Barbara Goodsitt's Art Journal

North American Car Show-2012

2012-01-25T06:45:00.000-08:00

Artistically Painted Smart Car

An annual tradition in our family has been to atttend the North American Car Show held at Cobo Hall in Detroit every January. My husband, who has engineering in his background, and son are enthusiastic car buffs. This year our son started working for Ford! We enjoyed comparing all the new cars with him. However, my favorite part of the car show is our excursion to Greektown for lunch!

The most artistic element in the show is pictured above: a Smart Car that was painted by Billy the Artist.

Futuristic

Beautiful Protoype

February 11th - AAWA 60th Anniversary Gala

2012-01-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

Art by Barbara Goodsitt

Ann Arbor Women Artists (and a few good men) is the largest arts organization in Washtenaw County. I have enjoyed being an active member for several years. This group has been a great resource for artists in our community. We have several local venues where members can exhibit & sell their artwork. AAWA also offers a series of free lectures in our educational speakers program, as well as many art workshops led by nationally known artists. AAWA was started 60 years ago, and this year we are celebrating our anniversary with a Gala Event: a Venetian Masked Ball. This event is open to the public. We will be honoring several important local arts professionals and there will be live music, food and a cash bar! It is reasonably priced at $10 per ticket, so please join us at Washtenaw Community College on February 11th for a great evening.

Arizona

2011-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

At Biosphere 2

We just returned from a lovely trip to Tucson, Arizona where we visited our daughter, a college English instructor, and her husband who is stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB.

One week of sunny blue Arizona skies was a great break from our gray Michigan winter! There are so many wonderful things to see, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and Biosphere2, "where science lives"! We enjoyed a great tour and I highly recommend the trip.

Disturbed Prairie Dog
ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

Sonora Desert Museum
ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

I recently completed a composite pet portrait for my outstanding pet sitter Bobbie Mann who owns Lit'l One Pet Sitting & Dog walking. She is a wonderful person who takes great care of our pets when we are gone. She is the proud owner of SEVEN Havanese! They are so cute and wonderful companions.

Happy Holidays 2011

2011-12-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

ⓒBarbara Goodsitt

May your life be blessed with much affection, beauty, balance, harmony, optimism, trust and understanding in the coming year.

AAWA 60th Anniversary Juried Exhibition

2011-12-05T07:38:00.001-08:00

GOLDEN PEARS
ⓒBarbara Goodsitt

I hope you can come to the

Ann Arbor Women Artists 60th Anniversary Juried Exhibition

December 15, 2011 ~ January 3 2012 at the Pierre Paul Gallery.

Artist's Opening Reception

Thursday, December 15 6 PM- 9 PM.

http://www.pierrepaulartgallery.com/

Benefits of Participating in Creative Arts

2011-11-28T08:00:00.001-08:00

I wanted to share some of the work my WCC students are doing this session. It is exciting to see how each person explores art in their own way. These students come from diverse backgrounds. Many people discover a talent they did not know that they possesed. Some of my students studied art many years ago, but left it behind to pursue a more lucrative career or raise a family. People who participate in creative arts benefit both emotionally and physically.

You can be creative with visual arts, music, dancing, cooking, and the list goes on... I hope you all find a way to add creativity to the things you do. Life is good!

Mandala

2011-11-15T06:38:00.000-08:00

Peace & Happiness

One of the exercises I give my class is to design a personal mandala. I urge them to work spontaneously, letting their subconscious guide their design and color choices.
Drawing and painting mandalas can help you to harmonize your harsh emotions, ease your pain, regain your trust in yourself and believe in your life again. As one who absorbs thoughts and feelings from others, I find creating a mandala as a way of becoming empowered with my own values and common sense.

We also incorporate some color blending techniques into the piece.
Here are some meanings of color choices:

Red – strength, enthusiasm, passion, willpower, authority, survival.

Yellow – intelligence, curiosity, vigilance, new goals, arrogance. 

Orange – vitality, ambition, self-respect, optimism, joy.

Green – change, fertility, rejuvenation, healing, freedom, carefulness

Blue – harmony, contentment, calmness, trust, communication, loyalty

Pink – sensibility, vulnerability, protection, care, unconditional love, melancholy. 

Brown – "roots”, stagnation, safety, self-doubt, solidity, suppressed energies. 

White – relief, innocence, clarity, timeless.

Purple – humane, idealistic, spirituality, meditation, passivity, estranged. 

Black – loss, depression, fear, secrets, rebirth.

Cloud on Mt. Haleakala

2011-11-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

Cloud on Mt. Haleakala

The natural beauty of Hawaii is too exquisite for words. This photograph was taken several years ago. I hope that many more generations will be able to enjoy this special place.

Foreground vs. Background

2011-10-24T06:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a new project from my Colored Pencil Drawing class at Washtenaw Community College. The purpose of this project is to teach the student-artist how to differentiate the foreground from the background when painting or drawing.

The artist can blur the background and keep the foreground in focus. One can also use more intense colors in the foreground. This project demonstrates both approaches. I also utilized the impressed line technique with the veins in the leaves and in my signature.

Coincidentally, there was a recent article in the Huffington Post about a new 4D camera that will take interactive photos. It allows you to select and adjust the point of focus in your photo after it has been taken. The camera sharpens and intensifies your chosen point of focus, and blurs the other areas by using data it collects from 11 million rays of light!

