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Get Ready to Paint Class. FEBRUARY 6, 11:30-3:30.

RILEY'S ART STORE. San Rafael.

This is for total beginners. An orientation to terms, paint, brushes, surface preparation etc. Presentation and hands-on ez activities. For anyone that would love to paint but is hesitant about getting going. Email me at m@maryvalente.com

for info, questions, to register.

To 'follow' or 'subscribe'? Hmmmmm

"Tipsy after Sake" oil on board

Click to enlarge

Since I sent out the new blog I've had several emails asking the difference a Follower or Subscribing. Those who Follow tend to check favorite sites often (e.g. Facebook, Blogs, My Space etc.) Followers go onto various sites regularly to see what's up.

The Subscriber merely signs-up once, then gets an email when something new is posted on the blog. So - it's boils down to if you'd rather have your food delivered or you want to go shopping :-)

I love these - a gift from a Japanese student who lived with us for almost two years. And they are too cute. They are definitely fun when we are having Japanese food (delivered), enhanced with a little hot or cold Japanese rice wine.

Fuji Apples are My Favorite

"Two Fujis" oil on canvas. 6x6"

click to enlarge

Another small painting. This one seemed to paint itself ~ I just love that. It's so odd - sometimes it takes forever to get a piece the way you want it; then, once in awhile, the brush and paint just take over. So nice when that happens.

Marin Open Studios will be coming up in May. Need to get working on some bigger pieces for that weekend. More info to follow. Hope my ol' students are painting. Remember it's not necessary to complete a 'real' paintings - just practice mixing colors, drawing and painting with your brushes - makes shapes and 'subjects' to get comfortable with materials.

A Little Shy

"A Little Shy" oil on board 6x6.

Painted this little guy in a workshop - 2010. The vase is one of my favorites. It was in a basket at a pottery show - as 'less than perfect'. Like the runt of the litter I couldn't resist it. It's tiny - looks sweet with a couple little pansies in it.

Thought I'd the class schedule; last time I had folks say they wished they'd known about it - so let's make sure all do! :-)

FEBRUARY 6, 11:30-3:30. RILEY'S ART STORE. San Rafael.

Tell your friends. I'll be teaching "Get Ready To Paint" This is for total beginners. An orientation to terms, paint, brushes, surface preparation etc. Presentation and hands-on ez activities. For anyone that would love to paint but is hesitant about getting going.

FEBRUARY 12, 10:00 -3:00 TAM HIGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Same class as above. Register at their site.

https://marinlearn.augusoft.net//index.cfmmethod=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=25539&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=29

Tell your pals! "Get Ready..." has been really well received. There are so many people who want to get in touch with their creative side; folks want to paint but are "shy" about jumping in - worry about feeling intimidated or making mistakes. Can't make any mistakes in this class! It's all about learning brushes, color mixing etc.

Two Things Today

Two Tangerines - oil on board. 6x6

These are point/shoot, so not great; oops I cut a bit of edge. Sorry about that.

Hey all, two things today:

Paintings. 6x6 paintings . Painters always are learning - not matter how long they've been at it. I think it's typical - you feel you need to 'perfect' your brush stroke, color sense, composition. Whether you paint abstract or traditional -you need to build the same skills.

These small pieces allow me to hone those skills. Most are on artisan board; a few on canvases. Usually traditional but sometimes I'll play with abstract. I'll post a few over a few weeks.

Classes. FEBRUARY 6, 11:30-3:30. RILEY'S ART STORE. San Rafael.

Tell your friends. I'll be teaching "Get Ready To Paint" This is for total beginners. An orientation to terms, paint, brushes, surface preparation etc. Presentation and hands-on ez activities. For anyone that would love to paint but is hesitant about getting going.

FEBRUARY 12, 10:00 -3:00 TAM HIGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Same class as above. Register at their site.

https://marinlearn.augusoft.net//index.cfmmethod=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=25539&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=29

Tell your pals! "Get Ready..." has been really well received. There are so many people who want to get in touch with their creative side; folks want to paint but are "shy" about jumping in - worry about feeling intimidated or making mistakes. Can't make any mistakes in this class! It's all about learning brushes, color mixing etc.

NEW CLASS: Working on new class - should be ready in next month or so. New class should be ready in a couple weeks then I see if I can get it into the schools.