Internet friends are the best!

This video is for my dear friend Alyice. She sent Logan and I a surprise package in the mail. Inside were two GORGEOUS handmade vases and some great crochet potholders. It was such a beautiful gesture and made us feel so special...we wanted to share it with you and say thank you to Alyice.

Everyday I am blown away by all the fabulous friends that I meet on the Internet from all over the world. It's just like gathering with your friends on the front porch and sharing a tall glass of sweet ice tea. So cozy. Many of these friends are so generous with their time, love and support that you would never know they are hundreds of miles away. They mean so much to me. And even though I've never met them in person, I know if I needed them...they would drop everything and be my side. You guys are the best and I'm so privileged and blessed to have you in my life.

Thank you for sharing your friendship with me...and thank you Alyice who surprised us with these heartwarming gifts and made our day a zillion times brighter.

Love,
WyannePin It

should you stay or should you go?

How do you like the new painting? It's called, "Should You Stay or Should You Go". It's part of a new body of work for a gallery show December 5th. I'm very excited about this solo show!

"Should You Stay or Should You Go" has been on my mind a lot lately. It all started with my studio building being put up for sale by my landgoddess (aka landlord). You see, landgoddess and I have become very good friends over the past year. The opportunity arose for me to possibly end my lease early, and move out of my studio. I debated on this for a long time. The rent although affordable, was taking away from my family's nest egg. And I discovered after a year that I didn't like having a big studio to myself. It's lonely. Wine Husband tried to come and work with me at the studio...but his cell phone goes off way too much with wine business stuff...and I found it very distracting, even on vibrate. So...I sent him home to work instead. So, here I am... in this drop dead gorgeous studio, with every possible art supply you could imagine...and what was happening...I couldn't make art! How strange is that! Either I wasn't inspired...couldn't find things because I have way too much stuff...or was too busy with the business and marketing side of art to make the rent every month....that I didn't have the time to create. A big bummer.

I was worried that if I gave up the studio...everyone would see me as a failure. I also didn't want to go home to work, for fear I would loose my motivation and sit around in my jammies all day watching Oprah...or playing on the Internet. So, every day was...."Should I stay...or should I go". And then to make things worse, everyone in my family seemed more attached to the studio than me. My kids have a place to hang out and create...we even had my daughter's birthday party there. And Wine Husband has created a paradise in the outside courtyard. How could I leave it?

Well, the answer finally came, while filming the guest artists for my Art Play class. While video taping the guest artists for the class...I learned how important it is for me to surround myself with other artists. The creative energy that transpires when artists let their guard down and share with each other is really powerful stuff. It helped me make up my mind. I needed that in my life...and it was just down the street. When I first visited this Island, I went to an artist co-op called The Blue Door Artists. I was blown away with the quality of the work years ago...and it was one of the reasons that I decided to move here. But, for some unknown reason...I never pursued getting a space there. I guess I thought I might not fit in. Or worse...I wasn't good enough. Oh, why oh why...do we do that to ourselves.? We all know better!

I made up my mind to move my studio down the street to the Blue Door Artists. It was a big decision. Then once I made up my mind...you know what...there were no spaces open for artists. But, a very good friend and fantastic artist...opened her studio to me. She has been in it for over 5 years...and she was willing to downsize and share the space with me. Isn't that incredible. I think it's one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. Her name is Casey Matthews and she paints the most inspiring abstract paintings I have ever seen! I hope you will check out her stuff. She has a blog too. Here's one of her large abstracts that she started in the Art Play class.

I am so excited about the possibilities at the new studio. To be surrounded with such creativity and inspiration is going to be a daily blessing. I am hoping to make it all happen by November 1st. Originally, someone wanted to rent my studio Nov. 1st, but they have since fallen through. So, I'm hoping someone will come along and take over my big gorgeous studio, and I will move to the cozy little (be looking for a huge art supply sale soon) creative spot down the street. I know it's where I need to be.

Love,
WyannePin It

happy birthday Stephanie...

"The Coffee Thief"
18" x 24" mixed media on canvas

May 2008

Wyanne,

Stephanie's birthday is 9/21

You can be wisked away into the world of creativity w/ redheads, cats, pandas, dogs,coffee or whatever your artistic mind can muster.

I'm off to steal a bit of her coffee.... David


Happy Birthday Stephanie,
I have to say...it's most unusual for me to get a commissioned painting from a guy. Now...I must say that David no ordinary guy...but I'm sure you know that already. After months of exchanging emails...I finally finished your painting. David and I started this process in May...yes...he was already thinking about your birthday...way back then. It took a long time because David wanted me to take my time and create one "bad ass painting" (his exact words....) Well, I think we succeeded. I hope you agree. Over the past months, I've learned all about your pets, banjo the blind puppy dog, lunchbox the cat, the vicious squirrel who robbed poor banjo of his sight, the little bird that you used to have like mine, and even your "Welcome Back Kotter" lunchbox. I tried to put them all in the painting for you. David even picked out the music for the video. In the end...I added the little magic wand in her hand...because you have certainly cast a spell over him.

