Jill Segal's Newsletter

Winter 2009/2010

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Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2009.

I want to wish you all a very happy Holiday season, filled with joy, peace, love, good health, and laughter.

Once again I am going to be in Naples, Florida for January and February enjoying the ocean and sunshine and acquiring much inspiration to pass onto you in the Spring. I am going to be participating in an abstract acrylic painting class at the Von Liebig Art Centre. Taking workshops is always so exciting and nurturing for my soul.

STUDIO NEWS

The fall was busy, with studio classes focusing on acrylic and collage. I also taught workshops for The Guelph Creative Centre and Japanese Paper place. Students were really encouraged to play, to try different approaches, to take risks and to express their unique, authentic selves. The works of art produced were spectacular.

I was thrilled to incorporate, some yoga stretches and centering exercises into my classes. I really believe it is important to pay attention to our bodies and our breath when we are painting and creating. As we become involved in our process it is so easy to neglect our posture and our breath, and this can create back and shoulder pain. A few reminders to breathe and regular appropriate stretches can help to prevent chronic pain.

My students reported that the centering exercises  definitely help to bring them into the stillness of the present moment and enable the voice of the “Muse “ to be heard.

 So, I am looking forward to sharing more Yoga/ Painting Creative Exploration workshops, combining Yoga, Meditation, and Painting.

DEMYSTIFYING ACRYLIC MEDIUMS

There is such a variety of different acrylic mediums available that it can be very confusing when you go into an art supply store. I hope the information below will provide you with some clarification.

What are Mediums?

Mediums are acrylic paint without pigments. They are made up of a polymer dispersion, which is basically plastic suspended in water. They vary in terms of thickness (viscosity), shininess (luster) and transparency, and are all designed to mix with acrylic paint.

Adding mediums to acrylic paint gives the painter control over viscosity, colour saturation (brightness), and shine. Adding a medium to acrylic paint will also decrease the drying time of the paint. Mediums can also be used as glue.

Gloss mediums dry clear and shiny. Matte mediums are less shiny and may dry translucent. Semi gloss is somewhere in between.

Fluid Mediums are thin and pourable, e.g.  Polymer Medium (gloss), Matte medium, Open Acrylic medium (gloss), and Acrylic Glazing liquid. Mediums are typically used to extend your paint and to make glazes.

Gels are thick and range from transparent, semitransparent and opaque. These gels have a “creamy buttery viscosity” that will hold the imprint of each brush and knife stroke.

Self leveling gel has a thick honey-like feel. Unlike other gels, this one levels out into a thick even pool. Gels can be used for gluing heavier collage items.

Pastes eg. molding paste is usually opaque, containing marble dust or other fillers, and is used to create textures.

SPRING & SUMMER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
(Dates to be confirmed)

A) CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH WATERMEDIA (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)

 Date: March 11 – April 22 (6 classes, plus a make-up class April 22.)
 Time: Thursday, 9.30 a.m.-1.00 p.m.
 Fee: $180
 Location: My studio

In this course we will explore creative expression, using water based media of your choice i.e. fluid acrylic, heavy bodied acrylic and mixed media (watercolor crayons, oil pastels and collage). Teaching by demonstration, discussion, individual attention and critique.  Creativity, fun, uniqueness and personal expression will be emphasized. (Some students may want the opportunity to work on their own projects within the class setting. This will be available.)

B) CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH WATERMEDIA) MAY/JUNE DATES TO BE CONFIRMED.

(INDEPENDENT STUDY)

This is a great opportunity to work on the subject of your choice in the medium of your choice, with like minded artists. My garden is gorgeous at that time of year. Individual guidance and direction will be given, and each person will be encouraged to express their own unique concepts and style of expression. Each class will end with a group critique.

C) COLLAGE AND ACRYLIC EXPLORATIONS

Date: July 5 –July 9, 2009
Location: Haliburton School of the Arts
To register: (705) 457-1680
Website: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts.ca

In this exciting process oriented course you will learn to combine collage materials and acrylic paint as a means of personal visual expression and distinct visual vocabulary. With a creative spirit, you will be encouraged to explore and experiment with new concepts and ideas,  using magazines, old paintings, oriental and stained papers, found objects, photographs, fabric, fibres, acrylic paint and anything else that you would like to adhere to your support surface. Composition and design principles will be addressed. You will benefit from individual attention and group dialogue. Personal creative expression and uniqueness will be encouraged.

D) CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH YOGA AND ART

Spring/summer date to be decided. Let me know if you are interested.

Please contact me at Jill@jillsegal.com if you are interested
in any of these classes.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES

“Someday after mastering winds, waves, tides and gravity,
we shall harness the energies of love. And then, for the second time
in  the history of the world, Man will discover fire.”
(Pierre Teilhard de Chardin)

I send you all my love and invite you to set an intention
to be more loving, gentle and kind to yourselves and
to others, as we move into the New Year, 2010.

Once again best wishes for a
wonderful holiday season and New Year.

Jill Segal

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