Recap, Release, and a Giveaway!

Hello Everyone!  Happy Beginning of Summer to you!

I hope you are ready to launch into carefree days of BBQ-ing, swimming, vacationing, and family fun! In between those wonderful days filled with sunshine and sweet memories, I'm sure you'll be looking for  something creative to keep the muse flowing, right?  Well this month's big recap issue is full of possible events for you to attend as well as some a special pre-view of my new line of paintings that I'm so excited to share with you!

Take a look at some of the pieces in my new series:  Zen Paintings-Journeys and Pathways

I could probably write a whole article on how much this new series means to me--and I probably will on my blog soon, but in the mean time-my new series of Zen Paintings are making me more happy than anything has in a long time.  It's hard to explain other than I feel like I'm breaking through to some uncharted territory and there is no end in site. I have a ton of ideas for new paintings, color combinations and themes.Can you tell I'm super psyched about this new series???

Seeds of Hope-Sold

This first set is largely reminiscent of pathways, rocks, and geological structures.  While there is a few black and white pieces, there are others that have striking color combinations along with a few that are more subtle in the featured hue.  With titles like Seeds of Hope, Connections, Crossing Your Own Bridge,  Break Through...you can see where my mind is going while creating these intriguing abstracts.

I needed the peace...rather I NEED the peace that I feel while immersing myself in this process.

I crave the quiet solitude while painting. This is a slow process. It's not a sling the paint, scrape, scratch and repeat type of work. Rather, it's methodical.  It's not always controllable but yet you learn how to control what happens.  The process and outcome is not literal, rather you see things in the composition that transform with each glance.

I'm exploring and going through some unique personal breakthroughs--and this is my first release of what will be a growing collection with three main arms in the series, (Black and white, touch of color, and full color).

As newsletter subscribers-you are the first to see the grouping in their initial stage and have a chance to own an original.  Art is an investment, and I hope you believe in what I do and love it enough to want to add on to your collection or start one of my work today. :)

To see all of the new Zen Paintings,  stop over to my Etsy shop and check them out! Let me know what you think!!!

Thank you for joining me in this journey. I'm beyond grateful!

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Tons of Creative fun over the next coming months!

Upcoming Classes and Events:

June:

Art Journal Live-Learn from 4 world class mixed media and journaling artists during this action packed one day only class, June 16th at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas!

Myself along with Gina Rossi Armfield,  Mary Beth Shaw, and Nathalie Kalbach will guide you through dozens and dozens of techniques along with several pages of art journal play.

Here's a sneak peek at a sample for my class-Character Studies:

Also in June-I'l be returning to Art More Place for a special 3 day whimsical and mixed media extravaganza-from acrylics to watercolors, birds, fishes and faces--we are going to have a blast anyway you look at it!  Did I mention that Art More Place in Melbourne Florida is a HUGE facility!  No cramped quarters while creating, each student has plenty of elbow room, sitting areas, and tons of inspiration in each and every nook and cranny!

Single Peeps,  Funky Little Fish,  and Face painting and Sketching primer  registrations can all be found by clicking the class titles or images for each workshop. I can't wait to see you there!!

July-I'll be enjoying a couple of weeks with my boys and family time before heading out for the first time to Washington State for 2 workshops over 4 days in Whidbey Island at the Pacific Northwest Art School!!!   This is going to be a blast and a great way to immerse yourself into acrylic painting, journal, and abstract fun!

Jam Packed and Abstract-  July 25-26: This is a class I'm soooo looking forward to! It'll be one of my first of many 2 day abstract classes featuring techniques and projects that'll be included in my new book coming out in the latter part of 2016, "Abstracts in Acrylic and Ink", published by North Light Books!

Funky Little Neighborhoods and Journal Jam-July 27 -28:   Bring your journals so we can jam on some pages and create the funkiest neighborhoods around town!   Based on my popular city paintings, these neighborhoods are full of quirky characters, fun elements and loads of color. Learn how to layer, shade and work with acrylics like you've always wanted to!

Looking forward.....This October--forget what you think you know about retreats, this October our newest ReMe Retreat, Reme-The Sandhills will blow you away!  We are pulling out the stops by pampering our students in so many ways, you'll walk away feeling cared for, inspired, and part of a growing community of ReMe Sisters.   

Space is extremely limited-so register early!  We also offer 4 payment plan options for your convenience!

