This season, we call on the art masters and periods of art history to inspire and teach us. Our gallery includes famous artists and trendsetting newcomers using traditional materials like paint and brushes, plus metal, canvas and clay. The inspiration of the masters extends to all of our favorite techniques and materials. Some of today’s most creative artists and makers are here. They put on their smocks, grab their palettes and create artful designs.
Class Sessions
Episode 1: Mediums
25:24
Not all artists use brushes, and paint is not their only medium of choice. On today's episode, we begin with a lesson inspired by Camille Pissarro as we paint using a palette knife instead of a brush. Then meet Dina Wakley for a graffiti inspired, modern street art design. We finish up with Cheryl Boglioli and a 3D sculpture using an interesting medium to create a female form reminiscent of modernism.
Episode 2: It's All Art!
25:27
Sometimes we get hung up on definition of art. Some may take a narrow view of what can be considered art but contemporary artists are always looking to expand the rules! Today we push the rules. First is an Andy Warhol inspired design using photo editing software to create one of his iconic effects. Then Joe Rotella explores automata – or a wooden mechanical tool for a unique artistic approach. We finish up with May Flaum and a nod to contemporary art - you've got to "make it work" ! if you don't' like what you've made – chop it up and make it into something better!
Episode 3: Mavericks
25:27
Certain artists are known for pushing the envelope – they are the innovators or mavericks of the art world. We begin today with Jackson Pollock, an abstract impressionist known for his drip painting which we'll give a try. Then Joe Rotella our own maverick creates coral from film – a pretty interesting technique. Then Cheryl Sleboda is up next with art as wearables and paldrons created for cosplay. We finish up with Candie Cooper as she cuts up cookie tins to make earrings.
Episode 4: All About Brushes
25:27
Brushes are the first tool for many artists, or are they? We begin with a Vincent Van Gogh inspired painting where we lose the brush in favor of a straw. Then Michael deMeng has a project entitled "good brushes gone bad"; as discarded brushes are the actual base of strange creatures. Then learn lettering styles using brush pens with Janet Takahashi. Finally, we meet Dina Wakely with art inspired by Van Gogh's brush strokes.
Episode 5: Shapes & symbols
25:26
Shapes and symbols take on new meaning when incorporated into art. First, we look at Marc Chagall, a modernist, for inspiration on using symbols in art for stories. Then meet syndee holt as she incorporates shapes into an art form using clay to make switch plate covers. We finish up with Janet Takahashi, as the scroll shape turns into flowers.
Episode 6: In the Eyes of an Artist
25:26
An artist sees things differently – they have a unique way of looking at the world and interpreting it into art. First, we look at Mary Cassatt, an American painter and printmaker known for her portrayal of women and children and create a project showing the bonds between mother and child. Using a totally different perspective, Joe Rotella, creates a kaleidoscope guaranteed to alter the way you see the world. We finish up with Ardith Goodwin and a Kandinsky inspired work – starting with a photo of a house and using chalk and neon to create her canvas.
Episode 7: Be "object"ive
25:26
It's time to be "object"ive! Found objects play an important role for today's artist. We begin with Joseph Cornell, a pioneer of assemblage with a shadow box project. Then Michael deMeng is back with "battered and briny bits"; creating weathered objects using clay, molds and salt! Cheryl Sleboda returns with a neckpiece; the perfect cosplay accessory. We finish up with an Alexander Calder inspired mobile with Mary Hettmansperger constructed of found objects.
Episode 8: Artistic License
25:27
Artistic license give us the permission to do just about anything we want with our projects. The inspiration for our first project is Georgia O'Keefe; she is known for her enlarged flower painting and we enlarge objects beyond recognition. Then May Flaum is inspired by Da Vinci's practice of going from sketch to finished work in a journal. Janet Takahashi is next with a watercolor resist project giving you the license to showcase only the items you want. Finally, Ardith Goodwin has another Kandinsky inspired look as she exercises her license to paint on whatever she wants – and today is rocks!
Episode 9: Texture & Dimension
25:27
Move beyond flat artwork by adding another level of texture and dimension. We begin with a master of texture and dimension in Willem deKoonig. Then Cheryl Boglioli introduces a new medium: wax. It will change the surface of your art. It's been used for centuries to create texture or can even be used to preserve art. We finish up with syndee holt and 3D texturized coasters made from clay.
Episode 10: Cut It out
25:27
Our theme is "cut it out" as we continue our exploration of the art masters. We begin with Henri Matisse and a project featuring cutouts. Then Mary Hettmansperger has an Alexander Calder inspired piece with a canvas cut out with found objects. We finish up with really unique idea as Candie Cooper cuts up records to construct her project.
Episode 11: Abstracts
25:26
Our art journey heads to the abstract. We begin with an art project inspired by Pablo Picasso. We'll be creating a divided face inspired by "Girl before a mirror" Then Dina Wakely has the keys for abstract paintings so they are more than just a colorful back ground. Next Joe Rotella creates an abstract design within a lamp work bead. We finish up with Tori Weyers and a nod to the masters with a look at Renoir and Monet and their use of color to create light and shadow.
Episode 12: Inspiration
25:27
This season is all about inspiration, particularly from the art masters. We're not only inspired but we take that creativity one step further with new materials. We begin with a design that pays homage to Sigmar Polke, a contemporary artist that was known for using varied materials even glass. We make a stitched canvas. Then Joe Rotella is back, taking a page from Sigmar's book by using found objects like wood and license plates to make a modern birdhouse. We'll finish up with May Flaum and the post-impressionist era and a lesson on being inspired by art but styling it in your own way.
Episode 13: Up Close & Personal
25:27
Get up close and personal! The personal aspect of art is what makes it unique to you! We begin with personal stories as pendants inspired by Frida Kahlo's art. Then meet Tori Weyers for a lesson on composition and bringing together all of the elements of your art. We finish up with a return visit from Cheryl Boglioli. As an animalier or sculptor of animals, she's inspired by Romantic French sculptor Antoine – Louis Barye. She'll make a 3D sculpture of a meerkat.
Your Instructor
Julie Fei-Fan Balzer
Julie is a mixed media artist, painter, and avid memory keeper. She loves to create all kinds of artwork and experiment with lots of different supplies and techniques. Julie has been lucky enough to have artwork and articles published in multiple books and magazines.
Bonus Material
Make It Artsy: Learn From the Masters - Resources
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
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