Mary's art

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

2011-07-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

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 6^th 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

2011-05-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

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

Ellie and Natasha out for tea

2011-03-13T05:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-22T13:56:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-09T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

Photos by photographer, Jay Reilly.

Beautiful!
Art, warmth, and fun.

Carlsbad, California

2011-02-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

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

"Leaves" earrings

2010-12-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

My fabric earrings have a painting-inspired fabric on each side (in case the wind blows!), sugical steel hooks and a lightweight coating so they're both durable and comfortable. Each pair - each earring, in fact - is unique. They range from sublte, muted florals to bold patterns and images, from small to over-sized.

I will be featuring them in a holiday art show this weekend in Cary, IL. Please email me for more info: mary@marytelfer.com

Pastel Landscape Workshop Dec 2nd 10 am - 1 pm

2010-11-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

Have you been curious about pastels, but would like a fun, non-judgemental atmosphere in which to learn? This class is for you whether you're a beginner who has never tried pastels or an experienced artist who needs some motivation to get painting again by being with other creative people.

I will demonstrate some techniques then guide you to bring out your own artistic style. Using photos as a guide, you will be the filter through which the feelings of the landscape are transformed to produce an image that is completely yours.

All supplies are included in this 3-hour workshop provided by the Richeson Company in Kimberly, Wisconsin.

Mary's studio in northern Illinois: email for details and directions, mary@marytelfer.com

Rest In Peace, my brother Mike

2010-09-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

This is a mixed media piece I created for my brother, Mike Telfer, who passed away last night. I made it for him last Christmas and he told me it was the best gift he ever recieved. I am so grateful for that.

If you look carefully, there's a photo of Mike in the upper right corner standing behind one of those Sox cut outs when we went to a game a couple of years ago. In the lower right is my brother, Bill, same pose. My daughter Liz, showing off her Sox tatoo in the lower right and lower left (next to the photo of Uncle Jim) is my daughter, Helen at the batting cages. Upper left is my dad when he was in the army.

It's a collage about them winning the World Series in 2005 and also about our family. The Chicago White Sox were one thing Mike and I connected about very regularily.

At the rally in '05 I stuffed my pockets with the confetti that was dropped. I knew I would use it, but I didn't know in what way. I put it in my mixed media piece here. To some, it may look like newspaper pieces crumbled and torn, but any baseball fan knows they're much more than that.

I love art, combining media, family, the White Sox and I love you, Mike.

So, a squirrel stole my tablecloth...

2010-09-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

I'm not kidding. Oh, and I appologize for not blogging this week - I had the flu. So, I haven't done any artwork lately, but needed to tell this story. I'll bet this squirrel is building a very artistic nest with my tablecloth.

I looked out the window and noticed that the squirrel who had already tore up and stole the plastic, yellow and white tablecloth my Aunt Sally gave me for my picnic table was back and taking what was left. I ran to get my camera, and although the photos aren't great, I hope they tell the story.

He started a couple of days ago, ripping it up and stuffing it in his mouth. At one point he was hanging off the table with it shoved in his mouth... I really thought he might be choking. My dogs barked and he ran away, but returned. It was kind of unbelievable so I'm glad I got some photos. Aunt Sally says we'll have to buy him another for next year's nest. : )

Watercolor landscape Step by Step

2010-09-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

I don't do too many traditional watercolors. I find they take patience and planning - and I'm usually not patient enough to plan. But here is one.

I worked from a photo I took of somewhere in Nebraska while on a trip to Colorado with my daughters and dogs. I thought the scene was beautiful and peaceful, but not quite outstanding enough to paint – so, I decided to change it only slightly to make it a little more interesting.

To make the wash for the sky I mixed up cobalt blue with ultramarine blue. I wet the paper where I wanted the sky. Then painted in the blue left to right, moving down and using slightly less paint – with a wide, flat brush. While the paint was still wet I dabbed on a piece of Kleenex to look like clouds. I painted the hills in the far background using a lot of water for a fuzzy, far-away look with cadmium yellow, violet, and dabs of cadmium yellow and a deeper green (mixed by adding cadmium red to viridian green). I then mixed beige for the ground with cadmium yellow, cadmium red, and violet. Wetting paper first (leaving a space for the stream) I swept it in horizontal strokes working fast to make a smooth wash. When it was dry I took the deeper green with a pointed brush and made short vertical strokes to look like trees far away.

I made more greens by mixing viridian with cadmium yellow and red in different amount using different amounts of water. I painted in more trees. Some looking more like fir trees skinnier at the top and wider at the bottom. I left the far right side of the paper more empty because trees in the foreground will block out most of that area. The water is viridian green, cobalt blue, and ultramarine blue. I laid it in horizontally with some brushstrokes showing to show movement. The water further away has more color and less water because water sometimes looks darker the further it is. Also, some of the darker shapes can be reflections of the trees.