Dates: October 19-23.  

Read all about ReMe and our newest retreat offering here!

Here's a photo gallery of some of our last few retreats highlights!

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Giveaway

Recently I sat down with Sue from Irreversibly Moi, a fantastic website/blog that is great source for art and inspirational articles across many creative  mediums,  and dished about art, life, business and lots of fun things.   Check out the interview and be sure to enter in the giveaway for a complimentary pass to my Dirt Flirty Birds  online workshop or your choice of any of my new DVD's.

To see the video interview, stop over here.  

Until next time-live to create and create to live!

Jodi

Art Journaling Live 2016 in Texas!

Most of you know that I love to Art Journal, time and time again it has been my refuge, my security blanket and my place to go and wander with my art supplies and ideas floating around in my head.

With art journaling, there are really no rules. That's the beauty of this sacred practice.  But at the same time, if it's something you haven't ever done before, it can be intimidating just like any new medium. Or, on the other hand, if you are familiar with art journaling but looking for new ideas and fresh techniques--taking a workshop can be just the remedy you are looking for to spark that creative art journaling muse.

You never know where it may lead you. 

So many pages of mine have led to larger art works or color palette discoveries.

I love the fact that when you journal, the door is wide open to any and all possibilities.

Having said all that, I'm excited to share that I'm teaching an art journaling workshop  along with 3 other mixed media artists and journalers  sponsored by Create in Arlington, Texas, June 16th, 2016.

Mary Beth Shaw, Nathalie Kalbach,  Gina Rossi Armfield and myself will be taking you through a full day of activities, classes, and processes around art journaling and more.  Many techniques you can also apply to larger works of art in addition to art journaling.

During my class, you will learn about layering acrylics to create interesting backgrounds, how to create characters such as birds, fish, and or owls that have quirky personalities and then tie them into a whimsical art journal page.  I can not wait!!!!!

Here is the deal though, the space is LIMITED---so be sure to sign up as soon as possible.  Most supplies are included for the work shop and you also will have an All Access Pass to the great American Scarpbook Convention!!!   

4 teachers, supplies, tons of inspiration and access to a huge convention--sounds like an arty party to me!!

Click HERE to be taken to the registration page.  I hope to see you there!

Let me know if you'll be there!   

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Stop by my Etsy Shop to see what's new this week!

What do you see in my latest Zen Painting (part of my Mystical Pathways collection) ??? These are so fun to do, I'm working on a new online class for this process coming this summer!   Or you can buy one of my originals!

Stay in touch, if you haven't signed up for my newsletter, it's easy to do. 

Just click HERE and you'll receive notifications from me monthly about new classes, collections, products and creative words of advice in each issue!

Spring Break, Make that Spring PRICE Break and What's UP NEXT!

Rainy or cold Spring Days? Art your time away! Check out these deals from Interweave! April 4th through the 10th!


Did you know all of my workshops are on sale at Creative Workshops now through April 8th? Save 20% on every class!  Buy now, watch at your convenience as the classes don't expire!   Classes include my latest workshop, Dirty Flirty Birds!!

Want a little variety in your life?  The newly released 21 Secrets-Tools and Techniques may be just the class for you! This is my second year participating in one of the 21 Secrets collaborative class-this session just started on April 1st and the students are already creating a variety of amazing projects. It's not too late to join in!  The videos are downloadable and come bundled in a beautifully crafted ebook which contains links to all the classes.   Most workshops run about 30min to an hour or more--that's a lot of creating with 21 different classes!!!!  My class offering, "Flowing Features" introduces you to watercolors and creating facial features in colorful and 'flowing' ways!  So much fun!

To Join, click this link then go to the top of the page where it says 21 secrets then click, Tools and Techniques.  Ez Peezy!


Big News--Just added to my working studio calendar of events, my hugely popular and fun class, Grunge Ink!  Come join us at Creative Studios, May 21st for a full day of arting where you will create 3-4 amazing pieces as well learn tons of abstract techniques on Yupo paper.  All supplies included other than a brayer which saves the students upwards of 100 dollars in art supply costs!

Click here to see more info and location, then click 'tickets available' to be taken to the registration page!
Hope to see you in person at this fun filled class!  To stay in the 'know' about our upcoming classes and workshops, be sure to subscribe to our events.

