Word Out Wednesday-Hershberger & Huff Studios

Hello Ms Hershberger & Huff Studios, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today.

H&H Please, my friends call me H & H.

Alright, H & H, um, can you tell us a little about your background, where were you born, did you always want to be an art studio, etc.?

H & H: Well, I was born here in Ocala and have always been a part of BJ Trophies on NE Jacksonville Rd. It took several different jobs before I was able to really find myself. I once was a photography studio and then a thrift store. And both of those were fun and good experience, but I always felt that something was missing. I became a studio/gallery when I met Carlynne and Kelli and felt that I had really found my true calling. I will always be grateful to them for that.

How did you hook up with your current owners? And whose idea was it to open the studio?

H & H: I think we make a great team and have an interesting history. Kelli actually came across Carlynne's artwork in a book, the Best of Colored Pencil while she was living in Tennessee. To make a long story short, Kelli moved here, they met at Red Swan, eventually started teaching classes and workshops together and then wrote a book, the Creative Colored Pencil Workshop. But enough about them, back to me. I connected with them when the owners of BJ Trophies who happen to be Carlynne's in-laws, asked if she would be interested in a rental space that had been empty for awhile. They knew that Red Swan was closing permanently and that Carlynne and Kelli needed a place to teach.

Do I detect resentment or some jealousy on your part toward your partners?

H & H: No, I don't really think so. You know how it is, when you have partners and one or more gets all the credit and attention. I feel at times that they could appreciate me a little more or at least show it. If not for me, they might not have the success that they do.

Do you think that they might answer differently, that you are lucky to have them, and that they made you what you are today?

H & H: Well, I don't know, maybe. You'd have to ask them that question. Anyway, above you see a few photos of my entrance and my favorite wall. I am pretty proud of these areas and of course, Kelli and Carlynne had a lot of input as well. I do think we have done a good job of turning a relatively small space into a multipurpose gallery and studio. We have tried to make it pleasant, well decorated as well as very functional and I believe we have succeeded quite well.

I would agree. I understand you recently had a very successful grand opening.

H & H: Oh, yes, it was wonderful, a very good turnout and a great chance to celebrate with friends and family. Above you see a shot of our banner that the guys at BJ Trophies made for the reception. They have always been very good to me. Below is a photo of the table before the party began. (Just between you and me, food is very important to Kelli and Carlynne.)

As it is to many of us. So you had a good turnout and has the studio been well received?

H & H: Most definitely. Our first Friday Night Painting Party/Workshop was completely sold out and everyone had great fun while making a painting. Our next one is scheduled for July 29. Here are a few more shots of the Grand Opening Reception.

So have you discussed any long range goals with Carlynne and Kelli?

H & H: Well, um truthfully, they do not include me as much as I would like into their planning. However, I see and hear a lot about what's going on. They are working on more artwork, obviously and jewelry making as well as making plans for some more books and maybe some online tutorials. They're testing different ways to make maximum and best use of my space and try many different and sometimes new activities in the arts field to see what suits them. They have said that having me, the studio, has changed everything for them and opened up endless new possibilities.

Well, that sounds to me like they really do appreciate you.

H & H: Uh, yeah, I guess you're right. Yeah, you're right!

So what's next for you?

H & H: Well, I am really enjoying this and feel that it makes the best use of my talents, so I guess I will continue the collaboration. We do seem to work well together.

Thank you for your time and good luck.

H & H:

Thank you.

Peace and creativity.

Artist Date

Homasassa Springs on the west coast of Florida is a wonderful place to see and photograph manatees, birds and other Florida wildlife.

We were there last Saturday and like to go about once a year. If you are like me, you get really busy with life and start to forget the really fabulous things here in Florida. I have lived in Michigan, Tennessee and Florida and visited many other states, and I can say with authority that this entire country is a smorgasbord of wonderful things to see.

Places like this are a perfect Artists Date and as we artists know, those are necessary. Have fun exploring.

Peace and love,

Kelli

Autumn

Leaves 3

5x5 acrylic

Kelli

Pumpkin 2

5x5 acrylic

Carlynne

I was imbued with such a feeling of autumn today (yeah, I do remember that I live in Florida and it's in the 90's) that I had to share a couple of our Etsy pieces from the section called Seasons. Besides my friends and family, the main thing I miss about not living in Michigan any more is the beautiful fall colors. (And maybe the brisk autumnal air that seems to fill me with so much energy, but I am able to experience that with the Florida winter).

