Brief Descriptions Of the Classes

 

July 25,26,27, 2014

Workshop in Platte, SD

Deadline June 20, 2014

 

photo of Chad Phillips work

 

Photography ~ Chad Phillips www.chadphillipsphotography.com Chad will help you make sense of the dials and apps available for whatever device you take pictures with.  He is going to help you “see” what you are planning to capture, with new eyes.  Help you take a creative approach, bringing more artistry to the pictures that are documenting your life.

Either of these painting classes will gain the individual perspective, value and color.  Neither of the classes are going to be hosted through follow along painting principal. 

You will learn when to put the photo down that is used as reference, encouraging the individual to put their own personality into the painting. 

If weather permits plein-air painting will ensue.

Watercolor Painting ~ Bonnie Brahms www.brahms-art.us  Bonnie will familiarize you to the materials necessary, materials you might want to play with and materials to maybe put way back on the wish list.  She is going to help you make sense of water and the page when you add color.  Her layering techniques are the focus.  She takes you to new levels for understanding where to go from value into color.  How to not make a muddy mess of the scene and how to go forth bolder than the average watercolorist.  She is a fast study of the student and will take you from where you are in your painting development, be that you are totally new or advanced. 

 

Pastel Painting ~ Chris Cernetish www.pastelchris.com Chris will help you get past that blank canvas.  She is going to go into what materials work and don’t and why she came to those conclusions.  She is going to help you with techniques that many pastelist don’t use for backgrounds.  Her focus study is going to be water and trees.  Both being rather challenging subjects no matter what medium you are using.  Chris will guide you from whatever point of study you are, from the total novice or the advanced will both gain heaps of direction.  If you think that smearing some chalked color on the page and blending them in is the correct procedure, then you need to take this pastel class, for that is incorrect.

 

Glass Staining ~ Mary S Hunt www.maryshutstudio.com  Mary is going to give insight into a lost art; glass staining.  These are age old procedures for “painting” design onto glass and firing the pieces in the kiln “baking” the elixir into the substrate, creating a new sheet of glass.  No glass experience is necessary for this particular class.  However, should you work in glass this class can begin to take you to a new level in your work.  No glass cutting will be involved.  All the materials are included for this workshop.  This class helps ANY person working or playing in the arts to better understand value, as you work in only one color hue that renders all the ranges of shade and highlight.

 for more information read further in this blog or contact Mary

605-337-2308

mshemeral@midstatesd.net

These artists have dedicated their study to their mediums for many years and offering to you their compiled findings.  Come and enjoy your new found love of art as well expand where you currently reside in the arts.  This is a not to be missed workshop, one that doesn't come around often.  If ever again.

 

Night events will bring even MORE insight into whichever class you choose. 

 

Come and Join us in Platte, SD You will be glad you have.



Plan AHEAD...Make YOUR Plans NOW

HUGE 3 DAY WORKSHOP

Platte South Dakota

July 25,26,27 2014

Opening Evening

July 24

 

 

Remember  there are ONLY 8 students per each instructor.  You choose from 4 established artisans of 4 different fields. 

 CHOOSE ONE OF~

 

Photography, Pastel Painting, Watercolor Painting, Painting on Glass

 

 

Chad Phillips~ www.chadphillipsphotography.com ~ is giving instruction and assistance to 8 individuals who wish to learn their method (camera) for capturing pictures.  Your camera phone, your point and shoot, or that fancy camera,  they all have so many apps and dials... (be it digital or film!)

all of these methods of picture taking will do the job but, don't you want to learn how to capture those photos to make the most memorable documentations of your lives that is possible.

Learn to step outside your comfort zone and embrace photography in whole different way.

You bring YOUR camera.

NO EXPERIENCE necessary~ 3 FULL days~$375

 

Chris Cernetisch~ www.pastelchris.com ~ is giving the workshop for 8 individuals who want to learn more from their exploration of a most tricky medium or who have never tried pastels but have a desire to.  She takes the guess work out of the equation and helps to guide you through the process to gain you better success.  This is a mysterious medium and when done properly affords the individual with such rewards.

There will be a list of materials for you to supply yourself with and bring to class

NO EXPERIENCE necessary~ 3FULL days ~$375

 

Bonnie Brahms ~ www.brahms-art.us  ~ is giving a workshop for 8 individuals looking forward to working with water, color, and paper.  She is going to move you through this process taking all the wonder away to give you a successful exploration of the medium.

There will be a list of materials to supply yourself with to bring to class.

NO EXPERIENCE necessary~ 3 FULL days~ $375

 

Mary Hunt~ www.maryshuntstudio.com ~ is giving a workshop for 8 individuals who like to learn new processes and enjoy learning about a lost and dying art. 