Have a wonderful birthday, my dear.

♥Love,
Wyanne

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leaving...on a jet plane....

I'm very excited to announce that I will be teaching at the 2009 ZNE ConvenZioNE in Pleasanton, California. The dates are 4/29 - 5/4. The class is a simplified version of my Mixed Media with the Girls. I can't wait! I love California, and haven't been in 3 or 4 years! Are you going to be there?

If you can't be there...I'm still teaching the more advanced online class, "Mixed Media with the Girls" and it starts the week of Sept. 29th. You can get more information and register online here.

Love,
Wyanne

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natural talent.....

Where in the world did we get the idea that making art was difficult...only reserved for a select few who had been blessed with "natural talent". I can remember growing up and having people say, I was born with the talent...it was in my "genes". As an adolescent...I guess that was comforting and somewhat empowering to have a "talent", especially one they made seem so rare. But, as I grew up, art became more and more difficult. Why? Because I made it hard. I forgot the most important part...playing and experimenting. I kept thinking that my art had to look like someone else's, or had to be in a certain gallery to truly be considered good. A first attempt at a painting had to magically formulate itself into a masterpiece. I was doomed before I even got started.

Now, I realize that "natural talent" has to do with letting what comes naturally to me simply translate itself into my art. It shouldn't be hard, it shouldn't be a struggle...just going with the natural flow of things. That's not easy...because as adults are brains get so clogged up with self sabotaging ideas. I wish we could remember ourselves as kindergartners and just free fall right into our art. No expectations, no negative thoughts, just playing, experimenting and loving every minute of it. Now, that's natural talent.

I created my Art Play class with this in mind. The 1st session completed and the 2nd session is beginning today. (Yes, you can still register and join the class ♥) It was a fast and furious look into a lot of art techniques. There was no start to finish painting demonstrated. We just broke things down and discovered how to play and experiment with our art again. I was very blessed to have excellent guest artists, who shared their expertise of playing with us.

It was so wonderful to see my student's work, and see them blossom.

Here is a painting that one of my students from Australia did.


She wrote, "I have learnt more in 4 weeks than in years. Getting these videos is like going to the sweet shop... yummm ! I have enjoyed being able to learn and try things at my convenience rather than race around to a class somewhere.

I also did not know a DVD was on it's way. You are so generous with your knowledge and time.

Love Karen"

I am just blown away from the love and gratitude. It is a tremendous feeling that I cannot even begin to explain. Wine Husband, the guru of wine...always talks about how he tries to demystify wine to his clients and consumers. "It's just grape juice", he says. That was the same thing that I wanted to achieve with the Art Play class...demystifying art...learning to play and create again...not worrying...not stressing...finding our own unique natural talent. We all have it. We just forget we do.

Love,
Wyanne

PS. The Art Play class started today, but you can join in this week and not fall behind. More info here.Pin It

the girls rule....

I've been getting a lot of questions about the Mixed Media With the Girls class. So, I thought I'd try to answer them now. Yes, the class is step by step. You will leave the class with at least one, if not more, finished paintings. Every Monday, I will post a new high definition video...not YouTube quality. When you have a chance, you'll be able to log in and view the video on your own time. And you can go back and watch it, as much as you want.

In the video, I will be showing a watercolor painting on Ampersand Aquabord, an acrylic painting on canvas, and an acrylic painting with watercolor paper doll girl. So, there are three paintings that I will be working on each week. You choose which painting medium you would like to try, or you can try all three! The paintings will all be different. So you will have a wide variety of techniques that you can learn.

If you have a problem, get stuck, or just want to share your girlies...you'll be able to log onto our private blog and post messages. I check the blog quite often and will be able to get a response out to you quick!




As far as the supplies....Here's a list:

Supply List: these are the necessary items to complete a painting
pencil
scrap paper
watercolor or acrylic paint
watercolor paper or Ampersand Aquabord or canvas (wood is okay too)
brushes (there are no "special" ones, just what you have & feel comfortable with)
Golden Gel Medium or Mod Podge
various collage papers or phone book, maps, old books, anything

Nice to Have Supply List

watercolor crayons, watercolor pencils or water soluble oil pastels
black technical pen like Copic Multiliner or Sakura Pigma Micron Pen under 1mm
natural beeswax or finishing varnish of your choice

Totally Up to Your Style List

glitter
iridescent paint
collage elements (unique things you might want to add to the painting)
rubber stamps
wax paper
saran wrap
salt

It's going to be a really fun class. I am so excited about it, and your response has been tremendous. Thank you so much. The class starts Sept. 29th, and you can still register. The class lasts 6 weeks, and is totally on your schedule. If you have any other questions...just shoot me an email.

Love,
WyannePin It

mixed media with the girls...

Okay...I listened. You want to know how to make your own cute girlies and divas in mixed media and collage. A step by step, start to finish class - Mixed Media With the Girls. It's here...it start's Sept. 29th. You can register at wyanne.com! I think you'll love it. There's other classes too...so be sure to check those out too.

Back to work in the studio. It's gorgeous here..but oh so hot....

Love,
WyannePin It