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Holiday Card Workshop at Panorama Retirement Community

November 10th, 2013

Holiday Card Workshop at Panorama Retirement Community

Today's Holiday card workshop at the Panorama Retirement Community was held in their remodeled art room. Wow, what a gorgeous room - they now have daylight flourescents, the walls are white, cabinets also white... just a beautiful workspace. I was so busy for 3 hours helping people that I didn't think to take photos of the room and only a few quick snaps of cards that folks were making. I was happy that the four turned into 8 participants.

In the image displayed, I actually stenciled the stars for the participant. She didn't want her clothes spattered - trust me, I wore a very old shirt and apologized for it but I had no fear to ruin something nice when spattering. Besides the three sizes of stars the other patterns included a snowman, Christmas trees, "joy" and "noel".

Other materials included some holiday collage paper at Joann's and it was on sale too. There were 3 collection books of scrapbook paper, stamps, stamp pads, stencils, acrylic paint, WC pencils, gel pens, colored pencils, brads, ribbon, paper punches and more. It was allot to bring into the class but I have a trusty cart to load it all onto.

I also brought my stencils with holiday themes. I did a demo of the stencil technique : a gentle tap-tap places the color in the blank spaces on the plastic stencil or you can trace them with pencils to hand color.

Someone brought in allot of dried leaves. We used Elmer's Glue to coat both sides - usually I prefer to us an acrylic gel [mat or gloss] to coat an item like a leaf. The leaves are still drying and for now look colorful... they may fade over time. A uv clear acrylic medium would be better to seal after adhering with a gel.

One of the participants brought in beautiful rubber stamps and stencils to share.

After coming to the Lacey TRL workshop, another resident of Panorama made sketches of what she wanted to accomplish in today's workshop. She cut out cute mini mittens and held them on with brads which also held ribbon in place. She finished this by adhering the gold ribbon.

Besides using brads, Yes Paste and Elmer's Glue I had sticky dots to hold the layer/s onto the light weight card stock so it wouldn't wrinkle from the glue being too wet.

So now tomorrow I get to play and make cards besides my Sumi-e and Block Prints. When I teach I get so many ideas... Tuesday I'll ship cards to Shoreline Gallery and Bainbridge Arts & Crafts as well as bring some down to Traditions in Olympia.
Keep arting...
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Winter and Spring 2014 Art Classes by Ellen Miffitt

November 8th, 2013

Winter and Spring 2014 Art Classes by Ellen Miffitt

These are my art classes that are held at the Olympia Center - contact information: Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 Call 360.753.8380 or use the website to register online after Dec 9th, 2013.www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit

Journey to the Center, Personal Mandala

Ages: 16 and up

The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop you will create your own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself and a focal point for the New Year. Some supplies included in class fee. Supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Jan 6 6:00pm-8:30pm $25 #1053



Zen Ink

Ages: 16 and up

Calling all artists, doodlers and pen-wielding daydreamers! Using design principles and elements, you will create patterns and textures. Finished drawings can be plain black and white or add a little color to some or all of your Zen Ink designs. You'll be surprised at the results! This is a great right brain activity. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Jan 7-28 6:00pm-8:00pm $65 #1057



The Graphic Novel: Storytelling with Images

Ages: 16 and up

Comics have been called “the invisible art” because the deceptive simplicity of the form masks a complex, expressive multi-medium in which writing, drama, stage-craft, drawing, design, and imagination are combined to create an endless range of visual-narrative possibilities. In this class, participants will explore the fundamentals of graphic storytelling, learn how to design characters, develop short scripts, and use fundamental drawing techniques to develop graphic stories based on personal experiences, memories, fantasies, and dreams. Please bring a sketchpad and drawing materials (pens, pencils, etc) to class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

W Jan 8-29 6:00pm-8:00pm $49 #1060



Enticing Your Personal Writing Muse

Ages: 16 and up

This creative writing class will develop your vibrant writer's voice by letting the words flow, stream of consciousness style. Two twenty minute writing exercises with nonjudgmental sharing encourages writing from your heart Pen or pencil and a spiral notebook are all you need to begin this creative journey! Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Th Jan 9-Feb 27 6:00pm-8:00pm $89 #1061



Resolution Collage in a Container

Ages: 16 and up

Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence. In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box using a variety of intriguing techniques. Many of us have collections of memorabilia in the form of old photographs, postcards, buttons, twine and found objects from everyday life to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. This class will be enjoyable for both the beginner and experienced student. A supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Jan 11 9:00am-1:30pm $35 #1067



