Are you interested in learning how to start painting or perhaps, you have let those paints and pencils sit for a few years, collecting dust, and you need some motivation to respond       to your creative urges?

Thanks to the Red Door Art Gallery of Wahpeton, I will be offering my course The Creative Journey I: Exploration in Drawing and Watercolor this July 9th-10th, 2013, from 9:00-4:00 daily on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton, North Dakota.  This two-day workshop is an introductory overview of non-threatening drawing and watercolor techniques to spur the creative energy of all levels of artists. This course will include topics such as sketchbook journaling, making effective value studies, making sense of the color wheel, tips on creating strong compositions, and learning to deal with the “inner critic” and other blocks to creative progress. The cost of instruction is $100 for two day. A supply list will be available to those who sign up. Those who are new to watercolor may purchase a “sampler kit” for a small fee.

I will be also teaching my 2-day workshop titled, “The Creative Journey II: Exploration in Value and Composition”, on July 16th-17th, also on the NDSCS campus in Wahpeton. This course goes into greater depth to better understand and practice key topics of value and composition in drawing and watercolor.  Creative Journey I is a recommended prerequisite to this course.

The Red Door Art Gallery in Wahpeton will be handling the registration and payment. Payment is due upon registration. Minimum class size is 10 and maximum class size is 15. I prefer to keep my classes small to allow for more individualized instruction. Contact www.reddoorgallerywahpeton.com/‎ to sign up today.

I hope to see you at either class this summer!- Barbara

Save the Date!

I am personally inviting you to this event at the Hjemkomst Center on June 18th, 2013. Mark your calendars now so you can attend a free art event and listen to juror Arne Westerman speak. The Red River Watercolor Society hosts an excellent event each year and this year is no exception. My painting, “Clownin’ Around” will be a part of this exhibition this year. I hope to see you there!

Fellow artist and friend Steve Johnson and I were accepted into the Midwestern at the Rourke Art Museum in Moorhead, MN. Steve and I collaborated on a large painting/collage called The Story of America. Steve’s extensive postage stamp collection and my 1965 Harris Stamp Map collided in a work of art. I didn’t know I could paint on a canvas at the same time as another artist, but it was a breeze to accomplish with Steve. We simply agreed on the composition and colors in advance. The rest of it came from our guts. It was a challenging piece that came together seamlessly.

Thank you, Steve. for creating this with me. I hope it is one of many collaborative paintings we create as a team. I loved rising to the challenge of trying to tell the story of our country with postage stamps and paint!