Hi Folks,

This is the newsletter you have been waiting for - the one that announces the opening date for seminar registration and a description of the projects in my Belwood studio this year. Plus I have other exciting news as well.

But before I get to that I just want to remind everyone who to contact when you have questions.

Product Orders, Seminar Registrations:

Please contact my personal assistant and right hand Mary Ketros.

She is here from Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. You can call 519-843-5648, fax 519 843-6022 or e-mail mary@maureenmcnaughton.com

Website Questions:

Vikki Leslie is my wonderful webmaster and is the one who decorates all my newsletters and keeps the site lookingfresh and up to date.

If you have any problems on the website please contact Vikki at webmaster@maureenmcnaughton.com

Painting questions:

Now, this would be me. But be patient in getting a reply as I am away so much now. I will get back to you as soon as I return home from where ever my travels take me. Contact maureen@maureenmcnaughton.com

BRUSH NEWS

Starting with our next order of brushes, we will now have an extra protective coating on the handles to keep them pretty looking longer.

Now this doesn’t mean that you can leave them soaking in the brush basin. Water quickly goes up a brush handle and swells it, causing the paint to crack.

MAUREEN’S NEW WET PALETTE

Now, I am really excited about this new palette. The quality of the plastic is thick and flexible.

It cleans up beautifully with hot water. The lid snaps closed with four snaps and has a gusset for a snug and leak proof seal.

The lid continues to double as a second wet palette and we will still include the plastic board to cover when you have both lid and base going at the same time as palettes.

The size is 9" X 13" and you all know how valuable that extra inch will be when loading the brush. It will also include a chamois large enough for both palettes and 10 sheets of my 9" X 15" wet palette paper.

It will retail for $34.95. But as a special to my mailing list friends, you will have an introductory price of $29.95 until February 20,2009.

You will have to phone Mary for this special price at 519-843-5648. This is an amazing palette of the highest quality.

PALETTE PAPER

Due to the increased size of my new palette I have decided to increase the size of the wet palette paper to 9" X 15". At this size it can be trimmed to fit all the different sizes of palettes on the market today.

I will not increase the price, it continues to be just $3.95 for 25 sheets

The following packets are studies in flowers that I designed for the 2007 Design Seminar.

Each of the first four projects offer the same flower in four different colour schemes.

All go together and can be mixed in any way your imagination takes you.

#753 offers all kinds of different filler flowers which you can use as small patterns or add to fill in negative space in other projects.

749 Study: Tropical Flower $10.95

750 Study: Roses $10.95

751 Study: Bell Flowers $10.95

752 Study: Pansies or Violets $10.95

753 Study: Fillers $10.95

www.coyotewoodworks.ca Janet@coyotewoodworks.ca

COYOTE WOODWORKS SALE
JUST FOR YOU

Coyote Woodworks is offering a special 20% discount to just those of you on my mailing list from February 8 to 18. All you have to do is type “Maureen McNaughton” in the comments box to receive the discount.

As many of you know I fell last year and broke my arm, tore my rotator cuff and back injuries also had to be addressed.

My health had to come first so that I can continue to teach and do all that I love to do.

I have committed myself to a rigorous physio therapy regime and am seeing a number of specialists. I am happy to say that I am definitely seeing good results, but it is cutting into my painting time.

I do ask for your patience in the time it will take to get the projects designed this year. I also ask for your support and faith in me that I will continue to design colourful and delightful paintings that you will enjoy.

Don’t delay in your registration my friends

I have had to move the date of the September seminar to the following weekend because of a new family commitment. I do apologize if this has caused any inconvenience. Brenda Stewart’s seminar falls the following weekend so it may work out for some of you to stay and take in Brenda’s beautiful projects as well.

May 1-3 / August 21-23 / October 23-25
three dates available

This year I designed the window valances designed for me by Coyote Woodworks.

As you can see, I haven’t finished the trim at the bottom yet.

There are also smaller panels that will go between each valance, which will have a faux finish. But I did want you to see these paintings right away, so you can see the direction I am going this year.

Of course these patterns will also fit on any surface of your choosing.

This is a perfect seminar for anyone wishing an introduction to my style of painting. I promise, you will be very surprised at how easy it really is folks!

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: All
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $350.00 CDN/$320.00USA

FLORAL BOTANICALS
MAY 29 - 31
(new and under development)

My series of botanicals for the last three years have been almost as popular as the brush stroke clinics have been.

In true botanical style, each flower will be shown as realistically as possible. However, you know they will be done with brush strokes!

I haven’t decided yet exactly what the flowers will be, but I know you will enjoy them as much as you have the past flowers.

To see the previous projects, please refer to packets :

#658 Botanical Cyclamens
#659 Botanical Clematis
#660 Botanical Jacobean Lily
#734 Blue Iris Latifolia
#735 Botanical Lady’s Slipper
#774 Botanical African Violets
#775 Botanical Amaryllis
#776 Botanical Wild Roses
#777 Botanical Crocus

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: Intermediate
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $350.00 CDN/$320.00USA

This style of painting is from the 1700's and is quite elaborate with intertwining flowers, leaves and vines.

It is always one of my favourite styles to design and as usual I have introduced my palette to this style.

Mirror image patterns are provided but most students will only be able to do one in class.

The surface is from Coyote Woodworks - just go to the section called Maureen’s seminar pieces.

This is one of the hottest decorating motifs today!

