Friedazesta

Direct Painting is my style!

2009-10-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's interesting when you view the painting up close, you can see a whole mosaic of color strikes, but from a distance you have a white closed rose. The hardest part of this technique is to resist blending the colors smooth. Just strike on tones of colors and leave them.
The primroses were a lot of fun to create. Strike on the shadow centers of each petal, then the halftones above and below next to the shadow, ending with a light highlight tone on the petal edges and at the centers. Using the side of your brush pull from light to shadow sliding the colors together very lightly... this creates the streaks in the petals. Restate some lights on the edges if necessary.
This large rose didn't appear white until the dark background was added around the petals, then viola! a white rose with pink inner petals. Amazing what happens when dark surrounds light.

Our little nuthatch was the quickest bird I have ever painted ... what a fabulous technique. He was the first object that we painted in this piece, applying the dark background surrounding him. Everyone's bird turned out great.

This was our final painting at the Floral Seminar with Dave. It was one amazing piece, and painted in such a short time from start to finish. We were all impressed!! Thanks Dave for an inspiring Seminar.

till later Frieda

Silk Screening

2009-07-24T15:48:00.001-07:00

While at the Teacher's Seminar at the Jansens, Dave mentioned silk screen painting, which totally intrigued the group. So off he goes to the garage to retrieve some used panels, to better explain what it was.

You start off with Half-tone 1500 dots/inch thin silk fabric, which comes in a roll. This is cut to the size of your pattern, and tacked very tightly into a wooden frame. A chemical (available at the same supplier as the silk fabric) is then applied to the silk fabric, and the whole frame is placed into the dark. Light is what activates the chemical.

Your pattern is either hand-painted with Black on a sheet of acetate, or you could use Photoshop on your computer to fill in the elements using Black, then print it out onto acetate.

Next you take your acetate pattern and place it on top of the chemically treated silk fabric. Place the framed screen on the floor and shine a 150 watt lamp onto the screen for a duration of 30 minutes. You can clamp the lamp onto the edge of the table. The heat of the lamp reacts with the chemical in all the areas, except where the Black painted elements are. Underneath the Black, the silk screen fabric remains porous.
You would then take the screen outside and hose it down with the garden hose to wash off the Black and expose the see-through silk fabric pattern. Very intricate patterns can be painted with this method.
Once the screen is prepared and dry, it can be used repeatedly to apply the basecoat color onto any surface. Just lay the screen over the surface, squirt paint on the end of the screen, then using a special tool, swipe the paint over the surface. This action allows the paint to enter the patterned silk fabric and base the pattern onto the surface below. If you have more than one color to basecoat, prepare two or more screens including only those elements for each color. You could use straight paint, or paint with Faux Finishing Medium to get transparent based elements.
I could see this used for grisaille or underpainting in White or Medium White.
Teachers who have large classes would find this method especially a time saver.
till later
Frieda

More of Dave's gallery

2009-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Every corner of every room in the Jansen home is filled with Dave's beautiful artwork and painted furniture pieces. Can't recall one piece of furniture that wasn't painted. Next he is painting the doors... wonder if the ceilings are next after that, haha.

Oh I think Dave missed one item, see in the corner of this bedroom... there is a large container that is raw wood... I'm sure next time I come it will be painted with some new technique that he is studying.

Tomorrow, I will give you a glimpse of the Silk Screening process, it's quite unique.
till later Frieda

Dave the Teacher!!

2009-07-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

Even on break time, Dave is still teaching impromptu, he is amazing! He just loves all the questions from his students (or affectionately his "little monsters"), and shares all he can to help us understand.

Since this was a Teacher Design Seminar, we had lots of opportunity to design on Dave's favorite sketching surface, tons and tons of 11" x 17" paper... he buys it by the caseload. Here's Georgia, Elaine and Ann absorbing lots of great design ideas from Dave. He makes it look so easy, but it's years of practice behind each pen stroke.

Notice Cathy's big yellow note pad, I'm sure it came handy with the volume of information Dave shared with us.

Teacher Dave at the end of one table with the TV monitor picking up all his sketches and illustrations, so everyone can see. Notice the stack of books on the right, just below the TV... it was growing as the Seminar continued. My seat was right behind the pile, so a few more books and Dave would disappear, haha. Be prepared to jot down lots of ISBN # of recommended books... Martha's a wiz at buying books for Dave, so if you need help, just ask Martha!! she's the expert. Must order a few for pick-up at the next Seminar, hummmm, there's just too many to choose from.

Dave promised to teach us the important aspects of taking great photos of our finished pieces, and he delivered. Here is the set-up that he uses... 2 large sheets of non glare white mat board behind and under your painting. Prop piece at an angle to reduce glare from overhead lights, and use cardboard to reduce further glare in the room (Dave is holding it up). Always use a tripod with your camera set in AV mode to F stop of 6-8. AV mode sets the shutter speed automatically, or you can adjust it manual as well. Works great every shot.

For those going to a future Seminar, make sure you pack a sizable notebook and pen... as you can see by all the notetakers. Our brain just retains so much information before it begins the delete process, so notes are handy to jog the memory later on. DeAnn still had last years notes and jokingly compared them to this year... finding some repeats, but lots of new material to study.
You'll notice Arlene enjoying a wonderful frozen dessert sherbet packed in the actual rind of an orange. Food was all excellent, thanks to Martha.

