size will be kept to a minimum so that we can work through any problems or questions on a one in one basis.
Items to bring: Please bring a stretched canvas, canvas board or other rigid substrate that is 11 x 14 or larger, scissors, paintbrushes and a large image of your choice. I will bring all other supplies. Please note that if you intend to use crackle paste you must bring either canvas board or another rigid surface a stretched canvas will not do. You may also bring a second large surface if you would like to start another collage while the texture mediums are drying.
Time: 10:00 to 4:00pm both days: there will be a one hour lunch break at 12:30 both days. Please bring a lunch.
Fee: $100.00 for two or three sessions.
Class size: 4 people max.
To sign up for this class please email me at connie@isbjorn.com


My studio is located at 103-1 Harvard in Princeton by the Sea.

Greetings!

I am pleased to invite you to the annual Colony of Coastside Artists Open Studios event this weekend. I will be participating along with 22 incredible artists in 12 different studio locations up and down the coast! I will be selling collage and assemblage items in all price ranges for those looking for unique one of a kind Christmas gifts.

I will be offering my art at B.L. Photography at 1168 Date St. Montara from 11:00 to 4:00pm Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th.

Come and make a day of it visiting 12 different locations noshing and imbibing as you go. Yes each location will offer delectable treats to sample while perusing some of the best art here on the coast. Not only that but you will be able to purchase directly from the artists right in the studio setting. This gives you the rare opportunity to visit with them and find out more about their art.

So take a rare day for yourself to relax and unwind. I promise that you will rediscover a little Holiday cheer amongst other artful souls this weekend.

See you this weekend!

Connie

P.S: please click on each picture to see a larger view especially on the map below!

Class schedule through December

Greetings Everyone!

Yes its time to publish my teaching and events schedule for the next month and a half.  Its starts this Sunday with two old classes that I'm reviving by popular request.  Please note that I will be participating in the Colony of Coastside artists open studio event next Saturday and Sunday November 19th and 20th.  I will be offering for sale some of my larger pieces of collage and assemblage.  Also on Saturday December 3rd I will be participating in the Farallone view holiday bazaar.  This will be in support of the school as well as myself.
At Farallone View I will be offering many smaller items like mini collages and altoid tin assemblages as well as favorites like dominos and shrink plastic jewelry.  On December 10th and 11th I will be offering a brand new class called Texture in a Big Way.  For all my advanced texture/collage students this is the class you have been waiting for and even dreading for some time now.  We not only will combine textures but we will do this on a canvas at least 11 x 14 or larger!  You can view one of my large collage samples above. 

Please also note that on December 3rd Ingrid Pomeroy will be teaching a new class called Steampunk Christmas! Wow I wonder what that looks like.  On the 4th Pat Sheldon is going to teach all you knitters out there how to knit Christmas ornaments!  

Here is the schedule:

Sunday November 13th Back to Back classes!

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Puzzle Pins and Ornaments**** Back by popular demand ******
Class Description: Mix some puzzle pieces + shrink plastic images, drizzle with diamond Glaze and sprinkle with micro beads and charms and finish with jewelry findings, wire, charms and more beads and what do you get? Puzzle pins and Ornaments of course! Don’t believe me? Come find out how this strange assemblage of items can be turned into delectable jewelry and Christmas Ornaments.
Items to bring: your favorite pair of scissors and yourself.
Time: 10:00 to 1:00
Class Fee: $35.00
Maximum number of student: 4

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: A world in a Matchbox
Class Description: Have you ever dreamed of finding a secret door, opening it and stepping into another world? Did you know that you can find this world in a matchbox?
In this project based class we will utilize paper towels, collage and assemblage to create our own worlds.
Matchbox worlds would also make very personal and special gifts to give for any occasion. Instead of sending a sick loved one a card, send them the world!
So open the door and step through to another world. Come and play!!!!!
Items to bring: Please bring any personal images or items that are small enough to fit into a matchbox. Please also bring scissors and small paintbrushes.
Time: 2:00 to 5:00pm
Fee: $35.00
Maximum # of students: 4
Get a $10.00 discount if you sign up for both classes! To sign up for either or both classes please email me at connie@isbjorn.com


Wednesday November 16th
ABC Club*****New swap starts*****!
6:00 to 9:00 pm
$10.00


Saturday November 19th and Sunday November 20th
Colony of Coastside Artists Open Studios
Time: 11:00 am to 4:00pm both days
Looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Here’s your chance to find it! Not only that, it’s your chance to view of the work of 23 different artists in 12 different locations noshing and nibbling as you go. This is a rare chance to really talk to the artists about their work and see just what goes into the creating of their superb works of art. Not only that it’s a perfect opportunity to support local artists. Save these dates and tell all your friends and loved ones. Make it a weekend event and have a blast!
Entry fee: None!

