Tuscany Here I Come! Tough or Fearless?

. Tuscany Here I Come! Tough or Fearless?

Those of you who see me all the time, know that today marks the beginning of a huge adventure.  I’m off to Europe to paint in Tuscany!  Traveling on my own…that’s a new twist on travel for me.  I’ve been married to a detail oriented guy for most of my life now, and though I’m capable of handling details, my husband Paul is good at being "pilot in command".  Letting him be in charge feels more relaxing and that’s part of the vacation experience for me.  This trip is different.  I’m going to have to stay sharp.  It’s a little scary, but it’s already been fun.  Traveling on your own somehow makes you accessible.  People seem friendlier.  Maybe it’s something about the energy I send out when I'm by myself...maybe I’m more open to interaction.  That’s food for thought...

I got to the airport with 2 checked bags…one with art materials and the other with belongings.  I probably brought too much.  I have a rolling backpack and a camera bag that is doubling as my purse.  I think the $5 tip to the valet at the curb was the best $5 I’ve ever spent.  Thanks to him I wasn't charged for my backpack as a carry-on.  Spirit Airlines loves to charge for that luggage!

I saw my friend Ann Berg at the TSA check-in for security and gave her a smooch on the way to the check-point.  I asked her if it was against the law to kiss the TSA agent, and we agreed that neither one of us cared! ;-) What a great beginning to my morning!

Once at the gate, I relaxed and got a cup of coffee.  As I got on the plane, I ran into another friend, Pamela.  She was on her way to a wedding in NYC and we made lunch plans for when I got back by talking across the aisle as others were boarding.  That started another conversation with folks in the seats next to me.  Normally I don’t do a lot of visiting with fellow passengers, but like I mentioned earlier…this trip something is different. 

At LaGuardia (which always seems startlingly decrepit…how can it be that the coolest city in the country has the worst airport?)  I then had to get to JFK for my flight to Dusseldorf.  I decided to take a cab and relax rather than deal with the bus.  As luck would have it, I got into Bettique’s yellow cab.  (With a name like that, she doesn't need a last name!) What a great ride!  She has been a yellow cab driver for over 30 years.  

I told her that I had never ridden with a female cabbie before, and she said that she was one of only a handful of women who drive in the city.  Apparently women cab drivers are less than 1% of the drivers.  She said over 55% are now Pakistani.  Years ago, when women were being targeted and killed, she said most women drivers quit.  She had some great stories of driving the cab and in talking, we found out that we both had been nurses in our past lives.  I commented that she must be tough to be a woman in her business.  She said she had to pay attention and be smart, but she would describe herself as “fearless”.  

I thought that was an interesting distinction.  There is a difference between being tough, and being fearless.  Tough implies being closed and impenetrable. Fearless implies openness and courage.  Before I knew it, she had me at JFK.  I’m so early for my flight that I can’t check in, so I have time to sit here and write this note. 

At my friend Janelle's shower yesterday, I saw a bunch of friends I love and admire.  At the party, many found out for the first time that I was leaving for Tuscany today.  It’s a unique thing to be able to go on this trip by myself, and hearing my friends’ reactions only reinforces that for me. It's really unusual to be going on this crazy and incredible trip by myself.  Do I need to be tough?  I don’t feel tough.  I’m a little anxious.  I’m scared about making connections and meeting up with my group at the right time, in the right place, at a foreign airport. What if I miss connections?  What if I can’t understand the language cues once I get there?  I don’t feel tough.  But after meeting Bettique, I’m encouraged.  Like her…I don’t want to be tough I just want to be fearless.  

Rebecca Zdybel

Artist/ Art Instructor

Myrtle Beach, SC

New Painting Wins Award at Seacoast Artist Guild Spring Show 2013

This painting is a new one done with watercolor on a surface prepared with collage and gesso.  I learned this technique from one of my all-time favorite teaching artists- Gerald Brommer.  Snce then, I have used it numerous times and taught the technique to a few different classes.  I've learned from this experience, and I'm constantly amazed and gratified at how this technique can be used to achieve great results even if you're a relatively inexperienced painter.  

The painting above was awarded an honorable mention ribbon in the 2-D Painting category at the Seacoast Artist Guild Gallery's Spring Show in April.  I was thrilled to be selected as an award recipient and look forward to being an active participant in the new gallery at Market Commons.  As a member of the Seacoast Artist Guild for the last few years, I am happy to see this new gallery being established at Market Commons.  The more art can be promoted in our community, the better for all of us!  I will have paintings for sale at the gallery when it officially opens in May 2013.  

