Cedar Raven

MOVING BLOG. AGAIN.

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:48:05 GMT

*sigh*

I apologize for the pied piper routine. Sadly, annoyingly, this site just does NOT offer the upload space I need.

I knew you'd understand.

If you are still interested, update to the new site: http://ravoncol.blogspot.com/

Thanks for following!

Col

Testing

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:47:57 GMT

Testing one two

Cedar Raven Open Studio Call For Muskoka Artists

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:22:59 GMT

Cedar Raven's

Open Studio Call For Muskoka Artists

Request Application HERE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 25, 2008

Potters, glassworkers, metal workers, carvers, and woodworkers of Muskoka are invited to apply for space in Cedar Raven's Summer Open Studio.

Location

Cedar Lane, Bracebridge

Dates

Saturday July 12, 2008 through the summer months till August 30,2008

Three days a week: Fridays to Sundays.

Hours

To be discussed

Fees

Equal division of advertising costs, plus 20% commission of sales to Cedar Raven Studio.

This summer I will have a beautiful new location for my studio. I would like to open this studio to summer shoppers for July and August. I would also like to offer a few other artists of differing disciplines the opportunity to join me in this endeavor. This will run as an "art show." There will only be space for one artist from each discipline. For example: One painter (myself), one photographer (Ellen Fox), one potter, etc.

Outdoor installations will also be welcome as there is a lovely garden below the studio including a waterfall and pond. There is sufficient parking available and the location is less than 5 minutes (point 9 km) from Home Depot and Wal-Mart.

This is a co-operative event, but the final decisions remain Col Mitchell's of Cedar Raven Studio. Co-operative expectations include (but are not necessarily limited to) working shifts (opening, closing), and attending meetings.

After participation has been decided and agreed upon an initial, casual, Meet, Greet & Brainstorm event date shall be set.

Look forward to meeting you!

Col

Today is a good day!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:31:07 GMT

Brilliantly sunny! Surrounded by boxes!

Oh yes! Our house is finally SOLD! (And I could use exclamation marks all day!)

But that is not the only news. Life just whirled up and blew a puppy our way.

Her name is Raven.

Of course.

Colour Workshop by Carole Rudderham

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:59:57 GMT

As a member of the Huntsville Art Crowd we are fortunate to have fellow members share their expertise with weekly workshops for the super fantastic price of only $4.This week Carole Rudderham discussed colour. You can view Carol's site here: http://www.yourbestimages.com/Carole_s_Page.html

Colour is something that I handle fairly well naturally -- equally naturally I tend towards laziness about the subject. You won't see me making colour charts, or colour wheels, or value charts. (Seriously, I still don't get why I would need to do that more than once. . . unless I am trying to re-invent the Quiller Wheel) And, as it occasionally happens, I paid attention in school in regards to primaries, secondaries, tertiaries, & their compliments. I also remember 4 of the 5 colour schemes: Monochromatic, Complimentary, Analogous, and Triad. (I did forget about split complimentary). But beyond that I simply try to mimic what I see, if I feel like I need to. And if it gets muddy...I scrap or paint over. The limits of my control and consideration. Which makes me a poor watercolour painter.

Well! imagine my delight when presented with the following nifty piece of information! A MUST HAVE knowledge for avoiding muddy colours!

Each of the hues below have a tint. We all know this. Yellow green/blue-green, yellow orange/red orange. To mix brillant colours you want to keep in the same tint zone. Mix your red tints with your red tints, your yellow tints with yellow tints, and blue tints with blue tints. So, you can mix a red colour with a blue tint & a blue colour with a red tint together. Just avoid mixing a red colour with a blue tint together with a blue colour with a yellow tint. Or a yellow colour with a red tint and a red colour with a blue tint. So what you don't want is 3 tints competeing. Then you have mud.

Notice you can mix cobalt blue with anything.

YELLOW TINTS	RED TINTS	BLUE TINTS
PERMANENT ORANGE* CADMIUM ORANGE	YELLOW-ORANGE AZO AZO YELLOW HANSA YELLOW INDIAN YELLOW CADMIUM YELLOW DEEP.LIGHT/MEDIUM NEW GAMBOGE*	AUREOLIN* CADMIUM LEMON YELLOW
CADMIUM RED DEEP/MEDIUM/LIGHT CADMIUM SCARLET/RED-SCARLET	FRENCH / DEEP ULTRA MARINE BLUE ULTRAMARINE VIOLET D10XAZINE PURPLE	ROSE MADDER MAGENTA QUINACRIDONE VIOLET PERMANENT ALIZARIN CRIMSON QUINACRIDONE CRIMSON/ROSE PERMANENT ROSE
PERMANENT GREEN LIGHT EMERALD GREEN CADMIUM GREEN DEEP VIRIDIAN PERMANENT GREEN DEEP PHTHALOCYANINE GREEN
MANGANESE BLUE* CERULEAN BLUE ANTWERP BLUE* WINSOR BLUE PHTHALO BLUE
COBALT BLUE (Pure - can go either way)	COBALT BLUE (Pure - can go either way)	COBALT BLUE (Pure - can go either way)
* Watercolour and Oils only, not available in acrylics

Other interesting tidbits:

Paintings should be mostly warm, or mostly cool.

