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FRIDAY FEATURE: Featured Artist - Brienne Brown

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Step out "en plein air" with Brienne Brown! "I truly believe that we are all capable of great things  through positive thinking,  hard and consistent  work,  and creative time management." ~Brienne Brown "Sweet" is the first word that comes to my mind (and I woul d venture to guess many others') when I think of Brienne Brown. Always cheerful and determined no matter what life brings her, Brienne's smile shines on all who come near and she makes their world a brighter and better place! Lunch with Brienne and many other talented Utah Watercolor Society artists! Brienne is in the middle. That is me to the right (in the pink shirt). I first met Brienne a few years ago when we were both artists at Local Colors of Utah art gallery. Her sunny smile and cheerful manner makes you immediately want to know her and be her friend. She is a watercolor painter and also has two sons that are the same ages as my tw

FRIDAY FEATURE: Featured Artist - Kristi Grussendorf

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Kristi Grussendorf ~  An eager and lifelong student! After spending the last year on the board of the Utah Watercolor Society with Kristi Grussendorf at the helm as UWS President, I am honored to say that I know this amazing woman. She is a nationally-known, award-winning artist and instructor with incredible talent for drawing the viewer to the main focal point in her paintings, and a master of working with value.  Dogs at Millcreek  ©Kristi Grussendorf You probably see a theme of water media artists in my features so far. There are several reasons for this. First, because most of the artists I know specialize in water media. Second, because watercolor is one of the most challenging and unforgiving mediums to work with (ask any artist you know), and I think each of these featured artists are among the most skillful in the world. Third, because I love watercolor! I have worked with many mediums myself and have enjoyed many different methods of workin

Still here!

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Hi there!  I'm still here! We have been dealing with the "den of germs" at my house the past two weeks as both my sons have been sick (oldest, then the youngest, then the oldest again, and now they are both sick), and my husband too. Viruses, Fifth disease, and now more viruses (and/or allergies). Consequently, our house got a good airing out this weekend and I have turned to help from essential oils, honey cough syrup, slathering vapo rub on feet, running humidifiers, and other natural remedies in order to help. OTC meds aren't working much with my oldest son (other than ibuprofen keeping down fevers). I'm just learning about all this essential oil stuff. I used to know more about herbal remedies in my 20's, but it's been a while. I am re-learning things! Please feel free to offer me any advice on natural remedies that you find are helpful for colds, fevers, congestion, asthma, and cough. :) I hope to be back with a fresh FRIDAY FEATURE this week. S

Painting with paper

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I was so lucky to attend a fabulous and fun Utah Watercolor Society mini-workshop with Nancy Maxfield Lund at the end of March! I learned about staining paper, reviewed composition and design, and how to create watercolor collage with the papers I had stained and/or other paper. Painting with paper! AWESOME! My work table Hand-stained papers Stained papers drying Stained papers drying and partially used I have long admired Nancy's work in the 12 years that I have known her, and have been wondering how she creates her wonderful collage work. Now, after a decade, the question has been answered! (At least on a basic level). :) Nancy demonstrating Nancy is a great instructor with helpful hints to share and she gives you straight-up feedback. I'll be honest...my brain was hurting by the end of this workshop! I only managed to get three paintings completed during my time there -