Also, for the individual who already likes to work with glass who wants to expand their learning.

This is a Traditional Method that dates to the Egyptian Era. 

There are not many places in the USA where you can learn this process. 

Most of them IF you can find a place, are on the West or East coast.  At a MUCH HIGHER fee!

At one time Mary was one of a handful, (like 10) qualified to be sought after for staining glass in this method.  Collected by Museums and has several panels of work in many churches throughout the country. 

Learning this process will open you up and enlighten your senses.  Even if you do not work in glass, or do not intend to ~this class will help immensely with Value. 

The project you finish, if you can not finish it on your own and do not want to learn how to, Mary can finish it out for you, into a box or a panel.

ALL the materials and kiln firings are provided in the fee.~ 3 FULL days $435

Workshops of this nature require a lot of planning and coordinating of time schedules with 4 busily booked Mater Artists.  To have them agree to this workshop is a blessing.
The workshop genre has been chosen in accordance to your request.
These are the subjects I am most asked about for giving as classes.

Attending a 3 day workshop has so many benefits when compared to a 6 week class.
A 6 week class requires attending the instruction site 6 times for 2 hours each visit.  Generally the fee is set as $20 dollars an hour (unless a different program has been agreed upon).
It takes about 10-15 minutes to set up and get into the groove of the lesson, then time is up and you break down and clean up.  Giving you in actuality about 45 minutes of real class time.
so 45 x 6 giving you about 4.5 hours of actual good instruction for $240.00.

1 day of the workshop is 8 hours for $135.00 do I need to keep doing the math for you?

3 days of the workshop is 24 hours of intense instruction.  Leaving your work station set up, you come in and get right back to work each day.  I am sure you see the benefits but, lets spell it out just in case.

• your are able to focus MORE on the class material
• you are able to better retain the material because less time goes by between the sessions
• you are able to ask better questions because there is less time involved between sessions
• your instruction for problem areas are better addressed because you work through the process without a break in between a session
• the class will flow better because there is no between sessions

Classes that last for weeks are a good option WHEN NO other option is available.

THIS IS A BETTER OPTION

 

June 21 is the cutoff date for my return deposit on the location where the Workshop is being given.  Therefore, June 20 is the cutoff date for being included in the workshop.  If the workshops do not make up well the decision is going to be made at this time for refunding. 

Do not remain on the fence procrastinating, as in peoples nature.  I know there are MANY interested in this workshop, so make the leap and finalize the deal.

Additionally, I need to mention here, while the option is to take 1 to 3 days of the workshop of choice, those taking ALL three days are given precedence in available seats.  (this comes at the request of attending students taking ALL 3 days to provide fairness of materials learned and paid for).

 

These are amazing classes being offered by Masters of their fields.  Willing to share what has brought them to this point in their careers. 

AFTER many years of study. 

Many years of experimenting with the products available. 

Many years of actual experiences you won't read in a book, or see on you-tube. 

Actual practical beneficial REAL information, shared! alleviating you from all those oops and how do I get there moments that you just miss over and over doing it alone.  Bringing you leaps ahead in learning the field you choose.  Learning about something different.  Becoming recharged in your genre and refreshed to get back to the easel with a different perspective.

 

 

Pastel

Photography

Watercolor

Staining Glass

 

Questions: call Mary 605-337-2308

email: mshemeral@midstatesd.net

 

 

 



 



There is a Deadline...

I am not good with removing glare...

This is Bonnie Brahms Watercolor

She is instructing the watercolor workshop

 



The Workshop Retreat the Stagecoach Gallery is hosting in Platte, SD July 25,26,27 with The opening EVENT on July 24th, has decided on its DEADLINE  for signing up for this amazing experience!

 

JUNE 21 2014

deadline

 

Remember  there are ONLY 8 students per each instructor.  You choose from 4 established artisans of 4 different fields. 

 CHOOSE ONE OF~

 

Photography, Pastel Painting, Watercolor Painting, Painting on Glass

 

 

Chad Phillips~ www.chadphillipsphotography.com ~ is giving instruction and assistance to 8 individuals who wish to learn their method (camera) for capturing pictures.  Your camera phone, your point and shoot, or that fancy camera,  they all have so many apps and dials... (be it digital or film!)

all of these methods of picture taking will do the job but, don't you want to learn how to capture those photos to make the most memorable documentations of your lives that is possible.

Learn to step outside your comfort zone and embrace photography in whole different way.

You bring YOUR camera.