Plein Air

2011-10-14T13:15:00.001-07:00

I have had the pleasure of occasionally joining our Ann Arbor Women Artists Plein Air Group, whose outings are organized by Sandra Difazio. Tapu and Sally Silvennoinen, one of our members, owns the historic Geddes Farm in Ann Arbor. We have been painting there each season over the past year. This project will culminate in an upcoming art show at Moonwinks Cafe, located on the east side of Ann Arbor.

En Plein air is a French expression which means "in the open air", and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors. The first time I did it, many little animals including rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and bees came by to visit me. This added to the magic of the experience. It was as if I became "one" with the landscape while I painted it. Every worry in the world just dropped away. I would love to do more plein air work in Michigan and perhaps other locations!

I hope you can stop by Moonwinks in November and see what some of our plein air painters have created.

Art, Science and Intuition (again)

2011-10-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote about strong feelings of intuition. I was feeling insecure about how that idea would be received, and took down my post. A few days later Steve Jobs passed away, and a speech he gave urging students to follow their intuition was broadcast all over the place. In honor of following my intuition, I am going to re-post my thoughts and a link to Steve Jobs speech. I also learned that he was a great fan of the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Jobs had good taste in music too!

Art, Science and Intuition

Have you ever “felt” something very strongly, and the feeling seemed to come out of the blue? It could have been a thought about a loved one, or an event that could happen. I believe that artists including painters, writers, and musicians, can tap into emotional energies very easily. People who excel in other fields, such as scientific research, can tap into their creative energy too. There are instances when brilliant scientists do groundbreaking research in different locations at the same time. This is called simultaneous invention.

I think we are connected by an intuition-like energy. Most scientists would label these phenomena coincidence, but I prefer to believe in the magic of it. It is something to be used with love and great care. Try to stay tuned in to your intuition.

Impressed Line Technique

2011-09-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

It is fall, so drawing leaves seems appropriate.

We will start working on using the impressed line technique in some classes.

New Class Exercise

2011-09-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Rainbow of Peppers
© Barbara Goodsitt

Here is a preview of our first project in Colored Pencil Drawing 1.

We will be learning some color theory and how to transfer an image from a photo reference.

The Cardinal: Signs and Symbols

2011-09-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

Cardinal, Mixed Media © Barbara Goodsitt

Cardinals are beautiful birds. They are plentiful near my home and so musical.

I love their song, which you can enjoy at this link http://www.birdjam.com/birdsong.php?id=3. In animal symbolism it is said that "Those who attract the cardinal as their totem are naturally energetic, love life, and happily help others where and when they can".

This mixed media piece alludes to the way animals, (as well as songs, and passages in books) can appear to be signs if we stay alert. This cardinal breaks the boundaries of its borders. Perhaps it operates in different levels of consciousness.

Artist, Carol Hanna, a friend from Ann Arbor Women Artists, creates huge, beautiful, and abstract paintings that interpret bird songs. She is inspired by the color of their feathers and the vibrations (wavelengths) of their songs to guide her compositions.

Haiku In Anticipation Of Autumn

2011-08-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Colored Ink and Colored Pencil
Ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

Beautiful colors

up in the air, falling down

now floating away

- BG

Michigan Colored Pencil 2011- Art Show at Lotus Arts Gallery

2011-08-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

Tropical

I am very honored to have had two pieces juried into the show "MIchigan Colored Pencil 2011". This show features some of the best of colored pencil art in the state of Michigan. The Juror is Zdislaw Sikora, Professor of Fine Art at the College of Creative Studies.

The show is presented by the Detroit Area Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America and the Lotus Arts Gallery, located at 995 West Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, Michigan.

The Opening reception is Friday Sept 16 from 7 to 9 PM.

Exhibition Dates are September 2-29.

Balanced

Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce Show

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

Starting June 16, I will be included in a group show at the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, located at 115 West Huron Street, suite #3. I will be exhibiting some of my work that celebrates produce!

Cat on Colorfix development in steps

2011-05-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

Step 1
copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

step 2
copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Creative Drawing with Colored Pencil

2011-03-08T22:51:00.000-08:00

Jane with pastel and colored pencil art
AA Rec and Ed

I just wrapped up teaching the winter session of my colored pencil classes at Ann Arbor Community Education (see photos) and Washtenaw Community College. Despite the terrible weather, both classes were well attended and I thoroughly enjoyed my students. The classes were made up of a diverse group of people: all ages and abilities.

I enjoyed seeing how each person expressed themselves through their art. It is so rewarding to see beginners who fall in love with the medium of colored pencil, and more advanced students who get excited by exploring and improving their techniques and creativity. I have new ideas for more creative projects this spring. Thank you to my WONDERFUL winter students. It was a great experience for me to work with you!

AA Rec and Ed

Flowers in February (work in progress)

2011-02-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am making some progress on this piece. The warmer colors are put down dry and in sharper focus to bring the flower image to the foreground. I am adding waterdroplets to the flower in the forground and using solvents and burnishing to create a blurry background area. I think this is 80% complete.

