arthouse easel

pasted

2011-09-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

student collage compositions

fall trees

2011-09-27T21:35:00.001-07:00

Trees

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

Joyce Kilmer, 1886-1918

Fall trees are a great way to bring a fall day inside. Collect different leaves from different types of trees so that the kids can touch and inspect up close. Use torn brown construction paper to form strong trees and branches on a large white piece of construction paper, glue down with a glue stick and accent with thin yellow torn pieces. Give kids a few pieces of tissue paper about 5x6 and let the kids tear small leaf like shapes but not too small. Using a small brush with a small amount of glue on a plate or in a little dish, show your students how to brush a little on the paper where they want to place the leaves and gently place the thin tissue paper on the glue, avoid pressing to hard because the tissue will want to stick to their fingers and not the paper. Remember....some leaves have already fallen.

goodbye and hello

2011-01-04T15:17:00.000-08:00

Who knew that dropping off the edge of the earth could be so easy, it was the staying afloat that was hard, for me 2010 was a year of dizziness, nausea, ointment and band-aids. I'd have to say it is not a place to revisit often but rather a thing to pack up in a small box and take out years from now when all you can remember is the good things. I really had no problem saying......goodbye.

I feel with certainty that 2011 will be a year of mending and transformation. I am not looking for a clean slate but a new beginning......hello.

a useful tool

2010-04-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

This project was inspired by the fingerprint portraits of Chuck Close. I used owl pictures because it was fun to look up fun facts about owls to share with my students as they were working on the project. I recommend using a washable ink pad for ease of clean-up. After the first class, I had to ask the students to limit finger usage because before I knew it all five fingers were invited to the party, then of course the whole hand was completely covered in ink in a blink of an eye (and you know the face comes next). This is a great exercise in getting students to look at the lights and the darks of the photo.

whooooo whooooo

2010-01-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

Straight from the cute forest. First graders loved drawing this owl together adding their own touches of character to their owls. We used pastels and watercolors to add a splashes of color. Big Heads, little bodies, and enormous eyes are just a part of their artistic expression at this age, I just simply love them, oh so charming!

fear

2010-01-08T18:21:00.000-08:00

"Fear" is just a four letter word yet it can paralyze you dead in your tracks. Last September, I had gone in search for my creative spirit as if it was something lost, and what I found was that I paralyze myself whenever I start a new project. As in this blog. As in an art business. As in doing what I love most.....making art.

For the past few months, I immersed myself in a several creative books, took a trip or two to the museum, started a new sketchbook, and spent countless hours of visiting many creative blogs and websites. I started a habit of writing a daily 10 item list (today's list) "10 creative experiences I would like to try this year".....1. make a handmade book-2. write and illustrate a short graphic story-3. lino-cut printing-4. hand built small ceramic pieces-5. paint a mural in my home-6. screen printing-7. create a website-8. sew a large modern quilt for my bed-9. knit a vest-10. make a Louise Nevelson like garden gate.

A hard thing to accept is the fact that I do this to myself.

I began to think about a task I do every year with abandoned fear. I garden. I have marginal success and yet I get so excited every spring. I read and reread my garden books and magazines. I browse through catalogs. I watch landscaping shows. I sketch and plan the plants I would love to add to my small, garden space. I buy new plants, I water and browse my garden almost on a daily basis, I am hopeful. I look for new growth and I am excited for small signs of success. I envision a garden that is lush and somewhat overgrown where plants mix and mingle. I look at my garden through rose-colored glasses. I am patient. I am content. I have no fear and no inhibitions, so why can't I apply this philosophy to the thing I love the most? Why am I so fearful of failing or not finishing something I haven't even started? So here it is, a proclamation, "I am acknowledging you FEAR and I am telling you to go away because you are no longer welcome here, you need to go feed on someone else for I am no longer your tasty morsel!" (sound of door slamming).

a fresh new start

2010-01-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

A blog that I frequent, Hula Seventy mentions that 2010 is like a new box of crayons. I got to thinking... that was such a great analogy! I am like a new box of crayons and 2010 holds new possibilities for new pictures and new projects. I love the idea of being a fresh box of new colors. I have always loved opening a new box, touching the tips of new colors, the smell, and that bit of hesitation when you use that first crayon. I am excited for 2010!

lovely trees

2009-10-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

I have seen a fellow art teacher and friend work on this project with her students with amazing results every time. I like to tie this lesson in with the Canadian Landscape Artists known as the "Group of Seven." Their work accentuates all that nature painting embodies; light, subtle details, and seasonal beauty.