Suminagashi - Floating Ink

Ages: 16 and up

Marbleize paper in beautiful unexpected patterns the Japanese way. Work with traditional black ink as well as modern colors to create incredible designs to be used as backgrounds for watercolor paintings, stationary, gift wrap, collage, or work of art in their own right. These techniques are effective in watercolor or acrylic painting. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Jan 13 6:00pm-8:30pm $29 #1054



Finger Painting on the Moon

Ages: 16 and up

Jump start your creative side! Awaken the muse within no matter how dormant you may feel it is. With activities designed to lead you gently into a creative space, everyone will enjoy this adventure. We will work with a variety of drawing materials and explore how to develop your personal voice. Students will practice ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and find ways to start a series or develop a theme. This will be a mixed media extravaganza full of tips and prompts for a creative soul. This class is a great way to test the water if you are just beginning, or for the experienced artist to go deeper. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Jan 24 9:00am-3:00pm $49 #1063



Block Printing: Linoleum Cut

Ages: 16 and up

Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults. All materials and supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Jan 27-Feb 10 6:00pm-8:00pm $55 #1055



Introduction to Sumi-e

Ages: 16 and up

Instructor Ellen Miffitt will introduce you to the four treasures: ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. The simplicity and spontaneity of brush painting begins by learning to hold the brush, making the basic strokes and loading the brush to create tones and depth. The goal is to break away from logical thinking and to be spontaneous in expressing with the brush. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Feb 1 9:00am-3:00pm $49 #1064



Mixed Media Painting

Ages: 16 and up

This class is designed for those who want to add to their art repertoire. Break loose, play and dare to be spontaneous with unconventional materials! Use wire mesh, wood, glass beads, acrylic gel, paint and other material you have saved but didn't know what to do with! Experiment with techniques like drip painting, gestural painting, spattering and other methods to enhance your "creative toolbox" and work more freely. While playful experimentation is encouraged, attention to composition, use of space, concept and other relevant aspects will be explored. A materials list will be mailed upon registration. Participants provide their own materials. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Feb 4-25 6:00pm-8:00pm $49 #1058



Zen Brush with Color

Ages: 16 and up

We will first begin by practicing Sumi-e brush control and continue the basic stroke study by painting the “Four Gentlemen” and the “Four Seasons” in color (with a flower representing each season). Using the refined Sumi-e style, students learn to paint flowers, insects, birds, and animals with simple strokes in color. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

W Feb 5-26 6:00pm-8:00pm $65 #1082



Watercolor Textures and Techniques

Ages: 16 and up

In this workshop, you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques. Supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt.

Sa Feb 22 9:00am-3:00pm $45 #1065



Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils

Ages: 16 and up

Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolors do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility. Learn about materials, tools and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. A supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Feb 24-Mar 17 6:00pm-8:00pm $49 #1056



Exploring the Written Word through Art

Ages: 16 and up

In this workshop, participants will create a series of four small collages, each with a Muse-Guide as the focal point. Creative people visually benefit from stretching their "writing legs." Likewise, for writers to confront visual material enhances their own process. After the completion of each collage, a short paragraph based on a writing prompt or exercise will be completed that ties into the particular piece of artwork like "Is this Muse-Guide trying to tell you something?" Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Mar 1 9:00am-3:00pm $39 #1066



Design Principles: An Introduction

Ages: 16 and up

DESIGN is the basis for all other art courses and it includes the elements and principles of art. The material will be presented through hands on studio problems in two dimensions. These will cover line, shape, texture, value and color. Also the topics of balance, unity repetition and other principles will be introduced through simple projects. These exercises will provide you with the tools to create compositions in any medium. Please bring pencil, eraser & pad of Bristol paper (11x14 inch) to first class. Other materials will be announced in class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Mar 4-Apr 8 6:00pm-8:00pm $69 #1059



Illustrating Your Interests

Ages: 16 and up

Comprehensive drawing skills are taught in conjunction with participant selected subject interest. Participants have the opportunity to design long term projects while also be taught the skills needed to express themselves visually. A variety of media will be used: graphite & pencil, charcoal, pastels, pen & ink, colored pencils, watercolor pencils and a variety of paper in accord with the media to illustrate the subject matter of their choice. Developing their unique style of illustration from stylized to realistic will be emphasized. Please be thinking about what subject matter you would like to illustrate. We will be working from magazine or book illustrations, your own photographs, or other images. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

