Melissa's Studio Blog

It’s Easier to be Creative with a Lively View

artcelebration — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:32:03 +0000

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

artcelebration — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 02:56:50 +0000

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

artcelebration — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:59:25 +0000

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

artcelebration — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:35:10 +0000

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

artcelebration — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 03:56:39 +0000

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

artcelebration — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 01:56:51 +0000

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

artcelebration — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 01:08:39 +0000

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.

Portlanders, Come Join One of my Artist Groups

artcelebration — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:38:14 +0000

If you’re in the Portland Metro area and you’ve been interested in being creative, come take one of my Portland Community College classes. A new term is about to begin. You’re never too old to go back to school in the fall. All classes cost $125. with Seniors paying half price.

Below is a list of the classes offered by me at PCC. Write down the CRNs of the classes that you want, then continue on to Registration.

Here is the schedule for FALL TERM 2010:

Mondays I’ll be teaching Altered Books and Art Journals from 10 am to 12:30 pm in room 209 at PCC Willow Creek Center which is right on the Max line at the Willow Creek stop. CRN #47915 . The class runs from Sept. 20 through Nov. 22.

Wednesday classes will be Watercolor Artist’s Group (although some of the regulars will be working on Journals and Altered Books & that’s fine) from noon to 2:30 in the Art Studio in room 133 at PCC SE Center, located at SE Division and 82nd. First class is Sept. 22 and it will go until Nov. 24. CRN #42474

Thursday will find me back at PCC Willow Creek , room 209 for Acrylic Artist’s Group, which will meet from 11:30 am to 2 pm and will run from Sept. 23 through Dec 9, with no class on Nov. 25. CRN #44088

Friday is the day for PCC SE Center Acrylic Artist’s Group, from noon to 2:30 in room 133, beginning Sept. 24 and ending Dec. 3, with no class on Nov. 26. CRN #41894.

These classes are called Artist’s Groups because that’s what I’m building. Come join the regulars of all ages, experience-levels and backgrounds to learn from, teach and support each other. There are assignments at every class, but some come with their own projects and that’s fine with me. Surround yourself with giving, creative people every week and you’ll be happier.

Keep creating!

Altered Book Art

artcelebration — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:47:23 +0000

Many of my students who continue to stay with my Artists’ Group classes have become hooked on Art Journals and Altered Books. I love them for keeping art in everyday life. One of my Tuesday students has begun an altered book. Her creativity and use of mediums, textures and natural leaves and flowers is inspiring. Please enjoy Katie’s book.

Click to view slideshow.

New Awesome Albrich Art Coming Soon to Melissa’s Studio

artcelebration — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:19:04 +0000

My friend and fellow artist Jean Albrich will be featured soon on my website www.melissastudio.com .

This is the second group of her incredible drawing/paintings I have shared. This little sneak at the Hatching of the Egg is meant to whet your appetite for the coming collection. I’ll let you know right away when it’s posted.