30 Paintings Challenge Day 11: Golf in the Fall

Golf in the Fall
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
SOLD

We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. 

Yet our opinions have no permanence;

like autumn and winter,

they gradually pass away.

-Zhuangzi

30 Painting Challenge Day 10: The Crane

Galapagos Island Crane
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
Original Painting Available on Etsy

"When you have seen one ant, 

one bird, 

one tree, 

you have NOT seen them all."
-E.O. Wilson

30 Paintings Challenge Day 9: The Littlest Bird

The Littlest Bird
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 16" x 20"

This Painting is inspired by William Morris' fabric design, "The Strawberry Thief."  

Here the bird is placed in the form of a window as if he is honored as divine creature.  

Perhaps more small things should be.

The littlest birds sing the prettiest songs

Well, it's times like these, I feel so small and wild

But I'm not too blue to fly

-From a song by the Be Good Tanyas

30 Paintings Challenge Day 8: Birds in the Thicket

Birds in the Thicket
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Acrylic on Canvas 24" x 36"
Available on Etsy 
Prints Available on Fine Art America

There are 8 birds in this tree.  Can you find them all?

Know'st thou the land where the lemon-trees bloom, 

Where the gold orange glows in the deep thicket's gloom,

Where a wind ever soft from the blue heaven blows,

And the groves are of laurel and myrtle and rose

-Johann von Goethe

30 Paintings Challenge Day 7: The Rainbow

The Rainbow
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
Available on Etsy

But pleasures are like poppies spread,

You seize the flower; its bloom is shed;

Or like the snow falls in the river;

A moment white- then melts forever;

Or like the borealis rays,

That flit ere you can point their place.

-Robert Burns, Tam O'Shanter

30 Paintings Challenge Day 6: Mr. Squirrel

Mr. Squirrel
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Acrylic on Canvas 11" x 14"
SOLD

The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.

-Bertrand Russell 

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 18: Interview with Jessica Kaufman

Kaufman wearing a sweater she designed!
(See it explained on Ravelry!)

Podcast also available on iTunes

Join us for the “Alchemy of Art” podcast.  Today's episode features an interview with Jessica Kaufman and the story of William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement.   Find out more about Jessica's work at:  www.happygocrafty.com.

The story of the day is on "William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement." This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

30 Paintings Challenge Day 5: Kitten with Milk

Kitten with Milk
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
Available on Etsy

It is a very inconvenient habit of kittens 

that whatever you say to them, they always purr.

-Lewis Carrol, Through the Looking Glass

30 Paintings Challenge Day 4: Seagull in the Air

Seagull in the Air
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
Available on Etsy

He was not bone and feather but a perfect idea of freedom and flight, 

limited by nothing at all.

-Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull

30 Paintings Challenge Day 3: Yellow Roses

Yellow Roses
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
Available on Etsy

It is not what you look at that matters.  It is what you see.

-Thoreau

30 Paintings Challenge Day 2: The Waiting Bird

The Waiting Bird
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
SOLD

A hush is over everything, 

Silent as those waiting for love;

The world is waiting for spring.

-Sara Teasdale

30 Paintings Challenge Day 1: Keep Flying

Keep Flying
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Acrylic on Canvas 11" x 14"
SOLD

Once you have tasted flight, 

you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, 

for there you have been, 

and there you will always long to return.

-Leonardo da Vinci

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 17: Interview with Artist Sonja Brooks

Sonja Brooks teaching with Sisohpromatem

Podcast also available on iTunes
 
Join us for the “Alchemy of Art” podcast. Today's episode features an interview with artist and teacher, Sonja Brooks and the folktale, "The Vinegar Bottle." Find out more about Sonja's work at: http://www.art4edu.org.

The story of the day is "The Mama Cat," a folktale from Wales. This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

Join me at the Winter Sale!

Find a wide variety of holiday gifts created by the faculty at the Indianapolis Art Center this Friday and Saturday.
Find out more at:   Indianapolis Art Center Winter Sale

Hope to see you there!

Art and Soul Retreat Workshops

Yes it's true!  I will be teaching two workshops at the Art and Soul Retreat, Virginia Beach 2016. These will be all day, intensive, rejuvenating workshops.  I'm told that the atmosphere at Art and Soul is fun-loving and refreshing.

