The Alchemy of Art

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 76 The Art of Utopia

Today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast features a chat about the history of Sir Thomas More's book Utopia and the lessons to be learned from Utopian ideals.

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

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

A Midsummer Night's Dream

"I have had a most rare vision. I have had a dream."

- Shakespeare "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

The Lover's Dream, Oil on Canvas, Original painting available $319

A few weeks ago I dreamed that I had a large lion as a pet. He was sitting on my lap in the garden being very cuddly. I realized that I should take him inside because he could hurt someone.

Do you ever wonder what dreams like this could mean?

William Bell Scott Illustration 1860

I believe that the lion symbolized the "wild" side of myself that could hurt someone's feelings if I am not careful. As we have been gathering together again after being vaccinated I have felt afraid of forgetting my manners!

A Midsummer Night's Dream, Original painting available $319.

The lesson I learned from this dream is that the wild side of myself is powerful but also very cuddly and gentle. I can tame the beast.

The Mother's Dream, Original painting available $319

This past spring I dived into the world of dream analysis and took Robert Moss's Dream Teacher Training. I learned the many ways to interpret dreams and how to guide dream sharing groups.

If you love dreamwork I invite you to join our new Dream Sharing Group:

Studio Alchemy Dream Sharing Group
Thursday, July 22nd 7-9pm
If you have been looking for a group to help interpret your nighttime dreams this is the group for you! $15.

"And sleep, that sometime shuts up sorrow's eye, Steal me awhile from mine own company."
- Shakespeare "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Thursday, July 1, 2021

New Seaside Paintings and Upcoming Classes!

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-

Sunset in Beaufort, Acrylic on Canvas, SOLD

“Most people are rowing against the current of life. Instead of turning the boat around, all they need to do is let go of the oars.”
― Ester Hicks

Greetings my friends! I am back from vacationing with my family at the beach.

Father's Day at the Beach, Acrylic on Canvas, SOLD

Do you want fresh paintings for your walls?
Stop by my art studio, Studio Alchemy, this Friday night from 6-9pm or Saturday from 10am-4pm to say hello!

The Dock at Sunset, Acrylic on Canvas, $369.

Want to paint with me?
I am excited to announce upcoming workshops and classes listed below!

I am limiting our class sizes so if you'd like to join our small but mighty group be sure to register as soon as possible.

Abstract Painting Party: Color Harmony SOLD OUT
Thursday July 15th 9am- noon

Abstract Painting Party: Mixed Media ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!
Sunday July 25 1-4pm
Do you want to experiment with mixed media painting? In this workshop you will learn how to mix acrylic paints with collage materials to make your own unique piece of artwork. All materials provided $48

Studio Alchemy Dream Sharing Group
Thursday, July 22nd 7-9pm
If you have been looking for a group to help interpret your nighttime dreams this is the group for you! $15.

Learn to Paint: Sunrises and Sunsets ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!
4 Week Class starts Thursday August 5th 9am-noon $189

Learn to Paint: Animals ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!
4 Week Class starts Thursday September 2nd 6-9pm $189

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Strawberries, Roses and new Classes!

“Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?”
― J.R.R. Tolkien

Strawberry Season, Vita Copyright 2021, Acrylic on Canvas
Yes! For the first time I have successful grown strawberries. Whoohoo!

I remember picking strawberries with my grandfather. He grew gardens everywhere he lived- including in the desert in Afghanistan! I aspired to be that resilient.

"One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste."
- Goethe

The time is ripe to enjoy the garden before the bugs start bitting!

When the sun sets I've been bringing the paints and plants inside. This painting was made in the traditional botanical style with a flat black background.

Want to paint with me?
I am excited to announce upcoming workshops and classes at the Studio Alchemy Gallery listed below!  At last it is time to get away from the grind and nurture our creativity.

I am limiting our class sizes so if you'd like to join our small but mighty group be sure to register as soon as possible.

Abstract Painting Party: Color Harmony
Thursday July 15th 9am- noon
Do you want to create your own unique abstract painting? In this workshop you will learn how to use the color wheel to make beautiful color combinations then create your own piece to take home. All materials provided $48

Abstract Painting Party: Mixed Media
Sunday July 25 1-4pm
Do you want to experiment with mixed media painting? In this workshop you will learn how to mix acrylic paints with collage materials to make your own unique piece of artwork. All materials provided $48

Learn to Paint: Sunrises and Sunsets
4 Week Class starts Thursday August 5th 9am-noon $189

Learn to Paint: Animals
4 Week Class starts Thursday September 2nd 6-9pm $189

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

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 75 Should you quit your dayjob?

Do you fantasize that you'd love to quit your day job to pursue a career in art? Today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast features a chat on whether you should quit your day job or not and how best to do it.

Listin below, on iTunes or any podcast platform:

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

New Alchemy of Art Podcasts!

Two new Alchemy of Art Podcasts were released this month!

Today's podcast features tips on how to find more time to create your art.

Listen on iTunes, any podcast platform or here...

Episode 73 of the Alchemy of Art Podcast features ideas on how to set up the artist studio of your dreams! On this episode I share the story of how I went from painting on the kitchen table to running my own art gallery.

Listen on iTunes, any podcast platform or here...

Saturday, April 17, 2021

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

Saturday, April 10, 2021

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

Friday, January 8, 2021