Reasons For Art

In-between all the organizing, spring sales, workshops & applications for shows I have been creating art, really I have, really. When possible I sit outside painting, sketching or taking pictures of the sky. This week I finished a hawk piece, started a eagle and did a sketch of an elephant.

The elephant was a special project. I was asked to do a small sketch for The Real Africa Trust, Sketch for Survival 2018. These artworks will be on display in London and New York. They will help bring awareness and support to endangered species.

All of the works will be for sale via an on-line auction from September to November. All profits are donated to conservation projects. If you would like to find out more about them here is the web site: http://www.explorersagainstextinction.co.uk
For more info on the sketch project or to get the newsletter: http://www.sketchforsurvival.co.uk

You can find them on social media too:
Twitter: @Real Africa
Facebook: AReal Africa and @ExplorersagainstExtinction
Instagram: @Real Africa

Here is my submission. Elephant on coffee stained paper

Spring Cleaning

It feels like I have been spring cleaning for the last two years. I am slowly clearing out art materials I do not use any longer. Most of that is print making inks, rollers, felts. etc. Plus, I still have a stash of hand-pulled limited edition prints.

I thought, why not go ahead and do a print sale. Many of the prints are stone lithographs. What does that mean? Well, the image was drawn on a prepared limestone with a greasy crayon, pencil or tusche. Processed with gum & acid, to make it sensitive to a greasy/oil based ink that is rolled over the stone while the stone is kept slightly damp. Paper is placed on the stone and run through a print press. It is called hand pulled because each print is rolled and pulled by hand. A limited amount of these prints can be pulled because the more ink that is applied, along with pressure from the press the stone image begins to break down. Okay, so that was your lithographic print making lesson for today!

Today happens to be World Water Day, thought I would start off with some ocean images. I will set up an album on FB, post images on Twitter & Instagram. If you are interested in purchasing one of these prints, I am only asking $20.00 to cover postage and handling. They are unmatted, unframed, prints, there are just a few of each print left. They will be mailed to you via USPS in either envelope or tube. I can do charge, check or cash. Email me at lharrisonparsons@gmail.com

You can find the album on my FB page http://www.facebook.com/LindaWildlifeArtist
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lhp5536
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lindaharrisonparsons

"Whale Tail" series. Hand-Pulled Stone Lithograph,
image 9 X 10 3/4" on Rives BFK white paper 11X14"
Only 2 left AP (Artists Proofs)

"Save Our Oceans" Silkscreen, image 8 X 17" paper 10 X 20"
Only 4 remaining.

"Silence Speaks" Hand Pulled Lithograph,
image approx. 7 1/2 x 10" paper 11x14"
Hand Colored - only 1 left

Sharing Art

I love to talk about art, make art and share art. In sharing art, you are teaching and learning. I open my studio several times a year to artists and creative souls. Teaching over the years as Artist-in-Residence, I have developed a few programs that are fun to teach and easy to learn. These workshops allow for creative conversation, a artistic brainstorming of ideas and a calming experience.

If you are interested drop by on Friday, March 16th between 10 - 5 at my studio: 9205 N. 128th St., Scottsdale, AZ. My space will be set up for experimenting with print making processes. Starting with Suminagashi, the art of floating ink on water to create marble papers. From there Nature Prints, Monotypes and a little Mixed Medium. These are all options, you can come for one or try them all. It is your time, and you can do with it as you like.

There is a little lunch break and you can bring your own lunch or something to share. If the weather is nice, we can sit outside and enjoy the view of the mountains. That in itself is a great de-stresser.

There is a small fee just $10.00 to cover materials. Plus, you get to take what ever you make and there may be a few give away's. If you can't make it to the open studio and would like to learn more on print making, paper making, drawing, painting, pastel or you have something specific in mind, e-mail me at: lharrisonparsons@gmail.com

Check my web site for additional workshops and shows. http://www.lindaharrisonparsons.com

marble paper with fish mono-print 

Suminagashi

Monotype Mixed Medium

Monotype with graphite

Two Times Art

Doesn't it always seem to take two times longer to do a project then you were expecting or hoping it would? I have been on the Two Times schedule for a little while now. After the paper-making workshop it usual takes a day to break everything down and a day for everything to dry before it can be packed away. This year I added a little bit of complication to that by setting up a paper making workshop on Earth Day, April 22nd, at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. If you missed the workshop at my studio you can stop by or pre-register for this one day quick workshop from noon - 3:00. That too will take two days to dry out and pack up for the year. If you have question or want to register just email me at: lharrisonparsons@gmail.com There is a fee to enter the Arboretum, unless you are a member or if you have a State Park Pass. The workshop is only $10.00 per person or for group/family of 4 or less $25.00. You can drop by and make a couple sheets of paper from recycled/up-cycled materials. A great Earth Day project.

