New Stuff

It has been a great summer for painting and a slow summer for The Loft Shop.   The  economy has finally caught us.    Because I have a pretty good inventory of watercolor paintings, I have been expanding my creative efforts. 
I took a collage/watercolor class from Gerald Brommer at Springmaid Beach a couple of years ago and  recently started doing some more collage work.   It is fun to do, with surprise results.   I have many kinds of rice paper which have been stained with watercolors.    I collect the papers according to color, put them in plastic bags, creating a palate of  the papers.   I begin the process as I would a painting, with value sketch and transfer the sketch to a heavy paper. Next I begin ripping, tearing and glueing the papers onto the sketch.   Here are a couple of recent works.

Landscape  5x7

View at Lee Anne's   16x20

Painting Day

Today was the day I invited the members of the Western Maryland Watercolor Society to come out to our house to paint.   Five gals drove out from Cumberland to spend the afternoon painting, eating, chatting, sharing painting information and having a good time.    It was a warm day in Garrett County and all of us sought refuge on the front deck where it is cooler.  I don't know about them, but I am inspired by just being with them. 

  suealoft@aol.com
http://www.theloftshop.com/

Chautauqua New York

Alan and Sue spent part of last week in Chautauqua New York.   The first full day we were there Alan golfed and I stayed at the Great Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast and painted before we went to a state park, lolled in the sun and swam.  It was super day.  The second day we spent at the Chautauqua Institute.  What a fabulous place.  That evening we went to hear the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.  It is truly a remarkable place.  For more information look it up on the web

We visited Jim Reno, a potter, in Mayville, NY.

 

The Gingerbread houses are darling.

Alan got into the Victorian spirit.

As did Sue.

Our B & B

suealoft@aol.com

http://www.theloftshop.com/

Laurel Ridge Pottery Show

The Back Room at the Garrett County Arts Council is currently featuring the pottery of Ron and Laurie Skidmore.  The reception for the artists is Saturday August 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.   The public is invited to attend the reception.

Hope to see you on Saturday at The Gallery 

206 E Alder St. in Oakland, MD.

suealoft@aol.com

http://www.theloftshop.com/

Oil Painting Workshop

Garrett County Arts Council recently sponsored an oil painting workshop for beginners.  It was taught by Daniel Helsel of Bedford PA.   The students raved about their three days of working with Dan and have talked him into doing a follow up workshop.   I was certainly impressed with the quality of their work, especially since it was the  first time oil painting for many of them.

Steve Hamilton watches
Dan Helsel demonstrate.

Pretty impressive looking class.

The result of day #2.

Artist Studio Tours 2010

It was a wonderful weekend of sharing art with the people of Western Maryland.  Saturday was as hot as it gets in Garrett County and yet the people came, then more came and they kept coming.   None of us got an accurate count because they kept coming.   It was great fun showing our crafts to the people.   All five of us had a grand time.   We ended the day with some burgers, hot dogs and salads on the back deck at the Arnsons.    A great ending to the day, being with fellow artists as the sun sank.
Sunday came and, again, the people arrived.   There was a brief break when a tornado watch was issued for Garrett County.   The sky opened up, it rained and the people came back to look at art and talk with us.  We guessed that we had between 100 and 120 folks came to see art.

Pam Snyder's pots were filled with Blacked Susans.

Alan Arnson had a display of his wood work in his workshop.

Isn't Meg Romareo's Adirondack chair fabulous?

Sue Arnson's studio was beautiful with the sunflower arrangement Pam made.

Sorry, Jim you escaped too quickly for me to get a photo of your terrific photos.

Next year's Studio Tour is July 30 & 31.

suealoft@aol.com

http://www.theloftshop.com/

Artist Studio Tours

Garrett County Arts Council present the 2010 Artist Studio Tours for the people of Western Maryland, Allegany County, Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake to enjoy.    There will be 35 artists at 13 locations. Some of the artists are offering their studios to "guest" artists.   At the Loft Shop we will host Pam Snyder and her wonderful pottery.   Pam will be located in one of our out buildings.   Jim Lawrence, photographer, will be in the lower level of The Loft Shop.  Meg Romero will have her "over the top furniture" at our guest house.    And , of course, Alan and Sue Arnson will be in their respective work spaces chatting and demonstrating their crafts.     This is always an exciting weekend for us because it gives us a chance to share our beautiful property with other artists and art lovers. 

Check my blog on Monday when I will post photos of the event.
contact us at suealoft@aol.com
 http://www.theloftshop.com/