It’s Easier to be Creative with a Lively View

On Mondays and Thursdays I teach at the Portland Community College’s relatively new Willow Creek Center, next to the Max Willow Creek Transit stop. We often break to look at all the different kinds of people coming and going on the trains.

The students are turning into a real Artists’ Group and I’m hopeful that many of them will return. Here’s some awesome recent work by members of my Thursday acrylics class.

See more of Janice's work earlier on this blog.

 

Sue was painting this and we were all fearful she would lose the loose freedom and joy. Our pressure intimidated her into starting another one......which ended up being even better than the first and just as free. So now we know to trust Sue and keep our big pie-holes shut. (Well we still have a little trouble with that!)

Tom Bradley’s Recent Artwork

One of my favorite students is Tom Bradley. He has taken my Watercolor, Acrylics and Art Journaling classes for several years.  Tom keeps up with the latest in materials and always has the newest colors and mediums.  He is my biggest fan and has my site and blog as favorites on all his communication gear. 

 As Tom is very organized, he’s been helping me get my studio into better shape by making me labels for my art supply boxes.  It’s a long process for a naturally not-organized artist like me, but he’s been patient with me.

  Tom’s work keeps getting better and better. I love this Horse painting for its depth and energy.

 

Tom’s been working on an Altered Book and has used paint, collage, watercolor pencils and crayons and anything else he finds in his well-stocked art box. 

Janice Cook’s Beautiful Pages

Janice Cook is an architectural designer who applies those skills (and a lot of creativity) to her Art Journals and Altered Books.  Please enjoy these pages.

 

 

Janice found a great little book by Desmond Tutu and is altering some pages slightly and others a lot!

 

 

 

Carmen’s Handmade Book

Carmen Iranzo was a new student to my class this summer and came to the second class with a beautiful book she had made. Over the weeks she filled pages with unique scenes and designs. Check out these colorful pages. Great job, Carmen!

 

Linda Townsend’s Gorgeous Journal Pages

Linda Townsend has been adding class, knowledge and encouragement to my Artist Group classes for several years.  Her work is understated and lovely. Please enjoy these beautiful pages.

Carolina’s Future Children’s Book

Carolina Martinez is an Elementary School art teacher, who has come to my summer classes for several years now. She is as fun as her paintings. Look for her future children’s book which may include some of these charming images.  For more about Carolina and her art see: http://www.art-world-of-carolinamartinez.com/

         

Patty’s Pages

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The summer Art Journaling and Altered Books class at PCC SE Center has done some amazing work this term. It’s interesting how each student’s style becomes so apparent.  There was so much good work in my classes this summer that I’ll present one or two students at a time over the next days. 

Beginning with Patty, we see lush backgrounds with cleverly placed old photos of Patty and her parents and grandparents.