Artiscape is around the corner

Hello again.  You may have noticed that I've been absent for a little while.  After publishing Altered Arts magazine for ten years, for some reason using the computer for any reason has equated itself to work in my mind.  I had a really difficult time making myself get on the computer to make posts.  It felt like work, and it wasn't fun at all, so I took a break.  In the interim, I continued creating art and took several classes.  Probably as a result of the ten years publishing, I of course, took LOTS of pictures of everything I did.  Some even have step-outs.  So, I will have plenty to post if I can get into the groove again.

In just a couple short weeks, Artiscape - An Artist's Gathering will take place again in Columbus, Ohio.  This year's theme is:  Masquerade in Venice.  If you haven't already read my three-part article on the 2015 Artiscape, you can find it here.

I am busy working on my class kits, lesson plans, and supply preparations.  I am also busy working on my trades (last year's trades) and just finished my charity auction donation piece.

Artiscape Masquerade in Venice Charity Auction Piece by Cyndi Duncan.

There are still some spaces available in my classes.  Last year both of my classes sold out, don't wait too long.

The two classes I'm teaching are:

The Beekeeper's Journal
Friday, April 22 12:30 - 5:30

This beautiful beekeeper's journal features unique mini niches and page cut-outs. Beeswax will be used to embellish the niche. You will have time to work on some of the individual pages, but your book won't be completely finished in class. Books provided, as they will be prepped in advance.

Note:  This is a great class for trying cut-out altered books with niches, if you have never done them before. It is also great for those who love book art.  We won't be cutting very deeply into the book, but will be doing a lot of cutting!  I just finished decorating the entire book and can share with you the pitfalls and shortcuts I discovered along the way.  This book is a great stand-alone art piece, or can be used as a fun art journal.

Supplies:  Students will need a cutting tool and cutting mat.  I prefer the cheap-o plastic retractable box cutters.  An X-Acto knife will work, too. Additionally, you may want to bring your own heat embossing tool.  If there is enough time, we will begin to work on our pages.  You may wish to bring some paints and embellishments to decorate.  Your book will not be completed in class.  You will leave with the structure complete and the back niche page decorated.

Register for the Beekeeper's Journal here.

Fifty Shades of Gray:  Explorations in Ink
Saturday, April 23 2:30 - 6:30

In shades from gray to black, India ink is a wonderfully versatile product that many artists have never explored. Release your inhibitions and explore India ink mark making using numerous tools, techniques and agents. You will work with Yupo paper, another medium begging to be discovered. The exploration will climax with a creation on a 16x20" stretched canvas that showcases your artistic revelations.

Note:  Working with all the different techniques using India ink on Yupo paper was one of the most satisfying times I have spent in the studio.  It was very Zen-like.  We will be learning lots of techniques, but for those of you used to my Tons of Techniques classes, this one is much more slow paced and allows you a lot of experimentation on your own.  I think you will LOVE it!

Supplies:  In addition to the basic Art Kit that Artiscape recommends, you may wish to bring a soft rubber brayer, a paper cutter, stencils, mark-making/texture-making tools, calligraphy fountain pens (dip pens), black Pitt Pen(s),  and rubber stamps (with solid-filled designs - not detailed stamps).  We will also be painting our canvas with acrylic paints, so you are welcome to bring your favorite colors/brands with you.  I do supply everything you need, but many students find they perfer their favorites and don't like to share the tools.

Register for Fifty Shades of Gray: Explorations In Ink here. 

I hope to see you at Artiscape this year!

~Cyndi