Saturday December 3rd
Instructor: Ingrid Pomeroy
Class: Steampunk Christmas Paper Theater
Description: This class will definitely be a twist on Christmas. We will create a Steampunk Christmas paper theater using unique papers, images, embellishments and metal findings. You will come away with a one-of-kind Christmas work of art that you will be proud to display
Supplies to bring: All you need to bring are your favorite scissors and sweet tooth. Ingrid will also provide yummy sweets to get us into the holiday spirit.
Time: 12:30 to 4:30
Fee: $85.00
Class size: 4 students maximum
If you wish to sign up for this class please email Ingrid at ipomeroy@peoplepc.com



Saturday December 3rd
Farallone View Holiday Bazaar
Here’s a great chance to buy that last minute Christmas gift and also benefit a local school. I will be attending this show with some of my smaller gift items domino's, shrink plastic , one of a kind mini canvas collage art–well who knows what I might bring! Come and check it out or just come by and say hello! Some of the Colony of Coastside artists will be there as well and that means unique quality art and reasonable prices.
Time: 9am to 2:00pm
Fee: free!

Sunday December 4th
Instructor: Patt Sheldon
Class: Patt's Non-traditional Knitted & Beaded Ornaments
Description: Learn to knit knitted beaded spheres for ornaments, decorations, or jewelry. We will make one Styrofoam ornament in class and kits will be available to make more at home or to transfer the knowledge to knitted jewelry. You must be an experienced knitter for this class.
Items to bring: Bring size 2 needles--double-point, circular, or straight will work (if you're a tight knitter, you might also bring size 3); beading needle if you have one, blunt-eye tapestry needle, small scissors.
Time: 12:30 - 3:30
Fee: $40 which includes materials for one ornament
Minimum 4 students; maximum 8.
If you wish to sign up for this class please email Patt at patt.matt@comcast.net

Saturday December 10th and Sunday December 11th ++++++Weekend Workshop+++++
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Texture in a Big Way
Description: In this advanced class we will have two objectives:
To combine at least two textures.
To combine texture and collage on a surface no smaller than 11 x 14.
Note this is a 2 day workshop. If you choose to combine more than two textures or to use crackle paste a third day may be needed. This can be scheduled separately at a time of your choosing provided that the studio is available.
This workshop is only for advanced collage artists that have had experience using texture mediums. Class size will be kept to a minimum so that we can work through any problems or questions on a one in one basis.
Items to bring: Please bring a stretched canvas, canvas board or other rigid substrate that is 11 x 14 or larger, scissors, paintbrushes and a large image of your choice. I will bring all other supplies. Please note that if you intend to use crackle paste you must bring either canvas board or another rigid surface a stretched canvas will not do.
Time: 10:00 to 4:00pm both days: there will be a one hour lunch break at 12:30 both days. Please bring a lunch.
Fee: $100.00 for two or three sessions.
Class size: 4 people max.
To sign up for this class please email me at connie@isbjorn.com



December 14th or 28st-Please note that the 21st is Hanukkah
ABC club
6:00 to 9:00 pm
$10.00
C.Andrews studio is located at 103-1 Harvard st, Princeton by the sea.

ABC dinner/pictures

Greetings Everyone,

In the midst of the craziness of my packing, cleaning, showing, selling, packing,moving and unpacking there was one shining moment that helped me through it all.  Last month our Altered Books club group decided to celebrate the completion of our first round robin swap.  Basically it was our way of patting ourselves on the  back  for the actually finishing an 11month project.  Yes I said 11 months!
This group is absolutely remarkable.  With very few exceptions the artist growth that happened during the project was like nothing I've ever seen before.  And the art in each book is amazing. Move over Stampington
I'm afraid we've got you beat!

This project with this group was a special moment in time. It was a time of great friendship. laughter, mutual interest and artist growth.  Even now I look at my book with all the incredible art inside at least two to three times per week.  Everytime I look at it I feel renewed and inspired.  What can I say-these artists have left me in awe of the potential inside of every one of us. 
Yes it was a very special 11 months.  11 months of memories that I shall treasure always. 

Cheers everyone!

Trying to get back on track

Greetings everyone!

Vincent Van Skull and I are here to announce that I am once again bloggable.  Unfortunately I have joined the very large homeless club in the state of California. Be that as it may I am safely installed in my new rented digs about 5 miles up the road in Montara. I have finally broken through the surface after at least 4 months underwater doing the whole cleaning the house, showing the house, packing the house, and then moving the house thing. It was so totally life consuming  that now I am fighting to find my focus again and continue my art.

The current community that I'm living in is little more eclectic, a little colder and much foggier than the previous one.  Here are some views from my morning rambles around the area:

Alpacas

Crows in the fog.

Large Banana Slugs.

wonderful garden gates.

real fall leaves.

