Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce Show

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

Step 1
copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

step 2
copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

Step 3

copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

Step 4

copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

Step 5

copyright by Barbara Goodsitt

Creative Drawing with Colored Pencil

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

AA Rec and Ed

   

Flowers in February (work in progress)

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)

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!

  

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

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

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".