Take a damp Kleenex and blot out 3 small spaces for bushes in left foreground. Paint in foreground bushes and trees using a wet-on-dry technique. This will show details in focus. Mix brown with viridian green and a bit of cadmium red and paint in trunks of trees on right. Put in shadows going one direction in same color, but more water. Paint in weed like plants in left foreground with pointed brush in upward strokes using an almost dry brush approach.

Use ‘funny brush’ (a small bunch of rubberbands cut and bound together) to dot on leaves of trees starting with yellow, then light green, then dark green. Stroke funny brush upwards for more greens in left foreground. Mix pine color using ultramarine and cadmium yellow. Start at bottom of tree, with brown add shadow. Then make branches in short diagonal strokes making the strokes aim upwards the farther up the tree you get. Use a little water to drag out highlights on branches. Add a little brown here and there. Finish by adding darker pine color to weeds in left foreground and far away pine trees to give balance to painting.

Wausau Festival of the Arts 2010

2010-09-13T10:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago a friend from college, Zoe Morning found me in a catalogue for the Peninsula Art School in Door county, WI. After catching up, she asked if I'd be interested in judging their art fair up in Wausau some time, the Wausau Festival of Arts. Of course I would!

That is what I did this weekend and it was a pleasure and a real honor.

It was an impossible job - but I loved it. ALL of the artists were juried in and deserved to be there. It was a great experience that I will always remember - and I hope to keep in touch with some of the extremely talented artists I met.

Here I am (right) with Zoe (President of the festival) at the banquet after giving the awards.

Above is the booth of one of the Merit award winners, Gary Nelson from Minnesota. What impressed me about Gary was not only his gorgeous nature photos, using the complementary colors found in nature, but his process. In this digital age he still uses large format film with an Ansel Adams type of camera.

Thank you to everyone involved. I appreciated it all!

Abstract Flower

2010-09-09T00:15:00.000-07:00

But not quite. This is a very loose, almost abstract mini-painting that I did recently. I actually used kids Crayola markers for the initial sketch and blended them with water, adding unison pastels on top.

Although I have worked large for many years I've recently (the last two years or so) done several series of smaller work. This is part of a floral/nature series.

All of my work (except commissions) is for sale. Contact me if you are interested: mary@telfleur.com My 5" x 7" series are each selling for $50. matted.

Go to my site to see more: http://www.marytelfer.com/

do-overs

2010-09-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

This lily is done in unison pastel and painted on an 11" x 14" sanded Richeson pastel board.

I like the white lily as a symbol of hope and do-overs.

I once told my best friend, Vicki about how one of my students was afraid to make a mark on her paper because while growing up her mother made her do her homework in pen. She felt she had to get it right the first time. Inspired by this idea - Vicki, being a Pastor, said she wanted to tell her church that "God lets you write your life in pencil... and that do-overs are fine." I love that, Vicki!

I would love to hear your comments!

Lois DiPerna Colored pencil paintings - "Pandas"

2010-09-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

Artist, Lois DiPerna, does colored pencil paintings, mainly wild animals. This is a one that she had in my art show in May.

If you want to see more of Lois' work contact me at: mary@telfleur.com

Ghost Mountain Pastel Triptych

2010-08-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

When visiting my cousin last fall near San Diego we went up to Ghost Mountain in the San Borrego desert. I fell in love with the view and took about a zillion photos. This is a pastel triptych I did on sanded paper. Each panel is 11” x 14”.
I started with the background making a smooth, clear sky and made sure to work on all three panels at the same time so there was continuity. I then worked forward putting in the furthest mountains, then the middle ground, then the rocks, cacti, and other plants in the foreground. Email me or leave a comment with your thoughts! mary@telfleur.com

Brochure for my 'playhouse'

2010-08-26T05:24:00.000-07:00

Liz said this photo looks like Gemma and Fitzie are on a brochure advertising for my 'playhouse'.

My Playhouse

2010-08-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

So, everyone needs a playhouse, right?

I love this place in my backyard, it's about 5' x 6' with a little wrought iron table and chairs (thanks, Terri!). I'm in this photo with my two daughters having tea. I try to get out here almost every day to either sit and relax or do some art.

Do you have a place in nature that you can get away to every so often?

a warm summer day

2010-08-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

This summer has been warm and so I tried to capture the feeling of a very warm, summer day. Unison pastels on 140# Richeson watercolor paper.

5" x 7" pastel.

$50 matted.

Play that funky music

2010-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

I feel like these tiny flowers are dancing. I think they're dancing to 'play that funky music, white boy.'

Pastel, 5: x 7"

$50

Peach Flowers

2010-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

I like the energy of these flowers. They remind me of individuals working or having fun all together.

5" x 7" pastel, $50 matted.

Contact me with any questions: mary@telfleur.com

California conversation

2010-08-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

I did this from a photo of Oceanside, California, when I took a trip out there to see my cousin, Ronnie. I feel like the main flower is alive and asking something of the bigger flower in the upper right corner. Maybe it's asking if it can go somewhere. What is that expression? Bloom where you are planted? I think that's what the other flower has to respond with.