NO EXPERIENCE necessary~ 3 FULL days~$375

 

Chris Cernetisch~ www.pastelchris.com ~ is giving the workshop for 8 individuals who want to learn more from their exploration of a most tricky medium or who have never tried pastels but have a desire to.  She takes the guess work out of the equation and helps to guide you through the process to gain you better success.  This is a mysterious medium and when done properly affords the individual with such rewards.

There will be a list of materials for you to supply yourself with and bring to class

NO EXPERIENCE necessary~ 3FULL days ~$375

 

Bonnie Brahms ~ www.brahms-art.us  ~ is giving a workshop for 8 individuals looking forward to working with water, color, and paper.  She is going to move you through this process taking all the wonder away to give you a successful exploration of the medium.

There will be a list of materials to supply yourself with to bring to class.

NO EXPERIENCE necessary~ 3 FULL days~ $375

 

Mary Hunt~ www.maryshuntstudio.com ~ is giving a workshop for 8 individuals who like to learn new processes and enjoy learning about a lost and dying art. 

Also, for the individual who already likes to work with glass who wants to expand their learning.

This is a Traditional Method that dates to the Egyptian Era. 

There are not many places in the USA where you can learn this process. 

Most of them IF you can find a place, are on the West or East coast.  At a MUCH HIGHER fee!

At one time Mary was one of a handful, (like 10) qualified to be sought after for staining glass in this method.  Collected by Museums and has several panels of work in many churches throughout the country. 

Learning this process will open you up and enlighten your senses.  Even if you do not work in glass, or do not intend to ~this class will help immensely with Value. 

The project you finish, if you can not finish it on your own and do not want to learn how to, Mary can finish it out for you, into a box or a panel.

ALL the materials and kiln firings are provided in the fee.~ 3 FULL days $435

 

A thought for the frugal~ this comprehensive FULL workshop would cost a LOT more if tutored, or taking the class for 6 weeks.

In my experience, a workshop like this a person will learn the most because it flows all the way through, not stopping to get picked up again next time, retaining MORE!

 

ALL the lessons learned in ANY of the 4 classes will help in any art area.  Learn a NEW process.

If you work in say oils already~ take a pastel~class and become recharged and inspired.

You either found another way to express yourself, or what you learn in this class might help you in the oils.  All mediums feed off each other!

 

Are you "looking" for way to bring clarity to your day, or help to bring you a hobby, EXPLORE!!! take a class!!!!

 

So, make your decision on which class and contact Mary to sign up!

DO NOT keep putting this off, as it seems to be in peoples nature to do.

 

This opportunity is rare, and in many of your own back yards.

How easy to attend this class living in the state or the area...I have 2 people coming from VA! to take advantage of this amazing offering.

 

I keep hearing "we WANT classes",  We want to KNOW a set time for class, these are the classes that are most requested! DO YOU REEEAAALLLYYYY want them?

 

Contact Mary mshemeral@midstatesd.net

605-337-2308

 

thank you





 



Because...WHY???

At the end of the day do you find it hard to "turn off" the work part of the day? and begin to relax?

Do you feel nervous or antsy?

Are you searching, seeking for ... something?  What?

There is a special place art takes a person, that helps with this. 

Not so much paint a picture that is worthy of a sale. 
More about learning art processes, that help in taking you further, into a calmer place. 
Helping to bring clarity to your world. 
Helping to bring calm to your world.
The process is what helps.

In learning the technical applications to achieve the process for painting, you are given an avenue for direction.
When you learn in a small class situation, there is more direct accomplishment and a LOT less stress than by experimenting on your own. 
So you get to the level for understanding the medium faster. 
Gaining more positive effects to your personal self.

Releasing stress and aiding and abetting the calm!
AND
Art is FUN!

Come learn to relax in the moment.  Enjoy the view and capture the spirit of that moment.

What the classes of this retreat are offering you, is a shortcut to accomplish the tasks that take you to a special place.

3FULL days (in a row, which help you retain what you are learning better!!)
With 4 Notated artisans masters in their fields!
(individual classes would cost you a LOT more than this 3 day weekend will offer of the same and potentially MORE information ...RETREATS offer POWER packed informative sessions)

Perhaps you have always aspired to learn to paint.
"wished" you were an artist.
Wondered what is all the art speak about.

Perhaps you have given this art thing an unsuccessful try, reading books looking at you tube...they make it look so easy. 
It is when correctly given the directional tools.

These are small classes. 
Allowing for a more one on one experience. 
But also gaining camaraderie in a classroom setting.

STOP wishing~
END the excuses~

I CAN'T because...because...WHY??

YOU CAN!
YOU SHALL!!

