A Productive Weekend By Lenall Siebenaler

Was it raining? Oh, I really didn't notice!

My friend, Susan, from Seattle, came down and we spent the weekend doing art in my garage studio. We get together like this several times a year and total enjoy the days together. This time, I had bought the new Mary Todd Beam book and found a technique in it that I thought we both might enjoy. Susan spent her entire time working on this unique monoprinting technique. The process is done using black gesso, heavy duty aluminum foil and a dull pencil. Once the black lines dry the sky is the limit as to adding color. Pick your poison (media.) I did three full sheets using the process and she finished 6-7 total pieces. She also made her Christmas cards.

I mostly spent the time tying up several loose end projects that I hadn't finished. I kinda wanted to do this prior to starting a brand new project. I still have a few things left undone but I feel like I accomplished a lot. I finished 21 large felted flower pins. I did about 20 paste paper heart pins, 12 paste paper cork danglies, finished the paste paper file folders, did papers for paste paper calendars and composition books which I still have yet to cover. I did the paste paper in Albie Smith's Art and Soul Class. It took me 2 years to get into her class she is so popular! I like her a lot.

I am tired but happy to have these projects off my list of things I have to do by Dec 4th!

Lenall

Wabi Sabi Wonder with Serena Barton By Lenall Siebenaler

I took Wabi Sabi Wonder today with Serena Barton. I was initially compelled to take it because it was an abstract class and I really like doing abstract work and it was to be done using acrylic inks. I just happen to have a lot of acrylic inks sitting around that I have really not used much and felt it was a great opportunity to explore this. I was hoping for more than what I got. I liked Serena. I liked what I did in the class. What I am coming to understand is that maybe, just maybe, I need to spend more time in self exploration or exploration with friends as I am not getting what I need from the teachers. What am I expecting to get? All the answers? How to start? Techniques? Did I ask for what I needed? No. I did get some of this today and I am satisfied.

What I like best about Art & Soul is that it has tended to give me breakthoughs in technique that I make my own or it gives me an impetus toward warp speed production. It has also given me new directions in art which I have benefited greatly from. The above paintings were all done today. I like several of these abstract landscapes, particularily the second to the last one.

Lenall

Imaginary Animal Class at art and soul

I took Carla Sonheim's Imaginary Animal class at Art and Soul yesterday. I think I got more of an imaginary monster, Ice cream monster to be exact, but he makes me laugh. Carla is a terrific teacher. Be sure to work with her sometime if you have the chance.

"Telemadera Fusion" Alma De La Melena Cox by Lenall Siebenaler

Today was the first day of Art & Soul 2009. One down two to go! I must say that LIFE IS GOOD!

I had the best time in this class today! The teacher, Alma was lovely and a very good teacher. She paid attention to her students the entire time. She was helpful, respectful, generous and very patient. I did 2 pieces. The Sun piece is not quite done. To finish I will have to put 7 coats of varnish on them and they will come to look very like tiles.

I was first exposed to her art earlier this year when I had seen a segment on her on Oregon Art Beat. It totally captivated me and made me want to meet her and take a class with her. Was I excited when I saw that Glenny had her coming to Art & Soul. It has been well worth the wait. I've learned the basic process and now it's time to make it my own. I have some ideas so stay tuned! BTW, ALma has a new book coming out in November on Telemadera. Worth a look!

Lenall