Register before January 1st for a reduced rate.  I hope to see you there!

Victorian Flower Painting September 29-30, 2016
In this class we will learn to create watercolor floral paintings using simple Victorian design methods. After this class you will be able to use these patterns to decorate anything from greeting cards to furniture!

Did you know that adult coloring books are not a new invention? During the Victorian era people loved hand painting botanical flower books.  Find out what flower represents you and your personality according to the Victorian symbolism.

On the second day we will create our own flower design paintings using real plants as inspiration. Techniques for rendering flowers realistically and/or stylistically will be discussed. Beginning and advanced painters welcome.

The Secret Language of Symbols October 1, 2016

Symbolism has been used to communicate values and messages by artists since the beginning of time. In this workshop we will create paintings using a range of symbols and images. Symbols are everywhere from colors, to tattoos, to graffiti, to pirate flags, to paintings. Join us as we explore the art of using symbols to express yourself.

First we will create a mini collage of symbols found in magazines and the instructor’s symbol cards. This collage will inspire your main project, your symbolist painting. Using acrylic paints and collage materials we will layer images onto our canvases forming patterns rich with meaning.

Sunset on the Water

Sunset on the Water
Copyright 2015 Hirschten
Acrylic on Canvas  11" x 14"
Buy Now on Etsy

***Big Holiday Art Sale***

Yes it is true!  

I just reduced a number of original hand-made paintings on my Etsy Store.  These are all standard sizes that will fit under the tree.  Buy now to ensure that I can ship it to you on time for the holidays.  

"It is in giving that we receive

and in loving that we are loved."

-Saint Francis of Assisi

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 16: An Interview with Dan Fifer

Dan Fifer

Podcast also available on iTunes.

Join us for the “Alchemy of Art” podcast. Today's episode features an interview with artist and teacher Dan Fifer. Find out more about Dan's work at: http://www.obscuralucida.org/.

******The story of the day is "The Fisherman and his Music."  This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

The Pleasures of the World

The Pleasures of the World
Copyright 2015 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas, 38" x 12"

"These flowers are like the pleasures of the world."

William Shakespeare, Cymbeline

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 15: An Interview with artist, Dima Kroma

Dima Kroma and her painting of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria

Podcast also available on iTunes

Join us for the “Alchemy of Art” podcast. Today's episode features an interview with artist Dima Kroma.  Find out more about Dima's work at: https://www.facebook.com/Dima-Kroma-Art-308767412580657/.

The story of the day is "The Mama Cat," a folktale from Wales.  This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

The Thanksgiving Painting Giveaway

Bouquet in London Cafe
Copyright 2014 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas
11" x 14"

Yes, it is that time of year again!  Time for my annual Thanksgiving Painting Giveaway.  One of my newsletter subscribers will win this original painting, "Bouquet in a London Cafe."

How it works:  On November 27th I will be using a random number generator to select the winner from my list of subscribers.

To increase your chances: You must be a current subscriber to my art newsletter. If you invite your friends and family to join the newsletter this will increase your chances.   Subscribe here

Good luck!

Did I mentioned that it is framed?  Yes it is ready to hang on your wall.

"Art is like a bright star up ahead in the darkness of the world.  It can lead peoples through the darkness.  Art is a guide for every person who is looking for something."

-Thornton Dial

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 14: An Interview with Jason Adams and the Story of the Boy who Drew Cats

Comedian Jason Adams

Podcast also available on iTunes.

Join us for the “Alchemy of Art” podcast. Today's episode features an interview with Comedian Jason Adams and the story,"The Boy Who Drew Cats." Find out more about his work at:  https://jasonadamspuppetry.wordpress.com/

The story of the day, "The Boy Who Drew Cats," is a Japanese folktale.  This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

"Vanitas" Art Opening at the Harrison Center

Apples on the Tree
Copyright Hirschten 2015
Oil on Canvas 18" x 24"
Prints available on Fine Art America

Come one, come all!  

This Friday night, November 6th 6-9pm, the Harrison Center for the Arts will be hosting my solo art show, "Vanitas" in Gallery 2.