Speaking of Grunge Ink--I'll be traveling to Epherema Paducah in just a little over a week for 3 days of classes. Enjoy a weekend of "Mixed Media Madness" which includes  my one day Grunge Ink class along with my 2 Day Graffiti Houses classes. We have just a few spaces left if you'd like to join us!! This is my first time to EP and I can't wait to see and paint with all my new students!!

Stay tuned for more announcements coming for April, May and June!  

Ohhhh btw!  Save BIG in my Etsy shop this week only!   Use code:  springpricebreak for a 20% off discount on your entire purchase.  Have your eye on a painting?  Today is the day to nab it!   Coupon expires on April 8th!  

Click HERE to see what's new in the shop!

Thank you for all keeping up with my teaching and latest art updates!  I appreciate you all so much for following this journey and for embarking on your own. I love hearing the stories of success and 'a ha' moments from my students and for hearing from my collectors on how the art that they've purchased of mine brings joy to their lives.  Thank you all more than I can say, my gratitude is overflowing!!!

Have a great April! I'll check in with you again in a few weeks (for my newsletter subscribers), and be sure to check out my blog for more frequent updates.  

Most read post of the last few months?  Check out my poignant story,  The Turning Point-a revelation of some of the more difficult moments of my life as a young girl.  

Guest appearance on Adventures in Arting Podcast!

Continuing on the fun in art adventures  over the last few weeks, I did a  pod cast with my friend and fellow artist,  Julie Fei Fan Balzer of Balzer Designs.   Did I mention I'm a podcast junkie?   I LOVE LOVE LOVE them, so to be asked to participate in one was so cool, even better when it was with someone I admire.     


Grab a cuppa your favorite  drink and sit down and enjoy this conversation on Adventures in Arting Podcast with Julie and her Mother!

Don't forget to stop by my recent post about being swept away in artsy adventures,  rumor has it there is a giveaway!!

Have you had a chance to stop by the shop lately? 

See what's new!

Until Next Time,

Jodi

Swept Up in Artsy Adventures! A Recap and Giveaway!

Over the last several weeks, I've been on a whirlwind adventure that's spanned from the Outer Banks of North Carolina to the Midwest and back again.  It's already the 2nd of November so before all the creative goodness fades away, I wanted to share with you some of the highlights of the month AND offer you a fun giveaway at the end of my post that you don't want to miss!!  

  As you can see from this picture, I've been painting...painting a lot!!  Preparing for studio openings, classes, solo shows, my shop and....don't fall over....for my a NEW book I'm writing!!!  Oh my goodness, all of this is truly a dream come true. I'll be sharing the journey of writing and composing my book over the next 12 months as YOU are a part of it just as much as I am!
In the middle of getting ready for my fall teaching tour, I also worked on HUGE project with my friends,  Jan McClay and Jean Skipper:  Jan  opened a new studio not far from my hometown and Jean and I are lucky to be 2 of the working artists who have their studios in the new shop.  

The new studio space includes a class room space,  2 working artists plus our managing artists space along with the work of over 15 North Carolina artists.  As you can see from the smiling faces, we are thrilled to be here!!!!   We already have started a great line up of classes and events and we are barely a month old..be sure to like our facebook page to keep up to date on all the fun 'happenings'!

You can see part of my studio beside of the classroom space.   

Just prior to our grand opening at the studio...and I do mean just prior to it.....I spent a few days over at Random Arts in the western part of our state (Saluda, NC) teaching 3 days of workshops to an incredible group of students!  I truly love this space!  It was great connecting with old friends as well as meeting lots of new people over the course of the weekend.

                    I never get tired of hearing all about these artists lives, inspiration, and stories that they tell during our time together. I'm constantly reminded how connected our lives are in so many ways!

After returning from Random Arts, I hurried back home and finished putting the final touches on my solo show at Artful Living Group in Carolina Beach. I returned from Random Arts on Sunday evening, got the final touches on the show stuff on Monday then headed to the beach with only a couple of days to spare before the show opening on Thursday, October 1st.  

When one has a solo show, it's not something that just comes together in a blink of an eye...but rather it's a compilation of months and months (if not years) of work.  I've been working on many of these pieces for the better part of the last 6-8 months if not longer, it was so satisfying  along with a teensy eensy bit stressful seeing each and every piece fit together like a jig saw puzzle.  No two things were alike of course, but when each of the pieces were shown together, I could see finally what I had been envisioning in my head for the longest time.      To me, that is success....or at least one facet of success: "To see your vision become reality through many moments which fit together into the sum of all parts".    

