Reach Out and Touch Someone...

The life of an artist can be a fairly solitary one, often by choice as well as necessity. Many hours are spent alone in the studio in the pursuit of knowledge, challenge and the hard work of painting.

However, artists tend to be very good at networking. As a result of my website, blogs, and newsletter, I've come to know and share with artists from many parts of the world. The contact is more often than not a single email with an enquiring artist; but sometimes it's a timely note of support.

Messages can be brief...welcome words of encouragement or notes sharing methods and ideas about the business side of this life. It's all good, in the spirit of friendship, and it makes life as an artist fun, fulfilling and much less isolated.

But it hasn't always been this way.Recently, I reflected on the incredible resources available to today's artist and I realized how decidedly different and complex my life as a working artist has become over the years.

It's barely conceiveable that just a dozen years ago, I couldn't turn on a computer myself, much less operate one, unless one of my children was at home. Today, I have a lovely website and several blogs, all of which I have learned to navigate myself. How did I ever manage all those years ago without these tools?

Looking back to those early years of my two decade plus career, my life as an artist was very simple. It was a world without internet, so unlike this instant world which now lies at our fingertips. But artists have always been networking naturals. It's part of our enquiring, resourceful pyche to seek out like-minded artists, to compare notes on methods and techniques; to search out the workshop of our dreams or the gallery which will become a home to our life's work; to savour words written on a favourite artist's blog or newsletter; to explore what other artists are creating, and more importantly, how they're doing it. The world has very definitely become our oyster.

And so today, while my studio days are still solitary, it is never with feelings of isolation that I view my world. As I prepare my canvases by hand and joyfully put pieces of paint on these surfaces, I remember the artists who have so generously passed along their hard-won knowledge over these wonderful years.


Friendship is merely an email away; companionship an inbox waiting to be opened. Sometimes it's even a surprise in my 'real' mailbox...a Christmas package, filled with incredibly delicious home-made Italian cookies from my Italian artist friend in Omaha.

Under Rembrandt's Watchful Eye....

Bobbi's Studio - location of her workshops
It's hard to believe that summer is now behind us and a glorious fall has once again arrived in all its splendor. For me, the wonderous colours and earthy smells of cool, crisp fall mornings always elicits memories of the first days back to school. September is also a time for me to regroup, to shake myself free from those lazy days of the summer months and once again reassess my goals, my direction. It's a time to re-focus. To concentrate on learning; that never ending quest to know more and always, to do better.
And so it was with my recent workshop: "Painting the Still Life in Oil, From Life", September 19th and 20th. The participants arrived at my studio with serious intentions of getting down to the business of learning! What an incredible group! Energetic, attentive and eager for the challenge at hand. These artists worked hard and left exhausted, yet very happy and content with themselves.
Thank you to those who attended. The workshop was a rewarding experience for me, as well. I look forward to seeing you again in my studio workshops and to welcoming others for the same exciting challenges!
My next workshop is: "Painting the Figure in Oil, From Life", October 17th & 18th, 2009. For further details please visit my website Bobbi Dunlop Fine Art or my demonstration blog Dunlop Demonstrations

For my complete Fall 2009 Workshop Schedule, see the archived links to the right or go to my website's "Events and Workshops" link.

Painting News....

"Relic Ride and Roses", oil on Belgian linen, 20x24

As a child I would spend hours drawing horses, dogs and people. These were my favourite subjects of all and I never grew tired of them. Many years later, horses were often the subject of my paintings, as were cows, dogs, kittens and the people in my life. Growing up in a rural farm setting in Saskatchewan, it turned out it was natural for me to paint these subjects. My Dad raised a few horses, restored and drove his collection of buggies and he passed along to me his love for the country life and animals. It's been a number of years since I've painted those pastoral scenes of the farm that I loved so much. I am so happy that I did, because the farm is no longer there. Painting this sculpture of a relic horse was a pleasant reminder for me, and while not the real thing, it dropped me into a huge pleasure pool of reminiscences.

2009 OIL PAINTING WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Bobbi Dunlop's unique workshops offer a challenge to artists at all levels. Workshops will take place in Bobbi's spacious studio where students will enjoy painting subjects from life under large north-lit windows. In addition to painting demonstrations by the artist and teaching students about painting, Bobbi will share her painting philosophy, the business side of art and life of the professional artist.


