Learn to Carve Your Own Stamps

I think I've said this before, I'm a terrible stamper. There is a look I never achieve with store bought rubber stamps. Other artists can do it. I've seen beautiful work...but it's not for me. This is why I was so surprised at how quickly I fell in love with carving my own stamps. There is a tactile quality in the process, and I love how you can see cut marks in the final print. I had no idea how carving my own stamps would change the way I approach my work both on the computer and on the page but it has. I have Gloria Page to thank for all of that.

This week at work they are putting the Gloria Page gift set on sale. People save $15 if they buy Gloria's book and art instruction DVD together. If you're interested go to Creative Catalyst Production's site: here.

Virginia Cobb's, "Acrylic Abstract Image" on Sale

Abstract Acrylic Painting: The Evolving Image with Virginia Cobb from Creative Catalyst on Vimeo.


This week's sale is Virginia Cobb's art instructional workshop, "Acrylic Abstract Image: The Evolving Image."

Virginia Cobb's DVD is a bit different from most of Creative Catalyst's workshops. Instead of focusing on technique, it explores the discovery process that goes on inside our heads. Virginia creates three paintings from the same inspiration but emphasizes a different element of design in each painting: shape, line and texture. The results are amazingly different. She layers, covers, and re-discovers shapes and colors. Her process creates a sense of history and permanence. Watch as she adds layers but, more importantly, listen to how she thinks about what she is doing.

Virginia's artistic process relies on problem solving. She challenges herself by constantly creating problems, which forces her to discover solutions. It keeps her art fresh and original.

I had never really thought about this approach. Normally I look at problems in my work and think, "$%&! Oh look. Another failure." But Virginia actually propels off of problems to keep her paintings fresh and original. That is SUCH a better way to look at it. (Also more kid friendly.)

Lesley Riley Sale!

Bring your family and your art together with Lesley Riley's "Exploring Fabric Collage." In this DVD workshop you will discover the wonders of creating a fabric altered book. Combine easy to find materials with your favorite family photos to make great gifts for Mom and Grandma. Lesley shows you the entire process, from selecting your fabrics to transferring images. This project is great with kids, and you will be able to finally use that scrap cloth you've been holding onto for ages.

This Week's Sales

Susan Bourdet is an acclaimed Audubon print and calendar artist. She has a background in biology as well as in art. Susan has made her living for the past two decades as an artist and author (two books in print). She is also a popular workshop instructor.

Susan's career as a professional artist didn't really begin until 1980, when she was raising her two children and needed to work at home. Trying to find her place in the art gallery scene, she joined a support group of nature artists and began to show her work in local galleries. In 1989, her paintings were discovered in a Portland gallery by Wild Wings. She now has over sixty limited editions and her work is featured in a yearly songbirds calendar!

In these two workshops, Susan takes inspiration from the nature around you. She teaches you not only how to paint birds and flowers but how to achieve various textures such as wood, fur and rust.

Check out, "Inspiration from the Garden" and "Bold and Beautiful: Backyard Wildlife in Watercolor."

Painterly Printmaking Sale

There is something about monotyping that seems like the perfect autumn activity to me. Make a warm cup of tea, ink up a plate and spend an afternoon with brushes and stencils and unlimited possibility.

I knew nothing about monotpying before Julia and Gayle Ayres walked into the CCP studio. After 4 days with this mother-daughter team I felt a whole world had opened up. They first teach basic techniques to get you started and walk you through several distinct projects. They use a water soluble paint that won't try up on you in 10 seconds but is also easy to clean up.

This week save $10 on their DVD, "Monotype, Painterly Printmaking." Enjoy!