My students carried out the task with thoughtful ease. The lesson focused on the elements of overlapping, shadow, color, and the natural details found in nature. Using a little painter's tape, liquid watercolors and brown colored pencils we could achieve a painting that focuses on the simplicity and beauty of aspen trees that even the "Group of Seven" could admire.

some like it hot

2009-09-08T17:08:00.000-07:00

pastels, black construction paper, small circle stencil

I had first seen this project on the oodlesofart.blogspot.com and loved the simplicity and the function of this project. Introducing the theory of colors can be a little overwhelming but talking about them in a way that is understandable like "HOT" and "COOL" is fun and universal. Everyone can join in, even the youngest of artists can call out what colors are hot and what colors are cool. I began the project with drawing their own hands with black pastels, some paired up to draw each others hand which can help expedite the project a little faster. Then the students placed a circle stencil where they wanted to begin the circle pattern on the paper. It was interesting to see the results, I used the example of dropping a pebble into the water so they would have an idea of how the circles should form. I had one student create a little chaos with their circles which I thought at first oh no, but I found as the colors began to fill in the space as a very successful piece, how unexpected! It was satisfying to watch the sizzle of hot colors interact with the cools of blues, purples, and greens on the black paper.

as slow as a ......

2009-08-18T19:33:00.000-07:00

The Snail, 1953-Henri Matisse

Though the summer has passed rather quickly,
my thoughts and actions have slowed to a snails pace.
I find myself at a loss of creativity.

Could it be the heat?
Do I need to eat more veggies?
Maybe I need to take an art class so I could play?
Do I need to exercise more?
Do I need some kind of therapy?

Questions I ask myself daily.

Perhaps the idea of summer winding down has me somewhat melancholy.

I do hope I find my creativity soon,
no stone unturned,
I am going on a quest......

so yummy i could eat them

2009-07-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

The curvaceous shapes of sweet red pepper
inspired student's hands to roll, snake and coil
these wonderful pepper sculptures.

Snake upon snake and coil upon coil,
the shapely rolling curves of the pepper
reveals itself under the gentle slump of clay.

Its sweetness lies
in its status
as it sits proudly upon the kitchen window ledge.

we left our hearts in san francisco

2009-07-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

Three lovely days with my daughter and aunt in San Francisco's splendor of clam chowder, Ghirardelli chocolate, windy afternoons, shopping in Union Square, cable car rides, street vendors, museums, Chinatown, and small yummy warm sugary donuts from Pier 39, oh it was sooo heavenly!

how much is that doggie in the window?

2009-07-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

These are about
the cutest pups

in town.
Full of energy, loyal,
and they would love
nothing more
than to lick your face.

I think it would be really fun
to have a dog
who doesn't leave presents
in the backyard
(especially the smelly kind),
who looks happy all the time,
who is quiet,
who will stay when you ask it to,
who doesn't require to be fed
twice a day,
and makes you smile
every time you look at him.

Could they be...
a little like their owners?

Serious and Smart.

Fun and Playful.

Loyal and Gentle.

Thoughtful and Inquisitive.

I think so.

They are priceless!

nature's best

2009-06-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

liquid watercolors, straws, large watercolor paper

Armed with straws we head outdoors to blow drops of liquid watercolors across the paper and the results were totally AMAZING!!! These beautiful trees are by far one of my most favorite projects. I loved that the project was unpredictable, that the colors uniquely blended on their own, and that the process was so very fun to watch. You will have to remind your students to take breaks especially if they felt lightheaded. We had a lot of fun and I know this will become one of your favorites too!!

dog days of summer

2009-06-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce you to some of my favorite friends.

They love to sit around and wag their tails.

They are fat and happy.

