Jill Segal's Newsletter

Winter 2010-2011

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Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of 2010.

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 Society of York Region Artists and the 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.

I am excited to announce that I will be teaching a week course at the Haliburton School of the Arts, this summer, combining acrylic painting, collage and yoga. (See below for more details).

The Benefits of Kripalu Yoga

Yoga means union or yoking of body, mind and spirit. It is a philosophy of life which creates harmony between body, mind and spirit. Kripalu Yoga, in particular, is a proven way to bring us back to that wholeness. It is “a gentle yoga of compassion” that encourages self acceptance, non-judgment and learning to love and nurture our body. It is a complete system of Yoga, with emphasis on breath (pranayama), postures which is asana, meditation and relaxation. The practice of postures offers relief for physical ailments and connects us to our bodies, (moving out of our heads and listening to our bodies). Breathing exercises and relaxation relieve emotional stress and meditation creates a moment of peace, a break from mind chatter, allowing us to be fully in the moment and connecting with something higher than ourselves ( and our authentic intuitive selves.)

I have found that when I allow myself to connect with my body, calm my mind, and centre myself, creativity flows and I am able to tap into a universal creative source. Time seems to stand still and often the painting seems to paint itself. This process for many people can be a healing and transformative experience.

Art Shows

I participated in an exciting show with participants from my Thursday morning advanced class:

• Patricia Lynne Harris • Zina Chmielowski • Lois Eisen • Sharon Kirsh • Ruth Johnson • Dawn Dong• Catherine Comuzzi • Alexandra Weber

It was held in a very unique autoshop, called Auto Eurotic 199 Laird street, Toronto, on December 4, and 5th.

We managed to display over 65 inspirational works of art, and the show looked amazing.
We were all thrilled by the enthusiastic response and positive feedback from the many guests. We also sold quite a few paintings which is always encouraging.

Overall it was a great success. Check out the Auto Eurotic website. www.autoeurotic.com

Classes Workshops

Spring Session

A ) CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH ACRYLIC AND COLLAGE (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED)

Date: March 17 - April 28 (6 classes, no April 7 - make up class May 5th if required)
Time: Thursdays 9:30am – 12:30pm
Fee: $210
Location: My studio

In this course we will  continue to explore creative expression, using acrylic (Fluid and heavy body) and collage. Teaching by demonstration, discussion, individual attention and critique.  Alternate weeks may be an independent study session, following on from the previous week’s assignment. Students will also have the opportunity to work on their own projects if they want to.

B) CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH ACRYLIC AND COLLAGE (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED) INDEPENDENT STUDIES

Date: June 2, 9, 16 - 2011
Time:Thursdays  9:30am –1:00pm
Fee: $105
Location: My studio (The garden is beautiful at that time of the year.)

This is a great opportunity to work on the subject of your choice in the medium of your choice, with like minded artists.

You will be encouraged to think about yourself as an artist, and what you would like to express in a series, through your art. 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 include group discussion and sharing.

B) BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH FLUID ACRYLIC CONTINUED

Date: March 23, 30, April 13, 20, 27 (No class April 7), 5 Classes. Extra make-up class May 4 if required.
Time:Wednesdays  1:00pm –4:00pm
Fee: $175
Location: My studio (The garden is beautiful at that time of the year.)

We will continue to explore creative expression and learn how to use fluid acrylic paints, watercolour crayons, and collage. You will have fun expressing your creative self with vibrant fluid acrylics and you will learn methods and techniques using acrylic paints and acrylic products, watercolour crayons and collage that will start you on an exciting journey of discovery.

Register early as class sizes are limited. A deposit of $25 is required with registration.

Summer Session

1) BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF LANDSCAPE PAINTING

May 30 –June 1, 2011

For Information and registration contact: (705) 446 2044 Bluemtnpainting@hotmail.com

CREATIVE EXPLORATIONS WITH FLUID ACRYLIC AND COLLAGE

This is an inspiring fun-filled workshop, for developing artists, who are ready to break free and explore new directions in painting and self expression. You will be encouraged to loosen up and explore the exciting effects created by combining fluid acrylic, collage material and texturing techniques, adding a new dimension to landscape and non-objective subject matter.

2)HALIBURTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

A) COLLAGE AND ACRYLIC EXPLORATIONS

Date: July 4 –July 8, 2011
Location: Haliburton School of the Arts
To register: (705) 457-1680
Website: www.HaliburtonSchoolofTheArts

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.

B ) ACRYLIC,COLLAGE AND YOGA

Date: July 18 -22, 2011

This exciting process oriented course, invites you to an exploration of acrylic painting and collage, combined with the experience of gentle yoga and meditation.
You will be introduced to Gentle Kripalu Yoga, which facilitates connection to your body, relaxation, self awareness and self-compassion. It calms the mind and allows you to connect with your authentic “Creative Self”. From this “centered place”, you will have the opportunity to explore your creativity and experience the joy of self expression in a fun filled, non-judgmental environment.

You will be encouraged to experiment with new concepts and ideas, combining fluid acrylic paint and acrylic mediums with magazine pictures, oriental and stained papers, found natural objects, photographs and anything else that you would like to adhere to your support surface, and incorporate into your art.

Your learning will be enhanced through, individual attention and group dialogue. Personal expression and uniqueness will be encouraged

Call or e-mail if you have any questions.
Jill@jillsegal.com    (905) 731-3834

Website & Facebook

Please check my website periodically for new paintings, and join me on Facebook, so we can keep in touch and I can share my newest paintings and other news with you.

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

May there be peace in your hearts, your homes,  your communities and on our planet.

Blessings,

Jill

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Please contact me at Jill@jillsegal.com or 905-731-3834 if you are interested in any of these classes.

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