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!

Artropology Game

Lately, I've been most active in my little art group which I started when Covid hit, as a safe and supportive place to connect with students and art friends. Since 2021, I've been hosting a fun, weekly art game called 'Artropology' that is only available to members of Sharlena Wood’s Art Group. The group is private to keep the focus on creativity, yet all visual artists are welcome!

Artropology is a card game that focuses on Principals and Elements of Design prompts to create a non-objective work of art in the spirit of play, and learning how to nurture your intuition and decision making skills.

Every week I post an event in the group where we meet in the Facebook Group Event 'ROOMS' at a scheduled time. It’s a different time every week as I try to work with my schedule as well as offer a variety of days and times to reach those working, retired, early risers, evening night owls etc. You can drop in/out of the game at any time if you need to arrive late or leave early, that's fine. The game usually lasts 45 mins to an hour including a final moment to share work with each other. xx

The game rules/overview, including a visual of the principals and elements of design, is posted below.

After the game, you can post an image of your work in the group to share 😊

The game is free, but if you have fun playing and want a way to show your appreciation, here's the voluntary Tip Jar • https://tinyurl.com/ydcf6sn4 • or etransfer to sharlenawood@gmail.com

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ARTROPOLOGY • a painting game of Elements and Principles of design • Rules & Overview

ARTROPOLOGY • a painting game of Elements and Principles
Game created by Jeanne Krabbendam© www.jeannekrabbendam.com

You will need:

Art materials such as brushes, alternative mark-making tools (palette knives), water container, rags, paint palette, paint in different colours and neutrals (acrylics recommended), and/or mixed media (optional ie. soft pastels, oil pastels, coloured pencils, charcoal); and one painting surface of your choice (ie. 8”x10”).

This game can be played in any media, but there are challenges with each one! Please choose what you are most comfortable with - no need to struggle with media while trying to have fun :)

Object of the game

The object is to create a small artwork following the assignments given on the random cards drawn, to have fun while learning to use the Elements of Art and Principles of Design and get to know the building blocks and stepping stones to create balanced artworks.

Expect to simply ‘play’, and not be concerned about the result. The result aims for abstract non-objective, and sometimes I will add a theme to help inspire us with a focus or task ie. a primary colour palette. Should you begin to see a representative image emerge, feel free to continue to paint after the game and work towards revealing the vision.

The Play

I will begin by rolling a coloured dice to randomly direct which card to pick. I will read the card out loud for everyone to hear. Grab tools and choose colours required to complete the action - you will have to make decisions even if some prompts give you specific directions. You will have 1 minute to perform the assignment. When the minute ends, I’ll call "brushes up” and draw another card.

Things to consider:

  • Begin working all over, allow the first few cards to mostly cover the page so you have a base to layer up on.

  • Repeat what works, especially if you like a thing

  • Scrap or wipe off if you immediately hate a thing

  • You can always ignore a card if you don’t like the direction, and you can re-use any previous card direction at any point it serves you.

  • However you interpret the card is good enough for the moment. If you find yourself feeling lost, you may wish to look deeper into understanding your medium, researching principals and elements of art and design theory, art classes or private tutoring.

  • Don’t fall in love too soon - it could inhibit something more amazing happening in the future.

End of game

I will call for the last two rounds, so all participants can anticipate and start finishing their artworks. All work can be posted in the group for sharing.

Editing Photos of Artwork

It’s ok to edit your photos. Do whatever the fuck you want to them. There are no rules. Edit to your skill level, and aim high! If it’s your original artwork, you have tons of options to play with photography….

Ask why you would or wouldn’t edit, then go from there. If it’s because you don’t think you can, then I promise you can learn! Past experiences working in photography and graphic design have taught me the benefits of easy key edits, knowledge and creative freedoms.

Suggestions:

Use your phone. Steady your hand and frame the work in direct (and in-direct sunlight if possible) - take a couple pics of each. Decide which is the clearest and edit it authentically, then crazy edit another just for fun. Duplicate the image if you want more play options.