If you could throw them a bone or scratch them behind their ears they will
be your trusted friend forever.

picasso dogs

2009-06-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

Fun and Picasso go hand in hand or should I say paw in paw.

if they could jump off the canvas...

2009-06-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

These fun little creatures would tickle your funny bone if they could jump off the canvas. Their cuteness undeniable. Made on a background of canvas and paint each creature was cut and sewn by machine. A story was created with each detail added to the canvas. Buttons and sharpies were used to make these one of kind masterpieces that may hang on a wall or transform into a pillow. If you happen upon one these fun-loving creatures be sure to introduce yourself for they love to meet new people.

wild friends

2009-06-20T20:46:00.001-07:00

Each creature was made with love and care by small hands and big imaginations. These wild creatures met on the table were they got to know each other. After becoming friends they decided to keep in touch after they set out on their different adventures.

come fly with me

2009-06-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

These lovely dragons will carry you away to a mystical place, where magic happens. We used tempera paint to create a flying dragon. Have the students create a body first, then add the legs, tail, and head, it is best to not sketch the dragon first. After the paint is dry the kids can draw in the details with a black sharpie. The background was painted by using liquid watercolors and salt, while the watercolors were wet we created a one of a kind texture by pinching and sprinkling salt over the wet areas before they dry. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

take a walk on the wild side

2009-06-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Nothing but watercolor paper, a sharpie, liquid watercolors, and a big imagination could create something so WILD! These wild beasts decked out in their fancy doodles and textures will gobble you up if you should meet on a hot summer's day, so BEWARE!!!!!!!!

mythological beauty

2009-06-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

She, she, & she walks her dogs down the street,
she, she, & she is so lovely to meet,
long, shapely legs of quartz-like stone,
two arms to hold you tight when you are all alone,
all her eyes are warm and cheerful,
but if you find yourself just a little too close,
I would be, just a little fearful.

magazines, scissors, glue stick, watercolor paper,
sharpies, liquid watercolors, images of bearden's work,
mythological creature facts (cerebus, medusa, scylla, echidna)

First project for "wild creatures" art class. We looked at the book by Sara Fanelli, Mythological Monsters of Ancient Greece, (a great kid collage book) and images of Romare Bearden's collages. His work was our inspiration to create a one of a kind collage monster. Have the kids cut out heads and give them permission to draw fangs, horns, fire breath or mustaches on their faces (something they never get to do). Catalogs are great for finding arms, legs, and bodies. Mixing it up is so much fun, wheels for feet, shoes for horns, or a washing machine for a body, oh the possibilities! Bodies can have many legs or arms, spikes, scales, or even wings. I encourage a story to happen in the background, "does their monster live in the sky or on a mountain, does it fly, does it live underground and eat worms, does it live in the ocean.......the stories are endless." The kids are in a constant state of chatter during this entire project so I think, most of the fun will be when the students share their monsters with others and the tales they will weave. Let their imaginations go wild!

anxious hands

2009-06-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

We sit and wait
wishing for the best today,
all our hard work
behind, one little door,
tapping fingers
pass the time (6 hours to be exact),
when it is simple,
is our clay....
okay?

oh yes success!

steady hands

2009-06-09T11:19:00.001-07:00

Fired once
the clay is slightly gray
chalky to touch
it's coolness gone away,
using tiny brushes
we set out to paint
our sweet, little treasures
we are hopeful today.

playful hands

2009-06-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

Using our hands
we began to play,
pieces of pvc,
biscuit cutters,
stamps, wonderful, moist clay
we can roll, snake, or shape,
the possibilities endless
our minds racing away,
we are kiln size limited,
not too big, i say.

georgia's flowers

2009-06-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

watercolor paper, pencils, fabric sunflowers, watercolors,
paint brushes, small cups for water,
images of georgia o'keeffe's work

Using store bought fabric sunflowers, we viewed, sketched, and painted the flowers in an O'Keeffe way. Georgia O'Keeffe had an eye for beauty and detail. She would love to sketch and observe all things around her. Each large painting she painted was so cherished by her that it was hard for her to see them go, they were like family. O'Keeffe, an American woman artist at a time when the field was dominated by male counterparts and European art, she began to break down stifling boundaries by showing and selling her work in galleries, she was in high demand. She also helped define an American Style of art which was beginning to move into abstraction, this gave her an important and influential voice in the art world. She is so amazing!