The Franklin Burroughs-Simeone Chapin Art Museum will be displaying two of my paintings in their current juried exhibition of paintings done by members of the Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild.  This painting as well as the one below were both accepted for inclusion in the show.  I encourage you to visit our local Art Museum.  It is located near Springmaid Pier and across from the Former Front Gate of the Airforce Base.  The show will be going on for the Month of May.  A reception for the show will be held Thursday May 2nd 5:30-7:30 at the museum. Think about joining me!

Creative Charity Event- Rebecca Zdybel, Summer Turner, Art & Soul Gallery, and Dr. Janet Crain get creative in Fire Recovery Efforts

Awaken Your Creative Self Workshop-

The link above will take you to another article written about our recent fundraiser to Benefit the Carolina Forest Fire Victims Fund which is administrated by the Salvation Army.

It was an amazing evening where we did some writing, and reflection on getting around our Inner Critic in order to allow our creative best to come alive.  Together we were able to donate $815 to the Salvation Army Charitable efforts for the Fire Victims and their families.





We drew trees, and then painted them...and our special guest, Dr. Janet Crain, did anonymous interpretations of the meaning behind the symbolic choices in our trees.  She is the creator of the mobile app, "Draw Me a Tree", and all of us were fascinated by what our trees might be telling us.  You may want to check it out for yourself!

Link to the "Draw Me a Tree" app

 Thanks to everyone who helped to make this special evening so rewarding for all concerned.  I'm so glad we did it!!!

Supply List- Watercolor        Rebecca Zdybel     April 2013

These materials are among my favorites, prices are approximate from online resources.  My students are always asking for a list of supplies which they can purchase.  If you are interested in investing and not wasting money, I'm sure that if you order from this list, you will not be disappointed by anything you buy.  It's very easy to be overwhelmed in Art Stores or purchase the wrong thing and waste your money.  I share this list in the hope to help you avoid both.  You may follow the links below to order from any of these sites online.

Happy Painting!

I suggest ordering from 

Dick Blick  http://www.dickblick.com/

or Jerry’s Artarama http://www.jerrysartarama.com/

Karlyn’s Gallery also has really nice supplies for cheap  https://karlynsgallery.worldsecuresystems.com/shop.htm

Cheap Joes http://www.cheapjoes.com/  shipping is slow from this site, but products are good and prices are fair

Palette/Trays:

White Holbein Jasper Tray  15.39, white butcher tray or white plastic plates/trays 

My favorite palette is Stephen Quiller’s Watercolor palette          20.29                                                                                             

Paints:  Artist quality watercolors will yield the most beautiful vibrant results.  Student grade paints or cheap watercolor kits will be duller in quality due to the fillers used to extend the paints and the less expensive pigments used for color.

2 reds:

·         Permanent Alizarin Crimson Sale $5.95

·         Permanent Rose- Sale $5.95

3 Blues:

·         Ultramarine  Sale Price:  $9.50

·         Cobalt    Sale price $7.00

·         Manganese $5.25

2 Yellows:

·         Winsor yellow  $4.65 or 8.50  or Aureolin  $7.00

·         New Gamboge 6.50 or 8.50

 Optional :

Quinacridone Gold  $5.95 or $10.30

Skips Green (American Journey- which is Cheap Joe's Brand of watercolor) $9.39

American Journey Poppy &/ or Fire Engine Red

Quinacridone Sienna  $11.79

American Journey Halloween Orange

Winsor Newton Payne’s Gray or Prussian

Antwerp Blue

Permanent Magenta

Scarlet Lake

Raw Sienna

Burnt Sienna

Phthalo Green

Brushes

 2 inch Hake brush  approx. $5

Natural bristle oriental brush size 1- approx. $2.79

Lowe Cornell Golden Taklon Series 7020 Ultra Round Sz 12  I often have these for sale and everyone loves them

Optional brushes that I recommend: 

Lowe Cornell Golden Taklon Series 7020 Ultra Round              Sz 10

Cheap Joes Golden Fleece 1 ½ or 2 inch wash                             $27.29

All Karlyn Holman’s brushes (available on her website) are very cheap and good performers

Link :  https://karlynsgallery.worldsecuresystems.com/shop.htm

Robert Simmons Sienna Synthetic Brush, One Stroke Flat, 3/4"(optional)           11.09

I also love the Robert Simmons Sky Flow wash brushes (1 ½ or 2 inch)