Flowers in February (work in progress)

2011-02-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

Our thermometer read -1 degree Fahrenheit this morning!
I have been working on this floral piece while the temperatures plummet. I think it is keeping me optimistic that spring will be here soon. I am using this piece as a lesson in one of my Colored Pencil Drawing classes on combining solvents with colored pencils. This is also an example of how to make some objects "read" in the foreground, and make other elements fade to the background. Working on beautiful flowers is a joy for me, especially in the winter.

True Grit!

2011-02-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

Ann Kullberg is publishing a new Colored Pencil Magazine. I am very excited about having an article in this publication. I wrote about my process drawing the Red Ginger Tower Plant. It is titled True Grit. In my case, the grit is 800 UART sanded pastel paper. This piece has also been featured on the U-Art Website. Colored Pencil enthusiasts will love this magazine. The art work and articles are informative and inspiring.
If you are interested in buying this edition of the magazine you can go to the following link: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/Issue/156121

Jewish Mandala

2011-01-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest mandala. This was done as a donation for the local Jewish Community Center in Ann Arbor. I kept thoughts of peace in mind while working on this painting.

I recently became aware of the Charter for Compassion.

This idea comes from Karen Armstrong who eloquently articulates noble aspirations for peace and harmony on our planet:

"...The Charter for Compassion is a document that transcends religious, ideological, and national difference. Supported by leading thinkers from many traditions, the Charter calls on us all to activate the Golden Rule around the world"...

Here is an excerpt:

"The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect..."

Cherokee Quote

2011-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Image from http://www.cherokee-indian-art.com/

I came across this quote today and thought it was worth sharing...

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego".

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed".

Holiday Wishes

2010-12-22T12:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

New Years
Confetti
Good Food
Horns
Champagne
Midnight Kisses
New Years

Working on Sanded Pastel Paper

2010-11-19T07:13:00.000-08:00

UART Pastel Paper Website

The UART Company makes a great sanded pastel paper that is used by many colored pencil artists. A very talented Michigan colored pencil artist, Lynda Schumacher, introduced me to this paper. I was used to working on acid free illustration board or Stonehenge Paper (which I also love). It took me a while to feel comfortable working on this sanded surface, but I finally did a piece I was proud of on the 800 grit paper. This drawing is of a Red Tower Ginger Plant. I really like the softer more painterly quality.
I submitted the image of this piece to UART and they posted it in their gallery! I am tickled to be there, among many colored pencil artists whose work I have admired for a long time.

Teaching Colored Pencil Drawing

2010-11-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

My first Life Long Learning students at Washtenaw Comunity College

I have a great time introducing people to colored pencil drawing. We start with excercises to acquire skills in developing values. We then move to tonal layering. My students are just great and it is so much fun to watch them develop their skills and talents.

Above is local graphic designer Karen Moeller. Check out her website at www.moedesign.com. She has won awards for her work and her talent is evident in her colored pencil art here. I will be posting more pictures of my students work on my webpage at www.BarbaraGoodsittStudio.com

Artists Young Cho (with maple leaf drawing) and Alice McKeown (with pumpkin still life) display some really nice work too!

Juried Exhibit in Lansing- Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame

2010-10-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Marlena in Sedonaⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

Woman of Colorⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

I am pleased to have two pieces accepted into this show. One colored pencil portrait/landscape and a handcut stained glass mosaic.

Come join us November 7th from 2pm-4pm for an Artist Reception at Michigan Women’s Historical Center & Hall of Fame 213 W Main St., Lansing, MI 48933-2315

“Celebrating Women”, an AAWA juried exhibit features artists interpretations of Women, their roles, relationships and importance as leaders. This exhibit is being held in conjunction with The Historical Center’s exhibit, “Petticoat Patriots”: Women’s Suffrage Movement (Michigan was the second state to put this issue on their ballot.) The exhibit runs November 7th through January 31, 2011. Museum hours: Wednesday - Saturday 12-4 p.m. and Sunday 2-4 p.m.

Balance Exhibit moves to Finlandia University

2010-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

From Finlandia's University Website:

Collaborative Art Exhibition at Reflection Gallery October 6 to 31

HANCOCK, MI - The Finlandia University Reflection Gallery will host a collaborative exhibit of work by Michigan women artists October 6 to October 31, 2010. Titled, "Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game," the exhibit was organized by the Michigan chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art.

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place Thursday, October 7, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., at the Reflection Gallery. Refreshments will be served.

A public lecture, titled "Connectivity and Feminism," will be presented by Brenda Oelbaum, president of the Michigan chapter of the Women's Caucus for Art, Wednesday, October 6, 7:00 p.m., at Finlandia's Jutila Center campus. Balance: An Artist's Collaborative Game is now on display at the Reflection Gallery at Finlandia University in Hancock, Michigan.

Red Tower Ginger

2010-09-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

This is what is on my drawing board now: a colored pencil piece of a Red Tower Ginger plant. It is 18" x 25" colored pencil on U-Art pastel paper.

My husband and I saw this beauty on vacation in San Diego, CA. at Balboa Park. It is such a special place full of museums, gardens and more. I encourage you to visit it if you are in the area.

Great Lakes Small Works Juried Exhibit

2010-09-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Great Lakes Small Works Juried Exhibit runs from Sept 2-25 at the Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanit Michigan. The Artist Reception is Sept 11, from 5-7 pm. There are 70 artists from five of the eight Great Lakes States in this show. It promises to be a visual treat!

