A LOVE STORY & Winter Art Offerings

We live into what we imagine. Imagine the world as it could be. Paint that world. Sing that world. Invite it into your dreams. Practice that world in the space available to you. 
-Valarie Kaur

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEARS

Sending all my love to you for these holiday times. Over the years, I have cultivated a ritual, an art retreat and hibernation of sorts underground, where I cook and do whatever feels good for me. My fairy godmother and life coach supported me, and it has been a good thing, I hope you do this too! 

ARTROPOLOGY GAME • NEW YEARS DAY 
I'm hosting a game Monday, January 1st 2024, 2 PM EST on ZOOM • CA$15.00. For all those who would like to start the new year painting, this game is fun and educational, and one of the best ways I can think of to bring the New Year in with creativity and joy all are welcome. Click link for game rules and material list.

The winter for me will be spent in Japan, learning Mokuhanga as a student, and experiencing Eastern culture and Washi exploration. I will share all of the things with you when I get back into teaching.

ZOOM ART CLASSES SPRING 2024
BONE WIND FIRE
These classes explore the lives and works of Emily Carr, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O'Keeffe. These incredible women followed and listened to their own voice at a very interesting time in art history. They were all defining their own vision for themselves and had a connection to a spiritual, creative drive and process….which we are going to delve into and take awesome inspiration from!
Materials to be explored: studying the masters with mixed media - your choice! 

DESERT & UNDERWATER
Experience the light, colours and spirit of the desert and sea with inspiration from my recent art residency in Arizona. Take a deep dive to explore all the wonders below and above, focusing on technical and conceptual such as colour palettes, layering textures and creating magical compositions of unique landscapes, creatures and remarkable diversity.
Art materials to be explored: water-based paint, charcoal and open drawing media such as soft pastels, coloured pencils, and ink.

EVERYONE WHO SIGNS UP FOR ANY ZOOM CLASS (6 classes, 12 classes, or 24 bundle) will be admitted to a FREE ZOOM WORKSHOP ‘ THE ART FILES’:

The Art Files
FREE workshop for ZOOM students. 
A workshop on digital photography, storage, editing, saving and archiving artwork files for your success no matter where you are in your career/passion. This workshop will be experimental, customized, and interesting! CRITIQUES are offered.

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The Love Story of Ping!* written by my fairy godmother, claudia jean mccabe xxxxxx

God and the angels had long ago had a most thoughtful chat. He had told them how he had been contemplating the personification of magic but couldn't seem to get the formula quite right. One twinkling starry night (after what seemed to be an eternity) God sent out the joyful news that he had created Ping, quite miraculously and just like that. When this magic child opened her beautiful eyes, all of God's creation heard the sweet Tinkerbell sound of ping*! in the air, and God said...."Magic. Pure magic!".
The next night, one of the smallest angels tugged on the Father's heavenly gown. "Yes my child? What is it?". In the softest of voices, the angel said, "Dear God, what about creating Love?" God gently replied, "I created Love millions of years ago. Without Love, I could not have created Magic. But there was a missing ingredient in my magic formula which was revealed, at last, when we heard the sweet sound of ping*! filling the night air with twinkling starlight."
And so it was the divine plan was revealed....to all those who can close their eyes and see.
So when a certain magic fills your heart up to the very brim, be still, close your eyes....and listen. Ssh. Listen. When you hear that lovely ping*!....it will be the love in the magic you've found. Most of all you will have found the sparkle in you. Magical, love-filled you.

I love you
Ping!*

Zoom Classes • January 2023

Afternoon Workshops

• Clean Slate • Critiques & Gesso Demo • Thurs, Jan 5th • 1-4pm EST

• Artropology Game • Abstract Design & Compositions • Thurs, Jan 19th • 1-4pm EST

4-week sessions

• Fantastic Animals • Wed Jan 4, 11, 18, 25 • 10am-12:30pm EST

• Fearless Drawing • Pen & Ink • Sat Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 • 10am-12:30noon EST

• Winter Spirit Trees • Sun Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 • 10am-12:30noon EST

• Mini Masters • Impressionism • Sun Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 • 2:30pm-5pm EST

What is included in the zoom classes?