Pastel, 5" x 7"

$50 matted

Step by Step Charcoal Pencil Magnolia

2010-08-09T07:54:00.000-07:00

Starting just off center of your paper, with a charcoal pencil make a simple line drawing of a Magnolia blossom.

* It’s important to keep your sharpener nearby and sharpen often. Charcoal pencils lose their point easily. A sharp point is one way to get detail and definition.

Complete the line drawing of the flower. Make sure not to press too hard until you get your whole composition sketched out.

Notice the composition is more interesting by not putting the flower in the exact middle of the page, but by off-centering it a little and letting some of the petals go off the page.

Once your composition is complete pressing harder with your pencil start to add dark shadows to the stem and leaves. Notice the light is coming from the left so that the left side of each part is lighter and the right side more shaded.

Create light and sensitive strokes to the flower petals by not using much pressure and holding the pencil on it’s side as much as possible. This will show the separation between the leaves and petals. The petals being lighter in color and more delicate in texture.

Draw tiny spikes in the center of the flower. Continue with the light, sensitive strokes to each petal.

Be very careful not to press too hard. It’s important to keep it light. If you over-do it use your eraser lightly to take off some of the charcoal.

* It is helpful to turn your paper around as you work, working out from the center of each petal. This will keep your hand and wrist off of the dark sections already covered and keep messiness to a minimum.

Once you have finished each of the petals and leaves while pressing hard start to darken the background.

Begin near the center of the flower and turning your pencil to the side make dark and even strokes.

As you start to fill in the background change the pressure of your pencil from dark to light. You want to create some differences in the background so that it looks like the flower could be anywhere outdoors.

Be careful, though, not to create too much difference between the lights and darks. You do not want to create distracting patterns that take away from the main flower, your focal point. You want to make the patterns subtle so that the flower stands out.
Keep working on the background. You can begin to create some ‘leaf-like’, organic shapes within the background patterns - but make them subtle. You want the viewer to focus on the flower, but believe that the flower is outside.

Finish the almost abstract, out of focus background. Make sure the patterns don’t compete with the flower for attention, but complement it by having similar shapes and textures.

Sharpen and darken some areas of the flower, especially in the center to create depth.

Prague

2010-08-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

Even though I did this 18" x 24" pastel a couple of years ago I wanted to post it because it's one of my favorites.

It's from a series I did of 'cities'. The photo was taken by my friend, Emily.

I sell my original paintings, and also sell blank on the inside note cards with the images of the paintings on the front. They sell for $2 each or 8 for $12. Let me know if you'd like to order some: mary@telfleur.com

David's dogs

2010-08-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

I did this particular commission for David, a nice man in Michigan who wanted this as a gift for his partner. These are his adorable dogs and he wanted them all in one portrait together.

I started as I always do with portraits - a simple sketch to make sure I have the correct proportions. To me, it's the like the foundation of a house. If you don't get it right, the whole thing can fall apart. I mean, imagine going through all the work to get the details of an eye and then realize you put it in the wrong place!

This complete piece of art is 16" x 20" on a Richeson sanded board using the wonderful, buttery unison pastels.

If you want a portrait of a favorite animal or person, let me know - mary@telfleur.com - it would be a unique holiday gift and not too early to have me start working on it! By the way, David and his partner were very happy with it!

Modern Bamboo

2010-07-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

This is a pastel commission I did recently of a beautiful home in southern California.
– http://www.yourhappyhomeart.com/
The architecture was challenging and I not only wanted it accurate, but it was important to paint the landscaping correct too. It’s a gorgeous home in a beautiful, warm setting, the photo taken on a sunny day. I hope you get that feeling when you view this painting.

I like the detail in the center and the edges left rough. It’s important to me to portray the feeling of the place.

Email me if you would like me to do a home portrait for you (a gift for someone) or if you have any comments or questions: mary@telfleur.com

summer flowers

2010-07-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by some flowers in my backyard. My friend Vicki sent me some seeds in the spring. I'm not much of a gardener, but I did plant them and am so happy I did. They bring a beautiful, bright spot to my backyard, which I am enjoying, even in all of this heat. Thanks Vicki!

Pastel, 5: x 7"

$50 matted

Selina

2010-02-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

My dear, sweet Selina passed away this morning. She was the kind of cat that even people who didn't like cats loved. I will really, really miss her, but have to remember that she is still with me.

This is a pastel painting I did of her a couple of years ago.

Areal View Beginning

2010-01-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

This is an aerial view of a house in Iowa. I liked the viewpoint and the strong values. I got permission from the photographer to use this photo. I usually like to work from my own photos, but always ask permission when working from someone else’s. When planning my painting I decided to leave certain things exact; the placement of the buildings and most of the trees, but decided to leave out a few of them and tilt the whole image to the right because I thought it made the composition more interesting.