Riverside Arts Center is located at 76 North Huron Street in Ypsilanti. This vital arts center has many exhibits as well as theater and classes.
I was very honored to have two pieces juried into this show. My still life of Pears and Grapes is included on the postcard. Read a Review of this show at Ann Arbor.com

Fall Colored Pencil Classes

2010-09-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Fall is approaching and the temperatures will be more comfortable very soon.

I will be teaching two Colored Pencil classes. One during the day with Ann Arbor Community Education, and an evening class with Washtenaw Community College's Life Long Learning Department. These classes are geared toward being fun, relaxing and informative. All skill levels are welcome. We will cover drawing techniques including tonal layering, transferring images, burnishing, using solvents and more! Some mixed media work too. Supply lists are available online. To register see these webpages:

Washtenaw Community College Life Long Learning Classes
Wednesdays starting Oct 6 from 7:00- 8:55PM
THIS CLASS IS NOW FILLED

Ann Arbor Community Education
Tuesdays starting Oct 12 from 1:30 - 3:30 Oct 12 - Nov. 16 THIS CLASS IS NOW FILLED

New Work

2010-08-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Every colored pencil artist knows this feeling: A fist bursting full of colored pencils!

CP artists are usually detail oriented, organized and a bit uptight. I love using colored pencils, but tend to not be as organized as my fellow cp artists. My pencils get all mixed up, and I only organize them according to color when I have to teach a class, or if things have gotten so out of hand (pun intended) that I cannot locate the colors I need to use! The piece featured in today's post started out as a symbolic self portrait but I am calling it The Mighty Colored Pencil!

Here are some images of this picture as it developed.

22" x 15" Fabriano Artistico Paper, Prismacolor Pencils

Summer Art

2010-08-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Summer means freedom to have fun! I finished my teaching duties, and I am spending the rest of the summer working on art projects of my choice! I taught a wonderful group of students who were new to colored pencil in a 2 day workshop sponsored by Ann Arbor Community Education. This fall I will be teaching a day class with Ann Arbor Community Education and an evening class at Washtenaw Community College. Stay tuned for dates and times. Continuing on my series of produce centered still lifes, I tried a more whimsical approach to fruit here. This colored pencil piece is still in progress. I love to play with my imagination and create a reality all my own.

Challenges to ponder

2010-07-27T01:11:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed for a local business periodical. The writer asked me to think about what obstacles I have overcome. It seems that life is always giving us challenges to deal with. Some are big, and some only seem big. One must keep looking for the positive and put one foot in front of the other - keep going forward.

Summer Colored Pencil Workshop

2010-05-25T15:46:00.001-07:00

Registration is now open online for a Summer Colored Pencil Workshop

With Ann Arbor Community Education and Recreation. July 8 & 9 from 1-4 PM at the Eberbach Cultural Arts Center.

This summer discover the amazing medium of colored pencil. I will show you award winning colored pencil artwork and give an overview of the colored pencil art scene. Basic exercises will include tonal color layering, pressure, strokes, modeling and burnishing. After completing the basic exercises, you will work on a project suitable for framing. Continuing students are welcome and will complete more advanced projects. Materials fee of $3 is payable to instructor at first class. See website http://barbaragoodsittstudio.com. 2 classes.

Helping through Art....

2010-05-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

Things are getting busy. I am happy to announce that the two prints I donated to the Circle of Art raised $90 to help feed those in need. Saline Picutre Company, Side Door Gallery in Dexter, and Food Gatherers teamed up for this wonderful event. As an artist, I sometimes feel that what I do is frivolous in a world that needs so much fixing. Fund raising art auctions for non-profit groups offer me the opportunity to make a difference.

On a lighter note, I have added another venue where I will be exhibiting art this summer: Bab's Underground Lounge on Ashley Street in Ann Arbor. First time I will be showing my work in a BAR!! I will be showing a few pieces there from early July through September. If you get thirsty, drop on by for a drink ;)

EXHIBITION SCHEDULE:

“WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE”

A juired show presented by the Ann Arbor Women Artists

hosted by The River Gallery

120 S. Main Sreet,Chelsea, MI

May 3, 2010- June 12, 2010

GALLERY IN THE DUDERSTADT CENTER- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

BALANCE: AN ARTISTS' COLLABORATIVE GAME

WCA-MI Traveling Exhibit: May 7-31

Opening Reception May 7, 6-8 PM

Eagle Crest Conference Center

April 21- Mid-June

Babs Underground Lounge

July 5- Sept. 5

213 S. Ashley Street

Ann Arbor

Curves at Westgate Shopping Center

presented by Ann Arbor Women Artists

West Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MIchigan

June 5 - August 2010

Wild Acorn Gallery in Manchester, MI

ongoing

"Balance" Art Show at the Duderstadt Gallery, University of Michigan

2010-05-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

Balance: An Aritsts' Collaborative Game opened Friday at the Gallery in the Dederstadt Center on the campus of the University of Michigan. My partner, Virginia Obidzinski, and I exchanged images of our art to create three pieces inspired by the word "Balance". We influenced each other stylistically and grew creatively during the process.