Join us July 25,26,27 (retreat opening July 24) 2014.  In this retreat you will learn how,
revisit how to,
improve the how to,
or just want to come for the fun of it because you know there never a better time than to be with others at a retreat.

We will show you YES!

YES YOU CAN!

With:
Learning how to use YOUR camera with Chad Phillips ~ www.chadphillipsphotography.com
Learn how to Pastel Paint with Chris Cernetisch ~ www.pastelchris.com
Learn how to Watercolor Paint with Bonnie Brahms ~ www.brahms-art.us
Learn about "real glass painting" with Mary Hunt ~ www.maryshuntstudio.com

Contact Mary
mshemeral@midstatesd.net
Stagecoach Gallery
Platte, SD
605-337-2308

Have a fabulous day!

Kiln Opening!!! Showing 2 of the 3 Projects

Traditional Glass Staining Methods

 

 

 

The transformation in the kiln is always amazing !  Look at the character and life the stains take on once they are fired in the kiln.

Remember, we are using ground glass and pigments to create "paint" the stain that when fired in the kiln, the designs become permanently imbedded within the glass substrate. 
Creating new glass! 
Essentially the artisan is making glass...okay maybe not technically but yeah new glass is being made.

You WILL be able to achieve these same results!

Here are the pieces before being fired in the kiln.

After reaching maturing temps of 1200 F.

We have a bunny.

We have dragonflies.

Both of these projects will take the student the day to day and a half to make ready for the kiln. 
If you achieve the results you are after faster than what I am thinking it might take, then you should pick another pattern to work on! 
Complete as many as you might be able to in the 3 day period!

All the patterns cover a vast range necessary to accomplish, bringing life to the design.

Only 1 color has been used! there is not white, not gray, not buff...only 1 color!
From that color we achieve the scale of lights to darks and highlights, learning the ALL IMPORTANT~ Value! Value achieves the painter high and low tones, the shading.

These techniques I have found transfer to any subject matter or medium being used, as painting or sketching.
Say painting in acrylics.

Mastering the brush work, provides a steady working hand and better coordination when applying paint say, to your canvas. 
Control of brush strokes renders a better process for detail and image.

Patience...oh yeah, you learn that!

Learning paint consistency. 
Important in this application, yet just as important in other medium, especially watercolor or acrylic and oils.  Consistency of paints gives the painter the correct potential to provide the image they want to portray.

Working on glass a painter is provided a pattern however, knowing the proper executing techniques are important to make the work recognizable.

So, coming to this class, transcends multiple purposes as well as learning a historical process.
Glass staining dates to the Egyptian era.

Come and join us July 25, 26, 27 2014 and gain growth from the arts, and from the surrounding where the retreat is being held, River Hills Lodge~ EAST. 
Meet up with old friends and meet new friends, pick an instructors brain for 3 FULL days! in a vast range of medium choice to take:

Photography~ learning how to make the most of THE camera YOU use; phone camera, mid range point and shoot, or that fancy model you received for Christmas, bring it and learn how to use the features, correctly and gain the best results to begin documenting your life!
Chad can you with this!
Chad Phillips~ www.chadphillipsphotography.com

Pastel Painting~ learn how to use soft pastel sticks to create design and images, the proper substrate, how to begin...learn the proper techniques (pastel is not about smearing the chalks that is a misconception) Chris's study plans to be of trees and water, 2 of the most beguiling subjects many artist struggle with. 
Learn a new process to expand your range, or become a bit more proficient in your study of pastel, as well as practice up to recharge your pasteling spirit. 
Chris can help you with this!
Chris Cernetisch~ www.pastelchris.com

Water Media ~ Learn how to mix your paints to create your palette for a painting, how to prepare the paper, the proper use of tools.  How to map out what your subject matter will be TO paint.  Bonnie is going to take you on a journey working with water and color. 
Watercolor process is another mystery many artists steer from because they aren't exactly sure where to begin. 
Bonnie can help you with this!
Bonnie Brahms~ www.brahms-art.us

Traditional Glass Staining~ Mary Hunt www.maryshuntstudio.com

Direct your questions to Mary Hunt at the Stagecoach Gallery 605-337-2308
or email mshemeral@midstatesd.net

All this in ONE weekend!!!!
the evening will be active as well:
Gather around the fire-pit and with choice of beverage commune with the fellow students and gain insight from their classes different from the one you are taking or your classmate of the same, sharing is essential building spirituality and gaining personal growth and insight.

Coming from out of the area, there is lodging available AT the retreat (inquire) as well as several places in town, that is but 3 miles from the retreat.

Come on and join in~ you KNOW you want to!