Working on a piece of Richeson 300# watercolor paper (it has a soft, smooth surface – a lot of tooth, but not a lot of texture), I sketched basic shapes and composition with a soft, easy to erase pencil. This is the foundation of the painting and making proportions correct is very important. I drew the house on the right and erased it at least three times before I felt it was just right. The angle of all three structures must line up. I didn’t want to make basic structure changes once I had added the pastels. I started adding pastel to the background moving down and to the right. I work this way for practical reasons. I’m right-handed and it keeps me from smearing up the parts of the pastel already worked on.

Areal view middle steps

2010-01-18T10:58:00.001-08:00

Added more colors – various greens and yellows for yard, reds and white for roof and deep red and green for shadows on roof. Notice the values are strong. Used very dark and very light pastels to show lights and darks. Used blending stubs to get details around windows and front of house and a piece of a soft, flannel shirt to blend the bigger areas of grass.

Continued along painting buildings and trees starting with darks then adding lights. Notice trees are different greens – fir trees are more bluish, taller trees have more yellows. Spread greens on grass including shadows, making sure the strokes go in the same direction except for ‘mowing’ lines and uneven patches.

Finished!

2010-01-16T12:33:00.000-08:00

Worked background to foreground – so that I was physically putting things in the proper order – I painted the red roof that connects the two buildings even though it will mostly not be seen once I add the big tree in the foreground – this is because it’s realistic to see a little bit of the buildings through the trees. Good quality pastels (I used Unison) are very forgiving and should cover colors underneath each other – even very light over very dark.

Finished details on house, like the variance of color and value in windows and the tiny bushes and flowers in front of house. Painted trees in foreground. Checked painting from a distance and made sure light source is correct – all shadows on grass and roofs are going the same direction. I decided to sign the painting in the lower left corner because it was the emptiest space and the subtle touch of a darker green helps balance the painting.

Pan Pastel Trees

2010-01-11T09:13:00.001-08:00

I took two photos that my daughter, Helen took when she was out in Portland. One is a photo of a bridge and a large, possibly Douglas fir tree, surrounded by foliage. The other a path leading to a wooded area. I combined them because I didn’t like the ‘straight on’ angle of the bridge and I liked the path.

Working on a piece of 11” x 14” white Pastelmat paper I took one of the large, oval applicators and blended Ultramarine Blue Tint, Pthalo Blue Tint, and Titanium White for the sky. This way it will be down already and show through the trees. Pan Pastels, like other pastels are very forgiving and work well right on top of each other. I work background to foreground, which will physically make sense as the pastels will layer over each other.

Using Neutral Grey and the rectangle tool I sketched in the basic composition moving the tree just slightly so it’s not in the exact center of the page. To further help the composition I put the path in the foreground in place of the bridge in the original photo.

Using Raw Umber Shade with the rectangle tool I added the most obvious tree trunks in the background. Then using the round tool and Chromium Oxide Green X-Dark I put in the darkest part of the foliage and moved just a little bit into the foreground. If you aren’t sure which areas are darkest squint your eyes and it will help you see the different values. Start with bigger shapes and don’t worry about individual leaves or pine needles at this point. Leaving them fuzzy and not detailed will help pull them back so the viewer knows they’re far away.

Starting at the top and going dark to light I added more branches using different greens, Chromium Oxide Green Shade, Hanasa Yellow X-Dark, Bright Yellow Green Shade, Permanent Green Shade and then Bright Yellow Green, Permanent Green Tint, and Chromium Oxide Green Tint.

I added bigger areas to fill in the background, more of all colors. I added more definition on the tiny pine branches hanging down on the top of the page.

Using a medium sized hard edged sponge tool and Raw Umber Tint I made vertical strokes on the whole tree, cleaning off the sponge on plain paper when some of the green from the background mixed in. The reason I’m starting with the lightest color here is that the bark is the lightest and the bumps protruding out have strong shadows. I also added the same base color to the path in the foreground. I did put less of the light color in the bottom left part of the tree so the dark will go over it more easily.

Starting with Dark Brown, Burnt Sienna X-Dark, and Raw Umber Shade I put in the shadows using a pointed foam tool. The pointed edge helped me create strong edges for irregular bark.

Using Black, Titanium White, and a bit of Burnt Sienna I completed the large fir tree. I used lighter lights, and darker darks to match the strong light source in the photo of the path and to make the tree stronger and the obvious focal point. I smoothed it out to make it contrast even more from the busy foliage around it. I completed the foreground blending the two photos using Bright Yellow primarily on the left. The shadows from the foliage on the right are Neutral Grey S/Shade, Red Iron Oxide X-Dark and a little bit of black – Permanent Red for the flowers.

Jane Austen

2009-09-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

I must start reading Pride and Prejudice today! And why haven't I read it sooner?

'The First Christmas Stocking' by Vicki Lindley Reece

2009-09-03T07:03:00.000-07:00

Finished! - as you can see, I changed the arrangement of coins.

Vicki is SO WONDERFUL because she had no idea what anguish I went through getting the coins the way I wanted them - and she told me they were her favorite part! Success!

