Alcohol Ink Workshop
I held a alcohol ink studio workshop today with some lovely ladies who were watercolor artists. The consistency of the inks resemble water color in liquidity only so they were impressed to find it’s serendipitous qualities and the ease of working with it. They were happy to find that the inks almost paint themselves. I was happy as I always am, when teaching something to a student for the first time, that always ends up in a form of awe. That’s why I got into teaching in the first place. I love that “feeling” when a student gets so excited when they learn the techniques that I am so enthusiastic about and with my polymer clay and alcohol ink workshops, it’s so much fun to see what the participants end up with. They are always creative and beautiful. In the higher educations system where my teaching began, there is always an objective that must be met. The fine art mind frame and technique are a bit different and it is so gratifying to be involved in both.
Best in Show, cont.
Three Waiting Westies
I was reviewing the photographs I took at the dog show in Springfield, MA last Sunday. I am so used to being around these beautiful animals, that I tend not to “see” how different they are. These dogs are a special breed in the canine world. They are taught from an early age, how to behave around other (barking) dogs and hordes of people (and of course, the judge). If you stop and take a look around, you’ll see a good number of them just chillen’ on their grooming tables with their owners/handlers no where in sight. Most of them wait patiently on that table for perhaps hours. They just lie down and sleep! Then they tolerate (like my two show dogs) or maybe enjoy, being primped and attended to in preparation for the ring.
If you are a passerby and attempt to pet any of these show dogs, before ring time, the groomer will take off your head. Must wait until after showing off the beautifully coiffed creature, lest you move a carefully adjusted hair. This is protocol, just in case you go to one of these shows. Fact is, it takes a great amount of time to prep many of these breeds. Especially mine, an Old English Sheepdog…my Corgi, not so much.
Today, I show a photo of three very patient West Highland Terriers.
Best in Show
In attending another dog show yesterday, I tried to picture what this would look like to anyone who has never been to a dog show. Many have seen Westminster or the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving day, but to see a show in person is like entering a whole new world. I am in this world, as I have two show dogs, and in assuming this was no big deal, I took some photos which portray this world of canine competition. I am posting them on my blog with the intent of choosing a few for enlarging and framing in a series entitled “Hopeful Best in Show”. Please let me know your thoughts.
If you live in Southern NH, I am extending an invitation to my Art Reach Art Exhibit in which there will be 8 of my fine art dog photographs from my “Dog Beach Park” series. St Joe’s Hospital, Nashua, NH. Hope to see you there! January 16, 5-7PM.
Getting Ready for the BIG Show
In receiving great joy for being juried into the Art Reach Program at St. Joe’s Hospital in Nashua, I am preparing to drop off my work at the hospital. My photos in the show are all from my series titled “Dog Beach Park”. This is what the beach on Drakes Island in Wells, ME looks like when dogs are allowed on the beach. Watching them just enjoying themselves with great abandon is exceedingly fun to see. In the winter months, I work on other art, such as alcohol inks, which I am obsessed with now. But once Memorial Day comes, I’ll be up there with my camera and telephoto lens, capturing the joy!
-Alene
Introducing my new website!
Welcome.
This is my new website dedicated to fine art and education. Please have a look inside at my photography, alcohol ink, pet portraiture, jewelry and polymer clay art. Also visit my Events page to visit the art in person. I also teach workshops and classes, outside my studio as well as giving private lessons inside the studio. Visit the Workshops page for the current schedule, feel free to contact me to schedule lessons or parties.
Any of the art that is for sale within the site is listed as so- originals or prints. I also take commissions for your pet portraits or other custom art. Contact me directly for information.
-Alene