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Category Archives: Seminars

Ladies, and gentlemen, start your engines.

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Your creative engines that is.  It’s the last week in Aug, kids are returning to school, and there’s art in the air.  In the studio too!

I hope you have all had a good summer with lots of fun, family, and friends. For those of you have had challenges this year, I sending positive thoughts and looking forward to having all of you back to painting with us again.

We have a new supply of Americana and Traditions paints and the new DecoArt French stencils.  The Chalky Finish paints are in stock with lots of color choices.

We have lots of art experiences planned for this fall including weekly classes, workshops for all ages, and seminars.  Wed am and evening classes resume in Sept with new and exciting projects planned.  You can find more details on the web site but here are some of the upcoming highlights.

  • Basic Techniques Yellow Daisy clock Session 1

    Basic Techniques
    Yellow Daisy clock
    Session 1

    Tue am open class:  We’re open for class on Tue am as usual with opportunities for you to make up a missed classes or work on a project of your own with some assistance from me. Also if you are wanting to start your painting experience with us, we’ll work you into our Tue schedule. Please contact me to get started with Decorative Painting Basics.  If you just like this painting and want to paint it, you can do that on Tue am also.

  • ArtFling:  Gail is packing her bags and will be here ready for some mixed media fun on Fri, Sept 5. I’ll take over on Sat to continue with our endeavors.  If you are not registered yet, contact me quick!  There are supply lists on line and you can register there too.
  • web-Sodas-and-Sundaes-2Sodas and Sundaes Workshop:  Join us Sept 27th for a 4 hr workshop painting these colorful ornaments. Could be for your holiday tree but just too darn cute not to keep out all year.  Register now!
  • Halloween cat workshop: Did someone say toilet paper?  Oh yes, that was me. Come see what I have designed using the cardboard from TP.  Getting ready for some friendly Halloween festivities Oct 25, 10a – 1p.  Fun for 8yrs and up.  Join us and bring a friend.  Register now!
  • Wed evening classes:  Our classes are starting back again starting Sept 3.  We’ll have our weekly crew working on a fall schedule for classes, but also look for special workshops as well as a chance to start our decorative painting basics.
  • web-Yupo-PoppiesKathie George seminar:  Register now for our seminar with Kathie. Register and details.  We have some awesome new techniques to explore with Kathie.  Do you Yupo?
  • Susan Crouch seminar:  Register now before Sept 5th to secure your seat in our seminar with Susan, May 29-31, 2015, and take advantage of preregistration discounts. Registration opens to everyone on Sept 5. Details and registration.

 

NC State Fair: Remember to register your entries before Sept 19th. NC St. Fair 2015

It’s time to get you entries registered for this year’s NC state fair.  Entry forms need to be completed and mailed or emailed by Sept 19, 2015.

Be sure to notice that the groups have changed.  There is no professional group any longer. There is E/experienced, 5 yrs or more of experience, or N/novice, less than 5 yrs experience.

You can enter one item in up to 10 categories.

You can find the complete instructions at http://www.ncstatefair.org/2014/Competitions/Entering/documents/HandicraftsandHobbies.pdf

And on line entry at http://www.ncstatefair.org/2014/Competitions/Entering/HandicraftsandHobbiesCompetition.html

 

That’s all I can think of right now but watch the web site and blog for updates. Hope to see you at the studio soon.

 

Falling into Autumn

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Creatively SpeakingDSC_0064

We had a great time painting with Ros this summer. It was a week full of painting with old friends and meeting new ones while enjoying Ros again. I have lost exact count but this was somewhere around 18 or 19 yrs of seminars with Ros. Each one successful. Our dates for next year are July 22-26, yes, we’re planning 4 days next year. We have some good ideas planned and would love to have you join us.  We’ll call next year our 20th year anniversary!

web-Yupo-PoppiesRegistration is open for our seminar with Kathie George for three days of mixed media exploration! Always fun and educational. Registration, photos, and more information.

Night Hunter Liz Miller CDA

Night Hunter Liz Miller CDA

ArtFling is coming up Sept 5 and 6, that’s Fri and Sat. Join Gail Schmidt and me for more mixed media fun.  We’re asking everyone to register by sending in your fee by Aug 8. That’s coming up soon so be sure to get your seminar fee submitted. Let us know if you want Gail to supply the surface for you. More info and on line registration.  Register now!

Summer Geraniums stage 2.

Summer Geraniums stage 2.

