Pop-up Art Show in September

  

An exciting event is coming your way September 17th - an art show featuring 12 local artists!

Mark your calendar to see various artworks for sale, including my photography on notecards and framed prints.

This is a one day show at a gallery in Pleasant Hill and is open from 11am - 5pm.

The location for this event:
                 I Heart Art Studio
                 15 Vivian Drive, Pleasant Hill

For more details, contact me via my blog or go to this link:

                                         September Art Show

Come support your local artists, buy something unique, and sample the free refreshments!

Sight/Unseen Gallery Show

May 21 - 26, 2016
I will be included with 13 other talented local artists of the Concord Community of Artists as we showcase our work during a week-long gallery exhibition.

Each of the artists were asked to interpret and express an aspect of their identity. Some are exploring this concept through their ancestry, others are creating work that speaks to their ethnicity, culture or nationality. Each piece will include a written narrative about their inspiration, artistic approach and what they discovered about themselves during the process.

The event will be held at The Artist's Den - 1913 Salvio Street, Concord. 
Click on the link above for full details.

2016 Summer Journaling and Crafts Classes!

Can you believe it? Summertime is coming! And with that said, get ready for new art journaling and craft classes brought to you by your favorite artist...me!

  

Marla's Plate

My classes have been such a success! I've met and been inspired by really great people in these groups. Some of their work is seen here and on a few of my "Make-it Monday's" posts. Come join us as we learn all new projects and make new friends!

Haley's Wreath

Classes have been
expanded to 1 1/2 hours short (because our classes are never long enough for all the fun we get into!), and Saturday morning sessions are newly available (to get your weekend art on!).

Sandra's Journal

Sandy's Journal 

Art Journaling
Art journaling is a great way to explore your creativity, get your thoughts on paper, and enjoy the process of making your own kind of art. We’ll play with different techniques such as line drawing, watercolor, "windows" and pockets, and layering papers. There’s no right or wrong style in this fun craft for ages 15 and up!

Course #100520 --- May 5 - June 2, Thursdays - 6pm to 7:30pm
Course #100519 --- June 30 - August 18, Thursdays - 6pm to 7:30pm
Course #100754 --- July 9 - August 20, Saturdays - 9:30am to 11am

Lana's Sunburst Flower

  

Nicole's Watercolor Collage

Exploring Crafts

Each week you’ll learn a fun new craft project using low cost materials perfect for home décor and gift giving. Projects may include jewelry making, decorating birdhouses, Shrinky Dink fun, garden art, altered books, wreaths, canvas painting, and more! Fun crafts for ages 15 and up!

• Course #100521 --- May 5 - June 2, Thursdays - 7:30pm - 9pm
• Course #100522 --- June 30 - August 18, Thursdays - 7:30pm - 9pm
• Course #100755 --- July 9 - August 20, Saturdays - 11am - 12:30pm

Visit www.concordreg.org for more information and to register on-line. Just click on "Activities", and enter the course number. Questions? Email me at kimlawson2000@gmail.com

Let's make something together!

Students' Bottle Wrapped Vases

Journal Pattern Play

A journal is an artists' playground! An opportunity to paint, doodle, write, layer papers, and explore new techniques. There is no limit - let your imagination take you on a journal journey!

On the pages above, I first laid down some basic squares and rectangles using watercolor paints. I kept my color choices to about 5 shades so it wouldn't be too crazy. But don't let that stop you from going with whatever moves you!

The paint dried rather quickly and I was able to move on to the really fun part - doodling. I used Sakura pigma micron pens with several tip sizes so that I could vary the design details. I love these waterproof, permanent pens but you may use any brand of permanent pens for your creation.

I played with different patterns within and around the squares and rectangles just to see what I could come up with. I liked what I made so much that I use the patterns as inspiration for design work on other pages.

Here are samples of what some of my art journaling students are working on...

Dawn Whitehead

Sandra Wolters

Sue Vanlandingham

Sandra Leonard

Aren't they a creative bunch! I am so thankful to inspire and be inspired by them.

I'd love to see what you are working on. Let's post your projects here!

Mark Your Calendars!

May 7th is Concord's 4th annual "Art, Wine, (and Beer!) Walk". Come out and enjoy a stroll around the park, see local artist's works, and enjoy some liquid libations and food while supporting the American Association of University Women. Of course, I'll have a booth promoting my latest art! Details on the "My Events" page.

Consider Joining a Local Artists Group and Participate in Upcoming Events!

Concord, and it's neighboring cities, have so many talented artists and related activities sure to spark your own creative fire! Visit my "Events" label above to read about upcoming local art events and organizations that I participate in. See you there!

My 15 Minutes of Fame!

I was recently featured in an article in the Contra Costa Times! What a thrill it was to be contacted by the journalist, Janice De Jesus, where we spent some time talking about my artwork and classes. Read the full article here: 
 http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_29562548/portable-art-galleries-offer-opportunity-to-develop-skills-practice-techniques