Cool Mossy trees

I forgot what it was like to have to move out of a place in which I was comfortable and happy. Its strange-but I feel disoriented, depressed and dispossessed.  I've been told that I have been very lucky to have found a nice if smaller place to live. Intellectually I know this is true.  My landlord is wonderful, the people around me are nice, its a beautiful area full of intriguing homes and Alpacas.  But this doesn't feel like luck. It feels like an essential part of me has been stolen  and now there is a huge void. No what is truely lucky for me is that I can fill that void with my art.  It is Art that I know will bring me focus again.  It is my art that will pull me out of my present depression and through any tough times ahead.

I will never forget that for me ART = Survival.

My classes and events for the next three weeks!

Welcome everyone!
I posted the C.Andrews studio schedule below but I did not get time to list the special events that I will be participating in for the month of August.  I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in the Pescadero Art and Fun festival this month.  This will be the first time to be a vendor in this event and I am really excited about it. I know that its going to be a blast!   Here is my schedule for the next three weeks below:

Saturday August 13th

Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Cabinet Cards
Description: Don’t you love all those old cabinet card photos?
Using Collage, Rubber stamping, acrylic paints and various embellishments we will give discarded photos from 1800’s and 1900’s a second chance to be loved.
Items to bring: Please bring paintbrushes and scissors. Feel free to also bring any special charms, found objects or decorative rubber stamps and dye inks that you might be dying to use.
Time: 10:30 to 2:30
Fee: $45.00
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com

Sunday August 14th

Event: La Nebbia Art show
Where: la Nebbia Winery 12341 San Mateo Rd, HWY 92, Half Moon Bay
Art show featuring the Colony of Coastside Artists, there will also be wine tasting , food, Music, Picnicking and Bocce ball.
Time: 11:00-4:00 or 5:00
Fee: Free entry!

 
 
 
 

Saturday and Sunday August 20th and 21st

Event: Pescadero Art and Wine Festival
Where: Adjoining the IDES Hall off of Pescadero Rd.
2 day Art and Wine Festival featuring Art, Wine, Food and continuous Music all day long. To get more information go to: www.pescaderoartsandfunfestival.org/home
Time: 11:00 to 6:00
Fee: Free entry!

 

Saturday August 27th
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Books #3 ( Pockets)
Description: Don’t you just love finding that forgotten $20.00 bill in a coat pocket?
In this third class in the Altered Book Series we will learn two different techniques to add pockets to your Altered Book. And then the fun begins because now you have to fill them. Remember you can never have enough stuff!
Items to bring: Your altered books kit
Time: 10:30 to 2:00
Fee: 140.00 for the 5 class series or for returning students only $35.00 for the class.
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com

Sunday August 28th
Event: La Nebbia Art show
Where: la Nebbia Winery 12341 San Mateo Rd, HWY 92, Half Moon Bay
Art show featuring the Colony of Coastside Artists, there will also be wine tasting , food, Music, Picnicking and Bocce ball.
Time: 11:00-4:00 or 5:00
Fee: Free entry!

Yes I definitely am going to be busy the next three weeks!  If you can't attend a class how about coming to one of the events listed above?  Come and do some shopping, drink some wine, listen to the music and drop by my booth  and say hello. 
 
See you soon!

C.Andrews Studio August events and classes

Welcome Everyone!

I hope you are all having a great summer.  As most of you already know I have been a bit preoccupied with this whole house selling thing.  Keeping the house spotless all the time and ready to show is absolute murder.  As you can imagine with two dogs keeping things clean keeps me busy.  However I finally found a little time to post the Studio schedule for the month and to let you all know about a couple of other events that I am going to be attending as an artist.

Above you can view the August calendar.  If you click on the image you get a larger view.  Here are the class details and samples below. 

C.Andrews Studio

August 2011 classes and events

Saturday August 6th
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Books #2
Description: In this second altered book class we will experiment with creating windows and doors. Windows and doors are a dramatic way to present your theme. They are interactive and draw the viewer’s eye deeper into the art. So come and add a little mystery and magic to you altered book by adding windows and doors.
Kit items to bring: Paintbrushes, Scissors, Gel Medium, Gesso, cutting mat and xacto knife and any images or personal elements that you would like to use in your book.
Time: 10:30 to 2:30
Fee: 140.00 for the 5 class series or for returning students $35.00
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com


Friday August 12th
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."
Time: 6:00pm to 10:00-12:00
Cost $10.00
To reserve your spot please email Cindy at cindy@mccoolmgt.com.