I’ve updated the class schedule on the web site so be sure to check for updates. There are a few date changes and we have some exciting plans for new projects. I’ll be designing more original paintings and will have photos on the web site as soon as they are painted.

Straw Fish

Straw Fish

Our Aug 9, Saturday workshop is coming up soon. We’re painting fish with a straw and acrylic inks! What fun. We’ll probably have time to play around with this technique with other animals. Register by Aug 4 so that I have time to plan.

Watercolor Sheep: my painting from a workshop with A Susan Crouch design

Watercolor Sheep: my painting from a workshop with
A Susan Crouch design

 I have some exciting news for you. We have award winning watercolor artist, Susan Crouch coming for a seminar at Artful Endeavors, May 29, 30, and 31, 2015. This is a theory and techniques seminar and you will probably not be completing specific projects during the seminar. Our focus in on learning not finishing a project.  You can find more information on this web page. I’m still working on the page and need to get photos from Susan to post.

  More info about Susan.  I’ll open the seminar on Sept 5. Participation is limited to 15.  Susan is from Statesville, NC so one of our NC artists.

 NC St. Fair 2015

It’s time to get you entries planned for this year’s NC state fair.  Entry forms need to be completed and mailed or emailed by Sept 19, 2015.

Be sure to notice that the groups have changed.  There is no professional group any longer. There is E/experienced, 5 yrs or more of experience, or N/novice, less than 5 yrs experience.

You can enter one item in up to 10 categories.

You can find the complete instructions at http://www.ncstatefair.org/2014/Competitions/Entering/documents/HandicraftsandHobbies.pdf

And on line entry at http://www.ncstatefair.org/2014/Competitions/Entering/HandicraftsandHobbiesCompetition.html

 

I’ll look forward to seeing you entries this year. I know they will be awesome.

 

Just a few un-fun notes:

  • I receive many telemarketing calls each day so I let the phone go to voice mail if I don’t recognize the number. If you are not a telemarketer be sure to leave a message so I’ll know you are a real person interested in something to do with painting.
  • Someone has blocked century link/embarqmail from receiving email from Artful Endeavors by labeling us spam. Anyone with one of these email addresses will not be receiving emails from me unless you go to your email provider and tell them you want to receive artfulendeavors@raleigh.twcbc.com emails.  Please pass the word if you know anyone from this provider who is wondering why I am not sending them email any longer. They are missing out on seminar and class information.
  • You are receiving emails from Artful Endeavors because you have requested to do so. I do not solicit email addresses from any other source. If you would like to be removed from our email address please just let me know and I will be glad to remove you. Do not just mark our emails as spam. You block everyone else from your email provider from receiving our emails.
  • If you have requested our emails and are not getting them, and have a different email provider you might have our emails in your spam folder. Be sure to add us to your address book.

Come paint with us soon.

Liz

Mixed Media with Kathie George in Nov 2014

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We have our plans made and registration is open for our seminar with Kathie George coming up Nov 17,18, and 19, 2014!

web-Textured-Window

We’ve gone mixed media this year with texture and acrylics. We’ll play with Yupo paper techniques and texture on watercolor paper.

I know, there’s no batik this year. Our students were so excited about the mixed media projects that we’ve gone that way for this time. And the paintings are so exciting.

The Yupo paper is an entirely new product for us and we’re eager to learn about it.

Dragonfly Done For more information on the Yupo paper check out Kathie’s blog where she introduces us to this fun man made, polypropylene product. And more from Kathie about Yupo.

Here’s our seminar information and photos!  Register now! on line or send your check to Liz at Artful Endeavors.

It’s July! Ros is at Artful Endeavors

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We’ve had such a great time painting with Ros Stallcup this week, polishing techniques as well as learning new ones. We’ve played with new products and used our familiar products in creative ways.

demo DSC_0051 DSC_0053 DSC_0054 DSC_0058 DSC_0064 DSC_0069 DSC_0072 DSC_0073 DSC_0080 DSC_0084 DSC_0086 DSC_0089 Sunday-house-group

Ros’ seminars are always a terrific occasion to see old friends and make new ones while sharing a common love for art.

Miltons

And we’ve made plans for our July 2015 seminar. Save the dates: July 22 – 25, 2015.

I’m Back!

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I’m back from vacation, which was lots of kid-filled fun, and ready to get painting again. Hope you are ready to join me.

Janet's dog.

Janet’s dog.

We have our Pet Portrait class coming up next week, Saturday, July 12. Be sure to register and talk to me about your portrait by this Friday so that we can plan your prep and pattern.  Don’t have a pet, you can still join us.  Paint a friend’s pet or find a magazine photo or I have plenty of cat photos to share.

