Yes, once again.....

it's been a while since posting here. I tend to hang out more on our studio Facebook page where I share info about our upcoming Painting Parties, pics of students doing their thing, projects I'm doing at the studio and just general artsy stuff.

What got me thinking about the blog this morning? Maybe I should say who got me thinking - Alyson Stanfield did a 2-part post recently on artists and galleries and I wanted to share it here. Part one is about the upside of artists working with galleries. How can galleries help you further your career? Part two is about the downside of artists working with galleries and the red flags you should be aware of before approaching a gallery. And.... the percentage they get from sales is WHAT? Be sure to check out both the links below.

Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries

Why Artists Should Avoid Gallery Representation

Sunrise

This is the project for the upcoming Friday Night Painting Party. We will be working in acrylic on a canvas that I'll prepare with a texture done with Super Heavy Body Gesso. We only have room for 12 party goers and 6 of those seats are taken already so if you're interested in joining us, let us know ASAP. The party starts at 7pm on July 26th. The cost is $50 and we provide absolutely everything you need to start and finish your painting that evening. Just bring yourself and whatever you want to drink - yes, you can bring wine.

Some happy faces from past parties.......

Now go to your studio and paint something.

Peace,

Carlynne

Just brushes this time

It was another full class for the Friday Night Painting Party! 

I think they were relieved that we weren't using palette knives again.

It was getting serious when it was time to paint the sunlight on the road.

Ta-Da!

What a fabulous job. 

For the August Painting Party on the 24th, we're doing another landscape but this one will include flowers. My mother took a photo at Calloway Gardens in GA and she let me use it for reference. The lush hot pink azaleas with the sun just hitting the tops of the bushes really appealed to me. I painted a 12x12 acrylic of the scene and have gotten many compliments on it from students so I thought they would enjoy painting their version of it.

Hope you're doing something creative and staying cool.

Peace,

Carlynne

Another fun night!

Last Friday was our Friday Night Painting Party and it was a full house again! The more the merrier is so true. We have a lot of fun in these mini workshops.

Lots of concentration going on here. They were applying gold leaf to the sky. You should have seen the room when the workshop was over. It's amazing how that stuff flies around. I think I vacuumed for a solid hour on Saturday :) 

 From this angle you can see the shine of gold on some of the canvases.

A couple of our folks had to leave a little early so they escaped the group shot but here are the rest of our painters. I love it! Every piece is different and lovely. I can't wait to see what May's workshop pieces will look like. Soon I'll post the piece we're doing next time. We'll be working with tissue paper for texture on the next piece.

Peace and creativity,

Carlynne

I confess.....

I've been a total slacker about posting here. I've had photos to show you but instead I've been doing things like getting tax info ready for the CPA. What a drudge when that kind of stuff interferes with the real reasons for being - family, friends and art.

So to get you caught up I'll start with the last Friday Night Painting Party.

We had a completely full house that night. Here are a few of the gang working on their bearded iris painting with the gold background.

Kelli's making the rounds and probably looking for the burnt sienna paint again. Every time someone needed some more of that color the tube just disappeared.

And here we have our smiling students with their finished pieces - all the girls and Warren, brave soul that he is, daring to spend a Friday evening in what's known affectionately by some as the estrogen pit. I was thrilled with the results everyone had with their paintings! It's very exciting to see one image transform into so many different styles, to see the hand of each artist appear on the canvas.

Marshland

12x12

acrylic and gold leaf on canvas

Marshland is the next painting that we're doing in the Friday Night Painting Party coming up on April 27th. This one was hanging in the studio during the party and Warren asked if we could do it in a workshop. (I guess he's willing to dive into the pit again.) We're already getting registrations in so if you're interested in doing this one let us know ASAP - we're limited to 12 students in the party. The class cost is 50.00 and we provide all the materials for your painting. In this one we'll be doing gold leaf in the sky and water. It'll be messy and fun. Comment or send an email if you'd like more info - hershbergerhuff@hotmail.com 

Peace,

Carlynne

Coming Up Soon

Purple Iris

14x11

Our next Friday Night Painting Party is coming up on March 30th. We're doing something different this time. This is a great class to take if you love florals. This beautiful purple iris was growing in my sister's yard and I had to have pictures. Since then I've done several versions of this incredible flower. On this one I played with metallic gold paint in the background. 