ABOUT BOBBI DUNLOP'S 'VISUAL JOURNEY' WORKSHOPS:

All students will require a 'french style' easel for the workshops. Each student will be emailed a supply list and registration form. There will be an additional $20 fee for the model in figurative workshops.

In keeping with Bobbi's philosophy about painting, the student will benefit from each workshop and may use one to build upon another. As the student will learn, subject matter is not an issue, however, elements in painting are continuous, no matter the genre. Therefore, the student will benefit from enrolling in following workshops as the student builds on knowledge learned in Bobbi's previous ones.

PAINTING THE STILL LIFE FROM LIFE, IN OIL

In the still life workshop, Bobbi will take each student through the process of setting up the still life, emphasizing the importance of beginning a painting with a “concept” firmly in mind. Painting in a direct manner, consideration will be given to abstract design, colour, value, edges and more. In particular, students will learn how to 'see' and experience the 'joy'of putting paint on canvas. The artist will demonstrate at the workshop.


PAINTING THE FIGURE FROM LIFE, IN OIL

In this workshop, students will enjoy the process of working with and painting a model, from life. Students will be guided through the process of setting up, lighting and painting the live model, in a direct manner. In addition, all the elements of a strong painting will be emphasized - creating a concept, abstract design, colour, value, edges and more. The student will have the choice of painting the full figure, 3/4 figure or head-and-shoulders. The artist will demonstrate at the workshops. There will be an extra model fee of $20.00 for this workshop.

2009 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

1. September 19th & 20th, 2009"
A Visual Journey: Painting the Still Life From Life, in Oil"

Location: Bobbi Dunlop Studio, NW Calgary
Workshop Dates: September 19th and 20th, 2009
Class Size: Min. 7, Max 9 students Hours: 9am - 4pm each day
Note: Student must have their own 'french' easel for this workshop - details on supply list
Skill Level: painting experience necessary
Cost: Early bird incentive - $265.00 (must register with deposit)
Price after August 19th - $295.00
-all still life objects supplied at workshop

2. October 17th & 18th, 2009
"A Visual Journey: Painting the Figure from Life, in Oil"

Location: Bobbi Dunlop Studio, NW Calgary
Workshop Dates: October 17th and 18th, 2009
Class Size: Min. 7, max. 9 students, Hours: 9am - 4pm each day
Note: Student must have their own 'french style' easel for this workshop - details on supplylist
Skill Level: painting experience necessary
Cost: Early Bird incentive - $265.00 + $20 model fee (must register with deposit)
Price after September 26th, - $295.00 + $20 model fee

3. October 31st & November 1st, 2009
"A Visual Journey: Painting the Still Life from Life, in Oil"

Location: Bobbi Dunlop Studio, NW Calgary
Workshop Dates: October 31st & November 1st, 2009
Class Size: Min. 7, max. 9 students, Hours: 9am - 4pm each day
Note: Sudent must have their own 'french style' easel for this workshop - details on supply list
Skill Level: painting experience necessary
Cost: Early Bird incentive - $265.00 (must register with deposit)
Price after October 10th - $295
-all still life objects supplied at workshops

4. November 21st & 22nd, 2009
"A Visual Journey" Painting the Figure from Life, in Oil"

Location: Bobbi Dunlop Studio, NW Calgary
Workshop Dates: November 21st & 22nd, 2009
Class Size: Min. 7, Max 9 students Hours: 9am - 4pm each day
Note: Student must have their own 'french' easel for this workshop - details on supply list
Skill Level: painting experience necessary
Cost: Early bird incentive - $265.00 + $20 model fee (must register with deposit)
Price after November 1st - $295.00 + $20 model fee

5. December 5th & 6th, 2009
'A Visual Journey" Painting the Still Life from Life, in Oil"-details above

LOOK FOR BOBBI'S 2010 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE. ALL WORKSHOP INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND ON HER WEBSITE AT http://www.bobbidunlop.com/ and her blogs http://www.rembrandtetc.blogspot.com/ and http://www.dunlopdemonstrations.blogspot.com/ Please email Bobbi at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com with any questions. Thanks for your interest!

WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT

"Creamer with Oranges" Oil on linen, 10x14

In the fall of 2009 Bobbi will be offering a series of workshops which will challenge artists at all levels. In the first workshop, “A Visual Journey -Painting The Still Life in Oil, From Life”, Bobbi will take each student through the process of setting up the still life, emphasizing the importance of beginning a painting with a “concept” firmly in mind. Painting in a direct manner, consideration will be given to abstract design, colour, value, edges and more. In particular, students will learn about filling air and experience the joy of putting paint on canvas. The artist will demonstrate at the workshop.

