I’m honoured to have been selected to participate in Clinehouse Gallery’s next exhibit • The Merry Mini Holiday Show features 40 juried artists, 200+ artworks for you to enjoy and gift!
‘Merry Mini Holiday Show’ at the Cline House Gallery 2022
Fall & Winter Workshops 2016
Upcoming awesomeness!
Art FUNdamentals •10 wks WEDNESDAY EVENINGS Oct 5, 2016 - Dec 7, 2016 Time: 5:00 PM -6:30 PM, Level: Ages 8-9 *Link to register
Art FUNdamentals at VAM is a fun and progressive course comprised of over 600 lessons making up a 7 year program. Children never repeat the same lesson twice! Working at their own pace, students are encouraged to slow down and watch their imaginations speed up while developing and practicing new skills. Students work in small peer groups and investigate drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking and much more while connecting the dots through art history, the principles of art and design and art practices from around the globe.
Teen Portfolio Prep-Secondary School•11 wks WEDNESDAY EVENINGS Oct 5 2016 - Dec 14, 2016 Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Level: Grade 11+ *Link to register
Specialized courses designed for students who plan to apply to a visual arts program at the secondary or post-secondary level. Along with the opportunity to develop new portfolio pieces, students will be coached on presentation, critique and interview skills. Each student will participate in a private mock-interview and portfolio critique. Currently in Grade 8 and applying for Fall 2017 entry to Secondary School Visual Arts Programs. Emphasis is on preparing portfolio-ready work that meets the requirements of regional arts program in Peel District, Dufferin Peel Catholic District and Toronto District School Boards. Materials included. Students should bring a sketchbook and expect some weekly homework.
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Acrylic Confidence - The Bold Basics • WorkshopPart 1- 5 weeks, THURSDAY MORNINGS October 6 to November 3, 9 am to 12 pm *Link to registerPart 2 - 5 weeks, THURSDAY MORNINGS November 10 to December 8th, 9 am to 12 pm *Link to register
Discover the essential techniques you need to paint confidently with acrylics! Understand the technical properties of acrylic paints and mediums, fundamental design, colour and value, and how the right tools and tips all work together to help you achieve astonishing results. Key techniques will explore traditional and experimental approaches to painting with this forgiving, versatile medium, giving you a new understanding of the myriad ways you can use acrylics to create anything that catches your imagination. Benefit from demonstrations, advice and personal guidance for beautifully completed paintings that combine knowledge and skill with the joy of painting!
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Creative CardsSaturday December 10th 2016 - 9am-4pm
Get ready for the holiday season! Express creativity, joy & gratitude while continuing to improve your painting skills and learning a variety of interesting techniques to expand your ability to create with mixed media. Using acrylics, drawing tools, and collage elements in combination with tips for stylish presentation, this festive card designing workshop welcomes all ages and all levels of experience, inspiring a wide variety of ideas for making your greetings this year extra special.
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Courage + Experimentation = Evolution!
Almost a year ago, I started a drawing of trees on a wooden panel, and after 48 weeks of abandonment, I just mustered up the courage to experiment on it - and I'm super excited with the result! For as long as I can remember, I've drawn trees without leaves. Perhaps it was simply a love of simplicity, or a fear of layering or losing the intricate structure of the drawing (where shapes eliminate precious linework), but any of those reasons no longer serve me now... I have an itch to let go - to trust & be creatively reckless - to evolve! Cheers to the courage to create!
Magical Mandalas Art Class
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
Hong Kong Cruise Port
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
Dog Days of Summer Sale for ALL Craftsy Online Classes!
The biggest sale of the summer starts now!
ALL classes, including my 'Painting Wildlife: Acrylic Mixed Media' class, will be up to 50% off, until Monday August 11th 2014. This kind of offer only happens a few times a year, so don't miss out on this awesome opportunity. ☺
Dog Days of Summer Sale!