If you want to see fall inspired gifts or a trinket for yourself, visit our shop at
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hershbergerhuff

.

You also might want to check out the latest Etsy Treasury that my Leaves 4 piece was included in with this link: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c8b9f90ed9e6d9119209506/autumn-9-hour-bnr-0-saleso

A Treasure is a group of Etsy pieces from many different sellers/artists that all have a harmonizing theme; it might be a color, a name, a season, etc. The treasuries are beautiful assemblages of lovely, unique hand made things. Carlynne and I have been fortunate to be included in many, but I enjoy looking at all of them. I have yet to see one that was not a pleasure to the eye and an inspiration to my creative bone.

Happy Fall and Peace to all,

Kelli

No, this is not a new piece, but I had such a feeling of fall that I had to share it with you. This is a small 5X5 0n canvas panel

Finished! TV Project #2

e-flaxbow

Kelli Money Huff

Hey All,

I finally finished the second project in my Work of Art: The Next Great Artist challenge. As you may know from previous posts, I am using the television reality series as a way to stimulate my creative muse by doing all the projects assigned to the TV artists. I am waaaaaaay behind them, they are now doing the 5th project and I have just finished #2. However, as I mentioned before, my goal is different and I am not eligible to win the $100,000 that they are competing for.

The title of this episode is The Shape of Things to Come and it is a sculpture to be built from appliance/electronic junk. This is my interpretation of that challenge. Below is the inspiration for my piece.



This photo depicts a Flax Bow, a American Paiute totem that was hung in the homes of tribal members and was believed to promote harmony and good communication between family and household members. As I was looking at the junk that I had accumulated to work with, it occurred to me that the ubiquitous electronic stuff that most of us now have cluttering up our homes and our lives are all mostly about communication. (Does anyone ever have enough electrical outlets?)



Of course, true to my usual methods, this idea came to me in the middle of the night. While it is frustrating and even scary to not have any creative purpose, it is annoying to have it constantly visit in the night. I would like some sleep, thank you very much!!



Finding extremely little information on Flax Bows, even on the Internet, this was the only photo available and I am drawing my own conclusions about the name. My research turned up the fact that the Paiute used flax for weaving and other purposes and it appears that the lower part of the Flax Bow is made of strands of flax. The top which it hangs from is bow shaped. Thus that is where I believe the name came from. My piece derives it's name (e-flaxbow) from the electronic connection. Pun intended.



I like to use symbolism in my work and this piece is no exception. CD's, DVD's, cell phones, a keyboard, a mouse, and an intercom, form the whole concept of communication, both with the people in the home as well as good harmony with the electronics. The weaving which takes the place of the flax on both sides hanging down, is symbolic of the grid, both electrical and the Internet grid that is a vital and indispensable part of our lives. Numerous cables and wires of all types bind all the elements together.



You may have guessed that this is not my usual media or genre, however, I did enjoy this and even became excited about my idea. The next challenge is to create a book cover for a classic novel. I am using a book that holds lots of personal meaning for myself and my daughter, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Thanks to ennadoolf, one of our blog readers, for the idea.



As always I welcome your comments and ideas. Wish me luck.
Peace, love and creativity.

Kelli

A Walk in The Forest

I have been staring at canvases and dabbing paint on them and then not being happy, painting over whatever I did. I am just not feeling the paint right now. Sometimes that makes me a little panicked, but always disappointed and unhappy. However, there are many ways to be creative and when the well is dry, it's time to fill it with an artists date. So, my husband Greg and I went for a drive into the National Forest and took photos.

We really liked the color in the thistle flowers. (Yes, I know it's a weed, but Nature makes no distinction, all plants and animals welcome.) The bright purples are the ones in full bloom and then they lose color and become paler as the bloom fades and dies. I like both. I will share more of these photos when I have a chance to look at all of them. Perhaps this will inspire me or you to do something creative.

Peace and Creativity,

Kelli

Tattoo Day!!!

Hey All,

If you thought yesterday was just Good Friday, you would be wrong. So many momentous things happened, I barely know where to start. Of course there was the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala, and yes, we both sold one piece. But, even more importantly, my creative partner on this blog, Carlynne got her first tattoo and her sister-in-law, Leigh Hershberger got her 4th!! Leigh is the sister of Amazing Husband whom Carlynne has blogged about in the past.