Stay tune for more of Dave's gallery
till later
Frieda

Studio Shots

2009-07-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

A number of Heritage Team members were at the Teacher Seminar, which made it extra special for all of us!

Here's Georgia, Donna Rose, and Bobbie laughing about something... we found lots to laugh about... it's the spirit of the Team. Behind Donna Rose, in the big black chair is where Dave sits to teach. Above his head, a video camera is mounted in the ceiling, which captures him sketching and painting, visible on the TV screen above him, and another one on the opposite wall of the studio, so that every seat is great!

This is such an adorable picture of Paul and Cathy, and impromptu Dave hugging them from behind... it captures their special friendship.

As you can see from the pile of papers and tracing paper sprawled out in front of me, I was inspired. I came home with 8 brand new designs... 3 for my magazine table, 2 Rogaland designs (even bought a large wooden plate at SDP which would work beautifully with one of these designs), plus 3 others for plaques or other small table tops... not sure yet. I was thrilled, just what I needed... a push out of the nest.

Arlene and DeAnn are hamming it up after trying their skills at some new painting techniques that Dave introduced us to. We could all see some serious potential in using these techniques for some quick and yet beautiful results in our paintings.

Brenda and Georgia are preparing their palettes for some painting time. Most of this Seminar is spent in designing, and learning... less painting. So now we get to play and learn some new painting tricks...painting outside the box with the Chippendale on a light background... looked pretty neat!!

Tomorrow, I will have some more pictures - taking photos of your paintings, silk screening sample boards and of course more studio teaching and gallery samplings coming up. Hope you're enjoying the behind the scenes happenings at the Jansen Seminars. I encourage you to take the time and attend, you will be inspired!!
till later Frieda

Dave's gallery

2009-07-17T21:46:00.001-07:00

Inside the Jansen home is beautiful, with all of Dave's artwork on display. There are so many amazing furniture pieces painted in a variety of period styles. With Dave painting at least 200 pieces a year, it's a wonder there is any room left in the house. Even inside closets are stacked with paintings that rotate throughout the home. It's worth the visit just to spend time enjoying the gallery.

This hallway is lined with many of the designs from his DVD series. I recognized all the pieces from the Advanced Color set, and they are all gorgeous up close. There isn't a room in the house that isn't adorned with paintings, even the bathrooms.

On the fireplace hearth is a tryptic with the new design from the Georgian Scroll study Dvd series, a new one that I added to my ever increasing collection. It is the first of a continuing series on Scrolls. I'm slowly learning there are a whole host of scroll styles. Oh! I must share..Guess what? this week I mastered the 'Dave hook' on my scroll. I was very excited!!! I spent weeks trying to get it right. I was missing the "pull up on the chisel" before pulling my scroll... I did it first time!! Isn't it great when you finally get it!! Same thing happened with my comma strokes, it's all about the consistency of the paint in the brush... thin in the barrel, thick at the point for a comma.. and a full-load of thin paint for an S-stroke. Now you try it!! It works!

It's hard to pick just one piece that stands out... but I must admit this little table caught my eye. Isn't it adorable, I just love the design and the colors. Must find a similar table and paint something like it... very cute!!

This is one fabulous piece, I love the way Dave has designed the panels, connecting each one together... then edging the panels with scrolls. During the Seminar, Dave taught us how to design for multi-panelled doors. Repeating a common element in the design on each panel is important for establishing harmony. Have to check the Seminar Schedule, I can feel a Furniture Seminar calling me in the near future.

Every room has incredible furniture pieces, all designed and painted in different colors, but they harmonize beautifully. This marquetry table is from Dave's Dvd series, which I've also added to my collection, and next on my list to watch and study. The Team has added a number of marquetry lessons to the new Manual... taking us from a beginner pieces to more advance, I can't wait to learn more about this art form.

I'll share more tomorrow... studio pictures coming up, so check back...
till later Frieda

1st time at Jansens

2009-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

This was my first time at the Jansens taking the Design Seminar. I will be sharing photos of what it is like at Dave's, and what you have to look forward to, should you too have the privilege of attending one of his Seminars. It is truly worth every dime.
This view is taken from the back of the home... to the far right downstairs is the Studio with a walk out to the back patio, where Dave takes over as BBQ chef on Sunday evening. In the evenings, sitting out on the upper deck you can be amazed by the blinking lights of hundreds of fireflies.

Surrounding their home is acres of wooded bush, where an abandoned kid's playhouse still stands... perhaps someday to be occupied again with little Jansens, ha.

Being a wood worker myself, I had to explore the woodshop, where Dave Palmer fills the students wood orders. He just smiles when asked "Dave do you think you could make me a clock and have it ready when I leave on Monday?"... and somehow he manages to make all the ladies happy!!

Inside the woodshop, Jessica has come out to help Dave cut some larger sheets of MDF and birch, to sizes that are more manageable for Dave to rout the various trays and plagues that he makes.
I'll add more tomorrow, so until later Frieda

Sharing Snacks from our Module Menu

2009-07-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a few snacks from Module 1. For those who are new to my blogspot, let me fill you in on my role with the Heritage Team. For the past number of months, I have taken the role of Editor for the new Heritage Education Manual.

What was I thinking when I accepted this challenge!!!! Honestly, to think I almost failed English class in school, and my first language was German... but don't tell the Team they are working with an amateur, haha. I had never done anything quite this monumental before... it has clearly challenged me to learn many, many new things for which I am truly grateful (I have a wonderfully patient son mentor, thanks Alex).
I love my job!!!