I am used to working on my art very independently. The idea of working in collaboration with another artist was a bit threatening but I was encouraged by my daughter to participate. She said I would grow and be stretched by this experience. She was right! My partner, Virginia Obidzinski, approaches art in a less representational way than I do. It was a growing experience to combine her artistic method with mine.

My first piece was literal: I precariously balanced fruits and vegetables in a fictional still life and I also wanted to express the idea of a balanced diet as it relates to one's health.

This past year, I have been working on a series of pieces celebrating the joy of food and local produce. I wanted to continue that theme for the Balance Project.

My second piece was influenced by the geometric abstractions Virginia used in her first piece. I thoroughly enjoyed manipulating my subject matter and felt that I was playing a “collaboration game” with our pieces. I used shapes, colors and design elements from both of our pieces.

My third piece is more symbolic of this collaborative experience. I returned to my first design, but I cut the produce open or peeled away the skin. This represents how the collaboration forced me to look deeper into my approach toward art. It reminded me to strive to balance my technical ability with artistic and individual expression.

Upcoming Shows

2010-04-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have been concentrating on teaching my art classes the past few months. This is very rewarding and I love the interaction I have with my students in the community. However, I told myself that I needed to devote more time to my work. I am making a concerted effort to paint, draw, and enter more shows during the spring and summer. I will also be exploring pastel plein air painting with the Ann Arbor Women Artists Plein Air Group, led by Sandy DeFazio, a great local artist who specializes in plein air oils of local scenes.

You can see my work at these shows:

Michigan Colored Pencil 2010 Exhibit,

April 2 through 29, 2010

at the Lotus Arts Gallery in Plymouth

995 West Ann Arbor Trail

Plymouth, MI 48170-1603

“WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE”
A juired show presented by the Ann Arbor Women Artists
hosted by The River Gallery
120 S. Main Sreet,Chelsea, MI
May 3, 2010- June 12, 2010

GALLERY IN THE DUDERSTADT CENTER- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
BALANCE: AN ARTISTS' COLLABORATIVE GAME
WCA-MI Traveling Exhibit: May 7-31
Opening Reception May 7, 6-8 PM

Eagle Crest Conference Center
April 21- Mid-June

Curves at Westgate Shopping Center
presented by Ann Arbor Women Artists
West Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MIchigan
June 5 - August 2010

Wild Acorn Gallery in Manchester, MI

ongoing

Circle of Art

2010-04-20T15:22:00.001-07:00

You can bid online now and continue bidding until the start of the Circle of Art Party held May 16th, 2010 at Saline Picture Frame Co.

Many of my friends have donated beautiful pieces of art. Here are pictures of my two donations (signed Giclees). This silent art auction benefits Food Gatherers -- fighting hunger where we live.

2010-04-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

LOCALLY GROWN STILL LIFE #2

The Next Detroit Colored Pencil Society Show is being hung at the Lotus Arts Gallery in Plymouth,MI. It will be there through the month of April.

I am honored to have a couple of pieces hanging in this show. Reception is Saturday, April 10 from 6 - 8 PM.

the address is 995 West Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, MI.

This new piece continues the motif of the first Locally Grown Still Life. This is a montage of veggies and fruits using the complementary color palette of yellows and violets. I am finding joy in the produce! I see happiness in food, and enjoy making compositions with many elements on a patterned background.

From My Perspective, Ann Kullberg

2010-02-08T15:55:00.001-08:00

Ann Kullberg is an accomplished colored pencil artist who specializes in portraits. She has written several books and has a great educational website where she publishes an online magazine "From My Perspective". I was thrilled when she asked me to write a Profile article for this month's 'Member Profile'.

Here is a screenshot of that article. If you want to subscribe to the magazine or look at the colored pencil kits she offers, check out herwebsite http://annkullberg.com.

Ella Sharp Museum- Jackson, MI

2010-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

My piece "Locally Grown Still Life " was included in the Ella Sharp Museum's 2010 Statewide Fine Arts Competition which is on display from January 16 through March 20 in Jackson, MI.

This show includes 60 pieces of art selected by juror Richard Rubenfeld, PhD. and Art History professor at Eastern Michigan University. It is a very diverse show with many forms of 3-D, 2-D art in abstract and realistic styles. Several colored pencil pieces were included in this show! This medium is being taken seriously by the art world, and we are lucky to have a very talented group of colored pencil artists here in Michigan.

How I work

2010-01-14T07:50:00.001-08:00

I was recently asked by Ann Kullberg to write an article about my art for her online magazine. I had to step back and analyze my methods. Here is a small excerpt from my submission.

I keep a small digital camera in my purse in case I see a scene that would make a great colored pencil drawing. I work from life and from digital photos. I will often shoot digital pictures and combine elements from several photos to form a composition (like a collage) for my reference photo. I draw my composition on tracing paper either freehand, or utilizing a grid. Then I transfer that drawing to my support using transfer paper or backlighting it from a sunlit window. I choose my colors intuitively. Occasionally I use a grisaille technique (value drawing under local color) but most often I will combine colors and values from within the “local color” family . I like to work with bright colors. I vary techniques depending on the piece. If I use a solvent, I choose odorless mineral spirits and use a Q-tip to liquefy the pigment of colored pencils. I will do this to provide a base for a large area of color. I will burnish with a colorless blender pencil when the texture needs to look shiny. Most often I will layer many colors with a very sharp pencil. I love the process of creating a detailed piece of art.