A Photography Workshop

Chad Phillips

www.chadphillipsphotography.com

 

Instructing Photography workshop

 

Chad hasn't given me his official outline however, I feel a need to give you a heads-up for this workshop. 

There has already been a HUGE amount of interest in this particular workshop. 

Chad has been intending to give a workshop here for a couple of years but, due to his extremely limited time schedule, hasn't been able to.

 

I am fortunate to be able to nail him down to this weekend.

 

His followers (and there are many) have been anticipating this for a long time, so be warned...this slot will fill FAST!

 

Have you struggled to get the best use from YOUR camera? 

Not the newest and greatest. 

Not the ones only the most professional professionals use. 

YOUR camera.

Settings, composition, lighting, when to flash when not to, these points and MORE will be discussed.

 

Capturing elements of nature.
Night sky.
Water.

Chad is a most sought after artist for skills he represents through the lens. 
He has become the go to man for corporations needing Video representation for their websites, and commercials!
He represents many vistas; Company, Rock Star, Magazine and Individual helping them perfect their voice, through imagery, encapsulated from the lens.

A generous individual who will be sharing in his accumulation of knowledge on a subject, that while appears achievable, is not on many levels.

This is your chance to pick the brain and get 3 days, THREE WHOLE DAYS, spent with Chad working with your camera.

Plan to join us July 25, 26, 27 2014  Stagecoach Retreat.  Where 4 workshops will ensue.

Chad Phillips www.chadphillipsphotography.com photography
Bonnie Brahms www.brahms-art.us watercolor
Chris Cernetisch www.pastelchris.com  pastels
Mary Hunt www.maryshuntstudio.com traditional staining with glass

Contact Mary @ mshemeral@midstatesd.net
605-337-2308

or drop by the Stagecoach Gallery in Platte, SD

We are writing the brochure and still determining outlines.  Get on the list for contact when these agendas have been met.

Have a great day!

 

 



 

 

Speaking of Classes!

Pastel

Instructor: Chris Cernetisch

www.pastelchris.com
$135 per day or $375 all 3 days

 

Pastel is one of the 4 classes during the Art Retreat July 25, 26, 27th 2014. 

Chris has provided me with a rough outline of her plans for her class.

 

 

Her plan is to provide 3 separate days of different approaches for this Pastel medium. 

Take one day, two days, or combine everything and grasp a HUGE bang experience putting it all together for all 3 days.

 

Chris is a powerful instructor, and a master of Pastel painting.

 

I have been given instruction from her and she doesn't 'simply instruct'  she imparts knowledge.  Years of trials and happy outcomes. 

The products that are fabulous and the products to try at a later time.

 

I have had the pleasure to watch her paint. 

Just watching her paint is so mesmerizing AND instructional!

The skill!! that oozes from her so easily. 

Her confidence is infectious! 

Watching her demonstrations alone, are forth coming with heaps of technical application.

 

She shares so much throughout the demonstrations.

 

As I list her given outline, do not read the list and think, well I am already good with that much...perhaps...perhaps not.

 

Know this, Chris covers a LOT of area and products...the one day alone will bring you forward in your Pastel studies, if not just remind you of the materials out there that you may have wanted to try, and concur that perhaps you might not waste the monies on that particular product just now...and move forward to something different on your list.

Again, covered in the class...day ONE!

 

We encourage you to consider this retreat if you have always wanted to try soft pastels but have no idea how to begin. 

If you have dabbled with the soft Pastels but were disappointed.

To brush up on skills gone rusty.

 

This is the class and instructor for that!

 

Gaze upon the above picture... look at the MOVEMENT Chris achieves.  Though my photo can't begin to bring forth the depth engaged in her painting nor the colors that make the painting a frozen moment in time...look at how mighty the painting still comes through!

 

Chris is a powerhouse of a painter.

You can not help but come away from her class full of inspiration and excitement and want to run back to your place and engage in all the technical 'knowledge tools' Chris will provide you.

 

So, Look over this list and decide will I take 1, 2 or all 3 days.

 

Day 1- A thorough discussion of different brands of Pastels, papers and other tools and supplies, plus ways to apply the Pastel to paper.

 

Day 2- Learn how to choose the paper, lessons on color and value, using these ideas to create an under painting ready for a finished piece.

(the lessons for color and value transcend to every medium)

 

Day 3- Putting it all together!  We will work on a painting or 3! using the new skills.

 

There is a provided list of materials the student will be responsible to bring, available upon reservation.

 

A brochure is being written that covers tuition, lodging, and the lodge the retreat is being held.  For information, and to be placed on the mailing list. 