• We will connect using Zoom, where you can work in the comfort of your own home studio. You will receive an invitation email with a Zoom link and supporting documents such as reference photos, handouts, and a material list in advance.

• The sessions begin with a welcome and overview. You will know exactly how the session will unfold and the objectives. 

• The classes are interactive with step-by-step demonstrations, Q&A’s, and help along the way to complete projects during the session. 

• A follow-up recording link, with unlimited access

SIGN UP HERE!

BIRDS OF A FEATHER • JAPANESE PAPER PLACE & PAN PASTELS

Magical Mandalas • art class

 If you love mandalas and meditative art forms, you will love this drawing class! Delve into the ancient art of self-expression to create your own personal Mandala, and explore the sacred circle of symbols and patterns - so beautiful and easy to create - no previous art experience required!The very act of creating a mandala can lead us to many blessings, such as the experience of wholeness and inner clarity and possibilities! The artistic process embraces the joy of colour and imaginative mark making, and with the guidance of artist & instructor Sharlena Wood, you will have a finished piece of art to hang on your own wall!All materials will be provided. Options for prints & framing your Mandalas for any occasion will also be available through Great Spirit www.GreatSpiritGallery.comDate • Wed Dec 9th 2015Time • 6:30pm - 9:30pmWhere • RAWspace - 270 Carlaw Ave #102, Toronto ONCost • $55 per person - All materials will be provided.Max 8 people • Space is limited ~ sign up today!Email to sign up• contact@Rawspace.infoWebsite • www.RAWspace.info

My favorite art materials!

A reference for artists taking Painting Wildlife: Acrylic Mixed Media and Drawing Wild Animals on Craftsy.com

Travel Savvy with Acrylic Paint

A recent trip from Toronto, Canada to South East Asia was an amazing experience in many ways, and I learned a lot, primarily in regards to travelling with all my art gear.It was a business trip and I was scheduled to lead 3 x collaborative painting events on a cruise ship. I have packed for and performed these event experiences dozens of times, but in Canada - not internationally. So for many reasons, I had to prepare in a completely different way which included having a Plan B back up just in case my paint was confiscated or my luggage was lost.

The Overview

International Transportation Act Letter + MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheet] paperwork clearly on top of paints that are in airtight ziplock bags and packed in checked baggage.

The Research

The most helpful part of my search was calling manufacturers and artists who I know have travelled to different countries. The general advice was you should have no problems if you have MSDS paperwork on top of paints packed in an airtight ziplock bag, all in your checked luggage. The best discovery is that Golden Artist Paints has an Air Transport Document designed just for these situations. 

Of course, there are no guarantees. Artists paints are in a grey zone for Air Transport carries and security since most of the rules are vague, out of date and sometimes confusing as to what is allowed, restricted or prohibited. For example: On Air Canada’s website, there is a section about paint, but no mention of acrylic paint. It states that Tubes of oil-based and latex paint used by artists are accepted provided the material is packaged in absorbent material and placed in a heavy, plastic leak-proof bag/container.  

Some art material manufacturers recommend calling the airline in advance to verify their policies, so I called Cathay Pacific and a baggage representative explained that paint is acceptable only if it is identified as non-flammable directly on the label, even with an MSDS. Acrylic paint is not flammable, but there is no label on any brand tubes to state this ... it's on the MSDS though. So his response was distressing, albeit understandably on the side of caution and their black and white rules; yet there is no reason not to accept MSDS sheets as that is what they are for. It's funny now, as in the end I had no problems with Cathay Pacific at all - in fact, they were fantastic! I wouldn't recommend a call to the airline though ... unless the rep on the other end is an artist, it will probably be a moot waste of time. 

example for packing acrylic paint for travel

The Trip

So, how did my trip go? Well with all this great advice and information, I felt like a savvy artist traveller by the time I flew out. I had done all I could do on my end, even had a Plan B just in case things went south. Once I got to the airport, I knew it was all up to the Art Gods! :)

I'm happy to say, my bag was checked without any questions (labeled as fragile which I appreciated, and cleared that x-ray security thing both ways) and it was all smooth sailing!

