Agave Latte

Create in California ....Registration opens today!

2012-01-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

I'll be teaching 4 fab workshops at Create Orange County California in May! Registration opens today.....
Check it out!
Here are some tid bits........

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2011-12-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are here...bring in the cheer! Wishing peace and joy for all.......

Santa Ysabel Hike with friends

2011-12-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

My art friends and I hiked at the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve on Friday...an absolutely beautiful day. The day just beckoned us to sit under the Engelmann Oaks on this dry, windy late morning and paint the surroundings. And to finish a perfect outing...lunch in town, Julian pies, and shopping at Santa Ysabel Gallery and Weaver's shop.....

an absolutely magnificent oak at the top of the ridge

The trail head starts near the Santa Ysabel Mission off the 78 in Santa Ysabel, CA. You need to open the gates to pass through the cow pastures...you can see the mission behind the curious cows........

Candy Wrapper Book...part 2

2011-12-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

While recuperating from my bout with Bronchitis I managed to finish my Candy Wrapper book.

I used embroidery thread to embellish the covers with some stitches that I kinda remembered how to do back in my hippie days.... I added a hand milagro....good thoughts for stitching....and some flying bird charms. The wrap tie is a fabric scrap from old sari cloth.

This detail shows the binding. I taught this binding in my Fall Book Arts Class at Fallbrook School of the Arts. The 2012 classes will be posted very soon! My next Book Arts class starts January 26 -1 to 4pm.

sorry I missed you......

2011-11-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

Today was the Talmadge show. I stayed home...too sick to participate. I'll be back in next year. Sorry I missed you!

Candy Wrapper paper

2011-11-09T10:34:00.000-08:00

A question came up.....what do with all of those leftover candy wrappers from Halloween and Dia de los Muertos? Instead of tossing them, I had my Fallbrook School of the Arts Book Arts class save them for a book construction! We adhered them to freezer wrap paper, forming a great colorful collage, sprayed them with spray gesso with stencil patterns.
I've embellished the paper with colored pencils, bringing out the patterns of the stencils. More embellishments next...think of the possibilities......stitching some beads perhaps?
These will be the covers of the book we'll make on Thursday........I'll post the book construction next!

Monotype workshop at SDWS

2011-11-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

Great workshop coming up in December for all San Diegans and points beyond....
2 days of exploration with watercolor monotypes and collage on paper. This is your chance to experiment with watercolor printmaking and collage with rice papers, stamping, and altered surface textures.
December 4 and 5
San Diego Watercolor Society

Discover innovative techniques to create botanical grid compositions with hand transferred watercolor monotype. Monotype is an expressive additive or subtractive printing method which creates intriguing textured color fusion shapes. Spend each day printing and painting in watercolor exploring wet into wet approaches. We’ll add additional mixed media layers with dry mediums to exaggerate color intensity. Discover innovative techniques to create botanical grid compositions with hand transferred watercolor monotype.

Best of Show!

2011-10-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

Extreme thrill on Friday night when I walked into the Fallbrook Art Center and saw that my pastel

"Passion Flower Birds" won "Best of Show"....!!

I was very proud that this pastel painting was worthy of such a grand prize. I enjoy composing an odd assortment of shapes in my still life paintings. The clay bird on the left is from Acoma, New Mexico. I bought it from one of the artists on top of the mesa in the village built on solid rock. I found the ceramic corn bowl in a thrift shop. Corn shapes are intriguing to me, as a metaphor and symbol. I grow passion fruit vines in my garden. The fruits are quite bright towards the end of summer.
My painting has a prominent spot right as you walk in to the center. Come see the exhibit ...for the next two weeks only......
.here are the details ......
Fallbrook Art Center
Open Daily

Oct 28 - Nov 13

103 South Main Street
Fallbrook,California 92028

a workshop with Jesse

2011-10-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

I took a workshop up at Art and Soul in Portland with Jesse Reno. His work is mind blowing, raw and honest. I played with finger paint all morning. It's such a release to feel the paint in your hands, applying pure color on the paper and mixing with your fingers. Touching the paper surface with paint is the extreme tactile sensation. Highly recomended workshop!

Here is my painting before the last paint layers.....

Here is the finished work......

and a work in progress......

and Jesse with my "Crow Cow" painting......very cool

Art and Soul Portland revisited

2011-10-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Art and Soul
Portland,
Oregon

I taught two wonderful workshops....met great gals, shared many charming stories, had lots of laughs and giggles............thanks to all of my students!Batik Flora and Fauna........

and Casa de Milagros!

Art and Soul...here I come...

2011-09-25T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a while.....
I'm finally able to catch my breath and relax before teaching up in Portland at Art and Soul. I'm super jazzed to teach up there...2 workshops....Casa de Milagros...Batik Flora and Fauna.
Sounds like fun...doesn't it? There is still time to sign up..!

Just finished this painting of a succulent...one of my favorite things to paint.
It will be for sale at Vendor night at Art and Soul!

Guest artist Luminarte paints

2011-09-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

I'm a guest artist for Luminarte Paints this month. Stop by and take a look. The first post is an introduction about my artistic life and then some.......
I've been playing with Twinkling H2O's ....very cool luminous sparkly watercolors...very fun and they come in cute little pots.
Here's a sample of my paper boats project for the first tutorial coming soon!
Cheryl Tall made the Mermaid in the background....love her works!

Create Monotypes!

2011-09-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Huge exciting news! My first article has been published for the premier eMag Cloth Paper Scissors available now!! The articles are interactive and fun! Plus, I have a tutorial ....you can even hear all of my bracelets clanking away while I work!

Plus.......Here are some examples of student works from my Monotypes workshop held in Chicago for Create

Thanks to all!!

Create Batik

2011-08-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from my Batik watermedia bits Workshop at Create held in Chicago.....had a blast teaching and I was amazed at all of the energy and joy that poured out throughout the workshop time....and a time for me to give great thanks to all of my wonderful, creative students!!

Yummy colors.....

Happy Creative Student!!

Here's Kelli creating wonderous batik bits!

Create! Chicago!

2011-08-28T22:41:00.001-07:00

Create! Chicago!, a set on Flickr.

Bits from my Create Workshop in Chicago...Batik Watermedia Bits....oh what fun it was!
Thank you dear students!

Chicago!

2011-08-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Jane LaFazio and I took the train from Create to downtown to see the Art Institute of Chicago...we spent most of the rainy, windy day inside taking in all the glorious art works.....unbelievably beautiful................... what a glorious day of art and fun it was!

architectural details

and the train ride home...........

Check.......

