Artflick morning workshop #1 - the perception of value in art

Why does some art sell for so much and other art (maybe your own) doesn’t sell for nearly as much? What is the difference between ‘making something beautiful to look at’ and ‘art for art’s sake’? Is the process of making art or the final product the important part? How does the perception of the value of art flow over into other areas of your life (for example, buying something only because of its brand)? We're going to examine these questions in the first event of my ArtFlick series of Saturday morning workshops. The ArtFlick workshops will begin by watching a movie about a contemporary artist, then discussing the film, and finally creating a piece of art based on the ideas we've talked about. Saturday, August 6th from 9:30 am until 1:30 pm - We will be watching the documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” which is about contemporary artists, street art, and the perception of the value of art. It is truly fascinating and informative! (with snacks - who says you can’t have popcorn in the morning?) After a short break and discussion we’ll gather in my studio for a workshop on creating art that really has some meaning to you. You may find yourself very inspired by the movie (I certainly was!). I will give instruction first on making a mixed media piece using paper, glue, and pastels while discussing both the technical aspects of the composition, and the meaning of your piece. We’ll also discuss what you may want to do with your art once you make it. $45 for four hours - Workshop fee is for all instruction, supplies, and snacks! Mary’s Studio IL Space is limited so let me know as soon as you can if you plan on attending: mary@marytelfer.com

Capturing California with Pastels 5-21-11

Oceanside California, this weekend! See it on Facebook!
Capturing California in Pastels with Mary Telfer all day workshop- For your convenience, pay here 125USD:

All materials, expert instruction, food and refreshments will be provided! Email Mary with any questions: mary@telfleur.com

Ellie and Natasha out for tea

Ellie (the yellow dog on the left) and Natasha (the malamute) are best friends. They go on a trip to the Bahamas, to baseball games and have other adventures. I have them in sets of note cards for sale - a cartoon and quote on the front, blank on the inside to write your own message.

The girls are based on my best friend, Vicki and myself when we were in college. We have been friends since then.... a very, long time!


They are also based on real dogs I've had myself named Ellie and Natasha. Let me know if you have comments or would like to buy some cards. Or if you like them, pass this page along to your friends or post on Facebook.

Thanks!


Mary

Happy Birthday, Evie!

My daughter Liz rescued two racing greyhounds, Evie and Theresa. Here is a portrait I did of Liz and Evie from a photo of the day they first met. What incredible happiness they bring to all of us.

The portrait is 22" x 30" done in Unison pastels.

Evie is 7 years old tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Evie!!!

If you would like a portrait of a human or animal - or both! please contact me! mary@marytelfer.com

'Girl' note cards

Note cards featured in Giftware News article by Managing editor, Karen Feil:

"Breezy pen and ink drawings, with a touch of color, characterize the lighthearted cards by Mary Telfer. A multi-talented artist who also hand-crafts jewelry and paints watercolors, she lifts bits of color and pattern from her watercolors and places them as accents on her pen and ink note cards.

Notes featuring line drawn portraits of very hip, young women accompanied by a single word or a line of text - "thank you ever so...", or "brilliant", and "fabulous" reflect an urban sensibility.

Other notes feature whimsical cats, insects, and flowers each with a dash or color, a word of greeting, and blank interiors."

See my note cards at: www.marytelfer.com/store/cards/girls.htm

Artists without Borders

I am so saddened by the closing of so many Borders books stores this past week. "My" Borders in McHenry, and Crystal Lake, IL are two of the 200 stores closing.

I heard that it's because they weren't keeping up with the technology fast enough and B&N was. Well, I want to say in their defense that almost everyone I know prefers Borders, but I guess the numbers didn't work out for them. I DO hope it is somewhere in their plan to come back!

I will try to make it down to the Algonquin store once in a while, but it just won't be the same. I have nothing against that store, it's just that I am fond of the employees I have gotten to know in my local Borders. They are good people who deserve to keep their jobs.

I would go to Borders often. Sometimes to meet friends, sometimes to read (what's better than coffee and books?), and sometimes to work on my artwork. Pictured here are some of my note cards they sold in the McHenry, IL Borders. More on this later... please leave a comment if you will also miss these stores.

Beautiful Door County, Wisconsin

This is a painting of one of my favorite spots in Door County, Wisconsin.



If you want to learn some acrylic painting, take my classes on Thursdays at two Northern Illinois Michaels stores; Algonquin on Randal Road and the McHenry Michaels on Route 31, alternating Thursdays.


Contact me for more details: mary@marytelfer.com

If you live in Northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin contact me about other workshops too!

An 'apple a day' will help feed some people

An apple a day blog I created at the end of 2009 still has many 'apples' for sale.

I painted 66 apples in 3 months to raise money for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.

Each matted painting is $50 and I'll give $10 to the pantry for each sale. Please check them out!

Or share this blog on Facebook (by clicking the icon below!) OR forward to your friends.

THANKS!

Take care,

Mary mary@marytelfer.com

Pink and white on beige

This was an experiment I did on some beige pastel paper my friend Emily gave me. I like the way the paper shows through in many spots. I also love that extra dark green pastel.

The Pack is back!

Green Bay Packers colored flower. Go Packers!

Pastel, 5" x 7"

$50 matted



Let me know what you think by commenting on the post or send me an email: mary@telfleur.com

an art class on the beach in Carlsbad, CA last weekend

Photos by photographer, Jay Reilly.

Beautiful!
Art, warmth, and fun.

Carlsbad, California

I feel extremely grateful to have been here. My cousin, Ron took this photo a few days ago while we walked on the beach. The view was spectacular. Being there gives me a perspective that I get nowhere else. My cousin, fortunately, appreciates living here every day!

I have many, many photos that I will not put all in my blog, but wanted to share a few. I'm sure they will be an inspiration to my artwork for a long time.

Leave a comment or email me! mary@telfleur.com