How to Paint Folk Art Cabinets

 “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

- William Morris


After my last newsletter I got a bunch of questions about the cabinets I hand painted in the studio.  


My design was inspired by traditional folk art painted furniture like this cabinet from Scandinavia.  I especially love how symmetrical and balanced their designs are.

First I installed the cabinets and stained the wood.  Then...

I created stencils out of nice stiff paper and...

parts of an old organ I found at an antique store.


I traced the stencils onto the cabinets with pencil then filled in with black paint.  I carefully measured each point so that I would have perfect symmetry.  (My neighborhood has lots of crows and cats that inspired this panel!)


I also created some stencil designs in color on the pantry door.


This is the only cabinet I painted asymmetrically.  I was inspired by British folk designs like this one...



To finish the cabinets I put a layer of polyurethane on to protect them from stains.


Want to explore the studio in person?  

Visit us:
First Fridays from 6-9pm
Saturdays from 10am-4pm

Located at 1116 E. North Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

New Murals at The Studio Alchemy Gallery

 “The beginning is always today.” - Mary Wollstonecraft

Have you ever dreamed of painting murals on your walls?  During this quiet year I filled every nook and cranny of my art studio with paintings. 


When I bought the studio in 2019 it needed major renovations.  There were holes in the floors!  This historic house was built sometime before 1890.  

We had to replace major support beams.  This is what the kitchen looked like after demolition:


You, my friends, are the first to get a sneak peek at these before and after photos.... 




Want to explore the studio in person?  Now that I am vaccinated I'm reopening the studio. 

Visit us:
First Fridays from 6-9pm
Saturdays from 10am-4pm

Located at 1116 E. North Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

 

The Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 72 Art During Quarantine

 

Today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast features a chat about how the coronavirus social restrictions are affecting artists today as well as how artists of the past have used forced or chosen seclusion to their advantage. 

On the Alchemy of Art podcast we chat about the creative process and philosophy.  Each episode includes stories, dreams and reflections to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/. Take online creativity classes at:  https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/courses

The Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 71 Should you make plans?

As we welcome in the new year it is customary to make plans.  Is it worth making plans?  On today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast we chat about whether you should make plans to do your creative projects or not.

On the Alchemy of Art podcast we chat about the creative process and philosophy.  Each episode includes stories, dreams and reflections to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/. Take online creativity classes at:  https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/courses

Listen for free on iTunes or any podcast platform

Art Inspiration: The Return of the Light

"The world, moist and beautiful, calls to each of us to make a new and serious response. That's the big question, the one the world throws at you every morning. "Here you are, alive. Would you like to make a comment?”
-Mary Oliver

My latest painting, "Morning at the Rookery," is inspired by morning light shining through the mist. 

This summer I visited a rookery, a nesting sanctuary for birds, on the coast in North Carolina.  There were many white egrets who silently flew from tree to tree. 

How light affects the landscape is one of my favorite painting topics! 

For this painting I was trying a new technique, creating the misty sections first using not just my old trusty paint brush but also rubbing in paint with a rag.  I layered the paint thinly to create the soft transitions.



May you be filled with light during this holiday season!

"It is during out darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."
-Aristotle

Are you still looking for holiday gifts?

You can purchase Studio Alchemy Gift Certificates for art classes or original paintings on Square here:  
https://squareup.com/gift/DYDDHREVP499Z/order


Order online art classes on Teachable.  If your family members are interested in getting their creative juices flowing sign them up for a class! 


My newest online class, "Create Your Visionary Life Plan" starts on January 14th 2021. You can sign up now using promocode EARLYBIRD to receive 25% off!

 
Purchase books like the "Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom" or my painting how-to guidebook, "The Alchemy of Painting."  While you can't order them online now in time for Christmas you can stop by my studio by appointment to purchase copies.

  
Buy original paintings by visiting Studio Alchemy in downtown Indianapolis.  I have a wide variety of both small and large paintings that would make perfect gifts.  Message me at ahirschten@gmail.com to book a private appointment for your visit.


Would someone you love be inspired by this message?  Feel free to share 

The Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 70 The Magic of Vision Boards

 

Today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast features a discussion about "The Magic of Vision Boards."  Why do we make vision boards?  What purpose do they serve?  

On the Alchemy of Art podcast we chat about the creative process and philosophy.  Each episode includes stories, dreams and reflections to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/. Take online creativity classes at:  https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/courses

Interested in creating your own Visionary Life Plan?  

Find out more about our upcoming online class at: https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/p/visionarylifeplan

Create your own Visionary Life Plan!

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 

"Tell me, what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
-Mary Oliver

Do you have a clear vision of what you will do in the future? 

One of my secrets to success is that every January I create a vision board life plan. Vision boards are collages made from images that represent what you want in life.  

I make, not just one vision board, but a whole life plan.  

This process clarifies my dreams in a way that makes them easier to accomplish. 

It is always a fun process that helps me make important decisions. This process helped me decide to start my own art gallery! 

I am happy to announce that you can now learn these techniques in my new Visionary Life Plan online class

This 14 day class starts January 14th 2021!  You can start anytime but if you purchase on or before January 14th 2021 using promocode EARLYBIRD you can receive 25 % off!  Click "Add coupon" on the checkout page.

I've been thinking a lot about how I want to restructure my life once this Covid quarantine time is over.  If you join us for this class we will create our life plans together and have a clearer vision of how to move forward. 

Find out more here:  https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/p/visionarylifeplan

The Best Deal on Online Art Classes: Art Bundle for Good!

 

"Looking for beauty we find beauty.  Looking for violence we find violence.  Beauty may be found amidst squalor, violence hidden in good deeds.  'Seek and ye shall find,' the Bible says, and it is often true.  Only a deep inquiry into our own hearts reveals the direction that is right."

-Roberta Weir



While we now have kitties living at Studio Alchemy I am seriously starting to miss our in-person art classes!  But good news if you are interested in improving your art skills you can sign up for Art Bundle for Good....


I was honored to be invited to contribute my class "Creative Art Journaling" to Art Bundle for Good.  It is an amazing package deal of online art classes. There are more than 75 artists contributing art courses and resources with a value of over $4000!  You can learn from a wide variety of teachers all from the comfort of home.

In addition 25% of the profits from the sale are going of Courageous Kitchen, a Bangkok based charity helping refugees. 

Find out more here:   https://www.art.bundlesforgood.com/?ap_id=StudioAlchemy 



Would someone you love be inspired by this message?  Feel free to share ❤