Kolinsky sable hair brush in size 12 round and size 10- very expensive but a lovely performer

Please use good Arches Paper to paint on:  I can provide your paper at my cost- $1 per quarter sheet

If you order paper, then I suggest starting with Cold press 140 lb Arches rough or smooth

Sketch pad for sketching or taking notes doing value studies- My favorite Aquabee Superdeluxe     9X12 pad  $14.29

Notebook and paper -  for gathering handouts and taking notes

Newsprint pad for sketchingTracing Paper large sheets

Pencil for drawing 2B and optional 4-6 B

Sharpie Marker

Elegant Writer Marker in Black  approx. $3

General Eraser Set $2.29  you will want a kneaded eraser and may want a white pearl eraser too

Oops! Eraser- helps erase pencil marks which have been painted over

Clips- 4 bulldog type

Masking Tape  2” wide natural/tan colored


Spray bottles- Fine mist and heavy mist, small misting bottles can be handy for applying paint too

You’ll need a firm support to transport paintings and to use as a surface to work on:  Hard smooth plywood board or Gatorboard (you may borrow the gallery’s while in class ) or Homosote board covered in shrink wrap or packing tape 22 X  32(full sheet)  16-17 X 22-23(half-sheet)

Matte Yes! Glue    16 oz                                       11.99   Flexible Straws,
Pebeo Drawing Gum              45ml                        $5.99
Bamboo sticks

Creative Mark Flo Expressions Bottles –  I sometimes have these for purchase.  These are fine tipped applicator bottles which are very fun to use and make interesting lines.

 

April Open Studio Sessions

April Open Studio Art Sessions 

with Rebecca Zdybel- Artist

Interested in Painting or Drawing?  Come to my Open Studio Sessions and enjoy a pleasant chance to draw and paint, or simply do your thing.  Let my personal studio become your place to explore your creative self!

March Introductory Rate- $10/hr  March Dates for Open Studio Sessions                        

Sun 3-24 from 1-6, Mon 3-25 from 1-8PM, Sun 3-31 from 1-6

April Rates:  

·        $90/monthly (9 hours of studio time) additional hours at a rate of $10/hour.                     

·       Or if you prefer- $15/hour

Price includes instruction at your level in an area of art which is of interest to you.  I will assist you in developing project ideas, or give helpful critique to those who bring in their own work.  The open studio concept allows you to work on your own project at your own pace, using the medium of your choice.  The studio environment allows you to share the experience, avoid the mess, and have equipment and instruction readily available.  Want to sip a little tea or glass of wine while you paint…that’s allowed! 

No supplies? Don’t want to carry yours back and forth?

No Problem!- You may use mine for a small additional fee:

·         $5*- material fee for drawing,

·         $5*-watercolor,

·         $7*-for other media per class.

·         *fees are per session and some projects may have slight additional material costs

April Open Studio Sessions- 

·       Monday Apr 1^st 1-8 PM

·       Sunday Apr 7  1-6 PM,

·       Monday Apr 8 1-8 PM

·       Sunday Apr 14^th  3-6 PM

·       Monday Apr 15^th  1-8 PM

·       Sunday Apr 21^st  1-6 PM

·       Monday Apr 22^th  1-8 PM

NO Open Studio Apr 28/29

Reservation Required- Contact me for reservations. 

843-450-2307 or email rzdybel@gmail.com

Private lessons at other times by special appointment available for $30/ hour

Share Love, Spread Light, DO ART!

Announcing Open Studio Sessions

Announcing!  Open Studio Art Sessions

Interested in Painting or Drawing?  Come to my Open Studio Sessions and learn to draw and paint in my personal studio. 

Cost:  $90/month (9 hours of instruction) additional hours at a rate of $10/hour.  

Price includes instruction at your level in an area of art which is of interest to you.  I will assist you in developing project ideas, or give helpful critique to those who bring in their own work.  The open studio concept allows you to work on your own project at your own pace, using the medium of your choice.  The studio environment allows you to share the experience, avoid the mess, and have equipment and instruction readily available.  Want to sip a little wine while you paint…that’s allowed!

No supplies? Don’t want to carry yours back and forth?

No Problem!- You may use mine for a small additional fee:

·         $5*- material fee for drawing,

·         $5*-watercolor,

·         $7*-for other media per class.

·         *fees are per session and some projects may have slight additional material costs

Sundays from 1-6 PM and Mondays from 1-8 PM

Advance Reservation Required- Contact me via email to make arrangements. 