2011-08-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

packed the cars with paintings, cards, tent, panels and more

for San Diego Botanic Garden Expressions Show.......................................check

packed 2 suitcases for Create in Chicago.....leaving on Monday with Jane....check

packed supplies in both suitcases for Create.....with little room for any thing else...check

will pack lightwieght artsy clothes and wear the rest that won't fit into suitcase.......check

"Torrey Pines Morning Trek"

watercolor

Daniel Essig in Asheville

2011-08-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my visit to Asheville was to see Daniel Essig's Studio. Dan met my husband and I and gave us a grand tour of his woodworking Book Arts studio. I was awestruck with the amount of materials he had and the random order of things....his books speak volumes, with aged perfection and weight.
Dan is coming back to San Diego next year to give a workshop for San Diego Book Arts . All info will be up online when it becomes available.

View of the studio.....

My husband discussed machine lathes and wood patterns with Dan......

A look into Dan's display cabinet with a multitude of hand made books just waiting to be held......

a fine fish with a book to hold.........

and this is the door leading into the studio spaces at Grovewood.....if you ever travel to Asheville be sure and stop by Grovewood Gallery. Dan is one of nine studio artists residing there. The

studios, gallery, cafe and two museums share several 1917 pebbledash buildings nestled on eleven acres next to the Grove Park Inn.

Montecito Family Camp Summer 2011

2011-08-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I taught some very talented and fun students watercolor at Montecito Family Camp in the Sequoias. This is a wonderful week long camp for all ages, sing-a-longs at the campfire, painting lessons, mountain biking, archery, hiking, horseback riding, coffeehouse night, variety show night, somemores at the campfire, the list goes on and on. I love teaching there.....thanks to all of my students!!

my sister painted the butterfly on her journal....I'm so proud of her!

A very kind grandfather painted this....a view of the Sequoia mountain range......

my youngest student painted this pretty butterfly.......
Joan's painting at lakeside.......
Mouse and cheese.......don't you love this?
Plant study on the first day........

weekend workshops

2011-07-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

I taught two painting workshops over the weekend, one at Bravo School of Art in San Diego and one at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, CA. We had a blast both days.....thank you to all of my students! I will be returning this Fall to both locals...info will be up soon on my website and blog.

What a fine group of artists!

My friend Cheryl Tall created this magnificent sculpture for San Diego Botanic Garden for the annual Sculpture in the Garden Event.

Ah....Asheville!

2011-07-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Just came home from Asheville, North Carolina, where my husband and I spend some time exploring the artful city and I taught a mixed media workshop at Random Arts in Saluda, NC

...Here are some of my happy students!

a beautiful tree of life by my student from Florida.......isn't it grand? I love the color palette......

very cool works in clay from our visit to the River Arts District

The Carl Sandburg home outside of Asheville....the air was lovely....you could just hear the poetry.....

Home Thoughts

The sea rocks have a green moss.

The pine rocks have red berries.

I have memories of you.

Speak to me of how you miss me.

Tell me the hours go long and slow.

Speak to me of the drag on your heart,

The iron drag of the long days.

I know hours empty as a beggar’s tin cup on a rainy day,

Empty as a soldier’s sleeve with an arm lost.

Speak to me . . .

The Biltmore House....faithfully preserved estate...the largest private residence in America.....county home to the Vanderbilts.....these are photos from the architectural tour. We hiked up to the roof for some splendid views.........

Ranching in the Heart of Nature

2011-07-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends...Santa Rosa Plateau Reserve is one of the last reminding pristine ecological meadow land areas left in CA.....it's a wonderful place to hike, bike and paint at....
My paintings will be included in the annual art exhibit "Ranching in the Heart of Nature" , a fundraiser for Children's Education programs -July 9th to 20th

Please join me next Saturday for the reception!
Opening Night, July 9, 2011

Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
39400 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta
5:00 – 9:00 Open to the Public. No ticket required.

5:00 – 7:00 Artists Reception on the Reserve
Special Tented Area
Hearty Hors d’oeuvres, Specialty Wines, Acoustic Entertainment
$15 donation. Advance reservations.
(Donation to support the children’s education programs.)

as the Santa Rosa Foundation states..The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

Roaming deer, vernal pools, Chocolate Lilies, education and schools.
Prairie bunchgrass, hiking trails, wild Poppies, Cougar tails.
Ecological wonders, hundreds of birds, human history, interpretive words.
Historic Adobes, Engleman Oaks, ancient creeks, historical folks.
The Nature Conservancy, State Fish and Game, Federal Fish and Wildlife, research fame.
Metropolitan Water, Riverside County Parks, Native American history, and Meadowlarks.
How wonderful is that?

Random Arts...July 6th...

2011-06-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

In a little over a week's time I'll be at Random Arts in Saluda, North Carolina teaching my workshop
"Batik Tree of Life" ...a wondrous collection of mixed media, paint, canvas, collage birds, and little things.....sign up soon!!

I've never been to the Asheville area...can't wait to see it! My cousin Steve lives there and is going to "art me to death" ....true story...he said that I'll never want to come home cause there is so much art to see! American Style Magazine called Asheville "#1 in the top 25 small cities" for Art in the USA....winning over Santa Fe, New Mexico! My fav Book Arts teacher Daniel Essig lives there too....can't wait to see his incredible book sculptures.

"So much time, so little to do....strike that....reverse it".....
"willy wonka"

San Diego Watercolor Society Plein Air Demo

2011-06-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

I spent last Saturday morning in Valley Center leading the San Diego Watercolor Society Plein Air Demo and Critique at the lavender fields. We spent the morning painting the iconic southern California vistas with brilliant purples from the lavender fields bursting in the sunshine.

A fine group of painters really for the critique....and lunch

My demo .......not finished yet......

Many fine painters came out to paint....our easels wrapped around the pathway at the top of the hill. A good time was had by all.....thank you SDWS for a lovely day!

