Girls Who Wear Glasses ...

In winter, I need to push myself out of hibernation mode and into the usual-Christine-way-of-being. Short, sometimes sunless, days make me want to get in my PJs and snuggle  down with books. Not that there is anything wrong with this, of course, but when it's cold and gray, I could do that 24/7. So, this winter, I am taking - AGAIN because I learn so much from Elaine Brady Smith - "Mixed Media Collage" at the Art Association of Harrisburg. 

Forcing myself to get out usually boosts my creative energyand forcing myself to learn new things often leads me to new ways of thinking and doing my art. So, it is with my "Girls Who Wear Glasses" Series, the first of which is "Rose-Colored Glasses."

Rose-Colored Glasses

I was driving home after this week's class when the idea hit me. The second collage I made, which is not quite ready for prime time, features a deer wearing a mask, which was a finishing touch on the piece inspired by a need for a certain color and a little red-wine. (Hey, it was 10:30 or so last Saturday night, so a glass of vino was appropriate).

I think the title for the collection comes from the early 20th Century American Writer Dorothy Parker, who said “Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses.” Parker is among my favorite authors and I wish I would have known her. She is also responsible for witticisms such as “Time doth flit; oh shit" and “You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think.”

I could easily get myself sidetracked on a monologue about Dotty;  however, I shall get back to the points I intended. (1) I am glad I force myself out of my comfort zone and (2) New ways of thinking and doing are good for us, all of us, not just so-called creative types, like me.

Keep your mind open to new ways of seeing, eh? It's healthy. And, please, keep your eyes open for more "Girls Who Wear Glasses."

Learn how to use your new digital camera

In just a few weeks, the new semester of classes at Art Association of Harrisburg will begin. Below is a description for my six-week course. If you have a new camera or just want to learn how to use your camera technically and creativity, contact the Art Association and sign up. In addition to learning about your camera, making prints, uploading, etc ..., we have a great time.

Basics of Digital Photography
(Ages 19 through Adult, AAH Second Floor Michener Gallery, 6 weeks)
New and intermediate photographers will develop and improve their skills in pixel-based photography. Through demonstration and hands-on experience, the course will cover important creative and technical principles. Students will learn about composing, editing, storing, and outputting (printing/website) digital photographs. Automatic and manual-camera settings, white balance, composition basics, file formats, photographing art and products, and editing will be included. Students should bring their own cameras, manuals, and a notebook. An online component of the course encourages students to engage with one another outside of the classroom by posting their images and offering online feedback.
Instructor: Christine Goldbeck
$70.00 | Jan. 15 – Feb. 19 | Saturdays, 10am–12:30pm

School's IN for Summer

I love to learn. I love to teach and, as I see it, teaching is often learning. It's a sharing experience from which I always come away feeling fulfilled, feeling like I have both given and gained knowledge.

So, last evening, I attended the new teacher orientation at the Art Association of Harrisburg, where this summer I will teach "Digital Photography for Artists." In the fall, I will also have a course designed for students who want to learn more about their digital cameras and how to use them to make good photographs.

Go ahead and sign up for the summer course. If you need more details, visit the Art Association website. I promise you will find the staff more than helpful.

I will probably enroll in at least one summer class as well because, as usual, there is a full slate of courses from which to choose. A short while after joining the association in 2007, I enrolled in Linda Benton-McCloskey's "Experimental Mixed Media" course. I had THE best time and I learned so much from Linda and fellow classmates.

Last fall, I took a drawing class with Maaike Heitkonig Hickok. She can draw! Fellow classmates ranged in age from teens to senior citizen, male and female, and we had fun doing poses and flash poses for one another. What's more, I accomplished my goal of overcoming being so slow with a drawing. I wanted to do better at observing and getting it on paper.

Classmates are the added benefit of the experience of learning. I met interesting and diverse people, many of whom did not aspire to make art for a living but wanted to stretch beyond their comfort zone and learn something new.

Go ahead. Check it out. Sign up for my course or several. Another good one that is offered this spring (beginning Monday) is Elaine Brady-Smith's "Collage" course.