W Mar 5-Apr 9 6:00pm-8:00pm $79 #1085



The Art of Seeing: Beginning Drawing

Ages: 16 and up

This class has been designed to help the beginner see the world with new eyes through the act of drawing. Each week, exercises will challenge students to question what they think they know about their subject and really begin to experience their subject through intense, direct observation. The primary goals of this class are to give the beginning drawer tools for visual problem solving, confidence in the handling of drawing media, and most importantly to inspire joy, meditation, and awareness through the act of seeing. No prior art experience is required. Bring a soft pencil (4B is good), an eraser and a sketch pad no smaller than 8" x 11" to class. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Th Mar 6-Apr 24 6:00pm-8:00pm $89 #1062



Altering a Kids' Board Book

Ages: 16 and up

You will use watercolor tricks to create a series of paintings on paper (subject matter up to you). Then you will put the finishing touches on with pen, ink, pencil, gesso, charcoal, marker, collage, or whatever else the piece needs. We'll start creating with paper and finish the day by altering a kid’s board book. Most supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Mar 22 9:00am-2:00pm $39 #1068



Mimic the Masters

Ages: 16 and up

Each week a different artist will be featured such as Matisse - Collage, Mondrian - ink, and Georgia O’Keefe - watercolors. Participants will use various media such as watercolor, pastel, or acrylic paint to mimic the artist’s style. All supplies provided. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

M Mar 24-Apr 28 6:00pm-8:00pm $85 #1110



Make Prints, Make Books

Ages: 16 and up

This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition art books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Apr 5 9:00am-3:00pm $49 #1069



Altered Books

Ages: 16 and up

Wonder what an "Altered Book" is? It is defined as any book, old or new that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. A book of your choice is used as your canvas and you decide if the original words are incorporated or not. Anyone can create an altered book because there are no rules and your only limitation is your own imagination. Simple technique and media are used to alter the pages of your book. The end result can be an artist journal, a memorial, or simply a work of art! Supply list provided at registration. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Sa Apr 12 9:00am-2:00pm $35 #1071



Art Inspired by Words

Ages: 16 and up

Art projects will be inspired by words. Poetry, a descriptive passage or a quote will be used as a starting point for participants' illustrations. Conversely participants have the option of writing after completing the art project. Art techniques/media will vary and include the following: watercolor, watercolor pencils, pen & ink, scratch paper and Sumi ink. All supplies included in class fee. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

Tu Apr 15-29 6:00pm-8:00pm $45 #1070



Special Effects Watercolor

Ages: 16 and up

Each week you will learn and implement a special effect to your watercolor painting-of-the-class-day. Increase skills and have fun experimenting with salt, wax paper, and more. Participants supply their watercolors and watercolor paper. Supply list will print on registration receipt. Instructor: Ellen Miffitt

W Apr 16-30 6:00pm-8:00pm $39 #1088

Upcoming Exhibits - Artist Ellen Miffitt

November 8th, 2013

Upcoming Exhibits - Artist Ellen Miffitt

Annual Miniatures Show:

I have one mini collage [Green Leaf Mandala] accepted into the "Annual Miniatures Show" at the Cannon Beach Gallery in OR. The show will open as a part of Stormy Weather Arts Festival on Friday, November 1 and will run through Monday, December 2, 2013. The Artists' Reception is Saturday, November 2 between 5pm-7pm.

Visons of Verse:

The opening reception for Visions of Verse will be held at Confluence on Saturday, November 9th, 4-8pm. A reading will be held on Friday, December 6th, 6pm.

I have three mini collages accepted into Visions of Verse at the Confluence Gallery, 104 Grover Street, Twisp WA 98856 info@confluecnegallery.com (509) 997-2787 http://www.confluencegallery.com/

A list of poems was available and the artist submitted pieces matching the poem...

Toast for Tails Fundraiser:

Concern for Animals will hold its 7th Annual Wine & Beer Tasting and Auction fundraiser, Toast for Tails, on Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 4:00-9:00 p.m. to raise funds for our mission – “helping those who cannot help themselves.” Location: Capital Event Center, Tumwater. I donated a piece of whimsical Sumi-e, Pat-a-Butterfly [20"X16" framed and matted].

Concern for Animals - P.O. Box 4422, Tumwater, WA 98501 Phone: 360-456-8176

Fax: 360-960-8444 www.concernforanimals.org


Small Works, Big Presents:

I have two minis accepted into Annual Small Works, Big Presents at the White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE, Auburn, WA 98002

Opening Reception: Tuesday, November 19th from 5 to 7pm Exhibit dates:Wednesday November 20th to December 15th.