freewheeling fun with paint

Today's Abstract Expressionist class was loads of fun! I was thoroughly impressed with the level of devotion and creativity the students brought.

Everyone started out painting a tee shirt or canvas:

(this one looks like a nebula, I think)

Then we moved on to a few group canvases,

where we built up layers and layers of paint 

until we got here...

A masterpiece!

Space is still available for tomorrow's Environmental Art class,

the last class of the summer. Click on the "Summer Classes" link in the sidebar to register!

last chance to sign up for classes

The last two classes of the summer session are coming up this Wednesday and Thursday.

Sign up now, while there are still a few spaces available! Scroll down to sign up…

Also, If you missed the Third Annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour, you can now purchase and download the map and directions in the Camp Cactus Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/199827175/map-of-fairy-houses-hollywood?ref=shop_home_feat_3 

The map will only be available for a limited time.

(photo of Jackson Pollock courtesy Life magazine)

Painting Abstract Expressionism:

Jackson Pollock

Modern artist Jackson Pollock was a pioneer in the form of art known as abstract expressionism, and was known for his "drip and splash" style of painting. This style of action painting is uniquely suited to stirring up fun and creativity. In this class, we'll paint a t-shirt or canvas in the Pollock style (and make a heck of a happy mess, too!)

All materials and t-shirt or canvas included.

Come prepared to get messy.

Thursday, August 21st     1 - 3 pm                       cost: $30

Ages 5- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required by Thursday, Aug 14
(registration after August 14th may not guarantee tee shirt availability)

Number of students attending

One student $30.00 USD  Two students $60.00 USD  Three students $90.00 USD

 

(photo borrowed from this site)

Making Environmental Art: 

Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is a contemporary British sculptor, artist and photographer who utilizes natural materials from the landscape to create beautiful but short-lived works of art. In this workshop, we'll create our own art from materials we'll gather on site, then photograph the finished products and take home a print to keep.

Friday, August 22nd    1 - 3 pm                       cost: $25

Ages 6- up  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

Number of students attending

One student $25.00 USD  Two students $50.00 USD  Three students $75.00 USD

 

Build your own Fairy Dream House!

We'll be working some magic in the studio this afternoon. Come and join us…we have a few spaces available, still!

Fantastical Fairy Architecture

Along with our imagination, we'll use natural, recycled and found materials to design and build tiny dwellings for those magical beings who live all around us. Feel free to bring materials from your own garden, such as pinecones, acorns, pebbles and seed pods.

We'll provide ample building materials for everyone.

This 3-hour class is open to everyone ages 7-100!

Friday, August 15th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35

Ages 7- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

This class is now closed

fairy house walking tour

It's almost time for the third annual Hollywood Fairy House Tour! Join us this Thursday, August 14th, from 1-3 in the afternoon. We'll meet at Camp Cactus Studio and take a guided tour around the neighborhood to see a number of magical structures built by the local Fairies…

These are maps from years past...I'm getting ready to draw this year's map right after I finish this post.

Here's a photo of a house on last year's tour.

I hope you can join us for this very special and magical event.

 If we're lucky, we may even see a Fairy or two!

Thursday, August 14th   1-3pm                    $25

All ages. Please note: Children under 6 are free, but must be accompanied by a paying adult.

This class is now closed

Click here for a map to Camp Cactus Studio.

aboriginal art class this friday

(photo courtesy of this site)

Coming up this Friday, we'll be incorporating our own dreams, symbols and spirit animals on canvas in the style of Australia's native people. This class is open to ages 6 - adult, and no previous painting experience required!

(photo borrowed from this site)

Painting Aboriginal Art: 
Symbols and Stories
Learn about dreamtime and walkabouts, and how the native aboriginal people of Australia use symbols to tell the story of the world around them. We'll paint our own dream images and stories on canvas using aboriginal art techniques.
Canvas and paint provided.

Friday, August 8th     1 - 4 pm                       cost: $35
Ages 6- adult  •  Class size is limited  •  Preregistration required

This class is now closed

fun in the studio

Yesterday a group of enthusiastic young craftspeople joined us in the studio to make handmade paper.

We got a little wet and very creative with all the different colors of pulp, but since the temperature was in the 90s, no one minded being a little damp!

The sun helped the paper dry quickly. 

We made lots of pulp from brown grocery bags. 

Stay tuned for more classes this August. Coming up next Friday, August 8th: Aboriginal Art painting class. 1-4 pm. For a complete list, and to register, click on Summer Classes in the sidebar to the right!