Field Trip with Lynne Perrella
A 3-day Exploration
Carol Parks Studio in North Hollywood, CA
November 14, 15, 16, 2008

In my latest book, “Art-Making / Collections & Obsessions” I explore the idea of taking small seemingly-insignificant finds and talismans, creating an overall composition within a handsome shadowbox enclosure. By using sturdy shipping tags to present the treasures, I resolved the problem of how to organize so many disparate objects and surfaces for a fascinating overview. In the bargain, I explored some of my favorite issues…..Composition, Contrast, Surprise, Artistic Play, Layering. No matter how whimsical, beautiful, momentary or rare each element was, the collective grouping of all of them became the whole point of the exercize. Also, I found it fascinating to begin with an overview or theme for the shadowbox as a way to ignite ideas and choices, but then to learn to let go of specific outcomes as I worked. In short, the process of doing the shadowbox was a microcosm of how I develop ideas, and how I work. I knew it would be an ideal project for a workshop.

In this 3-day workshop, we will not only create a completed shadowbox full of ideas and treasures, but we will also learn more about digging deep and renewing our art spirit. For Seekers and Adventurers who want to explore in an encouraging environment. Start gathering your small treasures now, and let’s meet in Carol Parks studio. Limited enrollment.

Three day class price: $700
Early Registration Discount: Register by September 15, 2008 and pay only $400.
Materials Fee: $25 due at the time of the class.

Contact Carol for questions, lodging information, and seating availability prior to sending payments.

Payment via Paypal should be sent to: artfreakzine@yahoo.com
Payment via personal check can be sent to:

Carol Parks
4804 Laurel Canyon Bl. #294
Valley Village, CA 91607

Classes/workshops take place at Carol Parks' NoHo Studios. Location and directions will be provided upon registration. Catered meals can be ordered upon request.

Please review Carol Parks' Class Policies.

Nesting Instinct
with Lynne Perrella
April 11-13th, 2008
A 3-day Exploration

Nothing inspires like Nature.

In this 3-day workshop, we will explore images of birds/feathers/eggs/nests.
Will you feather your nest with quiet austere colors like ivory, tan, pale blue, sepia? Or will your plumage be wildly contemporary and vivid? Either way, “Nesting Instinct” is for artists who are looking for ways to expand their personal creativity, using the language of Nature as our guide. It’s bottomless!

I will give you ideas for creating new renditions of classic wild bird egg prints, as well as working on large painted surfaces that will be turned into singular Nature Tomes. All of these ideas will readily translate to your overall work in art journals, paintings, or mixed media projects. As always, Carol Parks’ own fascinating nest/studio will be available to us as we work together and explore new ideas.

Supply List for The Flock…..

The Nest…….First of all, begin your preparation for the class by collecting an eclectic grouping of things to create a spontaneous and artful “Nest”. Start with a container – perhaps a cigar box – And then start placing things inside that represent you and your art process. Have fun with the idea – there are no wrong ways to make a nest! You can tuck in fibers, or ribbons or strips of soft fabric if you wish, and then start adding other elements. You can also include outdoor flotsam and jetsam. Leaves, twigs, smooth stones, feathers, shells, etc. Use your personal radar to choose your items, and have fun with the assignment.

Also, please bring……

• 8 oz. jar of gesso
• A selection of your favorite mark-making tools (gel pens, Prisma pencils, Sharpies, etc.)
• A grease pencil/china marker or conte crayon.
• A selection of inexpensive acrylic/craft paints. 10 – 12 colors will be fine.
• At least one pearlized and/or metallic paint.
• 4 – 6 inexpensive bristle brushes, various sizes
• A bottle of walnut ink
• Small box of baby wipes
• 8 oz. acrylic matte medium, for adhering collage elements
• A pack of index cards, any size
• Masking tape
• X-acto blade or single-edged razor blades
• Scissors
• 1 Sheet of sand paper, any grit
• Palette for paints
• Water container for brushes
• Bag of make-up sponges (wedges)
• Bring your usual art journal, or buy an inexpensive 9 X 12 spiral-bound sketchbook (Just about any sketchbook will work – just make sure the paper is not too flimsy since we are going to be doing a lot of layering.)
• The great outdoors……I would like you to bring along some outdoor flotsam and jetsam that can be used for adding texture or surface interest to your artwork. (For example, leaves of various sizes and shapes can be pressed into gesso to make beautiful textures……)
• For collage…….I would like you to select a grouping of photos of people; preferably head-to-toe photos of people standing. (No pressure – we’ll use anything you bring along) Most of all, I would like you to select images that are compelling, potent, quirky, and/or nostalgic. Make toner copy prints of these on 8 ½ X 11 text weight paper. 10 – 12 copies will be enough. No ink jet copies or cardstock, please. (these are difficult to work with, for collage).
• Also, for collage…..Use your own radar to select a grouping of collage elements/paper ephemera on the topic of Nature. Anything will do – Look through old text books, magazines, scrapbook papers, giftwrap, clip art. Think about……birds, feathers, nests, clouds, bird eggs, trees, etc. Don’t go overboard: Bring 10 – 12 elements, and (if you wish) some extra to share with the other artists.