Golden Pear Still Life

2010-01-04T07:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

New classes are forming and you can sign up for Colored Pencil Drawing at the Rec and Ed website.

My New Year's resolutions include the usual: I want to get more organized, exercise more, nag less, etc..

But back to art>> I am looking forward to being more productive this year, and will continue to develop new colored pencil projects for my classes. Here are pictures of a step by step project from the fall session. The students in my fall class did a very nice job on this one. The reference photo is from the image library and Wet Canvas. We used solvents to help create the wood texture on the table

Colored Pencil Classes and Individual Expression.

2009-11-21T13:05:00.000-08:00

I am always impressed by the enthusiasm and talent that my students show for colored pencil. We definitely work in a "representational" genre, as opposed to painting which more easily lends itself to abstract work.

Yet, I encourage my students to imprint their own style on their art. Making a photo-realistic representation of an image does not make it a superior colored pencil piece. I want each artist to find their own style, and express their vision of the world.

SafeHouse Calendar for 2010

2009-11-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to be included in the 2010 SafeHouse Calendar. This is the first one published as a fundraising tool. "It celebrates the beauty and strength of women through the work of local artists. It is the product of volunteer efforts and donated services". Designed and produced by Wagner Designs of Ann Arbor.

My painting is featured on the month of August! One of my favorite months... I did this piece as an homage to Janet Fish, one of our great women painters of the 20th and 21st century. My painting was originally displayed as a banner in a public art project in Ann Arbor, Mi. These calendars make wonderful gifts. If you would like to purchase one to support the work of Safehouse Center, please contact Gwyn Hulswit at 734.973.0242 ext 277 or by email at gwyn@safehousecenter.org.

Famer's Market- A Locally Grown Still Life

2009-09-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying the bountiful selection of fresh veggies and fruits at our local farmers market! Here is a piece I am working on in my home studio. Using Cold Press Illustration Board and Prismacolor Pencils. The image size is 10" x 13"

Colored Pencil Classes

2009-08-22T19:53:00.001-07:00

I am busy creating some new lessons for my classes and workshops.

This fall I will be offering colored pencil classes in three locations. Check these sites in September for registration information:

The Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson: A new series of 3 all day workshops
Brighton Community Education
Ann Arbor Community Education and Recreation

Colored pencil is becoming popular and accepted as a fine-art medium. I will be giving demonstrations of techniques and materials used to create beautiful colored pencil paintings. Questions are encouraged and individual attention is generously given.

Art Show at Whole Foods Market

2009-07-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

(left to right, Barbara Goodsitt, Kath Frajbis,Vickie Peterson-Michalak and Barbara Anderson)

We had a great turn out at the first "Art That Is Local" show at Whole Foods on Washtenaw Ave. Vickie Peterson-Michalak organized this with Mary Ann from Whole Foods. They supplied us with endless trays of delicious roll-ups, chips, dips, desserts and Italian Sodas. Thank you to Whole Foods and our friends.

Ann Arbor Women Artists
has a new non-juried exhibition site at Whole Foods Market
3135 Washtenaw Ave in Ann Arbor.
Our first show runs July 14 - Oct 7
Whole Foods is sponsoring a reception for this group show
August 5, from 5-8 pm
I am very pleased to have some colored pencil pieces in this first show!

PET PORTRAITS

2009-06-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Look at that face!
This is a colored pencil dog portrait 11" x 14" on Stonehenge Paper.

The 4th of July is hard on my dog. He has developed a great big sound phobia because of all the firecrackers. Between the 4th, thunderstorms and all of the heat, his walks have been few and far between.

2009-06-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

University of Wisconsin Art Professor Steven Feren showed a group of Wisconsin Alumni around the new Glass Lab and Metal Foundry in Madison, Wisconsin. I was priviledged to be part of the group. We were also accompanied by painting prof Derrick Buisch.

Professor Feren is a sculptor who now works primarily in glass. Among his public art work projects are some wonderful celebratory pieces leading to the front of the neighboring Kohl Center in Madison.

Inside the Kohl Center you can find some amazing glass art work by Dale Chihuly, also a Univerisity of Wisconsin art graduate.

I want to express a big thank you to our friends Herman Baumann and Kay Schwichtenberg for arranging this great tour.

2009-06-08T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is my rendering of a colored pencil exercise that I taught in my colored pencil class this session. It is based on an exercise in a wonderful book by Anne Flood.

Quote:
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~Winston Churchill

2009-06-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

This is my second pastel landscape painting. I really enjoyed the looseness of this medium. Quite different than colored pencil. I did this piece on Wallis Belgium Mist pastel paper.

2009-05-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

I rented a small studio space in Dexter at the Broad Street Artists Collective. This is the first time I have had an art studio away from home. I am working on mosaics and pastels (a new interest) here. I feel free to be messy and leave the mess when I am done. That is kind of liberating! I am flitting around from media to media this summer, enjoying the variety of textures, colors and styles.

Circle of Art

2009-05-05T21:42:00.000-07:00

I donated these horoscope Artist trading cards to the Circle of Art, a fundraiser for Food Gatherers in Ann Arbor.