What I ended up using to get the sharpness I wanted was use an 18 kt. Gold leafing pen by Krylon - it worked right over the pastels! The metalic-ness of the coins shows a lot more and I felt pretty happy in the end.

Although the book and dvd are not for sale yet, email me and I can get you in contact with Vicki if you're interested. This is what Vicki wrote:

"The First Christmas Stocking is based on one of earliest
legends of St. Nicholas, where he saves three girls who
were destitute. Nicholas hears of their plight, and under
the cover of night drops a bag of gold through the window.
Legend has it that it fell into a stocking hanging to
dry. Yes, that is the source of our tradition of hanging
stockings at Christmas!
I took the few paragraphs from "The Golden Legend" and
made up a storyline...and an evil character who steals
their money. Then I did alot of research about the
historical Nicholas, and did my best to stay close to who
he was and what scriptures about giving would have shaped
a young man who later became a priest and bishop and
developed an amazing reputation for giving.
This summer we recorded the voiceovers, and then children
from the town of Jesup, Iowa drew pictures ! We had guidelines
for the characters so that there was continuity from page
to page...with 30 illustrators!
We even found some pictures that my daughters (the
original illustrators) had drawn 10 years ago and
surprised them by including them in the DVD. All the
illustrations are with markers.
Of course I was so thankful that my best friend, and
favorite artist Mary Telfer Holden illustrated the
cover--even on short notice! :) Oh to be so talented!!
I am currently editing a short book to accompany the
story...which is all about giving. The discussions will
be be geared to memories about Christmas, giving, our
hopes, fears and feelings about money and giving.
Included are brief scriptures and prayers, written to
gently transform our hearts as we allow Spirit to work
within us. I believe there will be healing and
generousity released through this project.
I've bought the domain www.thefirstchristmasstocking.com
and hope to launch the story there...
not sure of a timeline yet!
It would be fun if others listen to the story, and create
pictures too!
By the way, I was pregnant when I wrote the story, and
named my daughter after the heroine in the story!"

-Vicki

blended

2009-09-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

I blended the colors and values together, imagining the light coming from the left.

Now take a look at changing the composition of the coins.

the Stocking

2009-09-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

I then chose a dark, rich red for the stocking. I knew she didn't want it 'too Christmassy' but it seemed like the right color - red and green are complimenary colors, Christmas or not! I added a few values and white to show form.

The composition of where the coins fall bothers me.

Started with the background

2009-09-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

So, I used 140# Richeson watercolor paper and Unison pastels.

I started with the background because then the foreground can literally lay over the background to show a little depth. I was thinking neutrals. I like the foresty green because it's subtle, but suggests it's laying outside. And the stone wall has to be there, but not overpower the stocking and pouch.

A commissioned pastel - with not much time

2009-09-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

A week ago my best friend, Vicki, who wrote a story called 'The first Christmas Stocking' called me and said she needed the cover artwork for the dvd - in two days! She would never have thrown this on me without much notice without a very good reason.

The reason was her producer said 'I need the artwork by Wednesday night.' and Vicki's response was 'What artwork?' - that's what friends are for! I was coming back into town so basically I had less than one day to do this - but she is worth it!

She wanted a stocking (not too Christmassy) and a pouch with gold coins. She wanted the stocking draped - but she didn't know what it should be draped on.

I had to use my imagination and combine Vicki's vision with my vision and hope for the best since there was no time.

Here's my pencil sketch.

Macha Tea House in Madison, Wisconsin

2009-08-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I went to Madison Wisconsin last weekend to see my daughters and we went to Macha, this amazing tea house. There is original art on all of the walls, the owners are friendly and helpful and the tea and fresh baked food is excellent. If you're in that area, check out Macha!

Crayola Markers

2009-08-14T08:51:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was lucky enough to watch a demonstration by artist, Sigrid Wonsil. Using crayola markers she did portraits of people in bars, when she was in college, to earn spending money. She was very good and very fast. I tried a few of my own here and I have to say it was fun, immediate, and satisfying.

another w/c crayon flower

2009-08-11T14:43:00.001-07:00

Here's the last one that was in my car!

Check out my website if you haven't: www.telfleur.com

Watercolor Crayons

2009-08-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

We used Watercolor Crayons in my classes last week and I did some very quick ones here to show how fast you can work with them. Each took me about five - ten minutes. They're small, 5 x 7 inches. I scribbled in the crayons dry, then brushed them with a wet brush to smooth, and blend the color. It is incredibly fun - a great thing to try if you 're frustrated with traditional watercolor and want a bit more control. I have one more I may post later that I left in my car.

Family Reunion in Joliet, IL

2009-08-02T07:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the family reunion. I had soooo much fun! My cousins are nothing less than hilarious!!!

the Girl cousins - Lori, Debbie, Me, and Tammy (Pam couldn't make it this year, Hi Pam!)

And Debbie showing us her new dance steps - for some reason it won't let me upload the video! Darn - I have 'Turn the beat Around' still stuck in my head - she's only been dancing since September! I would so take lessons with you, Deb, if I lived closer!!!

