http://www.annbell.net/blog From one artist to another. We are each designing our own world. I use my imagination and paint. Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:19:58 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Event: Mixed Media Medley: 3 day mixed media workshop for artists and aspiring artists Houston artist Ann Bell will offer a new 3 day workshop Create Visual Magic with Mixed Media on July 22-24 in her Midtown studio. Beginning artists, as well as experienced artists, are welcome. Participants will explore creativity ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=56  About 4 years ago, when I was in a workshop with the renowned artist & author, Betsy Dillard Stroud, I participated in an exercise involving the 5 Universal Shapes. Betsy asked us to draw the 5 shapes & rank them in the order of our preference. Then she told us ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=55 Many art teachers have come to my mixed-media art workshops during the past year. I had not realized that someone could get a degree in art without becoming comfortable with the painting process. But a major in college usually requires 8 semesters. Art is such a broad field that many people get an art degree ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=54 Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, whether the people you are mothering wear skin, fur or feathers. It's been an interesting week. Lot's of accomplishments and events (which may or may not be accomplishments). The highlights...chronologically...I would have a problem ranking by importance at this point...after 9PM on a VERY long day.are; 1. Lunch ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=53 I'm going to Venice. I am so excited. I've fantasized about Venice for years. I've collected cards, lace, music and any wonderful item I could find that was made in Venice...in the effort to provide touchstones that would make Venice real for me. Now Venice is within my reach. My open studio ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=52 I Dream of Venice, mixed media painting by Ann Bell, on new Pastel Surface board by Richeson. It's so much fun to paint on! Thanks, Vikki, for introducing me to it. If you want to try this fun painting surface, they are available at Art Supply on Main, in Midtown Houston--on ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=51 I'm excited about my newest mixed media painting. I call it "Dreaming." I captured this big idea in a small 8" x 10" canvas. This is the second in a series of paintings developing inspiring concepts. I have decided to dedicate more time to dreaming. Every night recently my sleep has been visited by ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=50 I love painting with mixed media. It feels like there are no limits. Any effect is possible. "Love Soaring High," one of my newest paintings, uses techniques I teach in my Visual Magic with Mixed Media class Learn how to make your own textured painting. Attend either the Mixed Media Class ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=49 Each human being is creative. Young or old, rich or poor, educated or not! Each of us has hidden within us the capacity to be creative, whether or not we realize that it is there. Some people think that only artists, musicians and writers are creative. Others are willing to ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=48   I'm tired of mass produced stuff. I realize many esthetic and emotional benefits by surrounding myself with handmade items to bring joy, beauty & even functionality into my life. When I use a handmade object, or view a painting, I am reminded again of the wonder of human creativity. You too  will get joy from handmade ... http://www.annbell.net/blog/?p=47