 

Contact: The Stagecoach Gallery (in Platte SD)

605-337-2308

email: Mary @ mshemeral@midstatesd.net

July 25, 26, 27 2014

 

Don't miss out on this retreat in the center of the West.  Were the Lodge is set on gorgeous grounds conducive to inspirational walks where you may want to set up and paint, or photograph while you relax in natures abundance of~peace.

 

Join a set of instructors:

Chris Cernetisch ~

Pastel

www.pastelchris.com

 

Bonnie Brahms~

Watercolor

 

Chad Phillips~

Photography

www.chadphillipsphotography.com

 

Mary Hunt~

Staining Glass Traditional Method

www.maryshuntstudio.com

 

 

Come away from the retreat refreshed and full of renewed inspiration and gobs of knowledge.

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 





Retreat Class Traditional Glass Staining

 

Staining Glass Techniques used by the Old Masters taught by Mary Hunt

www.maryshuntstudio.com
FULL 3 day workshop
class begins at 8 until...with evening participation

materials are included in this fee
the glass substrates
glass staining stains and binders
patterns
kiln firings

USE of a light box source
USE of brushes and palette knives (encourage student to bring their own)
USE of glass palette
handouts
$435.00

Class will be all about staining glass in the traditional method, using crushed glass. 
Now a days you can purchase crushed glass with the proper mixture of flux and ore and whatever mineral is needed to strike the desired color (enamel) but, back a hundred years or so ago this was mixed on site.

Today with the handy prepackaged vials, we are also blessed to have the formula without lead!  Making use so much more friendly.

There is still a bit (quite a bit) of technical know how involved and this class, we will help you in this area.
With the many binders that can be used when mixing these agents for applying to glass, the many variables involved when you use such and such binder and the effect said binder will end up giving after firing the glass applied with stain offers, there is easily some confusion. 
We can help clear these questions up.

We will cover binders, we will cover correctly mixing the "paint".  The methods of applying the stain, the techniques used to enhance the stains effects for design, and kiln firing applications.  I don't go into kiln sitters.  Mostly because I don't use them.
The brushes involved and how to set up your workspace.
MUCH more.

The picture above is an example of my work, and you can see others on the website, that is not up to date, you get the idea though.

We will go over faces, how to achieve depth through matting tracing and enhancement lines.  The project will be somewhat figural but with gobs of working in shade and trace.
I am leaning to a bee...simple you think...
While achievable, still a challenge.
I am going to have a few other patterns for following available. 
There is potential to finish more than one project.

The project can be used in lots of ways when finished, incorporated into panel work or perhaps used for making a box.  The final outcome is left to the student.  This will not be part of the class.

Materials for the staining project are provided in the class fee, the use of brushes are offered, or bring your own.   
The class will encompass the 3 FULL days of the retreat, and some night work.

Firing the project in the kiln is part of the education and I encourage the participants to remain for that process, but it is not necessary they stay.
The handout goes over the process and the outcome. 
Some people might want to see the occurrence of "glossing" versus "not glossed yet" stage in the kiln. 
That is a personal decision, but the process will be provided.

The project of the 'stained glass' will be completed but not a project using the glass stained. 
The final firing may not be completed when the student is ready to leave, in which case I will mail the final results to them.

This process is not to be confused with the hobby level of painting on glass using Pebeo or like product to decorate glasses, such as the wine glasses being decorated today.
These are Traditional Techniques and museum quality methods.
(My stained glass work is collected and on permanent display in museums)

You as the student are not required to cut any glass, or be a cold working glass artist, a warm working glass artist or a hot working glass artist.
The only requirement is a desire to learn a method of application that is not easily found in the class room that happens to cover working ON glass and making that permanent.

During the down times when breaks are offered, the participants are encouraged to get out and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Lodge we are holding the retreat in. 
Walk the trails, photograph the nature and look for the critters, photograph them.
Participate in the evening with the banter of the fellow artists and join up the sharing of the day from the other instruction being offered at this retreat, around the fire pit. 
This is an enjoyable end to the day and spiritually uplifting way to enter into slumber as we anticipate the next days events.

Fellow instructors will be:
Chad Phillips www.chadphillipsphotography.com photography
Chris Cernetisch www.pastelchris.com pastel
Bonnie Brahms www.brahms-art.us watercolorist
Mary Hunt www.maryshuntstudio.com staining glass

Direct your questions to Mary @ mshemeral@midstatesd.net

These classes are currently being written and the tuition's have not been set yet. 
The Lodge will hold 16 overnighters but they need to be willing to share the room. 
Each room has a bathroom. 
A communal living room and kitchen (for all to use) 
No meals are going to be provided.
Meals can be taken through the several eateries in town, that is but 3 miles from the lodge.
A grocery store is located in town.