This workshop is almost full so if you're planning on being at the studio on the 30th be sure to get your registration with payment in by March 23rd! If you want more info or just have a question please comment or send an email to hershbergerhuff@hotmail.com

Hope you're having a happy, creative week!

Carlynne

Party Pics

Aren't they pretty? They don't even have paint on them and they're so colorful. We had just gotten done with the workshop, washed the brushes, laid them out to dry and they looked so good to me I couldn't resist taking a photo.

Busy students working on their paintings.....

they look so serious. Don't be fooled....

Many laughs later here they are with their finished works. I really love doing these classes where everyone is doing the same piece. When the work is done I get to see the personality of each person come through in the work. Everyone did such a great job!

Thanks for the fun everybody, I'm looking forward to next month's party!

Carlynne

Back in the studio

I'm getting back in the swing of things. Hubby is recovering well from his surgery so I'm not needed as much as I was before. He's determined to get his own breakfast so I guess I'll let him and go spend some time in the studio. It's time to get back to the art stuff. 

Above you can see my prep work for the February Friday Night Painting Party. All the previous painting parties have been paintings on canvas so I wanted to do something different next month. I'll be showing you how to do an altered book. If you're not familiar, it's an art form where you take an existing book and transform it into a different work of art. We'll be exploring painting techniques and collage elements.

Here's the painting we'll be doing THIS month on the 27th. We'll be working in acrylic on an 11x14 canvas. There are a few seats left so if you're interested be sure to let us know SOON! 

This morning I was prepping canvases for the next Painting Party and some for me too. 

Golden Hour

12x12

Here's the landscape I finished yesterday. As soon as the red canvases above are dry I can start on the next one. I'm loving the idea of a series of these that are just sky and branches.

Hope to see you soon,

Carlynne

Where have we been?

Where in the world have we been? Well, the holiday crazies took over for a bit like they always do and Amazing Hubby had to have some surgery so I've been playing nurse (he's doing well). In spite of other 'stuff' our classes kept right on rolling.......

 here are a few of our very loyal Wednesday people

Mary's working on a gorgeous sunset in colored pencil

Diane is oh, so pleased with herself!

There are some seats open so if you're looking for some direction with your painting or you're just beginning and want to know which end of the pencil to sharpen, we're here at the studio Mondays from 12:30 til 3:30 and Wednesdays from 10:00 til 1:00. The classes are only 20.00 per session. Come every week or once or twice a month. It's totally up to you. Holler if you want more info.

Oh, and by the way. Go to this link and vote for your favorite Horse Fever design. Kelli and I both have designs entered. There are 12 designs to choose from but of course I think you should pick either Petals, Sand and Sea Horse or Wishes. I did 2 of the designs, can you guess which one is Kelli's?

Quick reminder: January 27th is Friday Night Painting Party. Paint this very colorful landscape. Beginners welcome!

New Beach

Here is the latest in the Beach Series. This one is 36" by 36."

A couple of reminders:

1. No class on Monday, the 18th of July.

2. The next Friday Night Painting Party/Workshop is on July 29 at the studio from 7-10. Food, fun, a project and lots of learning. No need to bring anything but yourself (and some wine if you choose.) We provide it all; sign up today!

Peace and creativity.
Kelli

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.

Hold Your Horses!

This is what my new horse looked like going down the road yesterday. In a lightening storm no less. My husband, (he goes by the alias Boris) is a master at loading, securing and moving all kinds of odd shaped things. I could not possibly have gotten through the requirements of the last few weeks without his help. This unusual load drew lots of surprised looks and no doubt many people said, "They must be doing Horse Fever again!"

Here is Hubble Horse looking around my studio at his new neighhhhhh-bors. (Couldn't resist). I am pretty excited about sharing a working space with him for awhile.

As Carlynne said yesterday on this very same blog, we are painting horses once again for a community art project. Carlynne, her husband, Mark and I are all painting one this year. Between the three of us, this time around brings our combined total to 8 horses, 3 giant butterflies and one full size dog. We are up to our ears in naked horses now and will keep you posted on how their coats of paint are progressing.