Our seminar with Ros is only 21 days away but there’s still time for you to join us. Contact me now or register on line.

Tree 4 seasons

Registration is open for our Summer’s End ArtFling!

Come join us, paint, and enjoy the cool.

Liz

 

Summer’s End ArtFling Sept 5 & 6, 2014

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With Gail Schmidt and Liz Miller CDA

Join Liz and Gail for another mixed media adventure.  Gail will teach for one day and Liz for another.  This is our “no stress, just fun” workshop where we explore different media to create our masterpieces.  

Gail teaches on Friday.

I’m posting a sample of her mixed media painting style, but your painting will be entirely your own, created with your favorite colors and your choice of subject from Gail’s selections. 

Gail says that the techniques she uses, texture, paint, stencils, stamps, printed images, and messy fingers (yours) in layers and more lovely layers can easily be accomplished even by a novice.  You can’t go wrong.

 

side view 

1622209_10152197578879926_7582341212188916927_n 

Liz Teaches on Saturday

 

We’ll continue our mixed media exploits using Pan Pastels, acrylic paint, and colored pencil to create a painting ready for the autumn season. We’ll set the mood for our

Night Hunter.

Again our techniques are easy and exciting.

Night Hunter Liz Miller CDA

Night Hunter Liz Miller CDA

 

Mark your calendar and get ready to join Gail and Liz on our mixed media escapades.

We’ll have more details for you soon!

 

That’s Sept 5, Fri, with Gail, and Sept 6, Sat, with Liz.

May-June Happening at Artful Endeavors

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May and June are packed with painting fun at the studio. Summer is approaching and now is a good time to plan your studio time.

Chalky Paint finish

Chalky Paint finish

Remember:  “You never find time, you have to make it.”

Do something for yourself and just go ahead and add your painting time to your calendar.

OK so what is all this painting fun?

  • Our Assemblage class/Play Day is this coming Friday and I looking forward to experiencing all those creative minds at work.
  • I have my order in for the DecoArt Chalky Paint and am expecting it to arrive soon! We have loved using this paint and I’m excited to be able to share it with you. You can find more information on the DecoArt web site.  We have another class coming up on May 20, 10am -3p when we’ll have fun using this paint on furniture or decorative items. I have lots of product to share so plan to join us and learn all about the Chalky Paint.  Register by May 14th.
  • Wed am is painting a beautiful sunflower in watercolors starting May 14. I still need to get our sample painted but I’ll post a photo when I get it completed.
  • Our Wed evening class was postponed last week with the storms coming through so our final project, the Old Coach House, is now on May 14. This is a primitive style design by Rebecca Trimble that was in the Aug 2012 Paint Works. Beautiful vibrant colors.
  • Our Cary class starts the Red Window this evening, postponed from last week. Storms again.  On May 27 we’ll have fun repainting one of my originals that I painted at the nursing home for the residents. I love the design and we want to do an improved version.  Blue Moon.
  • On Sat, June 7, 11:30-2:30p, we have a fun Goldfish painted with acrylic inks, acrylics, pen, and a drinking straw. Hope I have your curiosity piqued. Be sure to add this one to your schedule. This class is appropriate for kids, 8yrs and up, and adults.web-Goldfish
  • Our June Play Day is the colored pencil that I’ve been promising. I did my version of Lydia Steeve’s kitten. So cute. Mark your calendar for Friday June 20, 10a-2p.  So the web site won’t let me post the photo of the kitten but you can see it on my facebook page.
  • Ros’ painting should be arriving before long. I can’t wait to see how Ros interprets our ideas for this summer. But you don’t have to wait to register. Register now.

    Sunday House

    Sunday House

  • And our schedule is filling with more weekly classes.

You can fine more information about these classes on the class page along with photos, assuming that I have the sample completed. Go ahead and register on line, send me a check, or drop by the studio.

I’ll be out of the studio this coming Monday, May 12. I’m going to Gail and Leon’s house to pick up our Ros surfaces… and see what mischief Gail and I can stir up.  Have a good Mother’s Day.  I’ll be sure to give Gail’s Mom hugs.

I have our family beach trip coming up June 22 – 28th and looking forward to it. No class that week unless Carol comes up with a treat.

Speaking of treats… Gail and I are starting to talk about an ArtFling later this summer….  We’ll keep you informed.

Keep watching the schedules for updates later this week. I have to go Zumba! right now.

Liz

Mother What?