Circle of Art 2009 - People joining together to turn art into food. Join us on Sunday, May 17th to see an amazing array of small artworks, meet artists and art lovers and raise money to help Food Gatherers fight hunger. Watch the entries as they come in and bid on your favorites (100% of your bid goes to Food Gatherers). Bidding online will continue through Saturday May 16th then the auction will finish at the Circle of Art party at Saline Picture Frame Co. from Noon to 5 pm.

Learning to draw a drop of water

2009-04-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of my students' favorite lessons is learning to draw a drop of water.
This is actually not a very hard thing to learn to draw, and it gives a new colored pencil artist a great feeling of accomplishment. For those of us who like to do representational art, there is a great delight in successfully producing a very realistic drawing.

Broad Street Artists Collective

2009-03-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that I am moving my home studio to the Broad Street Artists Collective in April.
This group of artists studios, housed on Broad Street in Dexter, Michigan, was established in the early 1990's .
Barb will be working on colored pencil, mosaics and painting, and will also be available to teach privately in her new studio. Look for our open house during the Ann Arbor Art Walk, and other events.

Artychoke

2009-02-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is a new exercise for my colored pencil class. We used several methods to mix color when drawing this artichoke including complementary shading, local color, and also grisaille. This piece is done by laying down a tonal drawing in prismacolor black grape, and then applying the full color over that layer.
A friend told me to stop my drawing at this phase. She thought it would be more interesting than completing the artichoke.

Art Show at Sweetwaters Jan - March 2

2009-02-04T06:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of my art show at Sweetwaters on 123 West Washington Street in Ann Arbor. This show is sponsored by the Ann Arbor Women Artist organization. I am showing with Nicki Griffith (organic abstracts) and Judy Enright (Allegorical symbolism in oils). It was great fun putting it together.
It will run through March 2, 2009. See the review in the Ann Arbor News

2009-01-10T07:23:00.001-08:00

More classes will begin starting January 20. Chelsea Center for the Arts will be offering my class on Tuesday evenings, and Ann Arbor Rec and Ed will offer it Wednesday evenings at Pioneer High and Friday afternoons at the Eberbach Cultural Arts Center at 1220 Forest Ave. in Ann Arbor.

Beginning students will be starting out with some basic exercises to develop skills in applying even coverage and shading techniques. We will then proceed to still lifes and other projects. Continuing students can repeat these beginning exercises or start on more advanced assignments, or work on something of their own creation.

2008-11-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Due to technical difficulties, my website was down for a few days. I am posted some images of my work here, for galleries and clients to view. Thanks, and check back soon to see the website back up!
BarbaraGoodsittStudio.com

2008-10-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

This past weeks class was fun, we experimented with watercolor pencils and applying solvents to standard colored pencils (see sunset sky to the left). The solvents dissolve the wax and blend the pencils to have a more painterly effect.
This exercise was a slight variation on a Gary Greene exercise that appears in one of his books.

2008-10-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a still life I finished recently. I am using this one as a lesson for my class on layering translucent colors and creating a good range of values.
Fall in Michigan is apple picking time! When my children were small, we would take them to local orchards and pick apples. It was so much fun for all of us. I want to draw more apples, and then eat the still lifes.

2008-09-28T14:20:00.000-07:00

I just took a great art workshop from Jaclyn Wukela. Here is the result, a finished portrait.

Jackie's approach to portraits is much different than my usual way of drawing. I like to start with 'local color' and then add different layers to bring out contrasts. She had us do "sequence layering" starting with black and then layering successively lighter tones over that. At one point this face was entirely orange, but it all worked out in the end. It was a very good workshop and I recommend her classes to anyone who has a chance to attend. I hope to share some of these techniques about achieving a good range of values in skin tones with my Rec and Ed students.

The workshop was put on by the Detroit Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America. Don't miss the current show in Dearborn:
Midwest Color 2008 at the Padzieski Art Gallery, in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center,15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
The exhibition will run through November 1, 2008 and it is really outstanding.

More flowers

2008-09-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers! I am moved by their beauty. Yes, they are a subject that has been overly used by artists. But when you are outside, enjoying your yard, or nature in anyway, their beauty really can touch your soul and bring happiness into your life. I enjoyed working on this bouquet, and I added a border for fun as usual.

New Colored Pencil Class

2008-08-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

Colored Pencil
Ann Arbor Recreation and Education
Pioneer High Shcool,
Thursdays, 7-9 PM
starting Sept 25

We will be working on developing shading skills, as well as image transfer from a still life or a photograph. The supply list will be available when you sign up. I will also have some samples of different papers available for students to work on.
See the Rec and Ed Web page to sign up online, or call (734) 994-2300 for more information.

Midwest Color 2008

2008-08-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Midwest Color 2008 is a bi-annual 100% colored pencil art exhibition hosted by the
Detroit and Chicago chapters of the Colored Pencil Society of America and open to
all artists living in the Midwest states. I had two pieces accepted for this years show. Exhibition will be September 25 through November 1, 2008 at the

Padzieski Art Gallery
Ford Community & Performing Arts Center
15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
(313) 943-3095
www.dcacarts.org for map

Summer 2008: Peonies

2008-06-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here is my newest piece which is still in progress. I have been intrigued by playing with borders for a long time. Some of my work has reflected this over the years. I viewed some of Karen Anne Klein's work at the Ann Arbor Women's City Club and it inspired me to get back to doing work with borders. Her work is beautiful and it appears in the book "The Complete Colored Pencil Book" by Bernard Poulin.

