Recently in Stanhope's Art, Framing & Stationery Category

Ok - Ok - I admit - I am a lousy blogger - I have other things that I am doing besides the classes which seem to keep me pretty busy too - I even have a large painting I have been working on that I might show someday - but I guess I am afraid I will never finish it - so hate to even show you!! - Then I might have to admit failure later on - and that is just so like me!!

 

Well - here are the offerings for October - it is a long month!! - But we are having just 4 Thursdays and let's just use that last one to get ready for Halloween/Birthday/Anniversary....What was I thinking??

The 2nd of October we will be doing a tree in the style of Gustav Klimt and learn a little bit about him - a winding twirly tree with bands of color and gold leaf!  Looks better in person so come by and see it - I need to learn to photograph the art a little better - always trying to do it the fast way - not the best way!

Then on the 9th of October we will be recreating Kandinsky's work with the fun play on color and circles - I have done this in other color palettes too - but I like the original the best of all.

The 16th of October will bring us another version of the wine bottle painting - this time I have collaged a label that I downloaded from a website - Those real labels are just too pesky to get off!!! - and the background on this one is a little different technique - with dribbles and texture, then staining the bottle on - and finally some ink and paint finishing work - This also looks way better in person!

Finally on the 23rd of the month we will be doing the Collaborative Intuitive Abstract that has been such fun - You can do it many times as the same picture never is created twice!

So call and sign up soon - these may fill up fast - It is only 30 dollars for an evening of fun that includes all supplies and we must insist that payment be received upon registration to guarantee your spot. Call today - 870-774-5352 - or email to stanhope1302@msn.com

see ya - merilynn

I cannot believe how the times just flies by! - so here is the September Calendar for Art & Libations - so that you can get a better look at the pieces!

for those of you not familiar with the drill - here is what it is all about!

ART AND LIBATIONS

Bring your favorite bottle of beverage, and create a piece of art with Merilynn as she shows you step-by-step how to create a beautiful masterpiece that you will take home at the end of the evening. There are no commitments, so join us once a month or as many times as you would like, you will have a great time! Great idea for groups!!

Each class is 2 hours long and costs $30 per person and includes all supplies! We are starting this program with sessions Thursday evenings. Some weeks we may be creating paintings and sometimes collage or some 3d creation! We will post the project in advance so you can decide if it is your cup of tea!

It's all about relaxing and having fun!

Speaking of cup of tea - bring the beverage of your choice. Whatever it takes to get your juices flowing! We have openers, and cups available.

Wear something comfortable and old - something you might not care if you get paint on. We have a few old shirts available.

Class size is limited to 18 so you need to make your reservation early. Since classes are so limited and we want to be fair, we do request payment at the time you make your reservation. The payment will be refunded if notified at least 24 hours prior to the class. We may be able to fill the space from the waiting list!

 

 

    and here are the pieces a little closer!

so call early for you spot - and hope to see you soon!!

me

 

And here is a closer look at the projects:

and now the collaborative intuitive

and finally our little asian jewel

and finally the heart project for our PG night!

 

So if you like what you see - just give us a call at 870-774-5352

maybe I will get back to serious blogging soon -

see ya - mj

The stars must be aligned just right - for today - I actually got someone to come fix my back door - and got the roof guy to show up - I am doing great!! Red River Lumber ROCKS!!!

I haven't been waiting for them - but they are coming to the rescue!!

and I got the paintings ready for the calendar for July - so here it is..

and now a closer look at the pieces

the first one is in honor of Independence Day and is a mini version of a piece by Jasper Johns

we will take a good look at his piece and you will see that we have a base to the entire paintng of torn pieces of newspaper - which I will appropriately age in the backseat of my car before we put it all together. - And don't worry about the stars - there is a short cut for those too!!

The next week we will be painting a wonderful cat in the style of Laurel Burch - this is back by popular demand!!

Week 3 we can go a little asian with this simple painting of cherry blossoms -

And finally come join us while we paint a fun martini - with a little collage thown in to make it fun!!

These images are a little hard to see but feel free to come by the store and visit them in person - We would love it!!