Light colours surrounded by dark colours become bigger and brighter (visually). The opposite is also true.

Focal points should have your brightest colours, whitest whites, and darkest blacks.

Connect your darks and lights

90-95% of your painting should be semi neutral or neutral. 5% is your bright/brilliant colours.

Links

http://www.colormatters.com/colortheory.html Color Professor J.L. Morton welcomes you to the world of color.

Before the arrival of the World Wide Web, I served as faculty at the University of Hawaii School of Architecture, Chaminade University and Matsuda Technology Center. Today, I present seminars about color and marketing, color theory and everything that color impacts.

The primary focus of my work since 1988 is color psychology. As a branding expert, I've provided color consultation for a vast array of projects - for clients such as Tylenol, Nokia Mobile Phones, Eastman Kodak and Dow Chemical. Please visit my business web site, Colorcom, for more information.

Most recently, I've written and published a series of eBooks about color entitled Color Voodoo. They're the sum total of every color course I've ever taught and all the research I've conducted.
The Color Matters web site is a continuation of my teaching and my passion for color.

http://www.reuels.com/reuels/Quiller_Palette.html Arranged for ease of accurate mixing of primary, secondary and intermediate colors. Indicator guides on the palette aid in locating anologous, complementary and triadic color relationships to ensure fresh, beautiful, harmonious color mixes. Includes 12 extra pans around the wheel for other favorite colors, 8 outside corner basins to place earth colors or opaque water media and a very large inner-wheel mixing area. Also includes an instruction guide on how to arrange your palette. 14" x 14".

http://www.quillergallery.com/art_supplies/sq_wheel.htm One of the most important advantages is that this color wheel lists only colors that are rated lightfast by the American Standard Trade Materials Association. More than 70 artist tube colors are located on the wheel for the most accurate analogous, complementary and triad mixes.

New Camera! (Guess I had a good pout going on)

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:45:51 GMT

Oh ya! I am one happy camper and doing the Snoopy dance.

My wonderful hubby suprised me with a new camera this Monday past. A Canon Power Shot SX100-IS. Course it is going to take me a while to discover all its bells and whistles, so don't expect any fab pics just yet.

Comprehensive review here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsx100is/ "The SX100 IS comes with a 8.0MP sensor, a 10x zoom, optical image stabilization and a comprehensive range of manual photographic controls"

Quite handily, EDM has a challenge right up the new camera alley! Every Day Matters Challenge # 164 draw a camera

And this is also going to double as EDM # 16 draw your favorite tool, as I nearly wept kittens when my last camera died.

So here is my new camera : ) (Reverse psychology or wishful thinking? Draw a blurry camera, get crisp clear photos! Time will tell.)

Col Today

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:33:48 GMT

Current Status... Watching the rain. Checking email.

Lately I'm thinking... I better sit down and try to manage/organize all the posssble changes to our lives the possible upcoming move will make.

Currently reading... Cosbycology. Light bedtime reading. Though how husband managed to get to sleep through the bed shaking chuckles is beyond me.

Last Creative Activity...Taking photos on Saturday. Blew up my camera in the process. Denial sliding in to despondency.

This is interesting... My youngest son (12) is a great YouTube surfer for cat videos. Check this one out: Sparta Cat

The soapbox: Fresh out of soap boxes today. Odd. Usually there is one or two in the back. Probably just can't get to them due to the overwhelming assorted consequentials occupying the front (o' my mind)

Every Day Matter Challenge # 161 the perfect smell

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:41:49 GMT

2008/03/26 Hmmm...I'm not sure if I'm done with this one yet. And I scrubbed too hard. Really it is overworked. But here it is, a perfect smell. Well, fresh out of the bath anyway!

View at Flickr EDM 161

10in x13in Canson 149lb cold press, EK success pencil crayons, watercolour pencil crayons, fluid acrylics.