Have a peaceful and creative day,

Kelli

Painting Party/ Gold Sky Workshop

What are you doing Friday evening? If you'd like to create this Gold Sky painting yourself, sign up for our Friday Painting Party with Gold Sky Workshop! Do you work on Friday? Good news, just bring yourself (and some wine if you want to) and show up. We do all the rest!!!

$50 buys all your materials and snacks, entry into our door prize, art instruction and lots and lots of laughter and fun. And you go home with a finished painting. Friday, June 24 from 7-10 PM. 1735 NE Jacksonville Rd in Ocala. Space limited, only 4 seats left! RSVP-ASAP! Hope to see you!!

Peace and creativity,
Kelli

See What's New at the Studio

We have lots of new things at the studio and not just the artwork. Here is our fabulous new sink, purchased and installed by my fabulous husband, Greg, (thanks honey, you're the greatest!). If you are an artist, you know how really fabulous a utility sink is!!!!

And this is our wonderful refrigerator, donated by our student Lea and wrapped in artwork. The stick on wrap was printed by Carlynne's husband Mark( she thinks he's wonderful, too) at his family business, BJ Trophies. thanks so much, this is really cool, one of a kind.

If you are in the area, you should join us for our Grand Opening Reception this Thursday, June 16 from 5 to 8 PM. You can see our fridge, our sink and other creative wonders. Please join us to celebrate.

Peace, love and creativity,

Kelli

Save the Date

GRAND OPENING RECEPTION

Please Join Us On

June 16, 2011

from 5 until 8 PM

at

Hershberger & Huff Studios

1735 NE Jacksonville Rd, Suite 3

in Ocala, FL

Save the Date - It's a Painting Party!

What in the world are we doing with an electric griddle in the art studio? Not flippin flapjacks I can tell you - although they would be pretty tasty right about now, have you ever tried hot dog pancakes? Anyway, I won't be cooking but I will be melting colored pencils and maybe a few other writing or painting implements while I'm at it. I'll be doing a little demo at our studio for our first ever Friday Night Painting Party.

Here's the save the date part - it's the last Friday of the month - May 27th. The party starts at 7pm and goes til 10. Bring whatever artwork you're working on (any media) and your supplies. Kelli and I will be there to help guide you if you're stuck, help you get started if you're blank or critique if you just want some input. You can even test out the griddle. Beginners and experienced painters are all welcome. Cost is 25.00. We'll have some munchies there and a bucket of ice so along with your art stuff you're welcome to BYOB of your preferred beverage, you can even sip some wine while you paint.

In case you missed it - the studio is located at 1735 NE Jacksonville Rd., Suite 3. If you want to join the party send us an email - hershbergerhuff@hotmail.com

Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Carlynne

Word Out Wednesday-Our Fantastic Students

For this Word Out Wednesday we want to get the word out about our fabulous students who made it possible to open our new studio with lots of help and everything we needed. Their response has been absolutely overwhelming.

The list of things donated is endless, from a mini-refrigerator and microwave to chairs, tables, cleaning supplies and equipment, books, coffee supplies, utility sink, a cup rack, paper goods and many other things, including money donations. The generosity alone is astounding, but the fact that we didn't ask, didn't even mention what we needed and they just started showing up with everything!

A big giant thanks to Lea, Nancy, Jean, Betty, Maria, Jane, Rae Jean, Gisela, and Mary for so many, many things needed. Thanks to Kelli's sister Shelley in California for sending a wonderful good luck gift. We are grateful to both our mothers Jo and Johnie for their donations AND for giving birth to us. Thank you to Kelli's fantastic husband Greg for moving everything with no other manly help and doing handy odd jobs.

Last and far from least, Chuck, Diane and Cindy. Thank you for your donations but also for your time, giving up at least a weekend or more to paint and ready our new building. Kelli is particularly grateful that when she had to go out of town on a family emergency, you stepped up to the plate and were there to make sure that Carlynne did not have to do it all alone. (You made her smile and cry at the same time.)







There is no other word that means the same thing, but there are not enough Thank Yous to express how we feel about all of you. We will always remember our new studio opening with joy because of you. Someone said that your generosity reflects well on us, but I beg to differ. It says a lot about who YOU are. Thank you Hershberger and Huff Studios students, we will never forget this and you rock one and all!

Peace and love,
Kelli and Carlynne