If you don't remember the drill about exactly what Art & Libations is - well here it is:

ART AND LIBATIONS

Bring your favorite bottle of beverage, and create a piece of art with Merilynn as she shows you step-by-step how to create a beautiful masterpiece that you will take home at the end of the evening. There are no commitments, so join us once a month or as many times as you would like, you will have a great time! Great idea for groups!!

Each class is 2 hours long and costs $30 per person and includes all supplies! We are starting this program with sessions Thursday evenings. Some weeks we may be creating paintings and sometimes collage or some 3d creation! We will post the project in advance so you can decide if it is your cup of tea!

It's all about relaxing and having fun!

Speaking of cup of tea - bring the beverage of your choice. Whatever it takes to get your juices flowing! We have openers, and cups available.

Wear something comfortable and old - something you might not care if you get paint on. We have a few old shirts available.

Class size is limited to 18 so you need to make your reservation early. Since classes are so limited and we want to be fair, we do request payment at the time you make your reservation. The payment will be refunded if notified at least 24 hours prior to the class. We may be able to fill the space from the waiting list!

 

Hope to see you soon!

merilynn

Last night I had a packed house to do a 'faux' Kandinsky  - It was great fun to talk about the color theory - and  a little bit about the artist.

Here are a few of the people with their creations - all so different but great!!

and here are some more!!!!

I think we may have to do this again! - I will try to get the July calendar up by the end of the weekend - Time flies when you are having fun!!!

And for those of you who even have looked - I do realize that some entries got published twice - apparently Josh and I restored the same things in 2 different cities! In a couple of weeks part of it will drop off and everyone can go back to being mildly impressed that I know how to do this - (which I don't ...everyday is a learning experience!  :)

Thanks - Merilynn

 

For May and June we have a really wonderful display by local artists from the 4SRAC - and here is a little sampling from them -

Come by and view what is 'happening' - and maybe pick up an original for your collection - I think it is really great that we have so many different medium this time - oil paintings, a little pastel, clay, wood carving and mixed media!

and here is the late arrivals!

see you soon

merilynn

Actually I thought this posted long ago - but due to issues totally beyond my understanding, I was posting to an area called 'test' - instead of my real blog - so nothing really showed up - and yes, it took me this long to figure it out - with a little help.

Anyway

here are the selections for June - and of course, the class tonight is totally booked - isn't that great??? - but there are a few spaces left in the rest of the month!

So, as always, here is the calendar - then a closer look at the pieces themselves!

And tonight's is a look at Kandinsky - one of the originators of abstract art..

Then the next week - we will paint the ever popular beverage - wine - it is my intention that we paint the impression of a label but I have some who have been saving labels for this purpose - I think I can go with the flow on this -

The third week we will create this group of pears - I really like the way this turned out - hope you do too!

then finally, at the end of the month - we can get together and paint this really wild flower!

Something to brighten things up a little!

Hope you can join us to have a little fun!!

see you

Merilynn

ok - I am working on things but I thought it might be time for me to do a little business, too.

We have several new artists and craftsmen's work in the store now - and I thought I would show you a few of the items to you.

From Fire and Light by artist John McClurg - we have some wonderful glass bowls

 

I just love art glass - here are a couple of vases that we have from Melting Sands Glass by artist Judd Scott. The really bright colors of these is so invigorating - they will really add a spark to your room.

 

One of my other loves is pottery and first we have these new graphic painted pieces by Marianela Borston of Nela Ceramics.

 

And finally these are some really fun mugs by Jeanette Zeis Ceramics.

So - we have these items and additional pieces by these artists and many more .

Come by and browse this really great collection

Stanhope's Art, Framing & Stationery

1302 State Line Avenue

Texaarkana, Arkansas  71854

Mon - Fri from 9 - 5

see you soon

merilynn

One of my husband's friends asked me to look for a print for him of a tulip called the Sempus Augustus.  After lots of research, I discovered that a print of this tulip was as elusive as the original tulip that apparently caused a financial problem back in the 1600s.  Since he had a picture of it - and it looked fairly simple, I offered to paint one for him.  It was actually just a botanical look with no background and I could do it fairly quickly in watercolor.  I actually enjoyed doing it. - and he had it professionally framed at Stanhope's Art, Framing & Stationery!

 

 I also painted a few (20) tablecloths for the Women for the Arts Fundraiser "Party with Picassos".