Rebecca Zdybel
Artist/ Art Instructor
Myrtle Beach, SC 

Share Love, Spread Light, DO ART!

Have Trouble Making Time for Art?

Is this You? "I would love to take art classes...maybe someday..." "I never seem to be able to find the time to paint at home..." "I keep saying I'd like to learn to paint, but I never seem to do it." "Someday, I'll find the time to paint." "I've always wanted to learn how to paint..." "I used to paint, and now I'm retired and should have the time, but I seem busier than ever..." I hear these kind of statements from people all the time.  In my job as Art Class Coordinator at Art & Soul Gallery in Myrtle Beach, I encounter lovely people who haven't ever allowed themselves, or who won't allow themselves the pleasure of pursuing their artistic goals.  As a teaching artist, even I struggle with allowing myself the time to pursue my artwork.  I have struggled with this problem, and it seems many women I know also seem to have difficulty giving themselves permission to carve out time for their art and for themselves. Is it really lack of time?  Or is it something more insidious?  As a very wise old woman once told me,   " You always have time for what is really important to you."  If art is important to you, why are you having trouble making time for it? Diagnosis-  Productivity Trumps Creativity Our modern culture may be more sophisticated, but the demand on all of us to be more productive leaves little space in which to be creative.  In my experience, creativity is born of a certain sense of spaciousness...both in my schedule and in my head.  When I can relax and not worry about time and deadlines is when I can move into Right-Brain Mode and do my best artistic work. Finding that spaciousness may not just happen, we may need to create that space...we may need to "Fight for the Right" to be Creative! "I’ll-just" Syndrome I recently read a post by online blogger Lesley Riley.  She identifies the "I'll-Just" Syndrome as a major problem for those of us trying to carve out time for our artwork. According to Ms. Riley, the signs and symptoms of this syndrome appear immediately before sitting down to make art.  I think these symptoms might occur then or anytime you might want to do something merely for the pleasure.  See if these symptoms sound like you... I’ll just throw in a load of laundry I’ll just rinse those dishes I’ll just call Mom I’ll just check my email I’ll just tidy Annie’s room I’ll just get the grocery shopping out of the way I’ll just clip my toenails I’ll just post on Facebook I’ll just put away... I’ll just relax a bit I’ll just go get... I’ll just clean up... I’ll just straighten up... I’ll just... I’ll just... I’ll just... Take heart!  If you are allowing this to get in your way, perhaps there is hope!  I had a friend who for many years scheduled herself a day off from other pursuits. Everyone knew that Thursday was her day off, and we didn't ask her to lunch, or expect her at meetings on Thursdays.  How about that for a novel idea?  Don't you deserve a day off? What if you took a day of the week, and let everyone know it was your art day or your art class day? If that's not possible, you might note this suggestion from Ms. Riley. Her cure for what ails you is the following 10-Step program. 10 steps to help overcome I’ll-just Syndrome: Recognize you have a problem. Acquire a calendar, planner or scheduling system.  Group like activities together. ie: Laundry & housework on Monday; errands Tuesday AM; social media 7-7:30; etc. etc. Schedule no-excuses studio time on a regular basis, OR take a class which will help you be accountable for spending time on your artistic pursuits.  Show up and remain at the appointed studio or class time whether you feel like it or not.  If others need something from you at that time, let them know that you have a class or an appointment.  You don't need to explain what you are appointed to do...keep that appointment with yourself!   Pass by or delay all I’ll-justs until their appointed time Maintain a notepad on your studio table to write down all distracting I’ll-just thoughts while working Repeat steps 3-7 consistently until improvement is evident. Remind yourself daily that you are in control of your artistic future. To ensure excellent physical, mental and artistic health, make this treatment a part of your wellness plan. If you'd like to schedule an art class to combat the I'll-Just Syndrome, contact me and I'll try to help you find just the right class. I teach regularly. I look forward to being your accountability partner...helping you make time for the art you've always wanted to create while showing you how to create it. I now offer classes in my home studio (which is newly renovated for that purpose).  Contact me for more information. Major Portions Extracted from: Lesley Riley, The Artist Success Expert, is the creative founder of Artist Success, Solutions for the Struggling Artist. To receive her bi-weekly articles on creating your own success as an artist, visitwww.ArtistSuccess.com.

Student Art Show- January 2013

Student Artist Penny Styers shown here with Rebecca .  Her dramatic "Stream of Life" painting  (Right) was the result of Rebecca's Abstracted Design lesson (taught in  the Wednesday Re!ease Your Inner Artist Class).  This was Penny's  first art show , and her painting received deservedly high praise at the show.

