This Blog is Moving!

It has been a busy year. I retired from 25 years teaching art and had my 60th birthday all within 2 weeks! I have also created a new web page which has a blog built into it. So this blog will come to an end with this post. I will still keep it up so folks can check out older posts and will have a link to it from my new blog. I hope you will visit my new web page. My artwork, art instruction and workshops and my student work is all there.
Yours Creatively,
Melissa

Spring Has Sprung

Spring has finally arrived, thank goodness. Lots of projects to work on, but never enough time. I just finished a small mural for a child's room. I have done several around the school, but this is the first painted directly on a wall. A few challenges needing some touch up, but overall, it went well. I would love to do some more of these.

Layer It On!

Adding Depth and Interest 

to Your Visual Journal Pages

Whether you are just getting starting in Visual Journaling or need a creative jumpstart, this workshop is for you. I introduce you to numerous techniques, show you how to layer your pages and add that special embellishment for the final touch. We will have time to get 3-4 pages finished.
As a special incentive, get 1/2 off your workshop price if you bring a friend at full price!
Cost is $75 and includes all your supplies except for your journal or altered book. Be sure to email me if you plan to attend. Space is limited to 10!

Go here for more registration information

Monotype Workshop, Great Results!

One of my monotypes using a small pine branch, wiping and block printed chin colle

Here are some images from my monotype workshop last Saturday. The ice couldn't stop us from having a great time! Several asked me to offer this workshop again so they could continue to refine their technique. I'm thinking about late June, after school is out. If you missed this one, be sure to come to the June offering. Sign up for my newsletter to stay informed about all my classes and workshops.

Winter Classes Starting Now!

Don't miss out! My winter art class is starting soon. My classes are on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-8pm at my studio in Burlington. You can come every week, twice a month or just once a month, depending on your needs. The cost is $30 or $25 if you pay in advance. Most materials are included unless you want to work on canvas or work very large. I work with each student on an individual basis. You choose what you want to focus on, including pencil, colored pencil, pastel, water color, acrylics, mixed media or digital art. I can teach you to work realistically or abstractly. My first class this fall is Tues. Sep 11. Visit my blog http://www.melissawalkerartist.blogspot.com/
then go to the art instruction page and download the pdf version of my brochure for more info. Let me know if you have any more questions. Be sure to email me if you are coming so I can have materials ready for you. Hope to see you soon!

Don't Miss Out!

Don't miss out! My fall art class is starting soon. My classes are on Tuesdays from 6-8pm at my studio in Burlington. You can come every week, twice a month or just once a month, depending on your needs. The cost is $30 or $25 if you pay in advance. Most materials are included unless you want to work on canvas or work very large. I work with each student on an individual basis. You choose what you want to focus on, including pencil, colored pencil, pastel, water color, acrylics, mixed media or digital art. I can teach you to work realistically or abstractly. My first class this fall is Tues. Sep 11. Visit my blog http://www.melissawalkerartist.blogspot.com/

then go to the art instruction page and download the pdf version of my brochure for more info. Let me know if you have any more questions. Be sure to email me if you are coming so I can have materials ready for you. Hope to see you soon!
Melissa S Walker

So....on the same evening my show with Ed opens in Durham, I also have a show of my paintings opening in Hillsborough at the Hillsborough Arts Council Gallery from 6-9pm on Aug. 31. When it rains it pours! I plan to spend the first 2 hours at the opening in Hillsborough and then scoot over to Durham for the last 2 hours of the opening there. Hope to see some of you one place or the other!

Sails and Spars, Stormy Weather and Settling Seas

August will be a busy month for me. Going to the beach with family, school will get started again, AND I have 2 shows opening on the same night. Only I could manage that!

My husband Ed and I are working on an installation for the Carrack Modern in Durham. The reception will be on Friday, Aug. 31 from 7-10pm and will run through Thursday, Sept 6.

This is my first installation, though Ed has done several. We will be incorporating lots of sails, video and sound to create an impression of our marina on the Neuse River. It is a beautiful place, very peaceful and a great subject for our installation. Boats and water have been present in my work for some time now, so this fits in with my themes perfectly. Ed's work deals with sculptural constructions using natural objects so his hands on experience is coming in handy.

We hope you can join us for the ephemeral experience!

Evening at Alcatraz

 Beautiful tower in San Fransisco. Never got to see it up close. No idea what it is called either.

 View of Alcatraz

 Moon over the Golden Gate

 View from the "yard"

 What's left of the warden's residence

 Alcatraz operating room

 San Fransisco from the bay

 Seagulls have the best view

San Fransisco, CA

Our first morning in SF we spent riding the street cars, enjoying hot chocolate at the Ghiradelli factory and looking at the boats at the Maritime Museum on the Pier. Great views, cool weather and lots of fun.