Impressions of the Gardens ATC (Students)

Karen E., Joe W., Stephanie K, Ben K. Jennifer H.,
Anne Marie F., Stephanie K, Shannon B, Joe W.

Karen E., Deb S., Julie B., Karen B., Jennifer S., Jennifer S.

Ruth J., Vicki M., Shannon B., Jennifer H., Jennifer He.,
Stephanie K., Patricia L., Lisa J., Megan S.

I teach a 6 week long class at the Denver Botanic Gardens through the Colorado Free University, I think I've mentioned this before.  It is the source of much of my delight in life.  On the last week of class I ask students to bring a botanical trading card that they have made during the class, one for each of the other students, and me of course!  Some used colored pencils, watercolor pencils, watercolor, markers, even photoshop to add some final pizazz. 

This is an adult education course that is held in 6 week increments throughout the year.  Students are (to name a few backgrounds), software engineers, librarians, college students, nurses, doctors, graphic designers, entomologists, grade school teachers, artist with experience and artists just beginning.  We learn to see and create like artists through observation, practice, learning about techniques and materials and the art elements and principles. 

Mainly its a time to relate, relax in the Denver Botanic Gardens, experiment, be in a creative and supportive environment and de-stress in general.  I'm not sure who has the most fun--probably me.  And I fall in love with my students and their art again and again.  Just had to show you what they made and traded!

Lotuses with Watercolor Pencils

Opposite Page with Lotus Detailing
Inktense Watercolor Pencils

Further Page Entry

More Lotuses with Watercolor Pencil

Visual Journal Page

Lotuses with Watercolor Pencil

I've included the whole journal page here--I wanted you to see how I make my botanical artist cards.  I use a card sized template to draw the rectangles on some of my pages.  This size is so great because it keeps me from being daunted by the prospect of filling the whole page with detailed drawing.  I like gradual steps (think Kaizen) and often use small format to try out new techniques as well as give myself the opportunity to complete a piece or multiple pieces in a time limited studio session. 

Love botanicals and have been working to improve my color layering skill. This is a first attempt with layering--usually draw directly with the watercolor pencil and then add water. I think that some of my lines are too dark but like the yellow and green where it is subtle and the buds on the left. Important to take what one can from each drawing--rather than just tossing out a "failed" drawing take the time to see what works and what doesn't and why. Every time I make a painting I learn new things! This time I found that I could lift color with a wet brush. A technique I have used with traditional watercolor but not as much with watercolor pencils. It is all about the color--and I am glad that this drawing will stay in my journal to reference in the future.

Of course I must mention the beautiful lotus.  The lotus reminds us, through the presence of buds, full blossoms and seed pods that there is an endless cycle of life-death-life and all exist in the eternal now.

Impressions of the Gardens Trade

Survivor Orange ATC

Inktense watercolor pencils

This is the latest trading card, made from a journal sketch, for the Impressions of the Gardens class, week 6.  On the last day of class everyone brings artist trading cards made from their art work done during the class.  I've been teaching this class for around 2 years now, through the Colorado Free University, at the Denver Botanical Gardens.  Teaching basic drawing, observation and creativity skills for new and advanced artists.  The class lasts 6 weeks and fun to experience how different each group is.  Also great to experience the 4 seasons at the Gardens.  This sketch is one in a series I want to do with "survivor" growing things--plants and trees who are shaped by their environment and yet bloom where they are planted.  This plant is in "The Orangery" at the Gardens.  I like that this drawing sort of has a Matisse feeling to it.

2011 Resolution 4: Daily Creative Activity

Unlock Your Creativity

Collage, Derwent Intense Watercolor Pencils,
Office Max brand metallic markers,
acrylic paint, key embellishment.

Whether it's journaling or writing or making artist cards or planning other creative projects I resolve to not let my creative endeavors be put off until another day. I recently listened to a another woman lament that she needed to find a place in her home to do art, and I recognized the excuse I used to make. I think we often wait for the time/space/money we think we need to express our creativity.

I used to say that I needed to wait to do art until I had a dedicated room or studio. Now I know that a TV tray will do, or the kitchen table. Supplies can be purchased at craft stores with 40% off coupons or during sales. And supplies don't have to be fancy. You will find good art supplies at Office supply stores and your local Target. Finally, artist cards, with their small size do not require a lot of time to complete. No excuses.

Nourish the Flame

Nourish the Flame

I started this card with a "house" stamp (Teesha Moore), using archival ink (Ranger), sepia. The blueberry and apple images are from a Wednesday flyer for produce from a local grocery store. Embellished with watercolor pencils (Staedtler aquarelle and Derwent Intense), watercolor crayons (Caran D' Ache), Liquid Embossing (Plaid), clear.

For me this card is about nourishing ourselves as creatives. This means literally feeding the flame of creativity through feeding the body with fresh food, the eyes and heart with beauty, the mind with fresh ideas. I am also realizing that I need to nourish my muscles and bones with movement and rest.

I Shall Wear Purple

Mom in Her Red Hat

To make this card I used a copy of a nice photo of mom. I added red Dymo tape letters, a scrapbook paper background (K & Company: "Life's Journey") and embellished with Crayola Glitter Glue and pink stamping ink. Some details with those great metalic markers from Office Max (pack of 8 great colors) and Derwent Intense Watercolor Pencils.

Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!

I'm happy with this artist card created from a photo of my Mom wearing purple and her red hat, which suits her very well. Mom is 84 this year and still the most politically aware person I know, and is going to many of her clubs and meetings even though she must now take her walker.

Of course you must know that humorous poem by Jenny Joseph who is now just about the same age as my mom: "Warning, When I am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple". On the off chance that you haven't read it I've copied it below. Jenny Joseph wrote this poem about a committment to being outrageous in her elder years when she was 30 years old, in 1961. Never too young to start "practicing".

Warning

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

Jenny Joseph

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/warning/

an interesting blog post about this poem and a variation based on Jenny's poem:

http://hubpages.com/hub/I-Shall-Wear-Purple--with-pleasant-regards-to-Jenny-Joseph