Workshops will take place in Bobbi’s spacious studio where students will enjoy painting subjects from life under large north-lit windows. In addition to teaching students about painting, Bobbi will share her philosophy about painting, the business side of art and life of the professional artist.

To view Bobbi Dunlop’s work, please visit her website at http://www.bobbidunlop.com/ or visit her blogs to see her painting demonstrations at Dunlop Demonstrations


“A Visual Journey” - Painting The Still Life in Oil, From Life
Location: Bobbi Dunlop Studio, NW Calgary
Workshop Dates: September 19th and 20th, 2009
Class Size: Min. 7, Max 9 students Hours: 9am - 4pm each day
Note: Student must have their own 'french' easel for this workshop - details on supply list
Skill Level: painting experience necessary
Cost: Early bird incentive - $265.00
Price after August 19th - $295.00

REGISTRATION MAY BE MADE AT KENSINGTON ART SUPPLIES
132 – 10th STEET N.W., CALGARY 403-283-2288.

Or email Bobbi Dunlop at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com to register or for more information about this and upcoming workshops



**A supply list will be sent by email to registrants
**Register early as workshops fill quickly.

Hand Bound Sketch Books - A Gift for that special artist

Hand Bound Sketch Books by Trevor Gieske

Show and Sale, Saturday, June 27th, 10am - 5pm

The Ant Hill, 148 - 10th Street N.W.

Calgary, AB

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting a young, self described 'budding, self-taught artist who was born and raised in Calgary" by the name of Trevor Gieske.


Trevor makes hand bound sketch books, often collaborating with another artist in his thoughtful creations. He showed me a beautifully crafted journal he'd made for a Calgary illustrator. On the cover was a stunning illustration by the artist who'd commissioned Trevor to make the journal for her. It contained rag papers that any artist would long to make their mark on. This journal was artfully bound by hand, by Trevor. It was truly remarkable and breathtaking.

I asked Trevor to send me some photos of his books so that I could post them here to show you. This book in the photo is 8"x10" with acrylic painted masonite panels for the cover which conceals 130lb, 25% cotton sheets that have a toothy, rough vellum surface suitable for a variety of mediums. Makes my fingers twitch just thinking about it.

I couldn't help but be impressed with the sensitivity and enthusiasm in which Trevor approaches his art of bookmaking. And the notion that he is keeping a lost art alive wasn't lost on me, either. What occurred to me is that Trevor quite possibly has created the one and only perfect gift for the artist!

A journal that is a work of art in itself, just waiting for inspiration to fill its pages.

If you'd like to see Trevor's work, be sure to stop by his show on Saturday June 27th. Or if you happen to miss it, but would like to special order a journal for yourself or for that special artist in your life, you can email Trevor at trevorgieske@gmail.com

Check out my workshop in the post below! More information to follow soon...

Workshop Announcement - Fall, 2009

Bobbi's Studio

Several years ago, my studio was not only my own workspace, but a thriving environment for my students, as well. With weekly classes and frequent weekend workshops in both oil and watercolour, it was a hustling, bustling space filled with creative energy and a place where many lasting friendships were formed. Five years ago, I set the teaching aside to concentrate more fully on my own work, but I did promise that one day I would come back to teaching, something I have enjoyed immensely.

Well, I'm very happy to report that I will be resuming my oil painting workshop schedule beginning again this fall, 2009. I have many exciting ideas in mind to share - from painting the landscape en plein air to painting the figure -and I'm looking forward to welcoming back many of my former students and to meeting new ones.

In my oil painting workshops you will be painting from life from live models and still lifes, all set up under the beautiful north lit windows of my spacious studio.

Coming up: September or October, 2009

Painting the Still Life, from life

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

This will be a two day, weekend workshop with a demonstration by the artist
Details to follow. Maximum 7 students.

To learn more about my workshops and to be added to my workshop mailing list, or if you have any questions,please send me an email at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com. If you are a painting group and would like me to teach in your own creative space, please email me, also.

News of upcoming workshops will be posted here and on my website at Bobbi Dunlop Fine Art You can also see demonstrations of my painting process at Dunlop Demonstrations and in the post below....