Getting back to the terrible two's...I have spent the last two days in my studio. I have not been painting or drawing, although I have two pieces of art part way done, waiting to be finished. One on the drawing table, the other a pastel on the easel. I got an order of Rives BFK paper in, along with matt board for framing. The boards are 30X40", the paper 22X30" - they needed a space. My flat files were pretty full and needed cleaning out. (note: sale coming soon!)

That became the two day project in the studio. I still have a wee bit more to put away but am in pretty good shape for upcoming workshops. I have paper for a pastel workshop in Tucson at the end of the month. Paper for Common Ground on the Hill workshops, there are two: The Art of Nature and the Art of the Bird. Check out the web site to register for one of these classes in July back east. http://www.commongroundonthehill.org (look for traditions weeks)

Starting this weekend begins the March Paint Out at the Desert Botanical Gardens. The members of the Scottsdale Artists League will be in the gardens each Saturday in March, doing plein air painting. The first weekend of April 6-7-8th from 10 -5 we will have the art we created during March on display and for sale. There too is a fee to get into the gardens and it is worth it, beautiful place to hang out for the day.

This weekend will be a bit of a two-fer, I will be at the gardens Saturday morning but head to Sedona for Saturday afternoon. Look for pictures, hoping to catch some evening sunsets on those red rocks.

Here are a few pictures to inspire you to come to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the Desert Botanical Gardens, a workshop at my studio or maybe a trip to Sedona. Enjoy!
http://www.lindaharrisonparsons.com Here is my web site for more info on shows and workshops

View from my backyard, Scottsdale, AZ

Desert Botanical Gardens in bloom

Me painting at the gardens

Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Waterfalls in Sedona

Ready - Set - ART

This time of year in AZ it is filled with art opportunities. Framed up "Over My Shoulder: Red Tailed Hawk" for the AZ Pastel Artists Assoc. National Juried Show in Sedona. That was a mouth full, the show will be up March 29th through April 10th. I will be at the Sedona Art Center special gallery doing a demonstration on April 9th from 10 - 4. If you are in the area stop in and see the exhibit.

Made some changes to upcoming workshops. March Madness is upon us, so thought I might set up a little madness in the studio. Friday, March 16th from 10 -5 ish, there will be opportunities to drop in and learn about printmaking. Starting at 10 a.m. Suminagashi, the art of floating ink on water. At high-noon, those same marbled papers can be used as the background for Nature Prints. Around 2 create something abstract with water based crayons and at 4 maybe take that abstract into a realistic mixed medium print or collage. There is no experience needed and you can drop in anytime during the day to try different things. Lots of fun with no pressure, madness you say, well maybe but come give it a try. Small fee to cover materials $10, coffee & tea are on me, bring a bag lunch or something to share.

Most Saturdays in March you can find me painting at the Desert Botanical Gardens, Galvin St., Phoenix, AZ from 10 -3. This event is sponsored by the Scottsdale Artist League. The first weekend in April: 6-7-8th there will be an art show & sales featuring works created in the gardens. The show is from 10 - 4ish each day.

April 21st Saturday we will focus on the stars, which might include the moon using handmade papers to create books. A book shaped like a star and a booklet from handmade papers. You can find more info on this on my web site. http://www.lindaharrisonparsons.com

April 22nd you will find me at Boyce Thompson Arboretum for Earth Day. There is an entrance if you are not a member or you can use your State Park Pass. I will be offering a class on recycled handmade paper from 12-3. You can register ahead or drop by and make some paper. Small fee of $10 pp or $25 for group or family of 4 or less. Check the web site or email me for details. lharrisonparsons@gmail.com

Moving into spring in AZ there is no lack things to do: art, hiking even baseball. Hope you enjoy the season.