Every Day Matters Challenge # 160 draw a trophy

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:49:51 GMT

Tough one! Tough one to find anyway. That kind of stuff is currently packed away in our house for one, and well, I personally don't have anything that warrants displaying . . . except for . . . my Karate belt. That counts, I believe. Orange belt is my highest level. But is has been awhile. Truth be told, I would have to start over.

EDM # 160 draw a trophy

2008/03/25 titan HB, charcoal, chalk

view at flickr edm160

Every Day Matters EDM Challenge # 159 draw your favorite kitchen tool

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 23:32:24 GMT

These EDM challenges are great for experimenting small scale. Here's EDM Challenge # 159 draw your favorite kitchen tool

Ok, I took liberties with this challenge. I think it was supposed to be draw your favorite "cooking" tool, which would of course be my super large George Foreman! (Blowing a kiss to my sister-in-law). But I just didn't feel like drawing a big square thing. So...the wine de-corker it is!! A kitchen must have. Seriously, if you don't have one of these then you have to slink off to the basement...or garage...for a screwdriver...then you get cork bits in the wine... not cool folks.

*gasp*. No. How dare you suggest? I did not draw this directly after using it, even thought it may look like it. I do not often drink and draw.

EDM # 160 draw your favorite kitchen tool

2008/03/25 black micron 02, watercolour pencils, stabilo .4mm markers

view at flickr edm159 and if this reminds you of something check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO1ChfM94yQ

Art and Business Workshop

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:42:52 GMT

The Arts Council of Muskoka http://www.artscouncilofmuskoka.com/ hosted a fun and informative event on art and business:

Thursday, March 20, 2008 from 9am to 3pm. Artists' Forum: Marketing and Promoting Your Art
ACoM and the Muskoka Enterprise Centre are pleased to deliver this informative and fun workshop about the business side of your art. Listen to our keynote speaker and artists panel, create Artist Trading Cards, and share your own ideas and experiences about marketing and promoting your art.

I attended with two fellow members of HAC (Huntsville Art Crowd) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I would love to be more informative, but I did forget all my handouts in Ellen's car. I can say that a few things stuck with me: Lead (don't do what everyone else is doing marketing wise), know your "who, what, where, whys," be collaborative if you can, have a strategy, create a look, and ultimately your art is your product.

So, to not waste all that fresh information I have been diligently working on creating my business' "look." You may have noticed the change to the home page and the banner. I designed it all myself using a basic photo program: Ulead Photo Express. (This blog is also new and though it says set up is easy, I have had to make all changes in html. I have never worked with html before so changes were made one at a time and then previewed to see what the heck I had done, if anything, Interesting! But besides the point.) I can now tick off on my fingers: Logo. check. Font style (not to be changed). check. Tag line. check. Slogan. check. Possible advertising use (postcards, business cards, ads) check check check. Blog. check.

Not a bad start, eh? (pardon the Canadianese)

I could use your opinions.I have two 4x6 postacrd size potential ad or rack card. Info just needs to be put on the back. I also have a poll option on this site . . . somewhere. So as soon as I figure it out, I'll post the two and all visitors can get interactive and indicate their preference!

Found it! Now scroll down and cast your vote!

(Using the Poll option in the side bar please!)

PostCard Advertisment Legal Format Poll

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:40:58 GMT

Legal Format

VOTE NOW (Use Poll in side bar)

PostCard Advertisment Letter (Tall) Format

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:40:30 GMT

Letter (Tall) Format

VOTE NOW (Use Poll in side bar)

Every Day Matters Challenge # 142 draw something hot

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 19:17:49 GMT

I am going to try and catch up on posting my challenges. I have missed a few in the transfer. Then, of course, I need to catch up on the recent challenges themselves! But that's another issue. In a perfect world ART would have the highest priority . . . and we'd all have cleaning, cooking and errand running robots!

EDM Challenge # 142 draw something hot

For those unfamiliar with EDM challenges I can briefly tell you that they are drawing suggestions issued once a week from this wonderful artists group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everydaymatters/

Easter Greetings

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 06:20:06 GMT

Happy Easter Everyone!

Hope you got all your eggs painted!

Huntsville Art Crowd "Signs Of Spring" Show & Sale

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:58:38 GMT

Veni Exhiberi Vendi

I came, I showed, I sold!!

Yes, there was some "Snoopy dancing" going on last Friday. I attended my first show and had a wonderful time (tho exhausting). And I made a sale! Chocolate puppies for everyone! Fortunately, I can still view "Dales Totem" here on my blog in the Gallery. I also sold "Song Sparrow" which I drew as an EDM challenge. The proceeds from that sale went to the Muskoka Literacy Council. My workshop went very well (so I am told) even with a major snag (Markers I thought were permanent were NOT), but I was able to adjust things well enough.

