Illumination Night, December 12, 2014

This December Art Hop is special. We’re calling it Illumination Night, and are celebrating the holidays with lights, stars, luminaries, and all things bright and sparkly.

Please join us on December 12th from 5-8pm. Come, regardless of the weather and the cold. We will have lights aplenty to help you find your way around, and the good cheer will keep you warm when you get here.

To find out more, visit:
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/illumination-night-december-12/

2015 Wall Calendars

Just in time for holiday gift-giving: wall calendars!

Each month features one of my artworks on the top half and the calendar grid below. The artwork has all been done this year, and probably two of the pieces are so new that this may be the first time you are seeing them.

The calendars are printed in full color on a nice heavy glossy stock, with a wire binding. Closed, they are 8.5 x 11 inches. Open, 11 x 17. Standard wall calendar size, really.

Priced at $15 (plus tax and shipping, if needed). I have only a very limited quantity and don’t plan to list them in my Etsy shop – SOOO, if you want one, stop in my studio to pick one up or call/email me to reserve one. Sooner is better to be sure you get what you want. At this price, they make great gifts for office mates, anyone interested in art, or the hard-to-shop-for folks on your list.

Oh – and the best part? They’re signed!

 

   

Looking for a creative gift?

As we head into the holiday season, I would be honored if you would consider giving my artwork as gifts to your friends and family. The trend in gift giving is for unique, handmade items, which are perfect those hard-to-shop-for folks who seem to have everything. Stop by the studio and let's see what we can find to:

• Liven up a nook with a colorful painting
• Brighten up an outfit with a handpainted scarf
• Cheer up someone's mailbox with a one-of-a-kind greeting card

And don't forget yourself - sometimes, the best gifts are the ones we give ourselves!

Gift Certificates
Not sure what to choose? Try a gift certificate. They are good for artwork, scarves, art classes, and private lessons, and they never expire. Available in any amount: from $5, perfect for stocking stuffers, to, well, any other amount you want.

Gift certificates are also available online in my Etsy shop. They can be used toward purchases from my Etsy shop or in person at my studio in Hudson, Ohio. If you don't see the amount you need, just let me know and I'll set up a custom listing for you.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lifeneedsart?section_id=16403852

Art On Sale 
Today through December 1st, selected art will be 25% off!

Visit my studio in person at 220 N. Main St., 2nd Floor, Hudson, Ohio 44236.

Black and White Exhibit

I’m pleased to announce that my collage, “Tredecim”, has been accepted into the “Black and White” exhibit!

The exhibit runs November 29 – December 31 at the BOX Gallery at Summit ArtSpace in Akron.

Opening reception is Saturday, November 29, 5-9pm.

"Tredecim" is...

Art Classes for November and December 2014

The year is winding down and I know we are all getting busy, but taking the time for a colorful and creative art class will make all the difference!

My classes are “drop-ins”, meaning you can one time or every week. It’s up to you! We’ll do something different every time. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’re sure to learn something.

The cost includes supplies, but bring an apron or a smock. You are welcome to bring your own supplies just remember we’re on the 2nd floor. I also offer gift certificates which can be used toward classes or artwork. Consider getting gift certificates for your friends and family.

All classes are offered at my studio: Life Needs Art, 220 N. Main St., 2nd floor, Hudson, Ohio 44236.

Get details and sign up at: http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/art-classes-for-november-and-december-2014/

Expressive Acrylic Painting (abstract, experimental): Fridays, 10am-noon
Unleash your inner artist and create free, expressive paintings. Learn about color mixing and good design as well as fun and expressive techniques to liven up your paintings.

Acrylic Painting for Beginners: Fridays, 2:00-4:00 pm
A good foundation class for someone just learning to paint or who has basic painting skills. You’ll learn about acrylic paints, color, brushstrokes, light and shadow, composition, and pick up some painting confidence along the way.

Art JournalingArt Journaling: Thursdays, 1:00-3:00 pm
Journaling can relieve stress, clarify thinking, and increase creativity! Learn prompts to get you going, as well as tips and techniques to start – or spice up – a journal. Art journaling is a mix of keeping a diary, scrapbook, and sketchbook. It’s unique and personal and very rewarding.

Monoprinting: Wednesdays, 7:00pm
Quick, colorful, and fun – that’s monoprinting! Use a gelatin printing plate – yes, GELATIN – along with simple household items to create prints that are painterly and free. Frame the artistic prints and hang them on your wall. Or use the results to make greeting cards or collages.