I kinda skipped the order of things that have gone on over the last few weeks..so sorry--anyways   so after my show at the beach, I immediately came home for our Grand Opening at Creative Studios, October 3rd.   It was sooooo much fun seeing our community, friends, and family come out to support us that day!  You could feel the buzz of excitement as our guests wandered through the gallery, checking out our studios, work in progress,  sifting through the selection of art supplies and many other gifts we are offering.    I hope if you are ever in the area, you, too stop in to see us!
(Hours and location can be found HERE).

As much fun as I was having at the new studio, work was calling me about 950 miles away towards another group of  incredible artists in Louisiana, Missouri where I was a guest instructor for 3 days of workshops at Kristen Power's shop and studio, "The Moon and the Maker".  What fun I had with this crew!!

As you could see, among the art, we had tons of moments of laughter and silliness!!!

No doubt, we all were meeting lots of new friends and reveling in the creative atmosphere all around us!   This was really more than a group of workshops,  Kristen created a retreat like setting with breakfast, lunch and tons of supplies to be shared with all.   I am looking forward to heading back to see my new friends next October!!!

So that was my Columbus Day weekend...see what I mean, it was a whirlwind few weeks!

But...that's not the end of the fun...nope....

I pretty much washed the clothes in my suitcase, got the boy all straight with his practices, school events, games and stuff he needed, re-packed my suitcase, got an oil changed, did a bunch of shopping and more packing, before I headed East to our Outer Banks, NC as the next week ReMe Retreats was commencing. I landed there on the 18th-with the rest of the organizers before the students started wandering in the next day for 5 nights and 4 days of creative recharging on the island of Ocracoke   

This retreat was our 4th in 2 years and as always, we all were just floored at the diversity of our guests, the range of talents, the warm hearts and open minds.  We had such a wonderful experience, and speaking for all of us who spear headed the retreat,  Jean, Penny, and our house mother Debbie,  we all are so lucky to have had the pleasure to host all of these women once again.

 From Texas to Maine, we had guests representing several states and although similar in their creative instincts, they were as different as could be in their day to day life outside of art.  As I say that, we all found many common bonds to tie us altogether in our experiences, some that made us laugh, stories that made us misty eyed, and other truths spoke that gave us all great reflection within ourselves.

We are all lucky indeed to have traveled together in order to share this experience, and I hope we all connect again soon!

Setting up for our first day of class with me--look at this great crew!

I could go on and on about the wonders of ReMe and the magic of the island, but I'll end this section by showing you the glorious sunset on the sound that was right outside our front doors.   

September and October have  been  simply  amazing and inspiring to say the least!

I think I mentioned at the beginning of the post (story, novella) that I had a giveaway for you and ...ta-dahhhhh here it is!!    You may or may not have heard that I recently had 4 DVD's published by F & W Media (Cloth Paper Scissors, North Light Books, etc) this month so I am going to be doing a few giveaways over the next few weeks that will include a signed DVD and a few art goodies to go along with your project.

In this special prize pack, if you win, you will receive the DVD, "Expressive Watercolor on Yupo" along with a 12 piece set of Twinkling H20s, a few sample sheets of Yupo paper and who knows what else. If I have more than 100 comments, I will add even more goodies to the pack!

So how to enter to win?  Please leave a comment at the end of this post and tell us about one of your creative or other fun memories from the last several weeks. We want to hear about your adventures.

To receive 2 chances to win,  you can simply share this post and then come back here and comment, letting us know where you shared.

I'll take entries from now through Monday November 9th---but PLEASE, keep coming back all month as I will have more giveaways, and tons of artsy inspiration to share with you!! :))

PS....PLEASE be sure to leave a way for me to get a hold of you if you win, not all comments link to a live blog anymore so if you can leave your email , it would help me tremendously! :)))

If you already  purchased this DVD and win, perhaps you can give your winnings away as a holiday gift.  PLUS...don't forget you will receive some artsy supplies, too!!

To see all of my newly released DVD's please check out the home page of my website:

Click HERE

Thank you as always for checking out my blog! I'll try next time not to be 'gone' for so long and do shorter posts from now on..lol :))

Artfully Yours,

Jodi Ohl

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Check out my 2016 workshop schedule!  Chances are, I may be in a state close to you!!

2016 Workshops