I will post more when my brother, Bill sends me the big group photo.

Step 6

2009-07-27T05:43:00.001-07:00

Then I added the medium tones and a little bit of pure white, and pure, unblended pastel.

This was done from a photo a friend gave me. Although if I were to do it again I would probably make the main flower slightly bigger or bring it down slightly further.

Step 6

2009-07-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

Going back to darks/brights.

Step 4

2009-07-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Starting to take shape.

step 3

2009-07-26T16:07:00.001-07:00

Not a good step... should have skipped that underpainting - trying to preserve some of the sketch was useless. It's like that middle stage, where you want to give up - like an adolescent... it started off nice, but now it just has to grow up to be beautiful again. : )

2009-07-26T16:06:00.000-07:00

I gave it a try, but not so crazy about it... I don't really know what the point is. So, I added soft pastels, my favorite, and I think the original underpainting was kind of a waste.

pink pastel flowers

2009-07-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

I tried something new. I've heard that using hard pastels as an underpainting is something some artists do. I gave it a try.

Sunset in Oceanside, CA

2009-07-24T16:24:00.000-07:00

So, this is an 11" x 14" pastel I did with my unison pastels on 140# Richeson cold press watercolor paper - the last night I was in Oceanside visiting my cousin. That's him leaning against a rock - he called my cell while I was on another part of the beach to tell me I had to come over and see the sunset. I will mail it to him next week along with the pastel of Leo. It's a nice memory.

Good Day to be a Sox fan!!!

2009-07-23T13:54:00.000-07:00

MARK BUEHRLE PERFECT GAME!!! There have been only 17 perfect games in professional baseball history and only one by the White Sox in 1922.

Today Mark Buehrle did it... and I was fortunate enough to remember to watch the game this afternoon. I LOVE IT!!!

Here it is, Kathy!

2009-07-21T16:29:00.001-07:00

Per Kathy L.'s request in the last blog entry - she wanted more photos of Evie, my daughter Liz's greyhound.

Here is Evie with her new sister, Teresa! Can you see the love? They are both such sweet dogs. If anyone wants to know about how to adopt a greyhound, just let me know.

I think Leo is really finished now

2009-07-21T13:15:00.001-07:00

I gave it a couple of days and decided the greens surrounding "Leo" were just too green and took away from him. I added some blues and purple, not too much, though. I'm happier with it now. I will look for a frame and send it off to San Diego!

I heard that Snoopy and the Red Baron song on my way home from ECC today... and I just love that song!!!

Also, if you live in Northern Illinois, I feel I should mention that The Colonial restaurant is having 50 cent cones for the whole month of July... I just found out today when I saw a giant ice cream cone on a pick up truck with a sign... the girls in my art class and I went there straight after class. I cannot say enough good things about the chocolate peanut butter... I HIGHLY recommend you go straight there right now!

Sox game Sunday

2009-07-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

In contrast to the fashion show - I went to a Sox game yesterday! But really, don't you think the mascot "Southpaw" looks pretty cute in his uniform?

We (Amanda, me and Liz), felt like we had a brush with a real celebrity!!!

The Sox lost..... actually got killed, BUT so did Minnesota and Detroit so no need to worry. And it was the most gorgeous day to sit and eat two veggie dogs in the sun. We had great seats!

Midwest Fiber and Folk show

2009-07-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun being one of the judges for the Garment Competition/Fashion Show at the Midwest Fiber and Folk show this weekend. The colorful shall worn as a skirt is called "Cornfields of DeKalb County" (first place) designed by Peggy Rauhut. I thought the creativity is outstanding!

The taupe colored shawl is called "Celtic Inspired Shawl" designed and handknit by Christie Jensen.

Leo completed

2009-07-17T08:38:00.001-07:00

Here's Leo! But maybe I'll take another look at it later to see if I need to make any changes.

LEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was in San Diego a couple of weeks ago to visit my cousin, Ronnie. I fell IN LOVE with his cat, Leo. He's only about a year old and gigantic. And you can pick him up and carry him around and he's so laid back... someone in my class today suggested it's because he's a California Cat, very easy going. Anyway, so my cousin doesn't know this yet, but I'm working on this pastel of Leo to give to him.

It's not finished - The criss-cross lines by his face are long blades of grass that he was laying in. I'm going out of my comfort zone and used water with the Unison pastels... also, I'm thinking of leaving the edges rough and fade them out instead of making the whole painting the same. I'll post a photo in a day or so to show the finished painting.

Animal Portrait Class this weekend... Fun!

2009-07-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

I guess I lied when I said I'd write about my art and life daily.... small exageration... but here I am and trying to do better... to write more often!

I taught at the Art Expo in Lisle, IL this weekend - the people taking the classes were awesome. Thanks to all of you. I learn so much and have so much fun while doing it. The pet portrait class is always a favorite because the people in it love animals. This really is a good way to live!

Telfleur Benefit show for Crystal Lake Food Pantry

2009-05-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the fifth annual show in my studio. This one was a benefit for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, a wonderful source of assistance for residents in need.