Collage pARTy: Saturdays, 3:00-5:00 pm
Explore the joys of mixed media art as we cut, paste, and glue to your heart’s content! Collage is an enjoyable way to make art that can lead to fascinating results.

Studio Newsletter

Hello!

I’d love to have you sign up for my studio newsletter.

It is sent infrequently – once or twice a month – to keep you up to date on the latest goings-on in the studio, new artwork, art class schedules, and events.

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1st Anniversary Party, Nov. 14-15, 2014

A full year as a full-time artist! Goodness, time has flown! It’s been truly the experience of a lifetime, and I have been grateful for every minute of it. I’m excited to see what the next year holds, too.

A first anniversary calls for a celebration. Dana and I would love to have you come celebrate with us; after all, we couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement from family, friends, collectors, and the community. YOU have played a huge part in this little adventure.

Please join us on:

Friday, November 14, 5-8pm (during the Art Hop)
Saturday, November 15, noon – 5pm

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/1st-anniversary-party-nov-14-15-2014/

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, Regional Juried Art Show

The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center’s 30th Annual Regional Juried Art Show ran October 7 – November 7, 2014. It featured a wide variety of artwork by artists from around Northeast Ohio.

My collages, “New Orleans” and “Early Spring”, were included in the exhibit.

Women’s Art League of Akron Fall Show, October 2014

Women’s Art League of Akron held their annual Fall members show during October. The theme was “The Beauty Of Fall”.

I was pleased to learn that my collage, "Garden Path", won 3rd place!

The show ran October 1-October 31,2014.

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/womens-art-league-of-akron-fall-show-october-2014/

Farmers Market Exhibit, August 28-October 27

Only one more week to catch the "Farmers Market" exhibit at the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation Gallery. The exhibit features 36 original artwork inspired by farmers markets - still lifes of fruits and vegetables, landscapes of pumpkin patches, portraits of vendors - all very bright and cheery art.

For details, visit 
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/farmers-markets-august-28-october-27/

Akron Art Prize, Sept 6-Oct 4

I’m delighted that my collage, “Ghost Ranch”, will be part of the Akron Art Prize competition!

“Ghost Ranch” is a collage I made earlier this year. To see photos of how it came together, go to Ghost Ranch.

Akron Arts Prize is an exciting exhibit for this area, and a bit different than exhibits you’ll typically see here.

The show is a people’s choice type award, meaning that visitors to the show vote on the artworks they like. The artwork with the most votes, wins.

And it’s a serious competition: more than 160 entries in painting, sculpture, glass, ceramic, and lots of other media.

The winner takes home $5,000; runners up get $1,000.
Entries are displayed at locations around Akron:

• Zeber-Martell Studio (43 Furnace St.)
• Akron Glass Works (106 N. Main St.)
• The Nightlight (30 N. High St.)
• Palladian Palette (30 N. High St.)
• Summit Artspace Gallery (140 E. Market St.)

To vote, visit one of the locations or download the Akron Art Prize smartphone app.

Voting begins September 6 and continues until the awards ceremony on October 4. If you’re in the area, please take a few minutes to explore the entries and vote for your favorite.

Find out more here: http://www.facebook.com/akronartprize

Art Break Day, September 5

Now here’s something that sounds like a lot of fun: Art Break Day!

What’s an Art Break Day? Exactly what it sounds like: it’s a day where people everywhere are encouraged to take a few minutes and do something creative.

I’m all for that.

To help with that, I am offering my studio as a location for anyone to do just that. If the weather cooperates, I’ll have a table set up outside the studio with supplies and other fun stuff for you to play with.

Oh – and it’s free!

Why? Because everyone should have a chance to make art. It’s part of who we are.

Me and my supplies will be ready and waiting from 9am-6pm (220 N. Main Street, Hudson, OH 44236).

Stop by and say hi, and dabble in something colorful.

To learn more about Art Break Day and the people who organize it, visit http://www.artbreakday.com/ .
And, connect with the event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ARTbreakday

See you then!

Fall Art Classes

You know me. I believe that everyone is creative and can enjoy making art. Whether you’ve never picked up a paintbrush before or you are an experienced artist, you’re sure to learn something from these classes.

The fall schedule of classes is below. They begin the first week of September, with the exception of Expressive Painting. That one begins September 12.

Drop in once or come every week. It’s up to you! We’ll do something different every time.

If you have favorite supplies, feel free to bring them (just remember we’re on the 2nd floor!). Otherwise, the cost includes supplies.

