Barbara Goodsitt Studio

9/21/12

Complementary Colors

I am currently teaching a lesson on doing an underpainting of complementary colors in a simple grape still life. More colors that are layered in a colored pencil piece add to the complexity and interest in the final piece of art.

9/11/12

Fall Exhibitions

Great Lakes "Small Works " Juried 2D-3D Exhibition

Reception: October 5, 5-7PM

Riverside Arts Center
76 North Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI

ⒸBarbara Goodsitt
Autumn River, Mixed Media

Michigan Colored Pencil 2012, Juried Exhibit

Reception: October 12, 7 - 9 PM

Novi Civic Center

45175 West 10 Mile Road Novi, MI

ⒸBarbara Goodsitt

I am happy to say that I have some work accepted into juried shows this fall.

An artist-friend of mine, Christy, had some wise words about acceptance. She said that in many ways, an art juror is like a casting director. He/she picks pieces that they have in mind for a show, the same way a casting director would cast a movie. Sometimes an artist is right for the part, and sometimes not. They might be looking for a tall blonde, and you happen to be a short red head! (You get the idea)

I will also be exhibiting some work at Ann Arbor Women Artist Venues:

In October and November at Sweetwaters located at 124 Washington Street in Downtown Ann Arbor , and in December and January at Joe and Rosies located at 8074 Main Street in Dexter.

9/6/12

Photography in the Great Smoky Mountains

Today I am featuring some beautiful photography taken by my husband, Mitch Goodsitt, on our travels this summer. His birthday present was a Canon SLR and he is really enjoying it. Walking down the trails takes a long time because he has to photograph pretty much everything he sees! I wanted to publish a few pictures, so they can be enjoyed and not hide in our computer.

The photographer

8/28/12

Fall Classes - Regstration Information

Step by Step Colored Pencil Project

Click here for more information

Colored Pencil Techniques, at Washtenaw Community College :

Join Barbara Goodsitt, published illustrator and member of Colored Pencil Society of America for exploration of various colored pencil techniques to create "vivid" paintings from the point of a pencil. you will experiment with color layering, blending, shading, creating textures, composition and more. Learn how to transfer images from photos and sketches. Many demonstrations and individual support art provided to students of every level.Classes Start sept 12- Oct 17 Wednesday evening at Washtenaw Community College.Online Registration http://www.wccnet.edu/lifelong-learning/browse/view/category/art-photography/page/2/

Creative Drawing with Color Pencils, at Ann Arbor Rec and Ed:

You learn basic techniques and explore the creative possibilities of colored pencils when blended with mixed media. Colored pencil can be combined with watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and colored inks on various surfaces. Have fun with this versatile medium. 8 weeks. Tuesday Afternoons in the Eberbach Cultural Arts Center at Ann Arbor Rec and Ed Sept. 25- Nov. 13online registration begins August 27 https://activenet14.active.com/aareced/?redir=1

8/23/12

Berries-In-Progress.2

Ⓒ Barbara Goodsitt

Declaring this done on September 4

It isn't done yet.

Patience is a virtue and this piece is requiring patience and control.
But, it is also a labor of love.

8/15/12

Berries-In-Progress

Back to the drawing board! I am really enjoying rendering berries in this still life. The glass bowl will be the last element that I add to this piece.

When you become involved with creating art, or anything beautiful, you can feel transported to a different world. These fleeting moments are most precious.

8/8/12

Art, Mansions, and Forests


Read My Pins: The Madelene Albright Collection

We just returned home to Ann Arbor from a trip to North Carolina and Tennessee. Our first stop, Charlotte, NC, has some really special museums. The Mint Museum has a wonderful collection of contemporary art, fine crafts, and special exhibitions. Charlotte will soon be hosting the Democratic Convention, so the Mint Museum is exhibiting "Read my Pins", Secretary of State Madeline Albright's pin collection. Besides her outstanding diplomatic career, she is famous for sporting outstanding brooches. This exhibition highlighted the symbolic meaning of each pin and gives you some background on why Secretary Albright wore it during certain negotiations. I have great admiration for this woman who is a tremendously strong, brilliant, and caring person. She is a great role model. Here is a link to an article about the same exhibit, when it appeared in Denver.

The Biltmore

After spending time in Charlotte we visited the Biltmore, George Washington Vanderbilt's extraordinary home designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt. It is on a 125,000 acre estate with forests, gardens and a winery (that was added by his descendants). The mansion is the largest home in America. Vanderbilt was highly educated, well read, and fluent in many languages. The Biltmore reflected his taste and wealth. The science of forestry was developed on this property in the late 1800s by Fredrick Law Olmsted (landscape designer of Central Park). It is a fascinating place to visit. I also enjoyed my first official wine tasting experience.

Smoky Mountain National Park

Our next stop was Smoky Mountain National Park which is definitely not suffering from a drought this summer. We enjoyed several good soakings and the spectacular scenery. The natural beauty of the Smoky's is breathtaking and has healing properties. I wouldn't mind returning someday.

7/21/12

Summer Still Life #2
and thoughts on climate change

11" x 14"

Colored pencils on Stonehenge paper

I am doing a series of produce in my glass bowls. Here are some Michigan cherries.

Our Michigan cherry crop was drastically reduced this year due to the bizarre weather. I keep encouraging better ecological policies by joining environmental groups and writing to my legislators. I also drive a hybrid car, and recycle. If those in charge would have acted more responsibly in formulating our energy policy, we might be in better shape. I hope that we can work to lessen the damage done to Mother Earth.

Contemporary Realism