In addition, there are a few B&B's and 2 hotels.
This information can be provided and the brochure is being written, now nearly finished!

Consider a weekend being spiritually uplifted through art on the prairie.
Thank you for visiting today.

Mar

Reverse Lampshading Process...

I like the shape of a crystal lampshade, so I purchase them, which this is...lets walk through the process of reverse painting with glass on glass in traditional techniques for museum quality. Using a special mix of paint with fine ground glass and an added amount of flux so the kiln can embed these elixirs at a lower temperature keeping my shades shape, we begin with what is called the line drawing. This is painted on the inside of the shade in the reverse pattern of your intended drawing.

I am showing just 2 sides of the shade. The fist one is a pioneer family in front of their sod house...the second image is on the trail setting up camp for supper...

this becomes the first kiln firing..

Next I totally black matte the inside of the shade.

This shows the inside totally black...then with scrub brushes and picks I gently remove the matted paint to give details to the images.

This takes hours depending on how much detail you wish to portray...I am keeping it simple since the images are not going to have a lot of designs on clothes and that sort of thing they used homespun fabrics and basic basic living utensils

The letters Yous view are portraying a homestead certified ticket which would give the homesteader their location to stop...also a portion of journal recording the trip...here you can see how the scrubbed areas respond to the matte being removed...this is the same portion above "on the trail stopping for supper"

and the pioneer family in front of their sod house...

tomorrow this fires in the kiln and sets the matte process into the glass..next is color!

Reverse Painted Shade Traditional

"Wave Of Conflict" is a traditionally reverse painted lampshade. (in lit state)
I did this one back in the 90's and it won an award at the Museum show I had it entered. Back in Va.
I am showing you this to prepare you for the next few postings that you can follow along for how I get to the finished product.

First of all, I use finely ground grass with mineral and ores mixed to a texture that is like paint.
With a brush I lay the design onto the inside of the shade.
(think reverse of how you traditionally might paint a picture)
this much is fired in the kiln...for painting a crystal such as this shade I have to use low-firing mixtures..technically more flux is added...the temps I am taking this to are no higher than 1100 or my crystal will cave on me.
(yes it happened)

Next step is I matte the inside of the shade...A black "paint" is mixed up then put totally over the inside of the shade
everything gets covered up...then I slowly brush the matte away with special stippling brushes that will lend the texture and subtle shading to my images
after MANY hours of brush away step...the shade gets fired again.

Then each color I decide to use on the images and backgrounds get scheduled as each color matures at a different temperature. So highest temps first and so on...

The lampshade you will watch grow is about the homesteaders moving west. This shade is designated for a museum showing in OK with the Chisolm Trail group..you can see the link over to the right of this post.
Check it out some mighty fine artist are part of this group.

The show is in March ...so I have some work to be doing and fast...Right after Christmas I leave for Texas...and this needs to be done...or I have to drive my ownself down and back..and I am not much on this chore...
so
I am opting for being DONE!

More explanations will be given for each step as we follow the Homesteaders
along their trail to being a reverse shade...

Have a great week!...and thank you for coming by!

AEDM day 20-21

I have been diligently working on projects but I don't have anything complete to show...so

Here is the first piece I entered in a show that I used staining techniques...She has over 40 firings to achieve the charcoal look I was aiming for
and I was honored to receive best in show for her...more than 30 years ago!
Mata Hari

She is my own drawing from a freeze frame off the tape I ordered from the history channel "Mata Hari"


Next is the beginning for the next painting which is so heavily textured it is still in drying mode






and I have also still been cleaning the years of grime and paint away from the bevel glass in this restoration, which part is ready for the solder
panel 1 of two...

enjoy the day!
and thank you for stopping in...

go art ppl

AEDM day 4

This has been the kind of day where you are needed everywhere right away.
A lot going on!
So...I didn't get a whole lot done in my studio therefore, I am showing a piece I had previously made.
This bowl is in a free form hankie shape. It began clear, but with added glass frits and powders, binders and kiln fire the design makes permanent to the glass..some vitreous staining was involved and vitreous enameling both of these techniques are rendered permanent in the high heats of the kiln as well...
remember each color is a specific temperature so each color represents a kiln visit
at said time
if the strict anneal schedules aren't adhered to the project will be lost...as explode.


Then..this is the beginning stage for the next painting I am attempting in the textures class
I am stencil poor and the next lesson shows such pretty stencils...(and I am not hand cutting any today!) so I am going to do the assignment with one of the other palettes and lets see if I am getting the program
I left the background blue..it is actually white
so the jellyfish and water marks (glossy) show
these are the underlayment for the next level...
i did discover that if i dry this in front of the fireplace
it dries in half the time...