Be sure to wear old clothes or bring an apron or smock.

These classes fill up quickly! Reserve your spot online at http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/fall-art-classes/ or call 216-789-2751!

Gift certificates available and are good for classes.


Collage pARTy
Saturdays, 3-5pm – begins
September 6
Explore the joys of mixed media art as we cut, paste, and glue to your heart’s content! Collage is an enjoyable way to make art that can lead to fascinating results.
Cost: $15


Expressive Painting
Fridays, 2-4pm – begins September 12
Unleash your inner artist and create free, expressive paintings. Learn about color mixing and good design so that you can be proud to hang your paintings on the wall!
Cost: $35


Intro to Art Journaling
Thursdays, 1-3pm – begins September 4
Journaling can relieve stress, clarify thinking, and increase creativity! Learn prompts to get you going, as well as tips and techniques to start – or spice up – a journal.
Cost: $15


Monoprinting with a Jelly Plate
Wednesdays, 7-9pm – begins September 3
Quick, colorful, and fun – that’s monoprinting! Use a gelatin printing plate – yes, GELATIN – along with simple household items to create prints that are painterly and free. Frame the artistic prints and hang them on your wall. Or use the results to make greeting cards or collages.
Cost: $35

Art on the Green, August 23-24

Art on the Green in Hudson will be held August 23-24, 2014. With more than 150 artists, this show has lots to offer!

You will be able to find me in Space 14, right near the intersection of Rt. 303 and Rt. 91 Space 92 near the food court.

For maps and details, visit:
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/art-on-the-green-august-23-24/

or
http://hudsonsocietyofartists.com/artonthegreen.html

Print Show at Peninsula Art Academy

If you’re up for something different, Peninsula Art Academy is hosting a print show. You’ll see monoprints, etchings, woodcuts, and plenty of others from local artists. That, plus...
http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/print-show-at-peninsula-art-academy/

Artists of Rubber City 24th Annual Juried Show

I have been surprised and delighted to learn that all 3 of the artworks I submitted to the Artists of Rubber City 24th Annual Juried Show have been accepted!

The show runs July 11 – August 23, 2014, with an opening reception on Friday, July 11th, from 5-8pm. The show will be on display at the BOX Gallery at Summit ArtSpace, 140 E. Market Street in Akron.

My three entries are >>

Introducing: 2nd Friday Art Hops in Hudson

If you haven’t been to Hudson in a while, you might be surprised at how much art is happening here. Artists, studios, and galleries are sprinkled all around town. Who knew?

Luckily, we are teaming up to kick off a regular monthly event for art lovers with 2nd Friday Art Hops.

Our inaugural event will be Friday, July 11, from 5-8 pm. Other dates in 2014 are:

August 8
September 12
October 10
November 14
December 12

Many venues — all working studios or art galleries — will be open. Get more info and a map at http://www.hudsonarthop.com/

Early Spring, a collage

So I realize we’re a bit past spring at this point, but that’s ok. “Early Spring” is a collage I did…in early spring…but just realized that I hadn’t posted it. This collage was also early in a new style that has been evolving over the past few months. The first layer is old dictionary pages...
Read about Early Spring, a collage

National Collage Society 17th Annual Postcard Show

The National Collage Society’s annual Postcard Show is being held online this year to give everyone the opportunity to view the exhibit. The artwork is all collage (containing elements that are glued on) and all postcard-sized: 4×6 inches.

Exhibit Dates: June 2 – December 31, 2014

You can view the show at this link:
http://www.nationalcollage.com/2014postcardshow/show.html

 My entry, “As She Grows”, >>>

Sunset

“Sunset” is a large, cheerful, brightly colored abstract painting. It reminds me of a sunset, but others have had different interpretations. I always enjoy hearing what others think of my paintings.

Title: Sunset
Media: Acrylic paint and ink
Size: 24 x 24 inches, on 1-1/2-inch deep gallery-wrapped canvas

http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/sunset/

Summer Fun, a small abstract painting

A hot summer day, the flowers creating a riot of heat and color. That’s this painting.

This painting is painted with acrylic paints and inks on paper, which is then mounted on a 1-1/2 inch deep gallery wrapped canvas. The edges are painted black.

See more>> http://www.lifeneedsart.com/gallery/summer-fun/

BAYarts Art & Music Festival, June 14

Welcome summer with a visit to one of the first art fairs of the season!

I’ll be exhibiting at the:
BAYarts Art & Music Festival
June 14, 2014

For details >> http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/bayarts-art-music-festival-june-14/

Colors and Cocktails

Thursday, June 12
7-9 pm.