Lavender Fields forever

2011-06-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

Come out to the Lavender Fields this Saturday morning to paint on location. The weather should be nice and sunny and the fragrances delightful. I'll be demonstrating for San Diego Watercolor Society as part of their Saturday Paint Out series held once a month.
Here are the details:

JUNE 18 9am to 12:30pm
"Our demonstrator is Helen Shafer Garcia, who created all of those illustrations for San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles Magazine.The lavender will be in full bloom in June and should be beautiful. It will be warm so bring a hat and water, of course, and I suggest packing lightly as there is a short walk to the demo area and some of you may want to wander farther to paint later. Also, some of the paths are rough. I do not know if food is sold, so bring a sandwich. They did have iced tea available when I was there at the end of April.
I have made arrangements for us to park in the “private reserved parking”or “even parking,” so when you enter the property drive through the main parking lot and follow signs to reserved event parking — quite farther up the road. I will have several SDWS signs on the way. Once you park, unload and walk down the
curving stone paved path to the demo area in the vicinity of the “Tea House.”Everything is well marked in a rustic manner. Also, restrooms are available." SDWS newsletter

Directions:
Highway #15 to exit Gopher Canyon Road / Old CastleRoad. Turn right at light, and turn right again - short
distance to traffic light. Turn left. You will be on OldCastle Road. Go for about 5 1/2 miles to bottom ofhill. Turn left on Lilac Road and go just over 2 miles,past a yellow veggie stand called ”The Yellow Deli.”
Turn right at Keys Creek Road / Old Lilac Road. Thereis a wooden Lavender Farms sign there and a lavender triangular flag. (If you miss this turn, you will be on Dowling Road - turn back to Keys Creek Road, a dirtroad. Stay on Keys Creek Road (good condition) for 1 1/2 miles. Do not turn into any other roads. You will see occasional lilac flags. When you enter the farm follow directions above.

Sharon's painting

2011-06-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

Sharon painted this lovely succulent at one of my classes that I taught in Fallbrook this spring. The colors are bright and strong and the shapes are wonderful.

I'll be back teaching in September...Watermedia with mixed media, Book Arts, Pastels-Plein Air and in the Studio, and Watercolor Basics. Fallbrook is a great artful town to come to! Check it out......

Batik Tree of Life Create Workshop!

2011-05-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Here are some selections from my "Batik Tree of Life " workshop that I taught at Create in Costa Mesa last week. I'm also teaching this workshop at Create in Chicago in August!.....along with 2 other workshops......Monotypes, Pastels and Paint and Batik Watermedia Bits.

These paintings are lovely and it's so cool to see all of the colors and variations of the theme. Thanks to all who took this workshop!

Viva la Vida!

Batik Bits!

2011-05-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

This is the second workshop I taught at Create in Costa Mesa. Batik Bits are little masa paintings with acrylic inks, watercolors and collage. These little bits were so filled with joy! My students created beautiful works in just 3 hours. This first photo shows how we started with the ink lines.......thanks to all who took this workshop!
Ah......coffee.....my fav....

Love the bee on this piece......

Mucho Flores........

Don't you love the details on this border?

And this bee just buzzes with joy!

Monotypes, Pastels and Paint!

2011-05-22T22:35:00.001-07:00

Here is one of the great creations made at my Create Mixed Media Workshop "Monotypes, Pastels and Paint" last Wednesday in Costa Mesa. Great works were created all day! Thanks to all who took my workshop!

Great new things

2011-05-13T16:44:00.000-07:00

Great new things are being created in my studio this week...just in time for Create in Costa Mesa next week!! There is still time to sign up for workshops.......here is just a tiny Batik Bit piece called
"She sells sea shells down by the sea shore...." .......you know...I could never get through that little tongue twister....

and this workshop...Monotypes, Pastels, and Paint ..........scroll down till you see my workshop!

and this workshop .....Batik Tree of Life......

CORN!!

2011-05-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

My thoughtful and delightful friend Jane sent me this wondrous plump Corn pillow made by Kelli Perkins. Isn't it cool? I have never owned a corn pillow before....this is a first! Corn icons have been an ongoing and recurring theme with my work...there is something about the little oval shapes surrounded by the great textures of the husk...let alone all of the symbolism and folklore associated with corn....Thank you Jane! and thank you Kelli for making this very, very cool corn on the cob!

Book Arts Workshop in San Miguel de Allende

2011-04-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some Pics from my workshop in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. My students did a fantastic job with their handmade books! Congrats and many thanks to all who spent the day painting, stamping, stenciling, mark making, and of course drinking Margaritas! ....ok...some of you!

Back in the USA.....

2011-04-21T20:54:00.000-07:00

We've just returned from San Miguel de Allende after teaching a week long Mixed Media retreat, with my Amigas. What a week it was with laughter and good times had by all! My students created incredible accordion books with amazing images and colors. The city was singing with lights and festivities for Holy Week. It's hard to get back to reality........we'll return in 2012!

Diane Uke, Laurie Mika, Lynn Leahy, Me!, and Jane LaFazio

Tesoso del Corazon.....Mexico!!

2011-04-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm still packing my bags for San Miguel de Allende...lots of goodies for art making that have taken over my large suitcase....clothes?...well...they are stuffed in between wherever and however......I'll be back on April 20 with more Mexican treasures that I can jam into small spaces....of course I won't have as many art supplies on the return trip.... so there!

Joseph Raffael!

2011-04-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Imagine my elation when I stepped into a gallery filled with huge Joseph Raffael watercolors! Today my art buddies and I drove up to see the exhibit at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, CA. The exhibit closes soon....April 15th to be exact. This is the artist who first inspired me to paint in watercolor back in the early 80's....I saw wild bits of color yet thoughtfully marked....wet into wet approaches with blooms! What a breakaway from the mediocre works I had seen before by other watercolor artists.

What a glorious colorful experience it was.... as you can see I was dancing with joy. The only other time I've seen his work was in New York at the Nancy Hoffman Gallery.

Here's a detail from the blue background painting behind me "Blossoms and Sky" 54 1/4" x 89 1/4"........look at the incredible detail and the color outlines of the shapes...reminiscent of Wayne Thiebaud's works.

This piece is called "Biography: Interior-Exterior, Exterior- Interior" 49 1/2" x 72 3/4". The painting also had incredible details in each inch of the work....small broken color brushstrokes with transparency and brilliance.

Borrego Springs Circle of Art Show

2011-03-18T00:04:00.000-07:00

Come out to the desert this weekend! Borrego Springs, CA is the place to be for Arts downtown at the Circle of Art Show. The Wildflowers should be lovely and hiking trails are close by. I'll have new works for you to buy as well as some small little handmade journals and greeting cards. Hours are 9am to 4pm.

Brandon Gallery Pastel Show

2011-03-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Brandon Gallery in Fallbrook, CA is hosting an exhibit of my Pastel student's works through the end of the month. We had a little party today with treats, chocolate cupcakes made by the gallery director and wine to go with it....what could be a better combo? From left to right: Christine Bowman, Marlene Sheridan, Me!, Doris Bertch, Andi Mandel, Jo-Lind Eckstein, Robin Coats.

I am so proud of my students! Come on in to the gallery and enjoy the versatility and brilliance of Pastels and watermedia. These works were thoughtfully created and painted on location and in the studio.

