Barbara Benda

   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?

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. This course is sponsored by the Red Door Art Gallery in Wahpeton. The cost of instruction is $100 for two days. A supply list will be available soon. 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 16^th-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.

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

As of December 31st, one of my favorite places in downtown Fargo, Total Picture Design, closed its doors. I have had my art marketed by this business in the past few years and have had several successful shows there. I am grateful to three men who allowed me to push my way through the door and consign my artwork there. These men are Reed Malm, Allan Meisner, and Steve Johnson and I will always remember them for their generosity and kindness to me. Steve has been the most knowledgeable and resourceful framer I have ever known. He has taken his skills to Boerth’s Gallery at present, so I will be going there to have my framing done by Steve.  I will miss these friends, a wonderful interior design space and gallery, and stopping there on Friday afternoons to gain wisdom and insight from these men who are very important in my artistic and personal life. I wish them all the very best in the next chapters of their lives.

At present, my paintings that were at Total Picture Design have been either moved home to storage or are available at Red Door Art Gallery in Wahpeton, North Dakota. At this time, I am not sure if I will consign in another Fargo-Moorhead gallery, but, as with all things I do, I will pray and see where the good Lord leads me to display my art. One of the best parts of having my art at Total Picture Design was that it was located halfway from my home and work in beautiful downtown Fargo.

Thanks to all of you who have made Total Picture Design a wonderful, warm place to be. It is a place I will always remember with tenderness in my heart.

Down Time by Barbara Benda Nagle

Watching climbers attempt this needle (on Needles Highway in the Black Hills) gives me the shivers. It is much easier to paint the needle.