I have had the pleasure of working one-on-one with the amazing Team of talented, brilliant artists and designers from around the world. Language barriers are removed when speaking the language of art, we understand each other, how cool!!

Our Team has come to realize the importance of having one person editing the Manual. I don't say this to brag in any way, it doesn't matter who that person is. The point is this simple fact is reflected in the layout consistency, the format within each lesson, the easy reference of the whole Manual, and so much more. It has harmony!! when there is a common colorful person (haha) eagle eyeing the whole thing, it adds harmony to the entire manual.

Each lesson is very precise, with a consistent format, so that anyone can find exactly what they are looking for in each lesson, without searching through pages and pages to find the information.

As a team we have listened to the many, many requests from former Tradition's Teachers for simple, fun and easy lessons for beginners, without all the pages and pages of text to read. We are committed to bringing you a program to get you painting not just reading. Lots of fun step-by-step worksheets; brush basics to develop your brush skills; color corners to advance your understanding of color & pigments; several design selections presenting the same objectives; and brilliant Step Photos taking you through each lesson, Painting Step-by-Step.

As they say "a picture is worth a thousand words". I thought it would be nice to share small 'snacks from our menu' to wet your appetite. This is not meant as a tease, but to encourage you to start planning for the Fall release date for the Manual - October 1st, 2009, by inviting others to join you in some genuine painting fun. This Manual will be a pleasure to teach to your future bunch of students joining you in a great time of painting around the kitchen table or in your studio. The best part is that as they work through the fun designs, they are developing as artists without even being aware that they are learning skills as well as having fun.

This is the goal of the new Heritage Education Program. We hope that many of you will be joining the Team in celebrating a wonderful addition to our much loved passion of art.

A lot of hard-work and thought have gone into the layout of the objectives in the new Manual, and our Team can hardly wait to present it to you. If you have any questions please join us in the Forums... you can sign in at the http://jansenarteducation.com website. We'd love to meet you.

Check back for more snacks over the next few months.
till later
Frieda

Love the way Serina has included herself handling a brush in this Beginner Landscape piece for Module 1. There are a whole bunch of these in her design lesson to help you understand the techniques that she has perfected over her career as an artist.

We've included a section in many of the lessons called Design Inspiration. Here is an example of what inspired Arlene to paint this Grisaille piece for Module 1, it is her beloved cat Murphy... we've even left his photo in the lesson... Arlene was thrilled!!

This tulip is just a snack of what amazing details Josette has included in her Painting Technique Worksheets with each of her designs. She has a real passion for teaching the Beginner student, which is reflected in her presentation of these study sheets.

Leaving Thursday morning, I'm taking a much needed break from the computer to have fun with the Jansens and as I can imagine a crazy bunch of students, haha, as we enjoy 4 days of learning with Dave. This is my first in-person Seminar with Dave (I've enjoyed many Retreat days with Dave on DVD), but I'm sure this will top them.
Till Wednesday next week Frieda

Fun Times in Peoria!!!

2009-06-21T14:53:00.001-07:00

It was great fun with my two painting buddy girlfriends, Anne Shannon & Debbie Kirkpatrick at the Nationals. After a 12 hour drive and a good night's sleep, we were ready to hit the convention tradefloor.
Friday morning couldn't have arrived fast enough for me, I was soooo excited to meet the Heritage Team members that I had never met in person!! This was one of the highlights of the trip. We hugged as if we already knew each other. Aren't the Forums fabulous... we were like old time friends, laughing and getting to know each other... it was great! Miss all of you already! Promised Hazel, someday she'd find me on her doorstep in Australia, but in the meantime, hopefully next year in Wichita.
Dave was busy in his element, surrounded by his paintings. I enjoyed watching him paint so casually, making it look so easy playing with his global paints, and creating one gorgeous soft stroke flower after the other. I understand that he had a large door that he was planning on painting at the booth, but underestimated the size... it block most the front access into the booth, so that idea was scrapped real quick.
Dave the wood guy had prepared a set of three wooden trays and plaques as a show special... what a great deal... if you missed it, I'm sure you could still get a set at Jansenartstudio, I bought two sets, ready for some great paintings.
Here, our guy Paul is having fun sharing make and take teaching with attendees, painting out simple roses and leaves... they ran out of surfaces after two days of painting... proving there was lots of interest. While attendance wasn't the greatest this year... those who came had a great time with lots of make and takes at various booths. Lots of inspiration all around, and of course plenty of surfaces and painting supplies to stock our cupboards. I hauled away a ton of brushes, again... but I really love my brushes!! and couldn't resist Dave's latest DVD on Limited Color Palette (Jessica had finished the final printing in her hotel room the night before, so they were fresh off the press, haha). Also, finally added the Marquetry DVD series to my educational library... this was on my wishlist for some time... and my son expressed interest in giving this art form a try. I have heard it is appealing to men, how interesting, but I love it as well. Found a large wooden plate for my next Rosemaling Retreat, can't wait to schedule it.
The Certification rooms were overflowing with lots of amazing works of art. Georgia and Paul both gave it a good go, but there is always next year, sorry you didn't make it this year. Marking seemed a little tougher this year from the comments I heard from several folks who had submitted, not sure why?
Some of the gals on the Heritage Team... meet Hazel Anthony, Cathy Seymour, Bobbie Koelsch, Georgia Dawbon and me.. Frieda Krugel. Arlene Newman was also at convention. I met her on-the-run during her lunch break between teaching classes... so glad I did!!!

