Dear Painting Friends,
Spring is definitely around the corner because I've got the closet cleaning bug. Out with the old and in with the new!!! Plus, the snow is melting and the days are longer. First true sign though will be when those wonderful birds return to serenade us - and this year we promise not to take them for granted.
MORE SPRING CLEANING
Seems Jim has the spring cleaning bug too, because he's put together some fantastic prices on brush kits made from my purple handle brushes. As you know, we switched brush manufacturers last year and also changed the handle colour to silver. So, we have some purple handle brushes looking for a new home.
Check out the sale now
Available on line
BRUSHSTROKE HANDBOOK
First I must thank you all for the unbelievable response to my new book. Your letters and e-mails have meant so much to me. When I launch a new book, I hold my breath and cross my fingers in hope that that you all will receive the book with the same excitement that I felt while writing it.
It was my hope that this book would inspire more teachers to teach strokework, and that those folks who couldn't get to a teacher could teach themselves. Many teachers from across the globe have written to say that they will plan their beginner classes around my book. And what advanced painter doesn't enjoy a project that paints up quickly with beautiful fresh colour? Thank you all so much.
BRUSHSTROKE HANDBOOK BACKGROUND OPTIONS
Some of the projects in the book were actually worked up first on a pastel background. I thought I would share these choices with you.
SDP tells me that they are getting a terrific response on selling the cloisonné pin I designed for this special fundraising event. Many chapters and groups are sending in mass orders - you have all made me so very proud. Each of us have had our lives affected by cancer in some way. Let's come together as a group and support this worthy cause.
You can access the shopping cart from
www.decorativepainters.org and then click on "Painters Boutique", or you may go directly to the Pin at by clicking here
STUDIO SEMINARS
The sign ups for our 2006 seminars came in fast and furious on March 1.
Brush Stroke Clinic
May 26 to 28 / June 23 - 25 / August 25 - 27 / October 20 - 22
We have limited seats available in the Brush Stroke Clinic seminars. I still have one more project to design for this class and will post it on the site as soon as it's done. Register Today
Daffodils, Trilliums and Poppies - Oh My!
September 22 to 24 seminar Repeat September 29 to October 1.
We still have some openings in the repeat date, so let us know if you would like to join us.
AT COAST TO COAST CREATIVE ARTS CONVENTION, TORONTO ONTARIO CANADA
I will be releasing quite a few new packets at this show, so I hope many of you will be able to visit our booth. Along with new packet releases we will offer several show specials and will display all the seminar pieces for this year's seminars.
I will be teaching two classes at this show.
For more information on the convention please go to: www.shadesofcountry.com
Just two travel dates left until I resume travel teaching again in November.
March 17-18
SHADES OF CULLER STUDIO
in Frederick Maryland USA
Contact: Debbie Culler
April 7-9
WINDY BRUSHES CHAPTER
in Chicago Illinois USA
Contact: Linda Kinnaman
MAUREEN’S PACKETS/PROJECT BOOKLETS
Beginning January 1 2006, all colour pages and photographs in my packets will be stamped with an embossed seal authenticating it as being an original packet that we have produced. Unfortunately, we have been made aware that unauthorized copies of my packets are being sold on the internet and at shows.
Please remember that some vendors will still have packets that they purchased from us last year, that will not be embossed. But if ever you are in doubt, please feel free to contact us.
I thank each of you for respecting the copyright laws and for supporting all designers and artists, which allows them to continue creating wonderful paintings for us to paint and teach.
That's all my news for now. I'll leave you with some great recipes and painting tips sent in from fellow painters. I am always looking for new ones, so please send them on.
Warmest regards,
Maureen
BARBECUE BANANAS
from Maureen
Ripe bananas
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Maple syrup or favourite liqueur
Nothing could be easier. Do not peel the bananas. Place them on the grill and cook till the skins turn black. Be sure to turn them over a few times.
Cut open the skins, scoop out the cooked banana and place in a single serving bowl.
Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pour maple syrup or any liqueur on top and serve.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
From Nancy Focardi, Marathon, NY
8 ounces of spring shape macaroni (or any other weird shape that will hold cheesy stuff)
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can milk
1/2 cup of bread crumbs
1/2 stick of butter
While the macaroni is cooking (according to directions) Grate the cheese.....
Drain macaroni, add soup and milk, mix well. Add 3/4 of the cheese and mix again.
Pour all into a buttered 8 X 10 baking dish, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Cover that with bread crumbs and dot with the butter. Put under broiler for about 10 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown.
If you would rather it can bake in a 350 degree over for 30 minutes.
PAINTING TIPS
Painting on Canvas
From Maureen
I apply several coats of Gesso (i.e. Jo Sonja) with a roller. Apply as many coast as needed to clog the low areas. It won't be completely smooth and the slight texture is nice. Then sand it down - I use my mouse sander and in the past have even used a belt sander. It will come out as smooth as silk.
White Graphite of a Light Background
from Sally McAloon, Maryland USA
After transferring the pattern with light graphite, if you find it doesn't show up, try this trick. Just wipe over the pattern with household dust and the it will stick to the graphite and darken the lines. I think we have finally found an excuse to not dust the house!
Are you a table wanderer?
from Sandy Scales, Virginia USA
I know that I am a table hog when I am a student in a class. So I always mark my space with masking tape so I don't get into my neighbour's space. Sandy puts an old towel (width wise) on her table and knows she must stay on the towel or else she is crowding her table mate.