Mar 26

More about Rocks
There are 3 major groups of rocks.

Igneous rock forms through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. This magma can be derived from partial melts of pre-existing rocks in either a planet's mantle or crust. Typically, the melting of rocks is caused by one or more of three processes: an increase in temperature, a decrease in pressure, or a change in composition.

Sedimentary rocks are formed at the earth's surface by the accumulation and cementation of fragments of earlier rocks, minerals, and organisms or as chemical precipitates and organic growths in water. This process causes pieces of rock or organic particles to settle and accumulate, or for minerals to evaporate from a solution. It then undergoes compaction and cementation at moderate temperatures and pressures.

Metamorphic rocks are formed by subjecting any rock type—sedimentary, igneous or another older metamorphic rock—to different temperature and pressure conditions than those in which the original rock was formed. The result is a profound change in physical properties and chemistry of the stone. The temperatures and pressures required for this process are always higher than those found at the Earth's surface.
Wikipedia: Rocks

and -
Marlene K. thought we might be interested in this:
UNEARTHED: Found + Made 

Nick Wilton
From Lois DeC.
Here's a link to the the first nick Wilton tutorial I mentioned last Friday. Very simple and basic but i figure if I use these principles well my work would improve a lot. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with TMI.
How Design can make your Art stronger

Plein Air Festival
Joannie H. invites us to:

Mar 12

Call for Entry

We have a new venue for our spring group show. Goat Hill Pizza on Portrero Hill has a beautiful space just waiting for us to hang our work for 2 months. We have many painters that have shown their work there and have very good things to say about the place.

Where: Goat Hill Pizza, 300 Connecticut St, 94107
When: Hang - end of May, Take down - end of July
Reception: Sunday, Jun 5, refreshments supplied by Goat Hill Pizza

If you are interested in more information, please email me by Friday, Mar 19.
shirley@upbeet.net

Check this out

Our beloved Flax store is a fond memory. I did a painting, a memorial of sorts, that is now on their Facebook page: Flax Storefront



Videos
I was looking for an artist, whose name I have forgotten, and found Ev Hales instead. 
Beach and Rocks, Stage 1 
Beach Scene, Rocks and Figures, Stage 2 
Beach Scene, Rocks and Figures, Stage 3 

Mar 05

Twyla's 20 Questions
On Tuesday, I mentioned reading a book by Twyla Tharp, called The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life. In it were 20 questions that she would answer, for herself, before choreographing her dances. She would refer to it to keep her focused on her original intention.

   "Creativity is an act of defiance. You are challenging the status quo. You are questioning accepted truths and principles. You are asking three universal questions that mock conventional wisdom:
- Why do I have to obey the rules?
- Why can't I be different?
- Why can't I do it my way?
   These are the impulses that guide all creative people whether they admit it or not. Every act of creation is also an act of destrution or abandomment. Something has to be cast aside to make way for the new.
   How to be lucky: Be generous, be prepared, always be working at your craft, be alert, involve your friends in their work, make others feel lucky to be around you, work with the best materials,surround yourself with the best people." Twyla Tharp

I adapted it for my own painting process and do not have her original questions, but here are mine. You might find it interesting to find your own questions.

What do I want to learn?
What kind of mood?
What kind of movement?
What is "attractive" about the image?
How much can I see?
What can I not see?
What time of day?
From what direction is the light coming?
What is the elevation?
What season is it?
What is the weather (temperature, humidity, wind)?
Where is the source (center, beginning) ?
How loud or quiet is it?
Am I looking up, down, across or straight on?
Why am I there?
How big or small is it?
Square, tall or wide?
What color predominates the palette?
What colors support or contrast with it?
Am I imagining it as today or tomorrow or yesterday?
How does it make me feel?

Kathleen Conover
Mary C. send me this link on the Daniel Smith site. 
Spring Thaw

Elizabeth Gilbert
I found this great video on TedTalks:
Your Elusive Creative Genius