The kids love the idea of holding their own flowers to observe closely. A little lesson on how to sketch followed handing out the flowers. Real flowers are absolutely wonderful and so beautiful but can be costly too, fabric flowers are a great source of inspiration and can be used repeatedly when sketching, and in still life vignettes. One of the first things to stress is the idea of sketching really BIG in an O'Keeffe manner where the flower begins to look less like a flower. Encourage drawing off the paper, oh my, how uncomfortable they will be. If you find some of the students feeling stuck on how to sketch the flower ask them to look for the shapes, starting with the large center shape and moving out to the petals, they can even break up the shapes further by looking at the gradations of colors in the flower. Painting will be the fun part of this project because they get to decide what color their flower will be. They do not have to follow the colors they see in the flower, in fact about this time is when I collect the flowers and pencils. If using palette watercolors this is a great time to explain how to use the lid of the palette as a place to mix colors (very fun!). I also do a little brush demonstration on how to sweep across the page rather that scrub the sink, this will help with the longevity of the brushes. Have them paint with their feelings, their colors will be exciting and unexpected. When finished, you will want a whole bouquet of these flowers!

first steps

2009-06-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

The Jack Purcell's have been bought...I am up to my ankles now in cemented details. I have put the word out about my plans for the business. I have committed to some art classes and posted my flyers in several places.

I am nervous and scared at the same time.

I have to admit, the art classes were hard to schedule because I was unsure of how to be most accommodating to families. Schedule too much and you are overwhelmed, schedule too little and there are not enough choices for kids to fit into, and how do I price so that the classes can be affordable in today's economy and yet inviting? Lots of queries.

One thing that is really great once you commit to putting yourself and ideas out there, others who know you will ultimately provide encouragement and great advice, perhaps opening a door for you. Thank you to all my door openers!

starry, starry night

2009-05-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

pastels, black construction paper 12 x 18, scissors, glue sticks,
assorted colors of construction paper, images of van gogh's work

In the last few years of van Gogh's life he nearly painted a painting a day. He completed over 2,000 works of art in various media and 900 of those were paintings. His work prolific, his style totally unique, and his energy relentless, he was only an artist the last 10 years of his life and sold one painting before his death, but his influence on art has been amazing, overwhelming, and duplicated by no other.

After showing examples of van Gogh's work and sharing a little history on the artist I passed out images of "Starry Night." We took this opportunity to look at the work closely and discuss those intimate details that one must do when looking at his work. Using words like motion, energy, pulsating patterns, heavily applied, painted strokes and bright colors to express his unique style of painting and vision we had a conversation about "Starry Night." Giving the kids a chance to be a van Gogh they were asked to duplicate a starry night scene. I had to encourage and challenge the students to use only dashes and many colors to create pulsating movement on their black paper. I have to tell you, it does take a bit of encouragement because they will want to color and smudge with the pastels. After they have created their night scene with the pastels have them use construction paper to cut the shapes of a small town (or even a big city, one child did NYC buildings and the Statue of Liberty, have FUN and be CREATIVE) and glue to their paper, giving their scene a little dimension. They can add windows and doors with pencils and pastels. It is fun to listen to Don McLean's Vincent (Starry Starry Night) or to even read the lyrics to add other sensory aspects to the project. It is hard not to lose yourself in the painting or in the song for that matter, this project will turn all your nights into a starry, starry night.

classes!

2009-05-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Grayman!

@the ArtHousewhere creative imagination lives

JUNE
"wild creatures"
10-2 on Thursdays
11th, 18th, 25th, 2nd (July)
bring a sack lunch
This fun class will focus on creating your own
wild creatures using different mediums.

$60

"sketchbook summer"
9 to noon on Mondays
beginning on the 15th thru 17th (August)
This summer we will be using downtown Reno
as a sketching backdrop and covering various art techniques
to create a personal sketchbook. A somewhat focused art class
but absolutely FUN, (a sketchbook will be provided and
we will be meeting downtown every week,
all grade levels and skill levels are welcome).