Key edits: most important is Cropping (rotation and balance if you took the photo crooked), Brightness +20 always, a touch of Contrast, alteration of Colour/Tone, adjust Saturation, White/Black Point, and maybe play with Effects!

You learn from editing … Ideas for what you like and had no idea of, what’s possible and where you might want to go!

Be up front when you are posting the image for sale. Post an accurate photo if you are selling the original + any edit you want if it’s not for sale (NFS) or if you are selling a print of the edited image.

Left - Scanned watercolour Right - White Point ‘washed out’ edit Since the original was a gift, I can share whichever I prefer on social media/digitally. I loved how the edit, although it’s washed out, revealed the paper texture and distressed th…

Left - Scanned watercolour Right - White Point ‘washed out’ edit

Since the original was a gift, I can share whichever I prefer on social media/digitally.

A kaleidoscope of butterflies

Hi loves ♥️ I hope this finds you well and taking good care.


With all 2020 classes and workshop bookings canceled and many venues closing their doors permanently, the path in front of me has zig-zagged into a dream come true 'artist-at-home residency' opportunity!

In this new life chapter, I will be focused on creating artwork for online sales and future Gallery shows, booking specialty workshops/retreats next year, and aim to get back into private tutoring by this September 2020. Stay tuned!

The range of emotions is vast, and I’ve got a kaleidoscope of butterflies in my stomach. Beyond the disappointments and acceptance of big changes, I fear the common struggles of freelancing and managing a fine art business in an uncertain economy. Yet going along for this ride with all the feels also includes feeling loved, supported, grateful, inspired, and excited for a new challenge that will test the strength of my wings.

Sending love and comfort out to you all, every single day you show up with courage and move forward despite your fears.

Happy summer! ️ Stay strong, stay in touch, stay safe xx

A gift from Jack for tutoring him in Schoology Grade 7 (English, French, Math, Science and Geography) during Covid-19

A gift from Jack for tutoring him in Schoology Grade 7 (English, French, Math, Science and Geography) during Covid-19

“It seems to me that the less I fight my fear, the less it fights back. If I can relax, fear relaxes, too.
”
— Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

"Dearest Fear:
Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip. I understand you'll be joining us because you always do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to do in my life and that you take your job very seriously. Apparently, your job is to induce complete panic whenever I'm about to do anything interesting, and may I just say, you are superb at your job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must. But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job, which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There's plenty of room in this vehicle for all of us so make yourself at home, but understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be making any decisions along the way. I recognize that you are part of this family so I will never exclude you from our activities, but still - your suggestions will never be followed. You're allowed to have a seat and you're allowed to have a voice, but you are not allowed to have a vote. You're not allowed to touch the road maps, you're not allowed to suggest detours. You're not allowed to fiddle with the temperature. Dude, you're not even allowed to touch the radio. But above all else, my dear old familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive."

A love letter to students

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I see you in the forest, in the sunlight and through the trees .... I miss you. I love you. I’m holding you in my heart, now and always. 

Memories of your brilliant smiles, laughter, and excitement to create continue to fill my heart with so much joy! The warm hugs, silly gestures and sounds we each made walking into the classroom because we greatly missed each other since the last time. Little 'ah-ha' moments of discovery and sharing with each other, knowing we are surrounded by unconditional love and support. There are only a few rules ... 1. wear an apron if you sit in the front row of my demos 2. be filled with curiosity, awe and wonder, and open to all possibilities 3. think and speak of yourself with kindness and positivity. 4. Respect and honour your individuality ... your amazing, unique and natural way of mark-making/seeing/thinking. 5. Always learning!

Trust and remember this…. We will fill a room with laughter, and create together, once again. Of course, we don't know what we don't know right now, but as always, I remain hopeful, positive and determined. 

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Gallery 121 Art Show

I’m honoured to be participating as a guest artist at Gallery 121 featured with member artist Barry Argyle. I'd love to see you at the opening, so swing by or plan a lovely autumn road trip to check out our latest works!

Gallery 121 • 48 Bridge Street East Belleville, Ontario, Canada

Show opening • Saturday, Sept 14th, 2019 from 2 - 4pm

Show runs from September 10 until October 19, 2019

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