Let me know if you're interested in any of the artwork: mary@telfleur.com

THANKS to all twenty-one artists and people who bought some of the work!

Lily

2009-04-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

Another watercolor (Easter themed!) with a little bit of pastel pencil added after it dried. I hope you like it! Take a look at my website: www.telfleur.com to see more.

Yellow and pink rose

2009-03-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in so long! So, this is a small rose that I recently painted in watercolor. There's a tiny bit of pastel added after it dried. It's 5" x 7".

Send me an email if you like it! mary@telfleur.com

Cow in Switzerland

2008-08-26T14:06:00.000-07:00

This cow looks so peaceful and happy. See it on Ebay!

"City" note cards, set of eight

2008-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

"City" note cards, set of eight (Amsterdam, Prague, Paris, Biejing)
These single-fold cards are 5.5" x 4" with the inside blank to write your own messaage. The cards and envelopes are cream colored.
The images on the cards I did from 18" x 24" original pastels that I painted from photos. The Paris card was from a photo I took of two very stylish looking twins. They seemed to capture the Champs Elysse high end shopping area perfectly. The Amsterdam card is my daughter, Liz walking in front of the Rijksmuseum. The other two are from photos my friend, Emily let me use from two of her many adventures. The Prague pastel is my favorite. Emily pointed out in the Beijing photo that she took the picture because of the very bright red doorway on the outside that was a big contrast to the much duller red walls on the inside.
They come in a set of eight cards, two of each image and matching envelopes.

Fabric Collection Earrings

2008-07-03T08:50:00.001-07:00

Fabric Collection Earrings

Earrings inspired by my amazing daughters; Liz for the idea, and Helen for her fabulous collection of designer fabrics.

Fabric earrings with a different designer fabric on each side (in case the wind blows!), surgical steel hooks, lightly coated so they're durable, lightweight & comfortable - each pair different from the other. Complete with a matching giftbox.

Brides - I can make a unique pair for each bridesmaid.
Order 5 pairs, get one free!

A great birthday or graduation gift - or if you don't know what to get someone for International Dadaism Day (July 15th) - what better than a pair of art earrings?
Please forward this newsletter on to anyone who loves a one-of-a-kind gift.
Telfleur.com
Coming soon - Summer art shows and workshops.
Go to my blogs. One on my own art: https://www.marysartblog.blogspot.com/ or read my comments on the business of art: https://www.banquetforthestarvingartist.blogspot.com/ Check back every day.
For info about classes / workshops/ art shows and more, visit the calendar.

Curacao #3

2008-06-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

Curacao #4

2008-06-29T16:20:00.001-07:00

The last of the Curacao buildings on water series.

See it on Ebay.

Curacao #2

2008-06-26T16:54:00.001-07:00

This is the second in the series of four mini-Curacao paintings. It was from a photo a friend took. A lot of people have asked me where Curacao is - as far as I know it's a Dutch island in the Carribean.

See it on Ebay!

Birch tree from MCC's campus

2008-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

I did this one day while sitting outside at McHenry county college and teaching one of my art classes. It's a 9" x 12" pastel. See it on Ebay!

Flamingo enjoying the weather in Curacao

2008-06-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

I wonder if this is the same flamingo I painted a portrait of. Whoever it is, it seems to be enjoying the beach immersed in it's own thoughts. I would be too if I was there!

8" x 10" pastel.

Click to see on Ebay.

Turtle going for a swim in Curacao

2008-06-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Click to Bid.

Curacao #1

2008-06-11T15:42:00.001-07:00

This is one of four pastels painted from a photo of cute, colorful houses on the shore of Curacao - the photo used with permission from photographer, Ruth Hersche.

Click here to see on Ebay.

Orchid

2008-06-09T19:00:00.001-07:00

Click to see it on Ebay.

Flamingo in Thought

2008-06-08T16:54:00.001-07:00

Click to check out on Ebay.

This was taken with permission from photographer, Ruth Hersche's photo from Curacao. I'd like to do some more flamingos. It's 8" x 10" pastel.

Poppy #6

2008-06-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

This is the last in my 'Poppy' series

Poppy Abstract #5

2008-06-05T05:13:00.001-07:00

Poppy Abstract #4

2008-06-04T05:08:00.001-07:00

Poppy Abstract #3

2008-06-03T04:28:00.001-07:00

Poppy Abstract #2

2008-06-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

The second in the poppy series.

Poppy Abstract #1

2008-06-01T05:18:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a series of Poppy Abstracts. Also, the first in a series of mini paintings. It's only 7" x 5"

Thanks!

2008-04-27T05:19:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of the artists and others who came to the show this weekend. The show keeps getting better every year thanks to all of you.

Painting by Lisa Davis - the first one to sell!!!