All you need to know

• All paint manufacturers provide MSDS for each specific paint line. Find it on their website or ask your local art store for it. Here is the Golden Artist Colours link. Download and print two copies.

• Golden Artist Paints has an awesome certified document for travel! Download this Air Transport Statement and print two copies.

• Pack a copy of each above document with your paint, and include a copy in your carry-on luggage with all of your flight info.

• Do the same with business cards if you got 'em, and any letter of art related business such as registration for art classes, tours, meetings, lectures or demonstrations during your trip. Too much info is better than not enough.

• Heavy Body vs Fluid Acrylic = as long as the caps close well it does not matter and should be decided based on personal preference.

• Remember that professional quality artist paint is packed with pigment and a little goes a long way. Limit your palette by choosing colours you can mix, then add in your essentials and favorite single pigment colours you can't live without :)

• Pack paint, mediums, brush cleaner etc (anything that could leak) in a large, freezer size zip lock bag. Don't overstuff. Use multiple bags if necessary.

• If possible, pack all materials neatly in an organized and professional bag, case, Artbin etc.

• Bring used paint that is obvious it is personal to avoid paying duty taxes on new goods that might be re-sold.

• Use clear, plain and simple words to explain your materials if you are asked to. It is best not use internal art speak - even the word paint is a buzz word! Alternatives: tools required for an art class/for drawing pictures, personal supplies, non-toxic, non-flammable, water-soluble colour that kids can use... etc

• Be confident in yourself as an artist and take the time to know your materials so you can speak wisely, and with conviction.

Plan B

Before I travelled, I sourced an Art Store at the destination that would have been able to serve 100% of my supply list if my luggage was lost. Popular name brands/manufacturers have International retail locations listed on their website. Always check that first, as it is much easier than to google for stores in places you have never been. Even with a list of retailers, it took me awhile, but I did find a store in Hong Kong that was close enough to my hotel, with a selection of paint, brushes, easel, canvas etc.

Travel Bag

After a lot of searching, I found a Burton Snowboarding bag (156cm) that fit perfectly for my gear! I needed a bag large enough for my easel, rolled canvas, tripod, other materials and equipment. I was delighted - it was reasonably priced and within size allowances. I also kept it under the weight restrictions to avoid paying any extra for oversize/overweight - surprisingly, I fit a Stanrite 500 easel, a tupperware container filled with paint, a bag filled with dozens of brushes, rags, and extras such as canvas pliers and tape and it was under 20 kg.

Creative Alternatives

Naturally, artists think out of the box, so I believe there must be other possibilities in what seems to be a limited International game. For example, as a professional artist with a business, I may look into designing my own label for my own packaged paint and containers, or I may re-fill and re-use the Golden containers and jars I bought for this trip so the packaging matches the Air Transport Document until more paint companies can offer this letter officially.

Paintings!

Thanks for reading - I love sharing, and wanted to post all the tips and advice passed on to me. In the spirit of art community collaboration - please share in the comments your own experiences, research, advice, alternatives, tips and any questions - this is an ongoing learning experience for all artists, and the more information we all have and post online, the better. love light xops.  but what really matters are the collaborative paintings created on this awesome trip :) 

Shared Palette Collaborations • Celebrity Century President's Cruise Asia 2015

Shared Palette Collaborations

Win my Craftsy Class for FREE!

I'm running a Giveaway Promotion for a FREE Painting Wildlife • Acrylic Mixed Media class!http://www.craftsy.com/ext/SharlenaWood_GiveawayJust click this link and sign up for (or sign in to) Craftsy in order to enter to win.Share this opportunity with your friends! This promotion ends September 12th (just before my birthday weekend!!!) Colour me Fabulous! ♥Sharlena Wood