Saturday August 13th
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Cabinet Cards
Description: Don’t you love all those old cabinet card photos?
Using Collage, Rubberstamping, acrylic paints and various embellishments we will give discarded photos from 1800’s and 1900’s a second chance to be loved.
Items to bring: Please bring paintbrushes and scissors. Feel free to also bring any special charms, found objects or decorative rubber stamps and dye inks that you might be dying to use.
Time: 10:30 to 2:30
Fee: $45.00
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com


Wednesday August 17th
Altered Books Club
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Fee: $10.00 per person

Friday August 19th
Instructor: Gayton Arrigotti
Class: Cold Connections
Description: Learn how to make rivets and join multi layered mixed metals! Riveting is a cold joining method, no heat is applied during the process. This is a useful skill for many jewelry makers, whether hobbyists or professionals because it is inexpensive and a relatively easy technique which provides a method of creating jewelry pieces with multiple dimensions without soldering. The design can be your own or a project piece for the purpose of learning the skills taught.
Time: 9:30 to 3:00
Fee: $105.00 + $25.00 materials fee.
To sign up for this class please email Gayton at: wishing@comcast.net

Saturday August 20th
Instructor: Maria Ontiveros
Class #1: Smash Journal
Description: Smash Journals are the hottest new thing. They're perfect for collecting all the little things of your life that you want to remember. Check out this link to learn about them and then come down to the studio to make your own. We'll start by creating a journal and then decorate the pages with stamps and embellishments appropriate for smash journal pages. This fun class is appropriate for all ages and skill levels.
Time: 10:00 a.m. - noon.
Fee: $30.00

Class #2: Art Journal Workshop: Finish those Pages!
Description: In this workshop, we'll focus on finishing some pages in your art journal. We'll combine your existing backgrounds, embellishments and supplies with my composition techniques and journaling prompts to create pages you'll love.
Items to bring: Bring your journal(s), scissors, adhesives, paints (or other colorants), a journaling pen and assorted embellishments (although I will have some to purchase and share). To get the most out of our time together, you should have a few unfinished backgrounds in your journal. If not, come a half hour early and I'll help you create them.
 For intermediate art journaling students or beginners with instructor's permission. Class price includes three new collage sheets!
Time: 1:00-5:00.
Fee: $25.00
If you wish to sign up for either or both classes please email Maria at: mailto:hrinda1961@yahoo.com.



Thursday August 25th
Instructor: Cindy McCool
Class: Sympathy/Grateful and 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 3 to 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 mailto:cindy@mccoolmgt.com

Saturday August 27th
Instructor: Connie Andrews
Class: Altered Books #3 ( Pockets)
Description: Don’t you just love finding that forgotten $20.00 bill in a coat pocket?
In this third class in the Altered Book Series we will learn two different techniques to add pockets to your Altered Book. And then the fun begins because now you have to fill them. Remember you can never have enough stuff!
Items to bring: Your altered books kit
Time: 10:30 to 2:00
Fee: 140.00 for the 5 class series or for returning students only $35.00 for the class.
To sign up for this class please email Connie at connie@isbjorn.com

Saturday August 27th: Meet at La Piazza
Instructor: Maria Ontiveros
Class: Photo Walk in the Half Moon Bay Cemetery.
Description: Meet at La Piazza (corner of Main Street and Miramontes) for a one hour guided photo walk in a local cemetery. We'll focus on lighting and perspective in shooting cemetery photographs and outdoor portraits. Maria will be available to answer your questions about appropriate camera settings and how they will impact your finished photograph. Afterward, we'll go back to La Piazza to review the morning's photographs.
Items to bring: your digital camera (point and shoot or DSLR).
Time: 9:00 am- 11am
Fee: $20.00
If you wish to sign up for class please email Maria at rinda1961@yahoo.com.

Sunday August 28th
Instructor: Ingrid Pomeroy
Class: Pearl Girlz
Description: Back by popular demand! I am teaching my “Pearl Girlz” class. So, if you missed last summer’s class, here’s your chance! We will be decorating oyster shells with vintage images of bathing beauties, lots of beautiful shells, beads, moss, sand, and more. What a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon!
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Class Fee: $65.00 (Includes some yummy sweets!)
To sign up for this class please email Ingrid at ipomeroy@peoplepc.com


Also offered at the studio

Private studio time– This is for artists and art groups looking to rent studio space to work or to get together during the week-the times and fees are to be arranged on an individual basis. If you are interested in private studio time please email me at connie@isbjorn.com.

Private Lessons: If you are interested in private lessons or make up lessons I am available on Wednesday and Thursday during the week. Also I am available to teach on Saturdays when there are no classes in the studio. Please email me at connie@isbjorn.com to discuss.

Open Studio- Because of lack of use Open studio Friday is closed for Private studio or classes. Possible open studio dates for the month of August will be on the following : August 14th, August 21st . Please make arrangements at least 24 hours in advance if you would like to use the studio as I will be unavailable on these dates above. Please email me at connie@isbjorn.com to discuss.


C.Andrews studio is located at 103-1 Harvard st, Princeton by the sea. If you need directions please email me at connie@isbjorn.com.