Patterns are offered for a table runner and four placemats.

However, in class there is only time for either the runner or the placemats.

Each placemat is in a different colour scheme. Surfaces are available from Coyote Woodworks.

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: Intermediate
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $350.00 CDN/$320.00USA

These two placemats from Coyote Woodworks are actually mates to the two classes that I will be teaching at the SDP convention this year in Peoria Illinois.

Packets for the SDP projects will be available after convention, so together with the yellow roses and pansy ring from this seminar, you will have a beautiful table setting.

Of course, the patterns will also fit a wide variety of surfaces.

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: Intermediate
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $235.00 CDN/$215.00USA

October 26 - 27
BUTTERFLY COLLECTION

This collection continues to be so popular with everyone and I have been asked by so many of you to offer it again this year. Not only will you receive the patterns for Coyote Woodworks Lazy Susan #LS400, but you will also get the 5" X 7" patterns for each butterfly.

They look spectacular framed individually with a double black mat and frame.

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: Intermediate
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $235.00 CDN/$215.00USA

Brenda is a wonderful teacher who is well known for her patience and ability to teach her techniques to painters of all skill levels.

Her specialties are beautiful Victorian faces, florals and painting on porcelain.

With the projects I have selected we will be offering you the best of Brenda’s talents.

SPRING SONNET

This Victorian gal gives excellent background and technique on both face and painting on porcelain.

TRANQUILITY ROSE BOX

This blended rose study includes will teach you so much about colour and design. My guest room is dedicated to roses and I have a special cupboard door planned for this project. But surfaces will also be available from brenda if you would like to paint on the same surface that she used.

.

USA students may order the surface directly from Brenda or place their order through us, along with the Canadian students.It will save our Canadian students the customs and brokerage fees if we place one order.

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: All
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $450.00 CDN/$400.00 USA

October 2 - 4
visit www.janellejohnson.com

Janelle is well known for her amazing talent and teaching ability. Many of you know her as the former education director with the Society of Decorative Painters.

Her speciality is coloured pencils which I am so looking forward to trying out. This is one way we can take out art passion on the road with us!

I chose three projects which showcase many subjects and will teach you so many different techniques.

The papers have been hand dyed by Janelle and are just beautiful.

Included in the seminar cost are all the pencils and the papers. The remaining supplies you will already have. So don’t miss this opportunity to widen your horizons and learn a new skill with this gifted teacher.

Media: Coloured Pencils Supplied
Skill Level: All
Surface: Paper Supplied
Cost: $475.00 CDN/$425.00 USA

Registration opens at 12 noon Sunday February 22.

Payment is by Visa or Mastercard.

The first seminar for which you register will be deducted upon registration. A $100 deposit per seminar will hold your seat for each additional seminar.

Mary will process the payments for any remaining seminars 6 weeks prior to the date of the seminar.

Refunds will only be given if we are able to fill your seat. However if you must cancel and we can't fill your seat, you may use the credit for any merchandise on my web site.

All accommodation information is on my website under More About Us. The places mentioned are ones that our students have recommended, but there are many more wonderful places. In this section there is a link to a site showing all the different Bed and Breakfasts and hotels in the Fergus-Elora area.

I would suggest that you book your accommodation right after you register for the class, don't delay. You will also find maps in this section on my site on how to find my studio,

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE SEMINAR FEE?

I will supply all paints, media, notes and photos - and all refreshments plus a nutritious lunch. All of this is included for each seminar, at no additional charge.

I know this is a long newsletter but I just got a fabulous tip from Maureen O’Leary that I want to share with you, a delicious recipe from my good friend Kathy Dysert and pictures of my patterns painted on gourds by Vicki Patterson.

By the way, Vicki also carves the gourds!

Hugs and warm wishes,

Maureen

I was just putting my latest pattern into one of my large 3 ring binders and was struggling to add it to the back.

I am almost ready for another Maureen binder but I figured I could get a couple more in this one.

It hit me that when I am setting up a binder to add a bunch of page protectors to the back and then when it is full I don't have to open it to put new patterns in.

ALSO... when I want to use a pattern out of the binder, don't remove the page protector it is in. Put it in a spare protector, kept in the pocket of the binder, and then when I'm finished put it back where it belongs.

You don't have to keep opening and closing the binder and that keeps the rings tighter and no hassling with trying to keep all the pages in.

This is so simple I am sure many have been doing it for years... I am slow and figure there are more like me out there too.

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/2 pounds beef chuck stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large onion, diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 bottles, 24 ounces, American Porter –rich dark ale, or any beer
2 cups low-sodium, beef broth
1/4 cup tomato paste
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 parsnips, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, diced 3 large red bliss potatoes, washed and diced
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Garnish: Grilled rounds of buttered country bread
DIRECTIONS
1. Put the oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat it over medium-high heat.

Season the beef with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot in a single, not-too-tightly-packed layer and brown the beef well on all sides, approximately 8 minutes total.

Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. This may be done in batches to brown all the beef evenly.

2. Add the onion and butter to the casserole and cook until golden and caramelized, approximately 15 minutes.

Sprinkle the onions with the flour and stir to combine well.

3. Return the beef to the casserole, add the porter ale, beef broth, tomato pasted diluted in 1 cup warm water, and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer 1 1/4 hours.

4. Add the carrots, parsnips, celery and potatoes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Return to a boil then simmer for 45 minutes before serving with toasted or grilled country bread.