Student Art Show January 2013

There's so much to be gained by showing your work

Roseann Bellinger's  Poppies and  gorgeous abstract painting .
from Rebecca's Release Your Inner Artist Class. 

Lee Quillen and his fabulous Zen Circles. This technique was taught in Rebecca's Wednesday night Exp!ore Watercolor and Acrylic Class.  Done on 12-12-12, Lee brought his own interpretation to the lesson and his painting turned out beautifully!

The Student Art Show at Art and Soul- An Artisan  Gallery and Art Center was a great success.  Not only did participants get to share their work and see it hanging on the wall of a gallery, but they were allowed the opportunity to "come out" as artists and claim that self-description.  

So many of us "do art", but we do it quietly.  I can relate.  I was very shy about my work for many years.  I think I was afraid that I might be the only one who would see its merits or enjoy looking at it.  I didn't want people to think I was getting big headed or proud, so I kept to myself and only my closest friends and family even knew what I was doing.  I would never have wanted to call myself  an "artist" I was merely someone trying my hand at something artistic.  However I've come to believe that I was very misguided,.  I now believe that an artist is merely someone who makes art.  If you are creatng art then you are an artist.  If you are just thinking about making art, then you are either a dormant artist or a potential artist. The only difference is whether or not you are producing something.

Sharon Gartner and her "Symphony in Purple"
another of the Designed Abstacts from Rebecca's Re!ease Your Inner Artist Class.  

Once you create something, I want to suggest to you that it's important for you to share it.  Find a group, find a class, find a few friends, find a gallery or a business that might need art on the walls.   I have links to art organizations in the area in my previous blog if you are interested in options for getting involved. I predict that in sharing your work, you will gain a new perspective on it, and that the exchange will stimulate you to do more!

This was definitely the case for our students at the show on 1-12-13.  Everyone  got the chance to hear from others who enjoyed their paintings and drawings.   They had the opportunity to give that same kind of feedback to others who were participants in the show.  The whole experience was one of friendship and mutual encouragement.  Any  artist or student artist knows the challenges involved in bringing a piece to completion.  Sometimes we struggle more than others, but every finished work represents a journey by the artist.  

There is no better audience for your work than fellow artists. They know how meaningful praise can be.  

I'm so proud of the work coming out of my classes and all the classes here at the Art Center.  Take a look at their lovely paintings and you'll see why...Leave a comment if you enjoy their work, and I'll pass it along to them.

Roseann Bellinger's  beautiful sunsets captured in watercolor on paper and on Yupo, both pieces worked on during different lessons in Rebecca's Re!ease Your Inner Artist Class on Wednesdays.

Judith Ellis pictured here with her stunning abstract (above) This painting was developed in Rebecca's Re!ease Your Inner Artist Class on Designed Abstract.

Roseann Bellinger and Rebecca- Roseann can definitely claim the title of "Artist" .  Her impressive group of work was a standout in the show.

Keith Meiere- artist, all around good guy, and long time student of Rebecca's

Keith Meiere and his groovy and detailed Dragonfly

Sue Roland's amazing Designed Abstract
from Rebecca's Re!ease Your Inner Artist Class-
Wed. 12-2:30 PM

New Class- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain 

Now one of my favorite art books, by Betty Edwards, will be the basis of a new class I plan to teach on drawing. The best artists I know use regular drawing practice as a way to stay sharp, and to keep the connection between their hand and their eyes as coordinated as possible. Whether you are a beginner or a more established artist, I think this class may help you to set aside the time to improve the connection between your eyes and your hand.

Practice Makes Perfect

Pianists, string players, musicians of all stripes take lessons and practice regularly. Somehow as artists, we seem to forget the need to simply practice or warm up. We begin to think that we should somehow be able to come to our serious work and just DO IT. I am a firm believer that art class can be like having a personal trainer in the gym. It's a way to make yourself accountable for taking the time to do something you want to do anyway.  Your classmates will become someone with whom you share the experience.  It's all good!!

I'd love to have you join me and look forward to a few weeks of sharpening our drawing skills.  I hope you will come out for what is bound to be a great class.

Thursdays 12:30-2:30 PM 

Beginning in January 17 2013 through Feb 28 (no class Feb 14)

Minimum 4 required to begin.

6 weeks Cost $ 100    Call 843-839-2727 to register by phone or email me

Myrtle Beach, SC
Rebecca Zdybel