Summer has definitely arrived with the sunshine and hot weather I love. This time of year I am lured from my studio to my gardens. Actually, I just enjoy being out in the heat and sun so weeding and tending the gardens is a joy. The flowers bloom in waves with the blues and purples early on, then pinks and yellows and now a lot of orange and reds with others mixed in. I am fortunate to have a large yard, and a rototiller, so my flower beds ramble and flow throughout the yard. It is the perfect time to relax in the vegetable garden with a pencil and sketch book and get to know the shapes, shadows and linear qualities of my plants. I also take a lot of photos of the summer landscape when I am traveling, to be used later in my studio.

 This spring and summer I have been playing around with slumping glass and focusing on fish designs for my windows. It is good for me to focus on something a bit different than I normally create to keep my work fresh and interesting. Little changes can challenge and keep work fresh: try a different type of paper, remove some of the colors you always use from your pallet, try a totally different subject matter, try limiting time on a piece e.g. 10 minute sketches. Any time I change my "routine" it keeps my work interesting and lively.

I am participating in a gallery show at Superior Artists Gallery, Washburn, Wi for the month of September. The opening reception is Thursday, September 4, 5-8 pm in conjunction with and opening at Karlyns Gallery and The Museum Gallery space. Take a stroll around Washburn and check out the wonderful art.

Summer classes have been great fun and I have met many new painters. I enjoy being able to introduce people to the medium of "pastel" and see the excitement build as the first painting comes to life. Whether people continue to play in pastel, or only paint during a class, my hope is that it is an enjoyable process where they can freely create, relax and just enjoy the process.  

 
  I have a "class schedule" page if you want information about my ongoing pastel classes, please check there.

My studio is open to the public each Wednesday a.m. 9:30-12:30 and other times by chance or appointment. I welcome visitors to my studio. I'd love to have you stop by to say hello and check out what is on the easel or the glass table. Contact me to coordinate times and to get more specific directions.

Thanks again to all those who stop by to say "hello" and share some inspiration.

Catherine

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

Mother Theresa

Catherine Sebek Studio 10839N Nyman Ave. Hayward, WI 54843

(.7 mi W. of Pamida on Hwy 77 & L on Nyman Ave .1 mi OR ¼ mi N of Main St. on Nyman Ave)

715-634-3667

www.sebekstudio.com