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It’s amazing how much having a sick computer is a hindrance.  Yes, my studio computer is in the shop and needs a new mother board, oh no!  The good news is that’s it under warranty and won’t cost me anything. Yeah!! I love having my computer especially built for me by Intrex here in Raleigh and having local support.

However,…  not having my work computer means that I don’t have access to my email with all my distribution lists.  So this is a test for all of you, to see who is actually reading my blog and which ones have become too dependent on my email updates to check the web site.  Let me know that you read my blog.

Our class updates for April are posted on the class pages.  We’ve added and rearranged so be sure to check the schedules.

We’ve add another tjap class for those of you who missed it last week, this time in the evening.  There is an explanation and photos on the Wed evening class page.

Tjap designs

Tjap designs

Also the Wed evening group has added a dragonfly class. I know there are lots of dragonfly fans out there. Easy and lots of fun.web-dragonfly-atc

Cary and our Wed day class has added some great new classes too, so be sure to check them out.

Our last two play days have been so successful and we’re looking forward to our May 9 Assemblage Play Day.  Be sure to register early and talk to me about particulars.  More info on the Workshop page.

On April 12, that’s a week from Sat is our furniture design workshop using the DecoArt Chalky Finish paints and their terrific new French stencils.

Chalky Finish Paint

Chalky Finish Paint

I have the paint to share and the stencils as my treat to you, so here’s a great opportunity to try them out.  I’ve created some samples with the products and love them, the products that is but the samples too.  DecoArt is expecting this line of paints to be their next BIG BIG sellers and we are getting to experience them first. I’ll be one of the first retailers to stock them starting in May.  (Right now they are only available at Home Depot, mostly on line)  Come help me choose which color to stock.

chair before

chair before

Chair with stencil in progress

Chair with stencil in progress

There are many beautiful colors to choose from with french stencils, crackle, stain blocker, wax, and varnish in the line also.  You can see more about the products on the DecoArt web site.  Be sure to check out some of the Chalky Finish videos too.  Of course our creations will be most awesome.

Register now!

Frame with Chalky Finish paint by DecoArt

Frame with Chalky Finish paint by DecoArt

Single day registration for our seminar with Ros Stallcup is now open.  The surfaces are on their way to Ros and we’ll have samples later in the month.  But go ahead and register now to secure your seat.

Don’t forget to tell me that you read this blog post and I’ll see you in class soon.

Liz

 

Ros Is Coming This Summer!

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Our special 6 day rate for our seminar with Ros expires at the end of this month!  Have you registered yet?

I have a sneak peak for you.

Sunday House

Sunday House

This is Ros’ Sunday house that we’ll paint on Thurs, July 24.

Ros is working on our other brand new projects and you can be the first to paint them when you join us in July at Artful Endeavors.

Here’s the schedule of Ros’ terrific classes.

I’ll have surfaces available at the beginning of May and will have information and prices for you very soon.

Register now by sending in your check with the attached registration form, or, register on line with a credit card. 

Or you can just drop by the studio, even better.

Jan Update

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Doorway 1

Doorway 1

Just a few update notes for you. I need to get back to some painting.

  • As you know we missed a Tue class for the weather so be sure to check the changed dates for classes.
  • We’re enjoying our Wed day, Doorway class so much that we’ve decided to add another week for a second door, The Blue Doorway. So be sure to check these dates also. Those of you who missed this week’s class can come next Wed for the first week of your doorway class.
  • We’ve added a class to our Wed evening schedule, Side-loading 202.  A good opportunity for a refresher. Plan to join us on Feb 5th.
  • I’m adding more workshop and “Play Day” classes. Be sure to check for these. What’s a play day? Check the workshop schedule.
  • Be sure to check the seminar info for our July seminar with Ros!  Mark your calendar and register now.
  • Paints are restocked and the rack is full. I also received a shipment of canvases and art boards.
  • I’ve received a shipment from DecoArt of their new Chalky Finish Paints and new stencils.  These new 2014 products are not available for purchase yet, so we are favored to have them to play with this quick.  And they are wonderful.  Classes are planned to explore them. Ros will be using some of them in her seminar projects too.
  • Gail Schmidt was asked by DecoArt to design some mixed media projects for them and for us. The first of these using DecoArt products is on their web site now!
    Check it out!
  • And lastly, please remember to pay/register for your class at least a week prior to the class. You’ll receive your prep when I receive your class fee.  If people don’t pay they don’t have a tendency to show up for the class.  Thanks much.

Liz