$75

"watercolors"
10 to noon on Wednesdays
10th, 17th, 24th
Who doesn't like painting with watercolors?
Fun projects with a focus on color theory.

$30

JULY
"wild creatures"
10 to 2 on Thursdays
9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th
bring a sack lunch
This fun class will focus on creating your own
wild creatures using different mediums.
$60

"storybook"
10 to 1 on Wednesdays
1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
bring a sack lunch
Lets make a book or two.
$50

"printmaking"
1 to 3 on Mondays
6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
We will print with everything but the kitchen sink.
$60

AUGUST
"watercolors"
10 to noon on Wednesdays
5th, 12th, 19th
Who doesn't like painting with watercolors?
Fun projects with a focus on color theory.
$30

ONE DAY ART EVENTS
An entire day doin' themed art and havin' fun!

DOGSJune 19th
"bolt"
NATUREJune 26th
"my neighbor totoro"
HARRY POTTERJuly 24th
"order of the phoenix"
SPACEJuly 31st
"robots"
COLLAGEAugust 7th
"night at the museum"
BIRDSAugust 14th
"hoot"

bring a lunch (snacks will be provided)
we will create, watch a movie, and play hard!
9am to 3pm
$25

All classes are for students in
1st thru 6th grades
(except for sketchbook summer).
Ask me about multiple kid discounts and also, I will thankfully take
$5 off for your referrals of others to my classes.
I can come to your house for a play group art project for
a group (8 kids max) at $40/hour.

submit your inquiries to shannons.arthouse@hotmail.com

be still my beating heart

2009-05-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

12 x 18 black construction paper, glue, stencil of a large heart,
torn pieces of construction paper in various colors, white crayon

A perfect project for those kindergartners in your life. Using your stencil, trace a large heart on the black construction paper with a white crayon. Pass the hearts out with a generous pile of torn construction paper. Using those famous words of wisdom "dot-dot not a lot" (this helps the kids remember not to squeeze out too much glue), have the students glue each piece of paper inside the heart. This is really fun to watch because each child reveals a little bit of their personality with their approach when filling their heart. The finished project is a great one to laminate or frame. This wonderful, simple art piece will fill your heart with happiness.

birth of a business

2009-05-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Jyn Meyer

I have spent countless hours dreaming of all the possibilities I can be and do. I have thought of owning my own business since my daughter was born deep into the wee hours of the night, many, many, nights. I have fantasized about shopping for supplies and what the ideal art studio would look like. I have pictured myself in my Jack Purcells (no socks, of course), a white t-shirt, overalls covered in paint, and a apron (with my logo) welcoming students and parents to the classes. I have considered who I would market to and what products I would sell and it all comes back to ART. I LOVE ART. I want to do art, I want to teach art, and I want to sell art. I want others to love art too! I would love nothing more than to have kids walk happily away from a lesson I just taught with large smiles and a large sense of pride.

So here it is, the beginning of something bigger than me, the gestation of this idea is long overdue (like my daughter was), I am using this opportunity (with the blog) to create an idea that is moving from just a voice in my head to something real. I am just really, really glad I don't really have to do that labor thing again just only figuratively speaking.

seurat's dots

2009-05-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

tempera paint, flower images, q-tips, watercolor paper,
pencils, images of seurat's paintings

Seurat's painting Sunday Afternoon on the Island of the Grand Jatte took him 2 years to paint, its dimensions are over 10 ft wide by 6 ft tall. Seurat spent his life studying color theory and he used the play of light and illusion to blend the colors optically. Very exciting!

After passing out images of flowers I found in a flower catalog, I asked the students to sketch lightly the flower they had chosen. I demonstrated how to hold the pencil to sketch and how different it looks compared to when you are writing. I asked them to step outside their comfort zone and to sketch very large, and to please avoid detail because the all the fun will be in painting their flower using the pointillism technique. I found these great little containers (like the ones that ranch dressing comes in at a take out eatery) at a local restaurant supply, they are absolutely perfect for putting a little paint in and easy enough for the kids to navigate on their small desks, plus you can purchase the lids which makes it even more perfect for saving paint for the next class. Using q-tips and dots they filled in their flower drawings with the colors of their choice. Of course you will need to stress "please, resist the urge to paint with the q-tips, dots only!" The outcome will be beautiful and impressive. They are fun to look at closely and at a distance, give it a try.