Here's Bobbie, Martha, Paul & Cathy, and Jessica. They were so busy making up color charts for laminating... never a wasted moment when there is so much education to share.

Just outside the Convention Center, Anne, Debbie & I waited for our hotel shuttle to take us back to our car for the long ride home. Soaking up the last of the 90 degree weather that we were having, to arrive back home where apparently it had been cold and raining for the past four days.
We left Peoria at 3 pm, and with a few detours arrived home at 5:30 a.m. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, tired but also inspired to get those brushes wet and paint up a storm.... but first a good night's rest and relaxing Father's Day. Tomorrow we begin. till later Frieda

Here in Peoria at Nationals

2009-06-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

No photos, but had to share with you, that my two girlfriends Anne, Debbie and I arrived in Peoria this afternoon at 3 pm, after being on the road since 3 a.m.
I'm quite used to staying up till 3 a.m., but it is a different story waking at 2 a.m. and leaving home in the dark. It was pouring buckets most of the night, till the sunrise, so it made visibility difficult. But Debbie is a real trouper at the wheel, and drove the whole way with rest stops every hour or so.

Tomorrow, I get to meet some of the Heritage Team, and a whole bunch of Forum friends, and Convention Exhibitors who I've had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with for 4 1/2 years on the road with Joan Dixon.... I can't wait!!!

One favorite spot at SDP is the Certification room, checking out all the wonderful submissions from around the world... Here's hoping I see a few of my friend's names up there as newly CDAs or MDAs... that would be so great!!! Good luck all!!

If you have a chance, check out the Jansen Booth, a bunch of us will be hanging around there throughout the next two days. We'd love to hug and visit with all of you.

Tell you more tomorrow.
till later Frieda
ps. we're probably heading to bed early tonight to catch up on much needed sleep, ha!

Barn Retreat Studio

2009-06-12T07:26:00.001-07:00

What a view from up in the open barn loft!!! I'm standing in my future Barn Retreat Studio & woodshop, yipee!! I've waited and saved $$ for 10 years for this to happen, and it is coming along very quickly now. Hoping to finish by end of July. Then board and batten the exterior come Fall. We're hoping to get the back end up and shingled to keep some of the rain from damaging the ground floor.

Squaring off the edges of the roof cladding... can't wait to be squaring off some cabinets or decorative painting wood surfaces in very near future, yipee!!

This was quite the challenge to hang down while standing on an 8' ladder and nail every 6" to anchor the chip board sheeting to the roof trusses. While John worked from an outside ladder, I climbed the 8' step ladder, hanging down over the top of the roof. My arms were all scratched from the rough chipboard, stinging in the shower.

As the blood rushes to my head, just one more nail and I'm almost done. OK, we did it, enough for today... I'm bushed... time to relax and read my novel. Six months ago, John & I decided to turn off the TV for good. It's amazing how much time you have for painting, building, gardening, computer and reading, which are all the fun things I love to do. You can't keep adding more to your life, without first pruning something out.

Hope to see many of you at Nationals in Peoria, Illinois. Make sure you introduce yourselves, I'll be hanging around the JansenArt booth most of Friday and Saturday, so I look forward to meeting you.

till later happy painting to all of you. Frieda

It's almost over!!

2009-06-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it is almost done, just the finishing touches and tweaking, and then we get to frame them, yipeeee!! Our Willem van Aelst painting has taken Joan and I over a year to paint.

In January 2008, David Jansen suggested that we join him in painting this Dutch Old Master's floral bouquet. Each month a new DVD would arrive by snail mail, or a streaming video was added to the JansenArt website for us to follow along with David in painting our own piece. If you would like to paint it, the videos are still available... at http://jansenarteducation.com.

In the last video, Dave suggests to set it aside for a few days, then analyse it, and tweak it. That's the stage where I'm at, but I'm afraid it needs weeks to tweak, before it's ready for the final framing, ha! I still haven't finished the marble, and I need to lighten up the main hollyhock, push back the mouse, and bring the dragonfly a little closer.

It was definitely a very valuable painting experience, learning many new techniques and developing my skills as an artist... stretching me in many areas. I am so grateful for the opportunity of painting this amazing piece of art work with David, and want to say a warm and sincere thank you to David for taking so much time to make this available for all of us to enjoy!!
till later Frieda

Gables are up!!

2009-05-31T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it's really happening, I've waited 10 years for this barn, and now it is going up. Every sunny day and spare moment John & I and our kids have, we are building. Rita & Rob came by to add outside cladding on the barn. thanks for your help, it was a fun day together.

Working as a team, Alex and I also cladded the backside of the barn. Once this is up, we are adding vertical board and batten, so this is only the underside. This will give us the option of insulating the barn in future.

With some strong neighbours and our guys, the gable ends went up on Saturday, another beautiful sunny day. We are looking up. We've had a lot of rain lately, but mostly at night, but it's pouring in the downstairs and drenching the tools... I'll be glad when the roof is on.

The guys did a great job of supporting the gables until the ridge poles can be installed. This week will be busy with cutting all the roof trusses.. my job. I'm the mitre saw gal, I love it!!