Brent Stewart was doing the decor for the party and after he told me the 'grand plan', I offered to paint the cloths for him.  They were really easy.  The only hard part was figuring out where to lay 20 squares of canvas that were 54" each while they dried.  I think Brent said that they were planning on using them every year. I wish I had a photo of them at the event but all I have are some snapshots that I emailed to Brent so that he could see how they were going.

well - this was a little of what I have been doing the month of March as well as helping the 2 'celebrities finish their pieces for the event. - Though that took very little time - just one more thing to do!

well - later

merilynn

 

Tomorrow I leave for New Orleans and I am going to the Linda Kemp workshop.

 

   Actually I have been nowhere - just a little busy - and maybe a little lazy! - This entry is to introduce the projects for May - and maybe tonight I can catch you up on all that has been going on -  May has lots of Thursdays in it - but we are not going to use them all! - I am hoping I can get away for a day or two and go see my Dad - He is such a great guy and we are so far away - and I know everyone can relate but we just seem to let the days get away from us - we are all so busy doing the day to day things that we forget to live a little!

   Here it is, the calendar for May - Be sure to call asap and sign up for a class that you want - they fill up fast - I have a list of people already that didn't get in the March Collaborative Intuitive Group so I will need to follow up with them first before we know how many spaces are left. - It was a great project - everyone created their very own truly unique masterpiece -

and so you may see them better here are the individual pictures:
May 1st

A quick floral landscape - maybe a pretty for your mom! - or just to chill out and have a little fun!

May 8th - is the Collaborative Intuitive

This is just a representative sample of what you might create!

May 15th

This piece is a simple cross where you will learn to create a glow and do some fine detail swirls!

Finally on May 29th

we will do a little something different - a reverse glass painting on a plate that will then be gold leafed!

So here they are for now :)

Later - merilynn

email to stanhope1302@msn.com
Phone: 870-774-5352

 

It is the first of March ( ok - ok it is the third of March) which means it is time to open registration for the April Art & Libation Classes. And for those of you who aren;t familiar with them- here is the gist of it:

ART AND LIBATIONS

Bring your favorite bottle of beverage, and create a piece of art with Merilynn as she shows you step-by-step how to create a beautiful masterpiece that you will take home at the end of the evening. There are no commitments, so join us once a month or as many times as you would like, you will have a great time! Great idea for groups!!

Each class is 2 hours long and costs $30 per person and includes all supplies! We are starting this program with sessions on Thursday evenings. Some months we may be creating paintings and sometimes collage or some 3d creation! We` will post the project in advance so you can decide if it is your cup of tea!

It’s all about relaxing and having fun!

Speaking of cup of tea - bring the beverage of your choice. Whatever it takes to get your juices flowing! We have openers, and cups available.

Wear something comfortable and old - something you might not care if you get paint on. We have a few old shirts available.

Class size is limited to 18 so you need to make your reservation early. Since classes are so limited and we want to be fair, we do request payment at the time you make your reservation. The payment will be refunded if notified at least 24 hours prior to the class. We may be able to fill the space from the waiting list!  We must begin to get very strict with this policy.  We had a long waiting list for the last class and could have called in people had we known that the ones who had said they were coming would not be able to make it.  We understand emegencies and a phone call is all we need. - Thanks

Here is the April calendar -

Now a closer look and a little explanation:

The first project is called Intuitive Collaborative - and will be done on paper - It is an exercise to show you just how imaginative you can be - a little collage and painting - all under my direction! It is a lot of fun!  Everyone's will be different - This is just a sample of what yours might look like:

The next project is a landscape with a few small trees - with a nice soft shaded sky:

And finally we will paint a fun martini ( a Cosmo, I think ) with a mod graphic background:

So just give us a call (870) 774-5352 or email us

Art&Libation@msn.com or Stanhope1302@msn.com

ASAP

See ya - mj

 

Well, one day and already I can tell you that one of the sessions is totally full.  The abstract grapes on silver leaf filled up this morning! - There are several places left in the class on the 6th and the 27th so just give us a call.  And if you would like to be on the waiting list for the grapes, we will be happy to put you down.  The flu bug is going around and I got a cancellation for last night's class in time for us to contact someone else that really had a good time. 

The heart class was a great success last night for everyone - they were all so different :) Some learned the techniques quickly and took off on their own personal creative journey which was so cool!