Drawing Glass

2008-05-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

I am teaching my students about drawing glass in my classes.
Here is a piece I recently finished. It is challenging to draw glass because you are really drawing what you see through the glass.

2008-05-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Mazel Tov to Zingerman's of Ann Arbor. They made Oprah's list of best sandwiches in America.

My family always enjoyed going to Zingerman's after our children performed in Suzuki Piano recitals at nearby Kerrytown Concert House. Zingerman's is an Ann Arbor landmark that is a 'must visit' for our out of town friends and relatives. This colored pencil piece of their great bread and a cold beer were consumed soon after the piece was completed. YUM.

2008-04-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hi,
This is the latest addition to my colored pencil lessons. I am using a photo of this image to teach image transfer, and then I ask the students to draw five cherries. Michigan is famous for its cherries and we have some of the best soil in the world.
It takes more colors than you might think to depict a juicy red cherry. I used about 8 different colors for this piece.

2008-03-20T18:42:00.001-07:00

Another new class project: drawing glass. I did this one as an exercise for my students and had so much fun with it... I think I may start doing a series of reflections and glasses.

Portraits

2008-03-20T06:04:00.001-07:00

I was itching to do a portrait and combined the face of my father under the hat of a retired military officer. My Dad's face kind of crept in there unintentionally. He has been gone for almost 10 years now. He enjoyed life and had many interests until he passed at 80, including computers, getting his private pilots license and playing tennis in the Senior Olympics! His enthusiasm for life is a great example for me. As I am getting older, I feel that there are still many things to explore. Life can be good, people are interesting and you can choose how to shape your attitude. Thanks Daddy!

Grand Canyon and Arizona

2008-03-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Arizona the first week in March with my family for a wonderful vacation. We visited the Sedona area, the Grand Canyon and Tucson. It is an area of unique beauty. I sat and sketched at the Grand Canyon and took many reference photos for future drawings and paintings. We saw many signs encouraging recycling and more solar panels in Arizona. I am hoping that in the near future the rest of the country will make the changes needed to protect our environment.

I think we Americans need a little nudge from our leaders and we will make the needed changes. Better late than never! Appreciate the beauty around us. It is everywhere- big and small.

Finished the Spiral Aloe Vera Plant

2008-02-20T11:05:00.001-08:00

Ok, I am declaring this done. The warm desert is calling me back after enduring a hard Michigan Winter. It has been a rough one weather wise.
Colored pencils always make it better though.
My Ann Arbor Rec and Ed classes have been great, a really nice bunch of people who seem interested in cp and are making progress each week. I think we are all artists, it is a matter of putting in the time and practice if you enjoy it.

2008-02-06T14:09:00.001-08:00

Here is the spiral aloe vera, still a work in progress. I am pretty much done with the box, and I am still working on the leaves of the plant and the sky. I am having a lot of fun drawing this plant!! We are friends. I love its welcoming open look.

Aloe Vera Plant with Sky and Wood

2008-02-04T08:09:00.002-08:00

This is a post about a WIP, work in progress.
I am in love with the landscape of the southwest. There is great beauty in the cactus, aloe vera plants and the colors of the landscape. Here is a piece that I am working on using Prismacolor Pencils, Derwent Coloursoft Pencils, and also odorless mineral spirits.
I was fascinated with the spiral pattern in this plant and made a composition contrasting it to the sky with billowy clouds and a piece of weathered wood.

In Honor of Tigers

2008-01-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished this piece. My love of tigers stretches back to my childhood. I was heartbroken by the tragedy in the San Francisco zoo where a young man was killed and the escaped tiger had to be shot. I will make no secret of my concern over the natural world. Every night I pray for people to stop abusing our environment and take better care of the earth. Only small numbers of magnificent species such as tigers and gorillas remain in the wild. I encourage everyone to support my favorite Environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, the NRDC World Wildlife Fund and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

Between Fall and Winter

2007-12-30T09:53:00.001-08:00

Hi,
It is almost 2008 and I am looking forward to this year.
My last session of colored pencil classes with Ann Arbor Rec and Ed was rewarding. There were a lot of people who made great progress and really took to using colored pencils. The nice thing about this medium is that it is clean and not intimidating. I find that working on a piece in cp is very calming. Something about the process can put you in "the zone" of positive feelings and creativity.

I did this "fall pears" piece after the fall session and continued my obsession with borders. I had fun. The upcoming winter session of classes should be great. I hope to incorporate new projects and exercises to be done in class.

Welcome to my blog

2007-11-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hi,
Welcome to my first blog entry. The Fall 2007 session of Colored Pencil Classes for Ann Arbor Rec and Ed is proving to be a productive session. I truly enjoy seeing all the talented people in the community explore colored pencil. It is more versitile than most people think. I also think that spending some time using colored pencil is akin to meditating. I find it healing and peaceful to work on cp art.
My colored pencil friends in the Washtenaw County area and I are preparing for our first group show, Getting Real. It will be a the Malletts Creek Library from Dec 15 - Jan 30. Our reception is free and open to the public, Sunday, Dec 16 from 3:30- 5:30 PM.