Spent one full day planting our large veggie garden with Alex and my 89 yr old dad. Alex did such an amazing job at roto-tilling that we could just shove the potatoes in the ground without digging a hole, great job Alex!! In the foreground we have rows of sweet peppers, dozens of Roma tomatoes, rows of potatoes and cucumbers. In the far patch of ground.. lots of onions, zucchini, carrots, herbs and hot peppers etc. I spend a good portion of my summer harvesting, freezing and canning the results... all organic too!!!
till next time Frieda

Weekend at the Shanty!!

2009-05-27T11:02:00.001-07:00

Enjoyed a weekend up at the Shanty clearing bush and shredding. Black flies visited us, so we created some make-shift bug hats with tea towels, haha. Still got a few bites on the forehead. The pick axe in the foreground was used to make holes for our new white pine trees... we have very rocky ground, so it is quite the challenge to make a sizeable hole for planting.

After two cool days of reading in the Shanty, we finally had a sunny, warm day, so I enjoyed an afternoon of painting in the bush. Only probably is that the bush twiggies landed on my wet paint, sheesh!!! Oh well it's texture, haha.

Almost finished with Module C Lesson 9, Dave's Dutch Floral design, just a few more embellishments to go, yahoo!! soon on to Lesson 10.

We arrived at the Shanty on Thursday evening, and found a beautiful empty bird nest built in our door wreath. By the next morning one robin egg had been laid, then when we were leaving, John noticed two eggs!! Hopefully, the eggs hatch while we are away for the next month, poor birdies chose the wrong location to nest their eggs.

The wild columbine were out in full bloom all over the property. I love wild flowers and have a large collection of photos all ready for a wild flower painting series. All I need is a little more time, don't we all,ha!!
till next time
enjoy painting
Frieda

Labour of Love

2009-05-13T17:25:00.001-07:00

Not much time for painting these days, but I'm having fun editing all the fabulous designs for the new Heritage Manual. Thought I would share what's happening in my little corner of the world. On my screen is a beautiful Zhostovo design by Tatiana Sholokhova, a Master Artist from Russia, who is on the Heritage Team building the new Educational System. Tatiana is developing the Zhostovo style from beginner to advanced throughout the Module System.

What I am working on is developing line drawings for Tatiana's designs. The greatest part of all this involvement, is that I am also challenging myself to learn something new, and thereby improving my own computer skills. Haven't mastered all the techniques, but I'm steady at it. I'm even learning to Photoshop elements in or out of designs, just ask Paul, haha... no one will ever notice that there are scrolls or flowers missing in a design... LOL!!! It's great fun... I may not be painting with a brush, but I am "painting" with the mouse.

For the past three months, I have spent every spare moment at the computer, learning new techniques to improve the quality of the new manual. Tonight, I asked myself Why? Why would I give up so many other things to be involved with this monumental task? The answer is quite simple... it's a labour of love... love of art, specifically art education and it's potential for growth as an artist; love of learning something new and the joy of that challenge, while keeping the mind active; love of this industry, for without it, I would not have the opportunity to experience the thrill of painting, and what it has brought to my life; and most of all the love of all of you, who will benefit in a huge way from the content that is being presented in this new Heritage Manual.

Each one of us plays a role in seeing our love of art, our passion grow. Whether the leader, designer, ambassador, editor, teacher, student... we all need to join together as one global team. As I thought about this tonight, I realized that it sure would be lonely if we didn't have each other to motivate, to inspire and to share our knowledge and experiences with.

This feels so right for my life right now, it is truly my calling for this season in my life. Working on the Heritage Team has opened up a new adventure which I am thoroughly enjoying.

Heading north to plant more trees at the cottage, so I will be taking a much needed break from the computer. I'm even taking a few Module C pieces along to finish painting, and of course a new novel, haha.
See you Monday when I return... Happy Victoria Day to those who celebrate this day.
till later Frieda

Uncovering the Past!!

2009-05-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we visited with my mother-in-law celebrating Mother's Day, and to my surprise she had uncovered a painting of her father that I had done in 1977. She had kept it stored in a plastic bag hidden in her closet for the past 32 years. About a month ago, I had asked her if she still had the painting, and that I would love to see it again, and show my kids some of my artwork from the good old days.

In 1977, I had enrolled in an evening painting class at our local high-school. We learnt in class how to "paint" using a palette knife (or more properly a painting knife) with oil paints. A painting knife is different than a palette knife, due to the curved blade, where your fingers hold the knife. A palette knife has a flat straight blade.

This is the original photo. On my own at home, I found this tiny 1" x 1.25" passport photo of hubby's grandpa, Peter Funk. and painted it on a large 16" x 20" masonite panel. Mind you, I did not have the luxury of enlarging it on a photocopy machine or using my Kopy Kate light projector. No such thing.
We've been talking on the Educational Forum, about a limited palette, and I remember many paintings that I did back then with only a handful of oil paints. The following rendition of my hubby's Opa is a monotone painting using Burnt Umber & White to lighten & some Black to darken his suit.

Looking at the painting now, some 32 years later, I can definitely see some flaws, (I've also made him skinnier), but I was just a beginner painter, and for that I think I did ok. Remembering that this large painting was first sketched free-hand from a tiny, tiny photo, then completely painted with a painting knife, no brushes involved, makes me rather proud of it. I didn't even own any oil brushes, just two special knives that I still use today... but not for painting, just for mixing colors. I haven't painted with a knife since 1977, don't even know if I still know how, haha.