Visit Fallbrook School of the Arts for more information on classes. My next set of classes starts soon!

March 28- Watercolor Basics

March 30-Pastel Painting: in the studio and Plein Air

Contemporary Watermedia- March 31

Book Arts: Embellished and Stitched- March 31.

Plein Air at Elfin Forest Reserve

2011-03-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely afternoon painting on location at Elfin Forest Reserve in Escondido, CA. The sky was clear and the day warm and sunny. This is the second to the last class for my Fallbrook School of the Arts Pastel Class. A new class will start on March 30th. Our afternoon couldn't have been more perfect, pastels and good conversations about compositions and such........

Along the Vista Grande Trail, Pastel Painting at Santa Rosa Plateau

2011-02-23T20:50:00.001-08:00

Along the Vista Grande Trail, Pastel, Helen Shafer Garcia
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Today I took my Fallbrook School of the Arts Pastel class to Santa Rosa Plateau to paint on location. It was the calm before the storm...cold and overcast with hints of sunshine. We painted till our fingers got numb, then hiked back to the vistor's center for a warm up critique. Fun afternoon!

Art and Soul Blog Hop!

2011-02-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

I'll be teaching at Portland Art and Soul Retreat www.artandsoulretreat.com/Portland-2011.php this coming September 28th and 29th! Very exciting! I'm joining these fine instructors in a blog hop...check out thier works to see what they are teaching.

Sharyn Sowell http://www.sharynsowellartblog.blogspot.com/

Jane LaFazio http://janeville.blogspot.com/

Jenni Horne http://www.jennihorne.blogspot.com/

PeggyKrzyzewski- http://www.artandsoultoo.blogspot.com/

Rogene Manas http://www.rogenemanas.blogspot.com/

Doreen Kassell http://www.doreengay-kassel.blogspot.com/

Corey Celaya http://www.art-with-moxie.blogspot.com/

Patricia Seggebruch http://www.encaustikits.blogspot.com/

M&Jen Crossley http://www.amarkintime.blogspot.com/

Barbara Lewis http://paintingwithfireartwear.blogspot.com/

I'm teaching 2 workshops......

Batik Flora and Fauna Wednesday September 28th

Casa de Milagros Thursday September 29th

Fallbrook Library Book Arts Exhibit

2011-01-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

I just returned home after installing my Book Arts Works for the Grand Gala and Opening of the Newly Built Fallbrook Library. http://www.fallbrooklibraryfriends.org/ It opens to the public next Saturday, January 22th.

This new space is exceptional. The art works alone are incredible and the new outdoor patio will be most popular with readers and artists. Mary Perhacs, Director of the Fallbrook Art Center; http://www.fallbrookartcenter.org/ personally invited me to exhibit my Artists Books in 2 plexi display boxes located in the new reading room with an outrageous glass beaded fireplace.

Drive up for the afternoon in a week or so....have a great cup of coffee at Primos Coffee just down the hill, check out the new library.....oh...and did I mention the new planted roof? Succulents and such......So very cool!

My new Book Arts 8 week class starts next Thursday afternoon from 1 to 4pm http://www.fallbrookschoolofthearts.org/classes/paper-arts.html
There is still time to register!

Palm Springs Weekend with my friends

2011-01-10T20:06:00.001-08:00

Papel de Fiesta
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Jeannie Moore http://jeanniemooresblog.blogspot.com/, Jane LaFazio http://janeville.blogspot.com/, Susie Clark and I spend a lovely 4 days at Jeannie's getaway home in North Palm Springs. We each taught a mini workshop, shared many laughs and giggles, and inspired each other....not to mention a tour of Elvis's Honeymoon house up the street....and did I mention the adventures of the "Dizzy Dolls in Palm Springs"? You have to see it on Facebook....Susie was our director...

This is the kitchen that the Elton Brothers are building

2010-12-27T14:31:00.000-08:00

Brothers Winston and Leland Elton are my contractors for our Kitchen and Bath Remodel. Highly recommended! They are creating a beautiful new kitchen and bath for us. http://www.winwinhomesinc.com/
They are kind and considerate and willing to listen to you. That is almost unheard of these days it seems. Good quality work and on time scheduling. Thanks guys!

The next photos show updates on our new custom built cabinets, concrete counter tops, tumbled travertine tile and Mexican tile backslash and our new back door. Our new sink is also concrete....way cool! I'll post more photos when everything is finished....

Love and Joy

2010-12-23T23:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing you

a great holiday season full of warm yummy treats,hugs and fuzzies......

Taos in Winter I

San Miguel de Allende next April

2010-12-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

Just keep this in mind..and sign up soon! ........
a wonderful, art filled getaway awaits you in the heart of Mexico next Spring with Laurie Mika, Jane LaFazio, Lynn Leahy and Me! http://web.me.com/themikas/San_Miguel_retreat/Welcome.html

We would love to have you join us for our week long retreat "Tescoro del Corazon" -Treasures from the Heart.
April 13 to 20, 2011
This will be a progressive approach to art making in the creation of a single final mixed media art project. There will be four different classes running simultaneously and each day students will work with an instructor on one facet of their box.

Each day students will rotate into another class so that by the end of the retreat, all students will go home having learned a variety of mixed media techniques....and with a unique box that will hold all of their treasured memories of San Miguel.

San Miguel de Allende will warm your heart and fill your imagination and soul.........

Photos taken by Amberley Shafer...my niece who lives in New Zealand...thanks Amberley!

Helen's artful space

2010-12-10T17:01:00.001-08:00

Helen's artful space
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

This is my space at Amber George's 3 Day Monotype and Collograph Workshop this week....I've been trying to post the rest of the photos of our fantastic group and our artworks but can't figure it out....flickr..
Anyway..if you click on the photo it will take you there....
Amber George http://www.ambergeorge.com/ is a very talented artist who shared so much with us. Thanks Amber!
We had a great artistc buzz going on....

Patron Saints Collabrative

2010-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

I was one of the Artists who participated in the Patron Saints Collabrative Book Arts Project in 2008,09. My book structure is constructed with paper mache, acrylic, inks, watercolor, and found objects. Saint Gertrude is on the right. I chose her because she's the patron saint of .....you guessed it.....Cats, Gardens, and Travelers. Santa Lucia is another saint shown, selected by Laurie Mika http://www.mikaarts.com/ St. Lucia is the patron saint of light, who unfortunatly, had her eyes gouged out by some horrible persecutors. She was miraculously still able to see without her eyes. And that is why, In paintings and statues, St. Lucy is frequently shown holding her eyes on a golden plate.