2008-04-26T07:01:00.000-07:00

Portrait by Tomo Marutani and Lab by Jenny Vogt

2008-04-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

Art by Tina, Mary Ann, Joyce, Gregory, Philip, Victoria, Nancy and Maura

2008-04-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Art by Liz, Mona, and Joyce - sorry about the reflections

2008-04-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

Telfleur art show yesterday

2008-04-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

The show last night was a fun and we sold some pieces. YAY! I'm going to post a few photos - a lot of them turned out blurry and I forgot to take any when many people were here so I'll take more today - yes, the show is TODAY too - so if you live in the northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin area, please email me mary@telfleur.com for directions and come to the show. Lots of great art rangining from note cards to original paintings. And thanks to all the artists and others who came to celebrate with us!!!

It's been a long time!

2008-04-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

To anyone reading my blog I apologize for the absense. I'm having an art show here next weekend, Friday night and Saturday afternoon to show my own art and that of my students. It should be a lot of fun so if you live in the Chicago/northern Illinois area, please email me for directions. mary@telfleur.com or go to my site for more information: www.marysart.net. I have so much artwork I literally don't know what to do with it all. Luckily my friend, Karen is lending me some grids she uses to hang her own work and I'll find a place for them here. Thanks Karen!

I spent the weekend with my daughters in Madison. What a great city. I didn't do any art work - not that I planned on doing any - but I got to see Helen present her poster on the research she's doing at the undergraduate symposium. That was fun! And we ate out a lot. The dogs got to come with us on my birthday (Saturday) and the weather was nice enough that we sat outside.

I will write again soon. I want to post some of the pastels I framed a few weeks ago for my show.

Bob Dylan

2008-03-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough this morning to see a biography of Bob Dylan... just what I was in the mood for. What I love about him - I think I'll just list a few things:

his music

his lyrics

An artist in the real sense of the word. When the world wanted to make him a voice for a generation he declined and said it's just about writing the songs. Just about the creativity. You have to respect that.

I was fortunate enough to see him in concert at NIU a couple of years ago. Most of the audience left early - I'm thinking they wanted to hear all of his famous, old stuff... which would have also been fine with me... but instead it was a performace 'in the moment'. He changed the lyrics to familiar music and vice versa, he played brand new stuff. It was a great experience. He never spoke during the performace except at the very end when he made a lame skeleton joke - it was Halloween. : )

The best thing listening to Bob Dylan does for me is inspires me to be myself, in my art, and in my life - because he's so true to himself.

am I happy yet?

2008-03-15T08:33:00.001-07:00

I think I'm happy now. I was going to wipe the whole painting out, but after discussing it with Lois over the phone she convinced me that I may regret it. Burning bridges, you know? And overworking something. This can apply to life as well as art.

So, I wiped out the sky. I took the vibrance of the blue water down a little and added yellow to the foreground. And I signed it which must mean it's finished!

Now it's time to move on.

2008-03-15T06:14:00.001-07:00

by the way, I still don't really like the pastel seascape I did and I will probably change it again. : )

2008-03-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. I can't remember much about Palm Sunday except everyone waving palms at Jesus, praising him... and I think the point was that later that week the same people crucified him. I could be way off, of course - I'm pretty sure I am. : ) I have a very good friend who is a Methodist minister and the Easter holiday came up in an email conversation.

And I (like many others) have been reading "A new earth" by Eckhart Tolle which is very thought-provoking. So, I've been thinking about when people feel MEAN and do mean things to others (like crucifiying Jesus for his beliefs for example) it's ALWAYS their ego involved, isn't it? If someone is ok with themselves they would realize us humans (and animals and plants) are all CONNECTED and when suffering happens to one, it happens to all. (animals are suffering too - if Factory Farming were illegal like it is in many countries there be a lot less suffering.) When people get AWAY from their egos and realize God, themselves, awareness is always in them there's no choice but to have peace - the whole world would have less suffering and fighting. When you're 'conscious' and think about WHERE the meat came from that you put in your mouth or WHY a person said something to you that hurt your feelings and take it for what it REALLY is you'll make a more conscious choice and be less likely to hurt another being.

I like this better.

2008-03-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

I changed it a little. I smoothed out the wave lines in the middle and added more white.

Seascape

2008-03-13T17:44:00.001-07:00

I did this the other night, it's a pastel 22" x 30. It was kind of an experiment and also just my subconcious coming through. I've really felt the need to simplify. I covered the whole sheet with a very vibrant red. I then, working top to bottom, brought in the blues and other colors. You can see a red glow from underneath in the original. I'm not sure how much it shows up on the monitor. Anyway, it was fun. I want to do more.

New domains

2008-03-13T05:52:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited because I just bought two new domain names that lead to my site. marysart.net and marylovesdogs.com - hopefully easier to remember. Go to my site!

I did a pastel seascape the other night... well, it's almost abstract, but still representational. I'll get a photo of it later today and post it.

Helen in Coffee

2008-03-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

We're doing coffee and tea paintings this week in my classes. Here's my daughter in coffee. It's not finished. I thought it was very much like watercolor painting. I had to use instant coffee really strong to get the darks. Anyway, it was fun!