Thought I would share a relic from the past. I think it's about time that I frame this painting, and proudly display it in my home. Hubby suggested painting it with Tradition's paints, but it's kinda sentimental... not sure if I want to paint it again. I like the memory of it... one of a kind.
till later Frieda

Planting while others are Painting!!

2009-05-05T12:33:00.001-07:00

While a bunch of you were painting at the Jansen's...lucky you... I was at the Shanty property clearing dead bush and planting new white pine seedlings. But, it was great fun sharing this time with our family, and the weather was fantastic... sunny and just right for working.
Rita and Alex taking out some of the dead balsam fir trees to make room for the new pines.

Digging a basketball size hole is no easy feat... lots of rocks in the way. Used a pick axe to remove them and make it large enough for the tree roots.

While Rita & I dug the holes and John hauled dirt and helped us plant, Rob & Alex hauled water from the Bay. Could have used a mule, but the guys did a great job.

Doesn't look like much yet, but hopefully if the deer, porcupine and rabbits don't find our baby trees first, we should have 30 tall white pines filling in the backyard of the Shanty, and hiding the outhouse and woodshed.

Saturday was work day, and Sunday we were all in agreement... we needed a day of rest... so we slept and read novels and relaxed.
It wasn't a painting weekend... but I did read a whole novel, which was a great read!!

Felt great to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air, then relaxing by the shore watching the sunsets. till later Frieda

Tribute to Deb!!

2009-04-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

For many years, my friend Debbie Driediger, enjoyed decorative painting with me. It was therapy for her, since she suffered with a disorder called Huntington's Disease. This affected her motor skills, causing her to have jerky arm & leg movements, and swallowing was very difficult. But she loved to paint with me. Here she is with her flower pot creation, and Welcome Banner. Over the years, she painted many flower pots to give as gifts to her friends and family.
We had a special birthday party for her, where we celebrated with Rolo ice cream, one of her favourites. Though her disease played havoc with her body, her mind was always sharp, especially in remembering birthdays and people's names and events, that I had a hard time remembering. We spent once a week walking for an hour; then we baked, especially yeast doughs, again therapy for her hands; and ended our morning happily painting in my art studio.
This is my gift from Debbie, a large flower pot with a wooden cut-out handle. First she painted a deep purple color, then a layer of crackle medium, plus an off-white paint layer. Once this cracked and dried, she mastered some beautiful flowers & leaves. I love this piece, it sits on my bathroom counter filled with my everyday creams, and hair products. It's a special reminder of a dear friend, whose life was cut short at 56, Debbie passed away last fall as a result of this debilitating disease, Huntingtons. Her gift keeps her memory close to me each day, and I think of the fun she had painting her flower pots, it makes me smile!!
Here's to Debbie... til later Frieda

Yup, 34 years with the same guy!!

2009-04-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

We're still smiling after 34 years of married life together. It was a quiet day spent with our kids. till later Frieda

Ceiling joists are going up!!

2009-04-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

We've had two great sunny warm days Friday & Saturday, just perfect for building on the barn.

These ceiling joists are 2x10s x 14', heavy but I'm developing muscles for sure... who needs a gym membership with this great work-out, ha.
till later Frieda

Are these just the cutest!!

2009-04-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

I know Easter is over, but I was packing away my decorated egg collection, and thought I would share it with you, so you can make some next year with your kids, or grandkids... they would love it!!

Tina stands by my "Easter tree", 10' tall pussy willow branches, which I cut from an old tree outback every year. I love to display my collection of decorated, blown-out real eggs.

These are our ART kids. Alex, Rita, and Tina. They are all quite artistic and creative.

ART all had a bl...ow...ast making them when they were still in grade school. After puncturing the egg on both ends, breaking the yolk with a knitting needle, they blew out the eggs, rinsed them with water, then decorated. We used a variety of lace, puffy paints, egg dyes, glitter, you could also use brush and paint... then strung embroidery floss through the two holes (top & bottom), added a loop & bead at the top, plus a string of beads down the tail, knotting in between. It was great fun!!

These would be great painting lessons for our Kid's Module, don't you think!
till later ..... Frieda

Disaster struck my Mailbox...yikes!

2009-04-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

Very early in my Decorative Painting journey, I built this oversized mailbox, with full intentions of hanging it proudly outside our front door.

I had spent 3 months at my weekly class painting it, until it was finally ready to be installed. I even put an extra coat of varnish on to protect it from the outdoors.

Hubby volunteered to hang the mailbox on the brick wall just outside our front door, under the porch. I had some errands to run, and in the meantime the mailbox sat on the cement porch baking in the afternoon sun... very strong sun.

When I returned, thinking my mailbox would be hung, instead hubby was beside himself... something was wrong, I could tell by the expression on his face.

Yup!! my months of hard work were all blistered, not just tiny bubbles, but 3" - 4" bubbles sticking out all over the front of my painted mailbox. Just take your hand and make a cup, that's about the size of each bubble. It was completely ruined, and for some odd reason, I was pretty calm about it. Hubby was more worried than I was.

When the bubbles collapsed, it looked like sagging paint sections. I actually peeled off the paint skin sections, which were complete paintings of a piece of the window and door, every detail was intact. The funny part was that when the bubbles were removed, the surface had clear wood circles all over the mailbox, like it had never been painted, this was very strange.