A majority of the works were developed in watermedia with some collage. I’m interested in organic shapes that are surrounded or are housed by geometric calligraphy. Each patron saint is surrounded by icons and symbols representing and supporting the figure. These shapes were sometimes pulled out of the geometric “housing” to create a sense of depth.

This is the description from the Ukiah Art Center, where our books are currently on display.
The Patron Saints Project -13 Women, 13 Books Project. Thirteen women artists in southern California and Oregon each made a book or container and chose a Saint. Each book was mailed in a circle for 13 months with each artist making one page in each book. Each book contains 13 Saints either ones recognized by the Catholic Church, or nominated for sainthood with a couple newly created ones. Artists: www.lisabebiart.com, Dorte Bistrup, Karen O'Brien http://www.keobrien.com/, Deb Denton, Andrea Callas Hein, Helen Shafer Garcia, Lisa Guerin, Susanne Knutilla, Lyn Leahy http://www.lynnleahy.com/, Laurie Mika http://www.mikaarts.com/ , Josie Rodriquez http://www.josierodriguez.com/, Cheryl Tall, http://www.cheryltall.com/ Elizabeth Raybee http://www.eraybeemosaics.com/ The books will be on display through January 15. There will be two times during exhibit when viewers will be able to carefully look through parts of the books that will not be visible during the exhibit. Wednesday, December 8 2pm - 6 pm Sunday December 19 12 - 4 pm
Art Center Ukiah, 203 S. State St. Ukiah, 462-1400

http://www.artcenterukiah.org/

These are the counters that Jack's building.......

2010-11-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

This is Jack http://www.jaxdesignshop.com/

Jack is a Renaissance artist in my mind.

He is building our concrete countertops for our new kitchen. He has a very cool shop in Carlsbad close to the beach.

Jack's tattoos read: "Become the change you wish to see" .....Mahatma Gaundi quote.....

Jack rides his bike from his home in SD to the train station, rides up north and then bike rides to his shop. His trucks run on Bio fuels....need I say more?

The second photo shows the templates he made for our counters.He's going in include some small found stones and things in some of the sections.

My friend Al Rodriguez just came back from a fishing trip in Baja...a thousand miles south. He picked up a small very worn down shell remnant on one of the beautiful beaches and gave it to me last Friday at his studio in San Diego. http://yagottahaveart.com/bio.htm . Al's shell will be a part of the countertop....thank you Al! There are also some milagro birds and a couple of clay buttons.....more photos after the holiday...

This is the Bath that Juan is building....

2010-11-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

This is Juan. He's creating our beautiful bathroom with tumbled travertine, glass tile and mosaic bits. He created 2 nichos for us. I designed the nicho mosaic and the glass tile strip. Together we placed each small shell, ceramic buttons (that I made in high school!), ceramic heart designs, a little fish design plate, and stones. Juan had never created a mosaic piece before. He hand cut tiny bits of glass tile to fit around the objects in the nicho. The photo shows the nicho before the grout was laid. We picked out a teal blue...it looks great. Juan likes to sing while he works and it makes me happy to hear him.

We took out a massive iron tub that no one ever used and now we'll have this wonderous Mexican style shower....we'll want to sing everytime we take a shower too!

Yesterday I found a copper sink that looks like a seashell for only $55.00. Juan is going to mount it on top of the cabinet like a vessel sink. This bathroom is going to be amazing when it's finished. Our remodel continues.......

Helen on Vista Grande Trail

2010-11-22T00:18:00.001-08:00

Helen on Vista Grande Trail
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

It was a lovely Thursday Morning at Santa

Rosa Plateau. My art friends and I painted along the Vista Grande Trail near the Visitors Center. The light was warm and wonderful.

Ceramic Tree of Life for my Kitchen

2010-11-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

This is a close up of my Ceramic Tree of Life I made at my friend's Ceramic studio http://www.cheryltall.com/ Cheryl offers studio time each week and you get to see her fabulous sculptures too.

I used to have a running gas kiln but it's covered with a Wisteria Vine in the backyard. It would be quite a sight running that kiln with an eight foot torch of fire on my vine!
This Mosaic piece will be mounted on the wall behind my stove in my new kitchen. I almost didn't leave enough room for it.....didn't exactly measure.......
The kitchen cabinets are up and my tile guy, Juan, is putting up the tumbled travertine and glass tile in the bathroom as I write this......more photos soon!

Plein Air at Susan Frommer's straw bale house

2010-10-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

You know what I love about teaching? It's the fabulous places I'm able to go to and the interesting people I meet. Take for instance Susan Frommer's house. http://www.consciousinspiredliving.com/feature.htmlShe and her hubby built a Straw bale home just north of Santa Rosa Plateau http://www.riversidecountyparks.org/locations/nature-historic-centers/santa-rosa-plateau/ in Murietta, CA. My Wendesday Pastel Class from http://www.fallbrookschoolofthearts.org/ traveled north to paint on location this afternoon. Susan kindly invited us for a perfect October setting with lovely views of the Santa Rosa Plateau landscape. Of course, most of us ended up painting part of the Staw Bale veranda along with succulents and cactus! Christine Bowman http://www.christinebowman.com/blog and friends from my Escondido Pastel class joined us also. Click on Christine's link to see more photos of our outing including Christine's great painting.....

A good time was had by all....Thank you Susan!!

the kitchen remodel continues....

2010-10-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

My new nicho complete with my son John and our kitty Frank. John's standing where the frig will go at the end of the room. Check out our new stove...5 mega grills for mucho tortillas y carne asada.....
yummy....

money palette

2010-10-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

This is the most inventive palette I've seen yet in my Palomar College Acrylic and Watercolor class. This student read somewhere that the vellum in the paper works well as an acrylic palette....pretty clever, isn't it? Just spray it from time to time to keep the paint wet. Of course if you are in dire need of a 3 dollar Starbucks coffee you might have an issue......

Great artist retreat next April 2011!

2010-10-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!

Now’s the time to sign up for a fabulous trip to San Miguel de Allende next April, 2011. This will be a fantastic opportunity to work with 4 amazing artists....including me! Our workshop and lodging will be located at Casa Luna, one of most prestigious and well known inns in town.

All details are listed below on our website.

Tesoro del Corazon

Art retreat in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

April 13 - 20, 2011

Come and enjoy a week of workshops and fun with four

top notch instructors: Helen Shafer Garcia, Jane LaFazio, Lynn Leahy and Laurie Mika

The old colonial town of San Miguel de Allende will provide the back drop

for workshops where your creative energies can flow.

All the techniques pictured below will be taught.