Come for an evening of fun and art. Go home with not one – but TWO! – completed artworks: one to wear and one to display. This evening you will make a colorful pair of chain maille earrings and a unique mixed media collage.

No painting or jewelry skills needed!

Our artists, Karen and Dana, will guide you step-by-step through each project and help you along the way.

The event will be held in the artists’ studios at 220 N. Main St., Hudson, OH (upstairs, above My Little Red Wagon Toy Store).

Pre-registration is recommended to reserve a space (or two). There is a limit of 10 people.

We provide the supplies and soft drinks. You are welcome to bring stronger beverages if you wish.

$46 per person or $80 for 2 people.

To register >> http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/colors-and-cocktails/

An Exploration of Portals, April 1-May 28, 2014

An Exploration of Portals
Original artwork by Jan Noden and Karen Koch
April 1 – May 28, 2014

On display at The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation
10 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, OH 44236

Meet-the-Artists Reception: Thursday, April 10, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

 Why portals? Here's the story >>

Ghost Ranch, a collage

Ghost Ranch is a collage made with acrylic paint, painted papers, found papers, and printed images.

24 x 24 inches
1.5 inch deep gallery-wrapped canvas

The image started as a winter landscape. I painted...

Get the story and pictures of the work as it evolved >>

Hudson Society of Artists Members Exhibit, March 2014

The Hudson Society of Artists is having its annual members exhibit, March 1-29. The society is an active group of approximately 100 members in the Northeast Ohio area. The members exhibit is always an interesting mix of art: representational and abstract, watercolor and acrylic, oil and collage.

I’m pleased to learn that my collage, “Memories of Unanswered Questions”, took a merit award. More >>>

Ohio Collage Society, Member Show, March 2014

The Ohio Collage Society is hosting its 8th annual exhibit, which features about 40 artworks by members of the society. These collage shows are always...

Read the story>>>

Nature and Nostalgia, March 2014

“Nature and Nostalgia” is an exhibit of my artwork that has been influenced by two of my biggest sources of inspiration: my love of nature and memories of days gone by. It’s an interesting mix of artwork – both paintings and collages – some...

Get the details>>>

Girls Night Out, Feb. 28, 2014

Getting a little stir crazy after all this…weather? Yeah, got that.

So let’s warm things up with a girls night out! How about a night of fun and shopping, food and laughs?

On Friday, February 28, the Solon Center for the Arts will transform itself into a boutique showcasing local artists...

Read more...

February 15: Make a Mini Watercolor Paint Box

Learn how to make a tiny palette box for your watercolor paints that can fit into your pocket or purse.

Perfect for traveling or sketching on the go.

Saturday, February 15
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Registration: $25

Details: http://www.lifeneedsart.com/events/february-15-make-a-mini-watercolor-paint-box/

Frost Birds

Now, here are Frost Birds as I'd envisioned them in my photo session during the Polar Vortex.

The abstract
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Polar Vortex 2

Another painting inspired by the Polar Vortex of 2014. (I can't help it. I love the name!)

Again, trees backlit by
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Polar Vortex 1

The Polar Vortex in early January 2014 provided plenty of inspiration for a series of paintings. During the inclement
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So What Do You Do With A Polar Vortex?

So what do you do when the temperature drops to a negative double digits? You can't go outside because your parts might
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Art Sampler Day, January 25

Saturday, January 25 is our first open studio class day! Dana (Bellabor Art Jewelry) and I are teaming up with 2 other studios in town to offer art classes all day long. I’m excited about this and am looking forward to working with both Shannon Casey and Mary Kay Haneline.

Classes begin at 10, noon, 2pm, and 4pm and run about an hour. The classes will be held right in each of our studios! 

Our studios are small, so class sizes are limited. I’d encourage you to pre-register to be sure you get the class you want. Go here to register: http://www.artstudioinhudson.com/contact-us/

Read more ...

Hillside

A brisk abstract painting with a landscape influence, it feels much like an unruly hillside with the sun coming up

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Foggy Bridge #2

I thoroughly enjoyed painting the first Foggy Bridge painting, and wanted to explore the subject further.

This

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Foggy Bridge, Small

Several years ago, I visited California and spent time in San Francisco and the Napa Valley.

While driving into the

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52 Weeks 52 Works Calendar

If you're still looking for the perfect calendar for 2014, allow me to recommend the "52 Weeks 52 Works" desk calendar

Read more ...