What had happened: In those days (early 1990's) it was common practise to use Thompson's water sealer from the hardware store to seal your raw wood before painting, which leaves a wax film behind clogging the pores, but also makes the whole surface waxy. With the sun beating on the surface, it softened the wax and caused the paint to separate in bubbled sheets.

To remedy this: I stripped the entire box down to the bare wood; then used bleach to remove all the wax; then sanded the heck out of it; put on a good reliable professional sealer; and painted it all over again.

Guess where my mailbox ended up... yup indoors forever. My Goose sign never graced the front of our cottage property either, since he was also sealed with Thompson's just the month before. Both of these were very detailed pieces, that I didn't have any intention of re-painting, unfortunately, I had no choice with the mailbox, oh well! practise makes perfect, ha.

So alas, you learn a few tricks along the way. I had fun re-painting the mailbox though and it didn't take nearly as long the second time around, plus I fixed some booboos, so all was not lost, haha.
till later Frieda

Wood pieces from my wood shop

2009-04-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

These are some wood pieces that I designed and cut in my woodshop over the years.

The Thread holder was a very early piece, and a great necessity since I had a very busy sewing business, and needed a place for my massive collection of threads. Not sure of the designer, but this design fit beautifully for the top piece. Also, created another holder for the larger serger spools of thread with a similar mouse design.

This cabinet holds my Mixed Tradition's paints and mediums. It was built for Donna Rose's French Regency design, which I completed recently.

The Old World Santa was a Joanne Karpff design and seminar at our local Decorative art guild that I attended many years ago. I decided to make him a cut-out to fit on the front of an old children's sleigh that I display each year at Christmas on my front porch. In the winter he hangs on his own in my art studio.

In my very early years of Decorative painting, probably 18 years ago, I cut-out a fairly large Canada goose out of 2 pieces of 2" x 12" x 20" pine board, screwed the two pieces together, lay-out the goose design and cut it out with my scroll and band saw. Then had fun painting it. It's original place of honour was to be a welcome sign to our Shanty cottage property, but since I had used a water sealer that blisters with direct sun, I changed my mind and kept it indoors. I'll share me nightmare of blistered paint in another post.

I love the smell of cut wood, can't wait to have the wood shop up and fully functioning this summer... so I can design and cut to my heart's content. Then paint of course!!! I may just turn the upper barn loft into a summer art studio, haha.... take my limited palette of colors and retreat to the barn and hide away from some hours of fun painting, in my own little world.
till later, cheers Frieda

Beam is up!!

2009-04-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Well it's up!!! yahoo.. a beam heavy enough to require at least 6 guys on ladders, what a nightmare to consider... instead this interesting contraption and hubby lifted the 20' x 7"x 16" beam and settled it beautifully in place. I was taking pictures, while hubby was doing all the lifting, it was amazing. His profession is in construction, so this was a "piece of cake" for him.

I'm so excited to see this project completed, since a large portion will be my own wood shop where I can build even more great surfaces for painting, or prepare some recycled trash to turn into treasures... there are lots of plans in the works... I have old trunks, and chairs that need repair and painted designs, and tons of wood scraps from the local lumber yard.

Great place for free lumber is your local lumber yard, they usually have a large bin back in the wood section filled with cut-offs for free or dirt cheap. I pick up all sorts of trim and pine board or MDF board (all thicknesses) to make into some fabulous surfaces to paint on.

I've always attended Coast to Coast for years, but this year the weather outside was perfect for building the barn, so I sacrificed the convention to stay home and get to work. But, I'll have you know that my hotel is booked for Peoria, Illinois for the Nationals, so I hope to see many of you like-minded passionate artists at the SDP convention in June. till later cheers Frieda

Barn raising!!

2009-04-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

I've waited 10 years for this barn raising, and I can't wait to work in my new wood shop.

I love the smell of fresh cut wood, so I get the cutting jobs.

The sunny warm days are a great bonus! The indoor stuff can wait for the cooler days expected next week.

Here's my "boys"... up front, son Alex, son-in-law Rob, Paul (father of young family living in our basement), and Jordan (daughter Tina's boyfriend), helping John raise the 3rd wall of the barn.

We're going for the rustic look with the recycled 3 x 3 posts. Would love an old century barn, but this will have to do... I'm happy!!

With the 3 x 3 posts, this wall is very heavy... so we need lots of strong muscle men to help. First you put them to work, and then you feed them a big roasted turkey as a thank you, haha.
Here's Alex, John (hubby), Rob, Paul & Jordan groaning under the weight of the wall, but it's up. Now, the 4th wall is ready and waiting to be hoisted. John's going to try and use a special lift for it and the massive beam across the width... we'll see if this works, I'm not so sure it will work, but I'll see later on today. till later Frieda

Symbolism of the white Easter Lily

2009-04-17T21:07:00.001-07:00

I know Easter has passed already, but we were gone for the Easter weekend, and came home to this gorgeous display of almost 5 full blooms on my Easter lily, a gift from daughter Tina. I have never seen so many blooms, so I had to share this with all of you, who may not have received a Lily this year, or don't share this custom.

Also, wanted to share some symbolism on the Lily:
"The Easter Lily suggests purity, virtue, innocence, hope and life. Often called the "white-robed apostles of hope", lilies were found growing in the Garden of Gethsemane after Christ's agony. Tradition has it that the beautiful white lilies sprung up where drops of Christ's sweat fell to the ground in his final hours of sorrow and deep distress. They commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and hope of life everlasting."