Please find detailed

information at our website http://web.me.com/themikas/San_Miguel_retreat/Welcome.html

Or email SanMiguelRetreat@gmail.com

$1390 (not including airfare)

A Kitchen reborn

2010-09-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

Here is the skeleton of my kitchen in my little house. After 28 years, I'm finally getting a new kitchen, down to the guts...new everything. It's been a dream and its finally happening. I don't care about the dust, the hammering at 7:15am, the frig in the living room....its all good. The closeup of the ceiling is what I call "repurposed" wood. We discovered in this 53ish year old casa that the roof was built with recylced wood from another part of the house, complete with original paint. We also discovered the writing on the wood in the bathroom. Jose, my husband, wrote our names and the year he worked on that wall, putting in a new window. We had forgotten all about it! John was only a baby then.........

I asked for 2 nichos ....you can see the framework for the large one. My son is in the other photo...he and his friends did most of the demolition....its all about smashing things!

New Mexico!

2010-09-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

Fall in New Mexico is so beautiful! I can't wait to see the soft muted dreamy colors and the dramatic skies! My students and I are exploring Dixon, New Mexico, which has endless painting possibilities and oh so many quirky places to visit. Dixon has a great Artist Studio tour in November http://www.dixonarts.org/

My friend Margaret took me there last year for my birthday. We had such a good time...oh...how I love New Mexico!

San Diego Botanic Garden Expressions Invitational Exhibit

2010-08-19T00:32:00.000-07:00

San Diego Botanic Garden

2nd Annual Garden Expressions Invitational Exhibit

Saturday and Sunday August 21-22
9am to 5pm
Outdoor Art Exhibit set in the garden.
Come by for a visit to see my works!

http://www.sdbgarden.org/expressions.htm

San Diego Botanic Garden is just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego in Encinitas, California
It covers approximately 35 acres at 230 Quail Gardens Drive, which runs parallel to Interstate 5 between Encinitas Blvd and Leucadia Blvd.

Helen's Art Unraveled Workshop

2010-08-08T22:28:00.001-07:00

Art Unraveled HSG workshop
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

In the Afternoon Jane LaFazio's http://www.janeville.blogspot.com/workshop students toured our paintings and then we toured her classroom. Both groups got a great look at all the beautiful works. Great idea Jane!
http://www.artunraveled.com/ARTU10/AUindex.htm

Marsha starts her painting

2010-08-08T22:24:00.001-07:00

Marsha starts her painting
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Here's Marsha finishing up her design and ready to paint....what a great smile! Thanks Marsha for helping me on Saturday!

Helen's workshop at Art Unraveled

2010-08-08T22:22:00.001-07:00

Helen's workshop at Art Unraveled
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Here are my students busy at work at my Art Unraveled Workshop last week. So many wonderful works were produced ....Thanks to my wonderful students who spent the day creating. We had a little excitement in the morning....we laid out our paintings on the grass to dry in the 112 degree hot sun. All of a sudden one of my students jumped up and ran out the door. Low and behold... the gardener had grapped our works in his garbage claw ...ready to throw them away!! Didn't he know it was ART! The paintings were recovered and all was well.....

Off for an adventure!

2010-08-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Off to Art Unraveled tomorrow ....5am!!....driving with my art buddies in a pickup truck. What a fun week it will be. Teaching my workshop on Thursday and then I'll be selling my works at the Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday. Hope to see you there!

Janet's painting -Montecito Family Camp 2010

2010-07-29T00:01:00.001-07:00

student work 3
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

This is Janet's painting...not quite finished. She was going to add a few words about camp in the little strip towards the bottom of the composition. Great job Janet! It's lovely and now you have a painted memory of the peaceful morning.

Montecito Family Camp 2010

2010-07-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Camp was great this year! My Montecito Family Camp http://www.montecitosequoia.com/
students painted each morning at different locations by the lakeside and up near the lodge. Great job everyone! This wonderful site in the Sequoias is so relaxing and peaceful. This year I taught a retired professor of Finance from Stanford, and a professional violinist among other great talents in their respected fields. Art takes us in new directions constantly.

Art Unraveled!!

2010-07-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not counting but it's only 20 days till ART UNRAVELED!! This will be my first time teaching at this great Mixed Media Event. I'm really excited that I only have 6 spaces left. So, If you're in the Phoenix area and want to take a fun, painterly workshop come on in out of the heat and paint! http://www.artunraveled.com/ARTU10/workshops/BatikFloraAndFauna.htm

house of cards

2010-06-21T23:39:00.001-07:00

house of cards
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

A great workshop awaits you this coming Saturday, June 26th 12 - 3 PM at Escondido Arts Partnership. We'll paint, collage and alter the playing cards to build a colorful, embellished book structure. Learn how to layer collage pieces and paint over allowing some of the original imagery to remain. Treat yourself to a afternoon of wet paint, glue, paper and fun!
$65 for EAP members/$75 for non members

Call the gallery at 760 480-4101 Tue - Sat 11 - 4

http://www.escondidoarts.org/details/details.php?p=workshops

fabric paper for Book Arts

2010-05-27T21:24:00.001-07:00

fabric paper 1
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

I taught my Fallbrook School of the Arts Book Arts class how to make this paper today. We used ephemera bits:papers, metal washers that I found near my son's metal shop, hand carved stamp papers, and other great stuff. These were layered and glued between organzia and thin rice papers. Next week we're going to make exposed stitch beaded book using these papers as covers. Delightful!

Speaking of Book Arts, my next class starts soon!

Fallbrook School of the Arts

http://www.fallbrookschoolofthearts.org

June 17 - July 15 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Containers and Layers
Construct 2 Housed Recessed Cover books and learn the principles of basic book binding. You'll build and design themed containers for each book using found objects, collage, and paper mache.

Elfin Forest Reserve

2010-05-09T19:20:00.001-07:00

Took my Friday watercolor and pastel classes to Elfin Forest Reserve on Friday. We had a grand time painting by the stream under the oaks. The morning air was lovely, the conversations were humming, the cheese and crackers divine and and birds were singing our songs.....a very creative morning indeed....... http://www.olivenhain.com/index.php/about-us/elfin-forest-recreational-reserve

Catrina y los Amigos

2010-04-24T21:44:00.001-07:00

Catrina y los Amigos
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

This is a close up view of my watercolor "Catrina and her friends". This painting was selected for inclusion in the Northwest Watercolor Society 2010 Annual Open Exhibition. 82 paintings were selected out of 377..... I was thrilled to hear the news!
The exhibit is currently being shown at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA.

www.NWWS.org
Way cool.......