It is hard to tell from the photo but you can see they were a busy crew!

This is all so unbelieveable and so much fun!!!

So since all the February Art & Libations are full - I am going to go ahead and start the March groups.

I intend to keep it to Thursday nights so that my life has some semblance of order, but there were 2 Thursdays that I didn't want to mess with.  One is Maundy Thursday, and the other is the night of the Texarkana Museums System Antique Appraisal Gala is on the 13th and I really, really want to go.  Stuart Whitehurst from Skinner and Associates will be there.  I have been once and it was so informative and fun.  He does a great job!

What is Art & Libations? - well.............

Bring your favorite bottle of beverage, and create a piece of art with Merilynn as she shows you step-by-step how to create a beautiful masterpiece that you will take home at the end of the evening. There are no commitments, so join us once a month or as many times as you would like, you will have a great time! Great idea for groups!!

Each class is 2 hours long and costs $30 per person and includes all supplies! We are starting this program with sessions on the third Thursday evening of the month. Some months we may be creating paintings and sometimes collage or some 3d creation! We`will post the project in advance so you can decide if it is your cup of tea!

It’s all about relaxing and having fun!

Speaking of cup of tea - bring the beverage of your choice. Whatever it takes to get your juices flowing! We have openers, and cups available.

Wear something comfortable and old - something you might not care if you get paint on. We have a few old shirts available.

Class size is limited to 18 so you need to make your reservation early. Since classes are so limited and we want to be fair, we do request payment at the time you make your reservation. The payment will be refunded if notified at least 24 hours prior to the class or we can move you to another date!. We may be able to fill the space from the waiting list!

It all takes place at Stahope's, 1302 State Line Avenue, Texarkana, Arkansas, Phone 870-774-5352

Here is the calendar.... don;t let the grass grow under you feet or you will not have all this fun!

 

 These projects ought to be interesting - and so different.  The 6th of March is a canvas that we will silver or gold leaf and then create and abstract image resembling grapes using of all things - corks! - then the 17th we are repeating the pot of flowers from the very first time we had class for all those of you who didn't get a chance to do that one.and finally the birds on a wire is a very graphic looking piece and the point here is to learn a few tricks of the trade - like how to paint a straight line - the easy way!

hope to see you there!!

mj

        Well. FYI, I am still working on my painting using oil sticks - I ordered a couple of colors from R & F Handmade Pigments - their colors are softer and will work really well to do some of the finishing touches on the leaf.  As you have already been told my pieces were not looking like anyone else's.  I applied the paint with the oil sticks then blended it around with my finger tips  - so it looks much like a smooth painting - and I was talking to Rod about how I apparently cannot break away from old habits.  This is not finished yet - and you probably cannot even tell i have worked on it - but I have!!

His suggestion was to go home and put on some rock music and cut loose.  I can get really loose in abstracts - but not loose representational.  So the other night I took the flower picture and 'cut loose' - now I have to wait until the paint dries to do another layer of 'cutting loose'.

At the store, I had some new moveable walls built by my favorite carpenter guy - Greg Brown.  He finished them exactly as I wanted and they are ready for the big moving around of stuff. We are creating an area at the store for the Four States Regional Art Club to hang their member's work.  The space will give local artists a place to show their stuff.  To hang your work at the store, you must be a member of the club.  I am letting them handle all the details.  We will just be there to show it off and to handle sales.  The pictures will be changed out every month or so.  If you are interested in the art club, just leave a comment and I will get the info to you. Or email the store at stanhope1302@msn.com.

Tomorrow night is another full Art & Libations - just one opening left for the 7th of February. Three left on the 21st. And 7 or so openings for the 28th. -

Will let you know more....

later - mj

 

Tonight I made all my plans for February, including a calendar that you can see below! - This little venture seems to be very popular.  As you can see on the calendar the cat on January 31st is full - but don't worry we will repeat it!!  The projects on the 7th and on the 21st have just a very few places left.  So tonight I decided to add a session on the 28th with a fun contemporary flower for you to try.  And due to several requests, I am adding a couple of daytime sessions.  We can have our Dr. Peppers and Colas in the daytime to get us going - a little caffeine!! 