"In early paintings, the Angel Gabriel is pictured extending to the virgin Mary a branch of pure white lilies, announcing that she is to be the mother of the Christ Child. In other paintings, saints are pictured bringing vases full of white lilies to Mary and the infant Jesus. Joseph is depicted holding a lily-branch in his hand, indicating that his wife Mary was a virgin."

The celebration of Easter is year round, it is not about the bunny and colored eggs. It is the death and resurrection of Jesus that we commemorate. May this hope of life everlasting, be your hope as well! till later Frieda

Time at the Shanty!!

2009-04-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

It's not much to look at, only 10' x 10' with an upper sleeping loft, but it is our Shanty on 2-1/2 acres of cedar bush about 4-1/2 hours drive from home. It was cold this Easter weekend, but John & I enjoyed the time away. We kept a small wood stove burning to keep the chill out, especially at night (-3 degrees C), plus extra flannel blankets with our down feather comforter.

It was partially a work weekend, finishing up the wall panelling in the upper sleeping loft... it's all done now, hopefully the mice find new stomping grounds and stay out of our "mouse- proofed" Shanty (if there was such a thing, haha). Now, it smells like moth balls, which are supposed to keep out the mice, yuk. Also, worked on our wood shelter and cleared lots of bush for new seedling white pines, which are ready for planting first of May.
Oh!! but I did find some quiet time to start painting David's Module C-Lesson 9 design. Didn't finish, but had fun learning the process. I've applied the color layers and the gold, just a few layers to go, then I'll post the finished piece when it's done.

Tonight, at paint buddy night, I painted a watercolor from Paint Works magazine by Donna Richards... I'm not a huge fan of watercolors, I find it quite challenging to use very, very little paint, tending to use way too much each time and making a mess... but I am getting better at it.
Happy painting everyone! till next time Frieda

Sharing some my paintings

2009-04-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

Most of these are from the Tradition's Educational Program, which I have studied for the past three years, and learnt so much about color theory, color mixing, and many new and wonderful techniques. The whale at the bottom center was probably my most challenging piece, which took me months to complete... but the learning and techniques that I discovered through this piece was worth all the effort. Many of these pieces I am painting for the second time with my student, and through this experience I have realized how much I have grown as an artist.
This Norwegian Telemark piece designed by David Jansen, was frightening at first. I am not a scroll painter and this looked overwhelming. So for my first attempt at scrolls, I am quite proud to hang this piece in my studio. It may not be perfect, but it marks an accomplishment in my artistic journey. It has given me confidence to tackle any scroll piece without fear.

These two door crowns are Arlene Newman's designs, which I painted many years ago, in my early learning years... and though they are not perfect, they still get rotated above my kitchen doorway every season. I also have completed the winter doorcrown, which still hangs there ready to be replaced by the summer watermelon one. I need to paint a spring doorcrown, to replace the winter one in March. till later... Frieda

Favourite spot at Stokes Bay shores

2009-04-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Ok don't laugh...just know that this is a favourite spot of mine at the cottage shore. John & I will be heading up to the shanty tomorrow for Easter weekend, but I'm sure it will still be too cool to paint outside.

Can't wait for the summer days of painting and relaxing at the shore. The piece I painted here is the Northern Parula, it's a free design by David, check it out at www.jansenarteducation.com

Notice the limited palette. Till later...cheers Frieda

Snow in April

2009-04-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

Ok this isn't fun, we have snow in April, and man is it cold out! This is our backyard... you can see my big veggie garden in the back right beside the big tree. Funny story, that tree was a twig growing in the garden, which I ignored, now I can hang a kid's swing from the branches... but need the grandkids first I guess. Would look a bit odd if John & I took up kiddy swinging. Perhaps swing dancing... nah we'll leave that for our kids, just not as young as we used to be.

Anyway, keeps me indoors to continue with lots of editing, but once that ground is warm, I'll be itching to get my hands dirty and plant some veggies... I can already taste the fresh picked tomatoes ... they sure beat the rubbery ones in the grocery store right now. Oh well, lots to do before then. Hope your day is a little warmer where you live. bye for now... Frieda

2009-04-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

My simple beginnings, back in 1991, when Joan Dixon introduced me to the wonderful world of Decorative Painting. This Amish family sits on my counter ledge as a reminder of where I have come from in my painting journey.

The dad and son were my first wood cut-outs, which also began a new passion for wood working. Finally, we are building a new 20'x28' barn so I can do some serious wood working, ha. Can't wait until it is done.

more later
Frieda

New journey begins...as part of the 2009 Heritage Team

2009-04-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hey friends,
Sending my first blog, from my favorite spot lately, in front of my computer screens. This is the place where all those wonderful "Heritage Education Manual" lessons come to, to get their final tweaking.

It's so exciting to be part of this fabulous Heritage Team, working at bringing another great art educational program to be shared around the globe.

My goal with this blog is to take you to the beginning of my art journey and share what great adventures I have experienced up until the present.

I must tell you what a privilege it is for me to be part of the new Heritage Team of artists from around the globe, who have been hand-picked to present a continuation of Art Education that will sweep this globe. I have deep appreciation for the original Heritage Artist Team that started this amazing journey for me. When you walk in someone else's shoes, you appreciate those who have travelled before you to pave the path. So I say thanks to David Jansen and his team of Heritage Artists for having a vision and making it all happen.

More later as I take you back in time, and fill in the rest of the story.
cheers
Frieda, Miss Editor