Santa Rosa Plateau Hike to the Adobe

2010-03-28T16:43:00.001-07:00

Santa Rosa Plateau Hike to the Adobe
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

And this is the second painting I created on site....plein air.....with my friend Margaret.....we ate cookies and trail mix while we painted....oh yea... and a banana.....

Santa Rosa Plateau Eco Reserve Adobe

2010-03-28T16:41:00.001-07:00

Santa Rosa Plateau Eco Reserve Adobe
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

This is my latest journal entry from my hike at the Santa Rosa Eco Reserve. www.srpf.org

Helen on the Preserve Trail

2010-03-25T17:18:00.001-07:00

Helen on the Preserve Trail
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Margaret Davis and I hiked 4.5 miles today at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve www.srpf.org in Murrieta, CA. We saw Chocolate Lilies, Poppies, Ground Pinks, Wild Cucumbers, and tons more wildflowers. We even saw a water snake in the Vernal Pond....way cool......

Quail Dreams

2010-03-18T23:16:00.001-07:00

Quail Dreams
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Getting ready for this weekend's exhibit out at Borrego Springs, CA.
Circle of Art www.circle-of-art.org is a fun 2 day show. The desert wildflowers should be blooming all over...We've had a lot of rain this winter. Hope to see you out and about...Borrego Springs temp. for the weekend should be around 85 degrees...imagine that....

Artichoke de Colores y Purple Night

2010-03-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

Chris Cozen http://www.chriscozenartist.com/taught a great workshop yesterday "Deconstructed Printing". We used Golden Open Acrylics with an extended drying time. Wonderful stuff to work with. I had a blast and created a bunch of new pieces that I can collage, use as pages for a book or a cover or two.....

Won't you be my Valentine?

2010-02-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
I'll be in Palm Springs at The Talmadge Show http://www.talmadgeartshow.com/
on Sunday February 14th from 10am to 4pm.

"Grace is everywhere"

2010-01-26T14:41:00.001-08:00

"Grace is everywhere"
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

A new painting detail- a painting I finally finished for my friend Vivian.
Mucho colors with a passion fruit flower, kitty, hummers and flowers!

Happy Blue Moon and New Year!

2009-12-31T21:20:00.001-08:00

Passion Flower Birds
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Just a hint of my newest Pastel called "Passion Flower Birds". This painting will be on display at Mission Trails Regional Park for the Month of January. Details below in the last post. I bought the clay bird in Santa Fe, New Mexico years ago at the Indian Market. The passion fruit was grown in my garden. The vine has a mind of it's own....and sprouts up everywhere! It's a weird and wonderful plant.

"Sunday Morning Walk I"

2009-12-28T14:34:00.001-08:00

Sunday Morning Walk I
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

This transparent watercolor will be part of my exhibit at Mission Trails Regional Park in January. Here are the details:

Mission Trails Center Gallery Invitational Exhibit

“The Creative Seven”
January 2-29
Reception: January 10th, 1 to 4pm
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor and Interpretive Center Gallery www.mtrp.org
One Father Junipero Serra Trail San Diego, CA 92119
619.668.3280 Open Daily: 9:00 - 5:00 p.m.

J&J Ranch

2009-11-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

Many Thanks to Jill and Jerry for a CA Winter Wonderland adventure! We had a blast at their Rancho, singing Mexican songs, dancing, eating yummy food, shooting pool and best of all relaxing with good friends....

Hummer Tree of Life

2009-11-25T23:26:00.001-08:00

Hummer Tree of Life
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

I'm pleased to announce that I'll be teaching at Art Unraveled www.artunraveled.com , a mixed media conference held in Arizona August 2010! I will be teaching a workshop called "Batik Flora and Fauna, a mixed media approach"
Hope you can join me! This will be a relaxing, fun workshop where you can play with watercolors, colored pencils, and acrylic.

Funky horse

2009-11-09T15:00:00.001-08:00

Funky horse
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

Along the route of the Dixon Studio Tour www.dixonarts.org I spotted this tall funny horse just as happy as could be. What a great attitude!

Apple Farm in Dixon, New Mexico

2009-11-09T14:57:00.001-08:00

Apple Farm
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

My friend invited me to this wonderful place in New Mexico for my birthday weekend. Her cousin and his wife live there off of a secluded dirt road enriched with pinon, sage, apple New Mexico air. The farm is a wonderous place with happy cats, a dog and hundreds of wild birds feeding in the garden. My birthday cake was a yummy baked apple with ice cream and berries!

and another great workshop!

2009-10-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favs to teach......paper mache is so down to earth and fun. Hope you join me!

www.bravoschoolofart.com

Casa de Milagros
Fee $74.00 members $86.00 non-members
Materials fee $15.00 Supply list available upon registration
2 Wednesdays, Wednesdays, Nov 4 & 11 6 – 9pm

Milagros can happen to everyone! Build your House of Miracles from the ground up with light paper mache techniques, paint and collage embellishments. Your structure will house a unique small pamphlet stitch book with collaged pages. We’ll start with house construction and paper mache, building your own unique style of home. Bring in several simple ideas drawn in your journal ahead of time. Don’t forget to add a window or two. While the paper mache dries we’ll create a small pamphlet stitch book that reflects the milagro theme. This can be a memory or a hopeful event for the future! We’ll paint and embellish the house with contrasting acrylic paint layers and collage. The Milagros will be added on to complete the casa. Viva la Vida!

House of Cards Book

2009-10-27T18:07:00.000-07:00

New Workshop coming soon to Bravo School of Art! http://www.bravoschoolofart.com/

House of Cards Hidden Piano Hinge Book
Fee $74.00 members $86.00 non-members
Materials fee $10.00 Supply list available upon registration
Sunday, November 1 10am – 4pmSunday, December 13 10am – 4pm

Explore Book Arts with Helen Shafer Garcia in a contemporary mixed media approach with a deck of playing cards as the foundation for your book. A concertina fold hidden collage/painting will be revealed when the book is open on the spine.
We’ll paint, collage and alter the playing cards to build a colorful, embellished book structure. Learn how to layer collage pieces and paint over allowing some of the original imagery to remain. Treat yourself to a day of wet paint, glue, paper and fun!

2009-10-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

In Kyoto we visited a very old well known traditional Japanese style paint supplies shop. Generations of Saiundo Fujimoto's family have owned this shop dedicated to hand made powered mineral pigments and plant based watercolors for "Iwa-enogu" style painting. He and his family also make beautiful bamboo brushes. I bought a watercolor set and 1 brush. The shop was packed with ancient drawers filled with incredible colorful, textured artist things.......