here comes the sun

2009-05-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

watercolor paper, pencils, sharpies, rulers, pictures of masks,
images of works by paul klee, liquid watercolors, paint brushes

This 2nd grade project focused on using the facial features (from the student directly across from them) in a mask-like style to create a playful, sunny face. The stress was not in realism by any means. Pictures of masks help to give them fresh ideas. The students then used the line to move their drawings into abstraction with a 5-line formula and a ruler. Show images of Paul Klee's work. Armed to paint, I used this opportunity to talk about complimentary colors, they were given instructions to paint each section with a color and to think about placing a complimentary color next to it. It wasn't long before their sunny faces began to warm my heart. You can't help but smile.

she is so beautiful

2009-05-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

Sandro Boticelli's, La nascita di Venere, 1484.

It was raining the day we decided to explore the historical city of Florence, Italy. In her younger days she was quite the mecca of the arts. Many artists would come to her so they could experience her nurturing, passionate embrace. We stood in awe at the end of the day when a familiar drama unfolded before us. The sun was setting and a few rays of light managed to escape the clutches of the clouds, their stretched fingers reached out to touch the sacred Duomo in the center of the city, it was reminiscent of the Michelangelo ceiling in the Sistine Chapel we had just visited in Rome, we were speechless and feeling a moment of private spirituality.

As an art history major, my visit to the Uffizi was undeniably one of the highlights of my trip to Italy. Besides the unforgettable hazelnut, chocolate, Baci (a yummy Italian candy) kissed gelato in Assisi (which is another story), my walk through the Uffizi was my favorite and cherished memory. Though I was with my family entirely throughout the museum, I somehow managed to walk the museum alone which was lovely in itself. One of the paintings that stuck out in my mind was Boticelli's Venus. She is quite the ambassador of beauty as she sits upon the wall in her quiet, stately room. I noticed nothing else. The four walls held four different large paintings but only Venus invited me to linger and stare. There was just one tufted bench to await for your moment when you could have a private viewing with her. Her soft curves and delicate features strike up an imagined love affair the artist must have had with his model. For a moment, I am jealous. I hate to walk away.

portraits

2009-05-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

A culmination of a year's work with pastels, line, contour, charcoal, collage, watercolors and sketching countless still life's ended with a mixed media, portrait project that is out of this world! I had an opportunity to work with some really terrific students who developed their skills all year long to produce a portrait of their own interpretation. I have never felt more excited by the use of color than I have with this project. The revelation of watching each art piece form as each student reached within themselves to discover their own style that is expressive was like walking into the room at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy and seeing the "La nascita di Venere" by Boticelli for the first time. I was enamored with the detailed softness of Venus, she was so lovely and breathtaking, I couldn't stop looking. I absolutely love their portrait pieces and I know you will too!

a calling

2009-05-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

The end of the year is upon me and grades are due. This was my first teaching job as an art teacher, but not the first time teaching art. I have loved every moment and feel as if I mother duck have watched proudly, her little ducklings march away. The year long experience was challenging, exciting, interesting, and most of all, absolutely fun! I have found my calling.

Since childhood I have always known I would be a teacher, a role I often slipped into when I could lure any one into my classroom set up in the garage. Living in a new housing subdivision in Florence, Kentucky, I was in third grade and we were surrounded with pieces of drywall left for me to collect and to use as chalk for my bedroom wall. I would enlist all the dolls and animals in my room to listen to my lectures that I would carefully outline on the walls. After my lecture I would wipe the walls clean with a damp cloth and none would be the wiser. I found out that my theory was completely untrue when my parents discovered the residue, that never really wiped clean, all my notes were revealed in the warm light through the window on my soft, peach painted walls. I had to suffer a slow and painful restriction in my room for at least a week to look at the wall I had regarded as my personal chalkboard.

a little warmth is in the air

2009-05-11T22:41:00.000-07:00

summer classes coming soon!

art haiku

2009-05-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

creative hands work
art and love gently mingles
sigh of happiness