I sure hope you had a decent art day
see ya tomorrow on day 5!

VENtiNg..

Grass cutting is rained out...isn't that a shame...LOL

enamels are finely crushed glass with ores and minerals for color striking
(like stains)
but they have more flux added to the mix
so the burnoff is achieved at a lower temperature
keeping a good color

I am finally ready to begin firing platter 1...the kiln is loaded and vented
I have to vent out the nasty burnoff of the oils...venting protects my coils
it ramps up reeeeaally slow...to prevent the glass crashing

a success would be i am done

this rarely happens
i am always missing places and need to reload the enamels and fire again
but
should i have good coverage
i will finished with platter 1

here is platter 1...enamels can be loaded from either side

sometimes i do both sides

and i might yet with this one

that gives a lot of depth to the pieces

i begin with the loading on the backside

this way

if i want to add more i load from the front

or

it might be done

then the trace lines are fresh looking which are on the front

so we will know more tomorrow when i can open the kiln...

thanks for following along...

Wild Angel...

As tired as I am after this long weekend of work work work...I went to sleep to just wake up and not be able to get back to sleep after just an hour
so
I had a nap!

Since it will be awhile before I am caught up enough to post anything new that is being worked up on the table at the present,
I bring to you

Wild Angel

I was listening to Martina McBride belting out the tune
Wild Angel and she sprang to mind
she has the blond hair because I imagine her as Hannah (my granddaughter) when she is a teenager.
Hannah is a living angel, but the tribute is hers.

She sports colored wings...a little prankster just having crossed over to receive them.

I doubt this picture enlarges.. or if it does a little you probably won't be able to get the close up view so...
to describe her
I begin with sketching the face on draft paper
so i know where i want the stain highlights...
and then start staining glass and firing in the kiln. (time intensive and many kiln visits)
she is stained on mouth blown antique glass.

Her face isn't blemished...she has a celestial glow and emerald green eyes...with plum and gold shadow...then the gold flecks over her face as well...
It is kind of hard to see without the sun coming through and actually catching the glass from behind and allowing the piece to glow as it should...

This is an example of another panel...

Thank you for stopping in.

The Growly Wind

I am placing this picture up large because I don't think it will open larger.

The only photo I have of it was finished crop ready for publication purposes. It went to a private owner before I could take further pictures. Since I haven't had either the time or inclination to produce anything new, I thought I would dig up something old.

This is the "Growly Wind".

Produced for a museum show I was booked in about 5 years ago.
This piece is my rendition of the elements that stuck in my mind of the Wizard of Oz. That would be why you see the monkeys and the slipper's and the wicked witch on her broom, and the wind creating its funnel cloud.

I was working in a different restaurant at the time. I was trying to create work to fill this one man show. When the wind began to blow exceptionally hard, since we were in tornado warnings that day we were all talking about them and I was referring to things from the Wizard of Oz and Ghena, (who now owns a different establishment and is my current boss) says "Mar, ya have to do that for the show...a piece called the growly wind" and that was how this came to be created.

This piece was totally made by hand including the glass. Which I replicated the recipe from the glass handbook and poured myself. All the colors were minerals and ores I researched and added.
The art on the glass is rendered in stainer's techniques as described in the post below this.

This was a technically challenging piece for me, as I am NOT a chemist. It turned out well though.

The rest of the story went like this:

Barb (the owner and boss of the then establishment I was working) and I were standing at the door watching this tree lay over as the wind picked up and she says low behind me...
"look I see a monkey...I says oh!! I see it tooo...a customer who we did not know was overhearing us...says where is a monkey...????
well we busted out laughing...
and explained ..to which she was not amused...but
whenever I see this picture it brings this story to mind.

Today we are having horrid weather conditions ripe for tornado's so here we go...

thanks for looking

First Stain on Glass

Janet has been steadily advancing in glass. Beginning her study on staining glass. Using stain for glass is more than "just Painting". A small ground crushed glass substrate mixed with pigment ore or mineral and flux has an added binder such as oil or gum arabic and an agent to mix it all using a palette knife the mix is cut and ground then made ready to use on glass. Using a brush the mixture is added to glass in the desired pattern then fired in a kiln when the mixture melts into the glass becoming new glass. Kiln knowledge is also acquired through these lessons, they will come in handy during fusing and sagging exercises. For now using the kiln makes the stain permanent to the project. Janet is still learning about soldering so I finished the box for her but, her next project she is making her own box. Isn't she advancing along well though.