It really was an all around lovely weekend. Enjoy the pics.

My booth

"Song Sparrow," my donated piece to Muskoka Literacy Council

This Artist won an award.

This Artist won Peoples Choice Award

Two High School Students

This Artist won Members Choice Award

The front image is an example of negative paiting.

There were other booths here that I did not get a snap of, as well as other photography, but the glare on glass made it rather pointless.

As you can see it was a lovely show. These photos were taken on the Sunday when it was rather slow. I took advantage of the calm to discuss work with the other artists at length, which was also highly enjoyable!

My sincere thanks to all of you who came and supported me!

EDM via Workshop

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:59:06 GMT

"Signs Of Spring" Art Show Work Shop

03/09/2008

This is part of my display board for the workshop I'm leading this Saturday (Mar15). Lo and behold! I see some EDM challenges in there!

# 22 Draw a piece of clothing. (The belt counts, right?)

# 32 Draw something metallic. (Ha!)

# 60 Draw an autumobile, or part of one,

# 121 Draw some coins

# 151 Free choice. (A watch, a hinge and a number)

Ok! *swiping palms* Thats that! Now I don't feel so guilty about the recent ignoring of my EDM list.

AND

Here's something really special!!

Andrea Joseph has added my workshop to one of her art pieces!

Check it out at http://andreajoseph24.blogspot.com/2008/03/looking-for-my-life.html

Textured Surface Re-worked

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:53:06 GMT

"Signs of Spring"

2008/03/11

I finally got to it today. And it feels done! Though it looks a bit different in this upload, not as intense. I painted this specifically for the show this weekend which is also titled "Signs Of Spring."

I put the two side by side, so the before & after can be compared. A few things needed addressing: The rocks were too similar in size & visual weight, and needed to be pushed back a bit. The focal point (plant) was too small, practically disappearing. It looks better now, don't you think?

Textured Surface, GAC100 and Fluid Acrylics

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:40:53 GMT

I bought some supplies Thursday to make more textured surfaces. Friday I found a beautiful rock wall dripping with icicles and snapped a few shots (Ok, it was more like 80). Saturday I mucked about with various papers, a couple of canvas boards (9x12) and a stretched canvas (8x10). and created some new surfaces, one of which is shown here.

Which brings me to Sunday. . .

The surfaces are now dry and I can start a painting. One of those materials I bought last Thursday was GAC, which was recommended to mix with Fluid Acrylics and even acrylic inks instead of water. Two things: #1. GAC makes your paint shiny. I've now determined I detest high gloss when painting. It was SO distracting. I had to move the board to reduce reflection, and I never could see my whole painting due to glare! #2. The drying time of my paint actually decreased! I use a nib when I paint and the paint was thickening from drying up, so I had to keep adding water (a lot cheaper than GAC!) AND . . . as I had premixed all my colours, with a splash of GAC of course, I had to finish my painting in ONE SITING just to keep my paints alive!

It is now Monday morning. 4:30 AM. *YAAAAWWWWWWNNNNNN*

So here it is. The finished (all in one sitting) painting.
I am OFF to bed!!! And I am not cleaning up a thing. Those paints can now dry in their pots for all I care!

Acrylic Ink

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:36:29 GMT

It's A Small World After All

Lately I�ve been scouring the internet on a search for sites that discuss using acrylic inks. I�ve run across very few informative sites *Boo Hiss* as most artists only indicate whether it was a medium used.I thought I would share some of the better ones.

I use FW Daler Rowney inks myself and found this wonderful resource about this brand. FW Liquid Acrylic Ink information, hints and tips at http://www.studioarts.co.uk/links/hintsandtips/acrylicsfwliquidacrylicink.htm This site also includes a demonstration and a handy chart.

A fellow member of EDM, Wendy Shortland http://quirkyartist.blogspot.com, has also worked in acrylic inks and offers a demo here http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239377&highlight=hibiscus plus a couple of links to artists she learned from: Lyn Buchart whose paintings can be see here http://www.lynbutchart.com.au/gallery/aquatic.htm, and Rae Andrews http://www.yessy.com/raeandrews.

As you can see my acrylic ink website pot doth not runneth over, however the real KICKER of my searches is that I have found an artist who currently works in acrylic inks and only lives 15 minutes away!!
http://www.muskokaartsandcrafts.com/Members'_Studios/Members/Buwalda/buwalda.htm

Hum along everyone

�It�s a small world after all . . .