I offered an altered book workshop last Saturday at Tyler D Studios in Burlington. It was a wonderful group of ladies and I enjoyed helping them get started with or in some cases continue with altered books. I showed them several techniques for backgrounds, how to use stamping and bubble wrap to add texture and interest as well as using a window to pull two pages together. Here are some pictures from the day.

 

S.T.A.R.T., Stop Thinking That Art is Tough!

I am a certified S.T.A.R.T. instructor for Jerry's Artarama in Raleigh, NC. S.T.A.R.T. stands for Stop Thinking Art is Really Tough. S.T.A.R.T. instructors want to show you that everyone can do art! We are here to make it as easy and convenient as possible for you to get into the art world. Get rid of your old preconceived notions and give art a chance. You will LOVE it! All my workshops are offered at Tyler D Studios in Burlington, NC unless otherwise noted. Visit the S.T.A.R.T. webpage for a full list of classes or find us on Facebook. Visit my web page to see my own artwork. Here are my first two classes:

• Using a Grid to Enlarge a Drawing
  The old masters often used the grid system to create drawings with accurate proportions. You too can draw like the old masters with this tried and true technique - Saturday, September 18, 2010, 9:30am - 11:30am. All supplies will be provided. Cost: $30
  
  
• Using Dynamic Shading Techniques to Bring Your Drawing To Life
  With your basic drawing in hand, learn to use different pencils and erasers to add rich value and create a sense of depth. Saturday, September 18, 2010, 1pm - 3pm. All supplies will be provided. Cost: $30

New Header and Web Page Design

I am trying out a new header for this blog that is from one of my newest paintings. It should go with my web page update as well. I have spent the last 3 days uploading new images and information to my web page, Melissa Walker, artist. Please check everything out and let me know what you think. I still can't get the contact form to work, but other  than that, I think everything is OK. School starts tomorrow for teachers. I am soooo not ready to go back!

New Design

Trying out this new design for my blog. It fits with my current web page much better. Still need to redesign the header to fit the wider space. Also working on updating my web page this weekend. Hope to get the updates loaded later this week. So much has been going on this summer, I feel like I will have time to relax once school starts.
I gave an altered book workshop yesterday at Tyler D Studios. It went very well. I will be offering many more workshops there during the coming year on a variety of topics through the S.T.A.R.T. program at Jerry's Artarama. The acronym stands for Stop Thinking Art is Really Tough. The classes will be 2 hours long, include all materials and cost $30. The classes are geared towards people just starting out in art, although there will also be information offered for those further along with their skills. I am so used to working with different levels of experience in a single class that this should not be a problem.
The opening of mine and Ed's show at Tyler D Studios was very well attended. We had friends come from as far away as Greenville and Wilmington, NC. One came from New Orleans, LA! It was wonderful seeing all our old friends and family. It is also nice to have that big event behind me so I can concentrate on other things. Well, back to my webpage.