I am honored to have been invited to my very first tattoo party at Fat Kats on the square, and I tried my best to document the event. You can see Carlynne in the chair above as hers is just being finished. I was very impressed with the artwork in the shop, the collection of art books and tattoo designs, the cleanliness, the friendliness and the professionalism of the guys there. (Well gee whiz, what did you expect my reaction to be? I've never been in a tattoo parlor before. Do they still call them parlors? Maybe it's salon.)

You are probably asking yourself why did Lynne want a tattoo? Based on what she has said and what I am assuming myself, it has something to do with being a woman past the age of 50, surviving cancer, and recognizing that family is really all any of us have. Even though at this point, I am not inclined to have this done on me, I understand it perfectly. After all I never colored my hair until I was 50 and it had nothing to with grey. Now I am thinking about going a really funky color. But, enough about me.




Here is a shot of what Leigh's design looks like just as it 's getting started, and before she passed out. OK, not quite, but awfully close. (Note to self: if I should ever decide to get a tattoo, make sure I eat first. Even my acupuncturist tells me to do that.) But don't worry, Leigh is alright now. I hand fed her chocolate as she laid in a stupor on the reclining chair and she drank some wine afterwards. Below you see Leigh in the process.

Carlynne's finished tattoo, an original design created by her and Amazing Husband with the initials of her children intertwined. Personally I am not too keen on elective surgery, especially when I am awake, but she said it was not nearly as painful as she had anticipated. I thought she should just wear a vial of their blood around her neck, but that would involve hurting her children to get the blood and she just refused to do that. I saw the tattoo several hours later and it was barely even a little red and not swollen.

Watch here for a complete unveiling in future posts.

Peace and Love to all,

Kelli

Mindfulness

Hi All,

Recently I realized that whenever I am doing something, I am not really there. You know, I'll be washing my hair and thinking about what I need to take with me to class, (is my hair washed and rinsed or did I just wet it?) Eating breakfast I am thinking about the new student we will have and what she might be wanting to do today, (where is my egg? did I already eat all that? I've only been sitting here for 5 minutes. Sorry I missed it. Maybe I should have another one.) In bed at night I am thinking about whether I will get my taxes done on time this year, (I wonder if I remembered to list that receipt, I wonder where I put it. No wonder I am so tired during the day.)

So, I have recently been trying to bring myself back to the present moment and be mindful of what I am doing in any given moment. Now that spring is here, I am noticing the flowers as I drive around town. (I know what you are thinking, shouldn't she be mindful of DRIVING while she's driving?) But these are right at my front door, so no humans were injured in the writing of this post.

Enjoy and don't forget to stop and smell the azaleas. (I am really glad spell check has azaleas because I didn't feel like looking it up and yet I know that I could possibly be an example to a young person out there and should not spell it wrong.) And if you have time, join us in downtown Ocala, FL on the square for First Friday Art Walk.

Peace and love,

Kelli

Sand and Water

Sand and Water #1

Acrylic on Canvas

12"X12"

Hi All,

Here is a new piece in the beach series. I am using a new name for the next phase of the series, it will now be Sand and Water. I like the color and values on this one but do not know what else I will do with it yet. As always, your comments are welcome.

This coming Friday is our next First Friday Art Walk in Ocala, FL if you are anywhere near the area.

Peace and Love to you all,

Kelli

Studio Day

This piece is not new but I don't think I have shown it to you before. I am in the studio working, have been all day, thanks to the rain. And I have 8 pieces that are in various stages of progress at the moment. (Aren't you proud of me? I know I am) However, the ones I am currently working on are not very interesting yet, and while I am waiting for drying time, (you know what they say about watching paint dry), I was just looking at older work.

This is one that I was never sure I liked and couldn't decide if it was done. I tell students that a piece is done when they cannot do anything to make it better. Of course sometimes we need someone else to tell us that, it's not always easy to be objective, especially when you have been working on the same piece for awhile. Now, I have decided that I like this and I am calling it done. I hope you agree and I always welcome you comments.

Peace and creativity,
Kelli

New Work

This is going to be a new beach piece, eventually, trust me, it will be. I know it doesn't look much like the other beach pieces yet, but this one is a little different than the previous ones in this series. And you will get to see the process as it goes through transformation several times.







Here is a close up of the textures. The color is a little warmer than this photo, it's actually more of a soft burnt sienna. (Wow, what's with me and burnt sienna? I even drive a Toyota sienna.) It already has about 6 layers on it, including raw sienna, iridescent medium and burnt sienna.

