So, I got all choked up today. Over this hat. Why, you ask? Here is why. This hat drawing is by Keryth. It was a sketchbook assignment. She took her time and took the assignment to a new level. The assignment was simply to draw a hat. And did she ever! I'm so proud of her skills, her drive, her excellence, her motivation, her craftsmanship, and more. She is 17 and will soon head to college. I feel privileged to have seen her grow throughout the last several years. This is what my younger kids can look forward to achieving, if they want to. The shadows, down to the shadows on the rivets, make this come to life. Light and dark, hard and soft. That is the key. A great way to end my work week!!

This is so cool! It's a giant printing screen!

We celebrated FOUR birthdays yesterday!! River, Logan, Sarah and Aidan. Happy birthday kids!!!

MORNING MUSINGS: Some of the kids in my Friday Drawing class wanted to ask questions and talk about the recent school shooting. Fair enough. But here is how I feel about that. Generally I keep any type of political and religious discussion out of the Art classroom, period. I know my kids' parents and the political / religious stance most of the parents hold. So if a child starts bashing President Trump for example, or President Obama, or Mrs. Clinton, I know the kids whose parents support the person being trashed will feel awkward and weird, and I'm not having that. Yesterday I allowed the kids to share their opinions about the school shooting and whether or not they felt teachers should be allowed to carry guns, which is the question one of the students asked. But I prefaced the discussion with, "Whatever you say, say it respectfully or don't say it at all. " The conversation was brief, appropriate and then we all moved on. :) i support the kids' right to voice their opinions if it's done in a mature, respectful manner. And I never share my own view points. (well, except for in my Advanced teen class. :) They know who I voted for but that's about it)

LOL If you ask me what date a class/ contest/ event /field trip / birthday/ deadline what ever is, and you get a blank stare... it's only b/c if I'm not looking at my calendar I have no clue!! I keep track (on my calendar) of sketchbook assignments, class projects, kids' birthdays, football games, dances, school events, Artsonia, parent emails, kids' emails, class questions, Art questions, stuff I need to print for kids' classes, supplies I need to buy, current classes, future classes, past classes, to-do lists for my helpers, all website stuff for TWO websites, advertising, Art show stuff, make up days for kids who have been sick, checking on kid who are out sick, taxes, insurance, cleaning the WS, the toilet, the bathroom, the germs, the trash, spraying for bugs schedule..... and more... and that's only for work. :) I just think it's funny- the blank stare is for a reason so thank you for understanding!! :)

PLAN AHEAD... The Thursday Art 3 class for FALL only has 4 openings at this time. Just sayin'. (Sept - Oct)

To all of my kids who are doing the Tree umph thing today, have a great time and post pictures!! To those coming to Art, get ready to paint!! :) See you soon...

CALL FOR ART!!! Any of my Thursday, Friday or Saturday Art students who want to submit ONE art work for the March Uptown Art Gallery exhibit: you need to have your work to me no later than TOMORROW (Sat.) 2D work should be framed with a sturdy wire on the back. I'm also accepting CLAY PIECES. All work must have a tag on the back with mine and the student's name on it. WORKSHOP HOURS FOR DROP OFF ARE: Today from 11- 3 Tomorrow (Sat) from 1- 3.

ART EDUCATION. Art. Education. Teaching about Art. Teacher qualification: a BFA in Art Education, minimally. Um, not everyone who can draw can TEACH. Watch out for this!!! Private schools are full of people who have oh, say, a business degree but took the certification test to be a subject teacher and now teaches KIDS.. that doesn't fly with me. But, whatever. Back to the point.... When you take a class with me, you will LEARN about Art- materials, technique, artists, elements and principles... light, shadow, perspective.... etc. Oh, and not everything you or your child will do will be amazing. But, it's the PROCESS that counts. It's the trying, the failing, the learning from mistakes, and the trying AGAIN. I often hear people say, "There are no mistakes in Art." Um, yes there are. Don't tell your kids that!! lol You need to make mistakes in order to learn from them!!! That is a life lesson. Want a REAL Art Education for your child? Sign up for one of my sessions. Real Art. Real Education. Real ART EDUCATION. I stand up for it. Yes, I do. And yes, you can. :) Have a great day!! http://www.treeoflifecreativeartworkshop.com/art-class-schedule-2018.php

SIGN UP NOW FOR: The March - May session, Oil Painting class, and Screen printing!! SIGN UP SOON FOR: Summer Art Camps!! :) See website or email me for details. www.treeoflifecreativeartworkshop.com

Good Friday morning!!! Get ready for the next 8 week session!! Current openings are: Monday Art 1: 6 Monday Drawing 1: 6 Tuesday Art Start: 2 Wed. Art 2: 3 Wed. Drawing 2: 8 Thursday Art 3: full, pending payments Thursday Drawing 3: 4 Friday Art 4: 6 Friday Drawing 4: 4 Sat Advanced Art for teens: 3 PM me for details!

Oil Painting class in march- only 4 spots left!!! March 6, 13 and 20, 10am -noon, $45. Message me to sign up! Subject: realism.