 "Vanitas" is inspired by the Dutch still life paintings of the 17th century. The everyday objects depicted in their highly symbolic work represented the transient qualities of nature and how our time on earth is fleeting.   It is vanity, "Vanitas," to believe that we can possess these objects forever.  The paintings gathered for this show depict impermanent objects like flowers, fruits and trees.  They are intended to serve as reminders for us to savor each moment and be thankful.

For this First Friday event I will be creating a painting on site!

We hope to see you there.

Art of Education Live Podcast Interview

This past week I had the honor of being interviewed by Tim Bogatz and Andrew McCormick for the Art of Education Podcast. We got into a great discussion about my new book, "The Alchemy of Art, " folklore, art and teaching.... they asked about my amazing teacher Jane Luhn and teaching at School 58 for the Indianapolis Art Center! 

Listen here:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/aoe-live/id969541135

 

Happy Halloween!

Nature to Eternity
Copyright 2015 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas, 11" x 14"

"Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity."

-Shakespeare, Hamlet

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 13: Interview with Richard Brendan and the story of "The Ghost Nun"

Richard Brendan

Podcast also available on iTunes

Join us for the “Alchemy of Art” podcast. Today's episode features an interview with speaker, Richard Brendan and the Indiana ghost story, "The Ghost Nun." Find out more about Richard's work at: www.richardbrendan.com.

The story of the day is "The Ghost Nun," an Indiana folktale.  This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 12: Interview with Jude Odell and the Story of "Flannery's Dream"

Sculpture by Jude Odell
www.judeodell.com

Podcast also available on Podbean and iTunes


Today's podcast features an interview with Indianapolis artist, Jude Odell.  She is a professional clay artist and has worked as an art teacher since 1978.  Find out more about Jude Odell's work at:  www.judeodell.com. 

The story of the day is "Flannery's Dream," a folktale derived from an old time fiddle tune played in Kentucky.  This story and many others are found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 11: Interview with Jessica Green and "Matisse's Second Life"

"Summer Stripes" Painting by Jessica Green
www.jessicagreenartwork.com

Podcast also available on Podbean and iTunes

Today's podcast features an interview with the artist, Jessica Green.  She is a member of daily paintworks, who creates stunning landscape and still-life oil paintings.  After teaching art education in a public school setting for 7 years she now runs her own business teaching art camps and classes for children in the Indianapolis area.

See Jessica Green's art blog sharing her journey to complete 500 paintings:
www.jessicagreenartwork.com
Connect to Jessica Green on facebook:  
https://www.facebook.com/jessicagreenartwork

The story of the day is "Matisse's Second Life," a true story found in the book, "The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom."

Radishes

Radishes
Copyright 2015 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"

I consider my art studio as a kitchen garden. Here, there are artichokes. There, potatoes. Leaves must be cut so that the fruit can grow. At the right moment, I must prune.

I work like a gardener… Things come slowly… Things follow their natural course. They grow, they ripen. I must graft. I must water… Ripening goes on in my mind. So I’m always working at a great many things at the same time.
-Joan Miro

Sunflower Fields at Boyer Farm

Sunflower Fields at Boyer Farm, Converse Indiana
Copyright 2015 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas
11" x 14"

This past weekend I participated in the "First Brush of Fall" Paint Out in Converse, Indiana.  I especially enjoyed visiting the sunflower fields at Boyer Farm which is also the location of the Powell Homestead Cabin built in 1848. I can only imagine what it has been like for this family to live on this beautiful farm for so many years!

"Where flowers degenerate man cannot live."

-Napoleon

30 Paintings in 30 Days done!  Woohoo!!!!

Apples on the Tree

Apples on the Tree
Copyright Hirschten 2015
Oil on Canvas 18" x 24"
Prints available on Fine Art America

"The need to express who we are is archetypal; that is both necessary and timeless.  And expressing who we are is less about describing ourselves than it is about letting who we are out in a regular rhythm that is as imperative as breathing.  

Essentially, the life of expression is the ongoing journey of how we heal each other... 
for by telling our stories and listening to the stories of others, we let out who we are and find ourselves in each other, and find that we are more together than alone."

-Mark Nepo

The image of a tree heavy with fruit appeals to my basic hunger.  The archetype of the bountiful harvest attracts us all.  It is my hope that images like this can connect us, showing how their appeal is universal and part of being human.... 

and maybe we can be reminded to be thankful for what we have.