Hello Everyone,

It’s time for the Holidays!

It is that time of year again. And I say Yahoo! That’s right Corel Painter Master Karen Bonaker’s annual Holiday Open Studio starts November 17, 2012 and ends December 14, 2012.  You will want to register for Holiday Open Studio here.

Elaina Moore-Kelly and I will join Karen again this year.  Karen will start the class off on Week 1, with Fall Landscapes.  As usual, her demonstrations will be in Painter 12, but students can use any software they like.  Folks use Photoshop, Art Rage, and earlier versions of 12.  Both Karen and I will primarily use Buttery Oils.  Check out this beautiful painting of Karen’s using combining watercolor brushes, Bristly Dabs, and Buttery Oils.

Fall is in the Air

I love fall colors.  I am going to have fun.

Elaina has week two.  She is a card maker extraordinaire.  Elaina describes her class this way, “Wouldn’t it be great to send out your own hand-crafted cards this year? Join me this week as I demonstrate how to make and print your own unique cards while you learn how to do some crafty tricks using Painter 12.”  I hope I send cards this year.  I’ve been so bad about it for so long…sigh.  Maybe with Elaina’s help, I’ll send some this year.  Take a look at Elaina’s beautiful work.

Card from Holiday Open Studio

Week 3 and I’m up.  OK, can I be honest?  I haven’t prepared the class, yet.  I’ve started but have a bunch to do.  I know that I am going to work with Buttery Oils, as well, but no landscapes.  I’m going floral.  Still life or just floral, I’m not sure yet.  I thought it might be fun to give you a little insight into the preparations I do for a class.  I usually have to do a number of painting sketches to learn my subject.  These studies are never posted…yuck…they are just trials.  But, for fun, right after this post, I will post a video of my first practice with a poinsettia.  I think you will find it interesting.  So to see my example, check out my next post.

Karen brings Week 4 with snow scenes.  It’s a toss-up which class I’m most excited about.  I think all four will be terrific.

I know you will love Holiday Open Studio.  Remember it is for anyone, beginner to advanced users.  There is lots of sharing and we learn as much from each other as we do from the instructors.  I know I learn tons from Elaina and Karen.

Here is the link for registration again.  Holiday Open Studio.

Hope to see everyone there.  I promise you will enjoy it.  It’s like one big family.

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