I'll keep you posted.
Peace and love and creativity.
Kelli

Remember This?

Remember this piece of slate with it's lovely textures and shape? I took photos of it before I did anything at all to it and now I have added a little more texture and some burnt sienna. (I really had no choice, it just cried out for burnt sienna.)

This is a close up of what it looks like now, I loooooooooooooooove the textures and color. HOWEVER, where do I go from here???? Heeeeeeeeeeelp meeeeeeee, pleeeeeeeeese.

Oh, and don't' forget, we will be at Bakers and Cooks this evening from 6-8 for the monthly First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala, FL. Be there, just off the square!

Peace and love,

Kelli

Lucky Us

Guess where we will be hanging out this Friday? Bakers and Cooks in downtown Ocala, FL. This Friday, March 5 is the First Friday Art Walk from 6-8 and we have a fun place to spend our two hours. Above is the exterior view of the store.

This is an interior view of the store and just a few of the lovely items they sell. I don't know about you, but I love kitchen gadgets and they have the best selection in our area. And we have been promised some good things to eat, yum, yum.

We will be offering special prices on some of the work you have seen on our Etsy shop and on the blog. So, if you are anywhere near our area this Friday, stop in and say hi to us and to everyone at Bakers and Cooks.

Peace and Love,

Kelli

Life's a Beach

Tide Pools #63

Hey Peeps,

We will be at the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Ocala, FL on the square this Friday from 6-8. We are setting up at Bakers and Cooks, one of our favorite stores. The name says it all. Come and visit us and the store. We would love to meet some of our friends out there in netland.

This is an 8X8 inch beach piece on canvas board. It's available for sale on Etsy. I guess I still haven't got the beach out of my system. The good news is that the next few beach pieces are going in a new direction. I will update soon.

If you can't get to the beach, or if your beach is covered with snow, just hang on a little longer and spring will be here. I am an optimist, but I do believe that is easier when you live in FL.

Peace and love to all,

Kelli

Update on the Landscape

Hi All,

Here is the latest version of the landscape. Muuuuuuuuch better but still not done. You opinion is always welcome here. Raining all day here in central Florida. Great day for painting.

Peace to all,
Kelli

Critique Please

Hey All,

Please take a look at this painting and tell me what you think it needs or is it complete as is? I am trying to do a series of very, I mean VERY, loose landscapes, sort of impressionistic (just call me Kelli Monet) with texture (did you think not?) and some bright colors. Sort of a mix of Minimalism, Color Field and Impressionism all rolled into one. (Mincolfimpism?) I am all about the texture, but I want it just barely recognizable as a landscape. Be honest, I can take it.

Thanks a bunch.
Peace and love,
Kelli

A New Beginning

Hallelujah!! Finally, the beginning of a new painting that I do not hate. OK, I don't love it yet, but it still has potential. I have an idea in my head (I was going to say vision, but actually it's not that clear yet), for a series of landscapes that have intense color and texture (of course) and are recognizable as landscapes, but very, very loose. I am playing with technique; I used natural sponges, brushes and palette knives on this one. I am going to adjust the color and change the foreground. I will let you know what happens.

Peace and love,
Kelli

Textures R Us

You may be wondering what these photos are and why I am wasting time and valuable Internet space with them. Well, by way of introduction, let me say that I discovered something about myself last weekend. While at the Artist Within event on Saturday evening (refer to previous posts for more info), I found myself looking down at the floor in the lovely bathroom/locker room of the golf clubhouse. (We did not have Italian tile floors and carved wood lockers when I was in high school.) Knowing that I look down a lot at tile, the textures, the colors, the veins, the value nuances, I realized that if I were not an artist, I could sell tile. It would probably be more lucrative, too.

Anyway, I am finally admitting that, as an artist, I not only cannot get away from texture, but I am drawn to texture of all types in many different places. I have decided that I am just going to hand it over to my higher power and give in to the need for texture in most everything I do.

So about these photos. One of our students brought back some slate roof tiles from Canada all the way to Florida in her car. Did we not teach this woman well, what is important in life and car space???? Anyway, thanks to Lea, I have a lovely piece of slate to play with. I have no idea what I will do with it but I am looking forward to finding out, and I will definitely enjoy the process. I wanted you to see what it looks like before I start. I will update you as it proceeds, and suggestions are always welcome.