 

ART AND LIBATIONS INFO

Bring your favorite bottle of beverage, and create a piece of art with Merilynn as she shows you step-by-step how to create a beautiful masterpiece that you will take home at the end of the evening. There are no commitments, so join us once a month or as many times as you would like, you will have a great time! Great idea for groups!!

Each class is 2 hours long and costs $30 per person and includes all supplies! We started this program with sessions on Thursday evenings and have added a few daytime sessions. Some months we may be creating paintings and sometimes collage or some 3d creation! We will post the project in advance so you can decide if it is your cup of tea!

It’s all about relaxing and having fun!

Speaking of cup of tea - bring the beverage of your choice. Whatever it takes to get your juices flowing! We have openers and cups available.

Wear something comfortable and old - something you might not care if you accidentally paint on it. We have a few old shirts available.

Class size is limited to 18 so you need to make your reservation early. Since classes are so limited, we want to be fair.  We do request payment at the time you make your reservation. The payment will be refunded if notified at least 24 hours prior to the class. We may be able to fill the space from the waiting list!

I thought I might let you get a little closer look at a couple of the projects:

The heart canvas looks fairly straight forward, but we will be adding some gold leaf accents as well as using writing as a design element.  Actually I will be encouraging you to make both the elements bolder than they are on the sample!

The wine bottle painting includes a little bit of collage as a design component. Oh yes, you will need to bring your own label.  I don't think I can drink that much between now and then! :)

Stanhope's Art, Framing & Stationery

1302 State Line Avenue

Texakana, Arkansas 71854

Phone 870-774-5352

Email:  stanhope1302@msn.com

 Talk later - mzj

 

 

With the start of a new year, I decided to start a new project at the store. I thought it would be fun to teach again. Art & Libations is a class but more suited to today’s busy lifestyles. Come just one time or come as often as you like. Each lesson is complete within itself. Bring a little beverage of your own. Whatever it takes to get your creative juices going! We will all paint the same picture together and at the end of the session you will go home with your own masterpiece to hang. I provide all the supplies and all you have to do it show up!

In my mind I thought I would start it with just once a month on a Thursday evening. The first one would be January 17^th. So I sent out a little email message to let people know what was going on and the first session filled in 2 days. So I decided to open another for the 31^st and it filled in just a little over 3 hours!

The first session was last Thursday and the project was a pot of flowers. Everyone seemed to have a blast!

Everyone’s painting was a little different , but they all were really neat looking.

We had 18 total with 16 ladies and 2 gentlemen. Blanche stayed to take pictures for Four States Living Magazine ( I hope they turn out ok). My friend Brent called that afternoon and wanted to come be a helper - how could I refuse!!! He was a huge help as he is not only a painter but also a florist and designer. He was so encouraging as he let people know just what kinds of flowers each one of them had created! And gave them little tips on foliage, etc. It was such a fun time!

Oh - geez, no pictures of me!! - Better luck next time!I let the class have first shot at next month’s sessions. At this moment Feb 7^th is a heart project which involves not only painting but writing on your work and a bit of gold leaf accent. Feb. 21^st is a painting involving a wine bottle with a little collage involved.. the first class all signed up for at least one other class. So I think I will have to have another on the 28^th. It is so exciting.......In March we will be adding a daytime session.
If you think you might be interested, just let us know!!

later

mzj

I feel like I am jumping in midstream....

at least in reference to this wonderful journey of creativity.

 

I am a novice blogger, but have been so intrigued by all the sites that I have visited in the past few months. I must admit to many interests aside from art. There is no telling where my wanderings online will lead me!

Just as a way of introducing myself, I am a third generation owner of an art related retail business called Stanhope's Art, Framing & Stationery. In years past, I have taught children's art lessons, as well as decorative painting. This was how I kept my skills going all the years that I was also a little busy raising children.

A few years ago, I joined a group of wonderful friends for some creativity exercises on Tuesday evenings as a way to get back into art for art's sake. We have had some wonderful times together and I have started getting back many of the skills that had gotten a little rusty. - More about these guys later....

I also work with a really creative gal named Blanche - It has been invaluable to have someone to help you work out those ideas that come to you! -

Blogging will be another form of therapy and I hope you will get a little something out of it.
I will also get a little exercise in grammar usage - You would not believe how hard this was to write without ending a single sentence in a preposition!!

well - more later
m