Japan in October

2009-10-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Just returned home from my trip to Japan. Great memories, trips to shrines and temples, took tons of photos for future paintings.... it was a great adventure that I'll never forget. Thankyou Jordan and Mandy!

Japan!!

2009-10-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Off to Japan tomorrow with my sister and brother in law!! I'll return Thursday October 15th. Lot to share when I return... and you know I'll take tons of photos and hopefully I'll have time to paint.... Sayonara!!

Huell Howser at Quail Gardens with my painting

2009-09-12T22:21:00.001-07:00

Huell Howser at Quail Gardens with my painting
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

My husband and I posed with Huell Howser http://www.calgold.com/ tonight at the Quail Gardens Gala in Encinitas, CA. Huell gave a heartwarming speech about the fact that it's the ordinary people of CA that make the most interesting stories. So true.... and thanks to Huell for sharing these stories with us. I painted this watercolor for him as part of the Award of Excellence gift. How cool is that?

Me ha dicho un pajarito

2009-09-04T21:48:00.001-07:00

Me ha dicho un pajarito
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

another painting from my postcard series. "Me ha dicho un pajarito" translates to "a little bird told me".....my husband's aunt from Mexico City loves to use this dicho or saying. I love it too.

My student's watercolors at Camp Montecito

2009-08-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some examples of my student's paintings from http://www.montecitosequoia.com/ family camp where I taught every morning. I met some amazing and talented people... a famous astronaut, a former journalist, and a horticulturalist to name a few....

We all shared a peaceful, creative time, painting and relaxing in the high mountain air.

I feel small........

2009-08-18T18:35:00.001-07:00

I feel small........
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

I would love to have a couple of these in my garden......

Montecito portfolios

2009-08-18T18:31:00.001-07:00

Montecito portfolios
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

my students made these wonderful portfolios to hold their watercolor postcards.

painting plein air at Montecito

2009-08-18T18:30:00.001-07:00

painting plein air at Montecito
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

My students and I painted wild flowers in front of the lodge.

My sister and I at camp

2009-08-18T18:28:00.001-07:00

My sister and I at camp
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

my sister and I at Camp Montecito. http://www.montecitosequoia.com/ is a wonderful family camp where I taught watercolor in the mornings.

live radio... this Saturday!

2009-07-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

I'll be on http://www.kceoradio.com/ at 12 noon this Saturday August 1 for gary walker's show Gary's green tree world http://www.greentreeworld.com/arborist/biography-gary-walker-san-diego-arborist

with my friend Lori Mitchell. We're going to talk about art and nature. Tune in via the website or while you're driving around town.

New stuff

2009-07-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's about time I posted new stuff.

I took a workshop up at Idyllwild with my friend Margaret. The workshop was with Daniel Essig

http://www.danielessig.com/ He's an amazing book artist whose work is on the cover of "The Penland book of Handmade Books"
http://www.amazon.com/Penland-Book-Handmade-Books-Bookmaking/dp/1579904742

The yellow and red book is my Wooden 4 needle Ethiopian stitch book that took 3 days to make. It's about 5 inches high. We constructed the book out of Mahogany wood, paper, and mica. The mica pages are so cool - we collaged images on the back of pieces of mica in a signature form. As you can see I was still working on the stitching when I took the photo of my book. Being the only left hander in the workshop was not fair..... but I'm used to it! I started my stitching on the top front cover instead of what Dan told us to do..... oh well. He suggested that we start stitching on the tail end of the book in case we screwed it up. My stitches started going a bit "off" before I caught on to the method. But I made it work!

Mission San Luis Rey May 09

2009-05-19T22:02:00.001-07:00

Mission San Luis Rey May 09
Originally uploaded by Agave Latte

A painting from last week's plein air outing at Mission San Luis Rey Mission in Oceanside, CA. My students painted some great views and the weather was lovely.

Book Arts in Fallbrook starting May 14th

2009-04-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited that I'm going to start teaching up in Fallbrook, CA starting on May 14th! This class will be on Thursday afternoons for 6 weeks.

Here is the description:

Discover the art of book making using mixed media techniques.
Altered books, side bound encaustic journals, and paper mache container books will be explored in contemporary directions. Have your art passion awakened as you learn mixed media techniques with beeswax, acrylics and other mediums to create various embellished papers to bind into books. Alter an
existing book with paint, found objects and ephemera. We'll also work with paper mache to create a "house"structure for a small pamphlet stitch book.

Supply list will be discussed at the first class meeting.

Fallbrook School of the Arts
310 East Alvarado
Fallbrook, CA 92028 760 728-6383 http://www.artstudiosoffallbrook.com/ Look under "workshops" for my class.
Book Arts: Book Arts: Embellished and Stitched with Helen Shafer Garcia Meets Thursdays 1pm to 4pm May 14 & 21, June 4, 11 & 18 Cost: $95.00.

Laura's garden - pastel pencil on Fabriano paper

2009-04-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today was Sketchcrawler day at a Pt. Loma Garden. Laura's garden was spectacular... we spent the morning drawing and painting and sharing. Lovely......

Spring quarter at the Athenaeum!

2009-02-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

Join me for a fun, relaxed watercolor class at the University Heights location.

HOW TO REGISTER: www.ljathenaeum.org Registration for classes may be made by telephone , in person or by mailing in the registration form (see link above) to the Athenaeum. Telephone registrations may be charged to American Express, Discover Card, Visa or MasterCard. Mailed registrations may be charged to a credit card or paid by check payable to the Athenaeum and sent to:
ATHENAEUM MUSIC & ARTS LIBRARY 1008 Wall StreetLa Jolla, CA 92037Tuesdays, 9 AM–12 PMMar. 24–May 12San Diego/Park Blvd. Studio$190/215 HOW TO or MasterCard. Mailed registrations may be charged to a credit card or paid by check payable to the Athenaeum and sent to: ATHENAEUM MUSIC & ARTS LIBRARY 1008 Wall StreetLa Jolla, CA 92037

This class will be held at the

School of the Art Studio in University Heights 4441 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116

The class will focus on botanical elements using the “dropped in color” technique, which incorporates luminosity and brilliance in watercolor. It’s a messy, exploratory, out-of-control way of painting that allows the colors to blend and fuse without making “mud.” We’ll work with contemporary experimental painting techniques, including batik methods with Masa paper. Colored pencils and collage elements will be added to embellish shapes. We’ll also use pours, translucent collage, mark making, and surface textures to create magnified, close-up botanical and still-life compositions. Alternative supports will be explored such as paper mounted onto canvas and sealed with an acrylic varnish. Pigment characteristics, color theory, composition, and design will also be covered with demos, critiques, and individual instruction.