Oh yes, I know what you are thinking, roof tile!! What's next, painting on saws? Can Elvis on black velvet be far behind? Don't worry, not going to happen. Although velvet has a wonderful texture and I love the colors of rust on metal, hmmmmm.........

Peace and love,

Kelli

Just Checking In

Hi All,

If you were looking at what I am looking at, I am sure you would wish you were here. This is a shot of the Shenandoah Valley as seen from Skyline Drive at about 3,000 feet up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is beautiful. I have more and better photos I will share later. As you can see the leaves are partially turned. We are leaving soon and will not be here for full color, but I am grateful for what we did see. It is also apple season and I am in heaven.

With gratitude, and wishing you peace and beauty,

Kelli

And the Winner Is........

And the winner of the copy of our book, Creative Colored Pencil Workshop is........ (drum roll here) Kelly Jackson of I Have a Notion (cymbals here). We drew her name on Monday the book went out this afternoon (see how efficient I am?). Congratulations to Kelly (what a nice name) and please visit her at

www.IHaveA-Notion.com or
http://IHaveANotion.blogspot.com

Being a sewer, I was very interested in her site and she has the most wonderful things for sewers and even some things for non-sewers.


And guess what???? We are winners, too!! We received an email from Lisa at Etania Gems & Jewelry that we have won her drawing for a pair of sodalite and fresh water pearl earrings. What a thrill, of course we both have two ears, so I am not sure how that will work. This may be the only thing that could ever end our friendship. However, we do not hold Lisa responsible, so please visit her site and look at her gorgeous jewelry, and I do mean gorgeous:

www.etaniagems.com or
http://etaniagems.wordpress.com


As if all that were not enough to make this a very successful weekend with the Fall Business Women's Online Expo, we also had a lot of new people visit our etsy shop and our blog. So many wonderful comments, our heads are spinning. What a nice community of women. We are both so glad we did this and are looking forward to the next one.

I wish all peace, creativity, free art books and wonderful jewelry,
Kelli

Fall Business Womens Online Expo Booth #21

Pumpkin #2

5X5

Carlynne Hershberger

Leaves #3

5X5

Kelli Money Huff

Welcome to all who are on our blog for the first time to help us celebrate the Fall Business Women's Online Expo! We are honored that you took the time to visit with us considering all the choices you have available to you. Thank you and we hope you will like what you see and will return. Please tell us what you think.

We are Carlynne Hershberger and Kelli Money Huff. We paint, we teach, we write (well, OK, we also eat, sleep and eat a little more, too). We are experimental artists who mix our media all the time. We are very busy and by working together we cut the chores in half for each of us, so we can spend more time painting.

The two pieces you see above are examples of our 5X5 mini's, each one an original painting on canvas board. These are from our new section titled, Autumn. We have greatly enjoyed this little jog from our more abstract work and are looking forward to painting new things for our other seasonal sections. Watch for Winter, Spring, and Summer sections to pop up at the appropriate times.

We are thrilled to be a part of the Fall Business Women's Online Expo and are looking forward to visiting as many sites as possible. As you work your way through, be sure to comment as often as you can, it helps all of us to give you what you want. When you comment on our blog, or make a purchase in our Etsy shop this weekend, you will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of our book, Creative Colored Pencil Workshop. We are running other specials just for this weekend event. Our original mini paintings are selling very well and for this Saturday and Sunday, we are including a mini easel for free. And don't forget, no shipping on the painting or the easel.

These mini easels are unfinished wood and look great with the mini paintings just the way they are, but you can stain or paint them to match the artwork if you wish. Don't forget us for you Christmas and Hanukkah shopping; mark our blog and Etsy shop and come back for more specials in the future.


Something new in our Etsy shop is our book, Creative Colored Pencil Workshop (North Light Books, 2007). We are offering free shipping on all book purchases for this weekend. Save money and get a book signed by us. We can personalize if you email us with your name. And the best news is that every customer who makes a purchase from us on Etsy as well as every visitor that comments on our blog for Saturday and Sunday, will be entered into a drawing for a free book. Good luck to all.

In case you didn't know, we offer weekly classes on Monday and Wednesday at Red Swan Paint and Art Supply in Ocala Florida. See how hard our students work? There is a lot of laughing going on in our classes, but our students learn a lot, too.

OK, time for you to move along the Fall Business Womens Online Expo list, now. Thanks for dropping by and do come again.

Kelli and Carlynne