Lianne Westcot Fine Art Artist's Blog - Lianne Westcot Fine Art

What's New -- Summer 2020

5/31/2020

Summer Special through Aug 15, 2020

Send me a photo of your favorite scene
and I'll create a 5x7 painting on paper for you.

$45 each (+shipping)

SUCCESS TIPS: A clear photo will get the best results. You may send extra photos for clarification; just let me know what you want included. The photo should be free from copyright and I can't use another artist's creation. Larger sizes available upon request.
Feel free to contact me with questions!

Studio Tour / Exhibit - Now through Sunday, June 7
Browse my current collection by appointment, My "art show booth" is all set up. Contact me to schedule. Located in tan building behind Warehouse Auto.

Next level painting or drawing skills
ONLINE PRIVATE LESSONS:
You'll do an acrylic or drawing project, and I'll teach you techniques that will help improve your skills. Done via weekly email and video chat. Learn concepts that will take you to the next level. Four-week session: $65
PLEIN AIR (painting outdoors, on the scene):
Schedule outdoor painting for yourself or a group. Set up a time that works for both of us and the weather. Paint a scene with me, or work from your own viewpoint. $25 for first-time session
CONSULTING:
Via video chat or in person with a bit of social distance practice. I will provide a friendly and encouraging critique of your drawing or painting project. $15/30 minutes

For those who have experienced financial hardship because of the shutdown, I will work on a sliding scale.

More Art Ideas for kids -- Mosaic

3/22/2020

GATHER MATERIALS
--Rocks, marbles, baubles, etc from around the house
--Something to attach them to (outdoors- stepping stones or clay pots, cement edging pieces) (indoors- any piece of wood, tray, even metal if your glue will stick to it, not plastic or flexible items)
-- Good solid glue of some kind (I use 'power grab' because you can sink the object into it, but any of the good glues will work)
GET STARTED
-- Lay out the design (It should look good from a distance, but if younger people want to just glue them down that might be more fun.)
-- Whether they are laid out ahead or as you go, start gluing. To keep glue off fingers, put some glue on a plastic container lid (1 per kid) & use a plastic knife put apply. Put water in the bottom part of the container to clean fingers (paper towel helps) and put in knife so it won't dry when not in use.
-- When glue is dry, check for loose pieces and re-glue them.
FINISH THE PROJECT
-- After the glue is dry, start grouting. I like the white premixed tile grout (avail. at Menards) and then I can mix color into it.
-- Or if you already have grout or ingredients to make it, that works too.
--Neat grouting method: put some in a baggie and cut the corner (start small) and then squeeze it into all the cracks and crevices. You can smooth it out as you go or if needed lift some back out with fingers or a small sponge or other device. Have a bowl or bucket of water ready to rinse hands, sponges, and other implements and then dump it outside. (It will have grout material in it so not good for the sink & plumbing.)

Painting Ideas for Kids or Adults

3/21/2020

Here are links to a few painting projects for kids--or adults!

Easier & fun

Takes more patience

Watercolor techniques

More Watercolor techniques

General Painting Tips

Keep moving forward, don't over-work.
To over-work and over-blend can produce less interesting colors & outcomes
Gather materials before starting if you need to keep paint wet

Materials
Acrylic

Gather up any acrylic paint and brushes you have.
Use heavier paper or a canvas
Thin paint, shake well. Thick paint, test to see which tubes are still good.

If you don't have the right paper, try this:

Tape your paper down on cardboard or...
Paint white paint up to the tape (thin if needed)
Let dry thoroughly
This will make your paper stronger

Watercolor

Use any materials you have
grade school watercolors are fine
To keep colors strong don't overmix with water

Paper:

Printer paper does not work as well.
Use a cover stock or thicker paper
Try different types of paper you have
If all else fails, play with absorbing colors onto paper towels

Spring will be here shortly!

3/7/2020

Acrylic Painting Classes
at the studio near Swisher IA
Friday Mornings -- 10am to Noon on these dates
Friday Apr 3 ○ Tuesday Apr 7 ○ Tuesday Apr 14 ○ Friday Apr 17
4 sessions for $60 or $25 per class for drop in
Monday Evenings -- 6:30 to 8:30
April dates TBA, please contact me if you are interested

Reserve your space: art@liannewestcot.com or 319-270-7341

Upcoming Art Show
Arts For Africa
Saturday, April 25, 10 am to 3 pm
Noelridge Christian Church
All funds raised will go to the Tumaini Secondary School in Tanzania

Don't Put Off Your Creative Time!

1/16/2020

Get started with drawing or acrylic painting ...
Introductory Art Lesson
Spaces available Fridays this winter, Noon to 2 pm
Reserve by contacting Lianne:
art@liannewestcot.com or 319-270-7341

Fall & Winter 2019 - Updated!

11/4/2019

Iowa City Holiday Art Market IS ON!
Dec 7-8, Sat: Noon-6 / Sun: 10-4
Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City
Many regional artists, purchase art for loved ones or treat yourself, More Info
Special Note - Good News!
The Summer of the Arts organization has graciously picked up the show and I am excited to participate!

Acrylic Painting Classes
The learning and creativity never stops at my teaching studio.
Group Classes - Monday Evening or Fridays
Private Lessons - by appointment
Bordeaux & Brushes at the Secret Cellar - Dec. 12
Paint holiday wine glasses!

Ready for Summer 2019!

5/20/2019

Current Exhibit:
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Now - September 15 (free admission starts 7/1)
"Into the Blue" juried exhibit of local artists

Plein Air:
Catiri's Fresh Paint - Amana, Iowa
August 30-September 2
Public Sale & Awards Banquet on Sunday at 5 pm
Get Patron or VIP tickets HERE!

Bluff Strokes - Dubuque, Iowa
October 6-12
60 artists will paint Dubuque County
culminating in a Patron sales Friday evening (10/11)
and Public sale Saturday (10/12)

Classes & Events
Acrylic Painting Classes
Monday Evenings 6:30-8:30 pm
5 sessions/$85
Sept. 16, 23, 30 & Oct. 14, 21
Friday Daytime:
Morning 9:30-11:30 or Afternoon 12 to 2 pm
6 sessions/$95 for returning students
$115 for newly joining students
Sept. 13, 20, 27 & Oct. 4, 18, 25 (no class Oct. 11)
Private Art Lessons are ideal for new artists or someone who feels a bit out of practice. Start at the beginning with materials, techniques, color, and composition. Or go to the next level with your art and creativity. Minimum 4 lessons for new artists and 2-3 sessions for those wanting to come up to speed.

Contact me for information about any of these opportunities at 319-270-7341 or art@liannewestcot.com

Looking for a fun night out?
Check out Bordeaux & Brushes at The Secret Cellarsecretcellarwines.com/
Next Bordeaux & Brushes: Aug 29, 6-8 pm

Bordeaux & Brushes

4/8/2019

Join Lauren Chalupsky-Cannon of The Secret Cellar and I as we guide you through a fun and creative Wine 101 and acrylic painting class. Bring a friend! See dates and registration info at The Secret Cellar website.

Mercy Hospital Iowa City Exhibit through April 2019

2/25/2019

Please stop by my latest exhibit:
Midwest Meditation
When: Through April 2019
Where: Mercy Hospital, 500 E Market St, Iowa City, Iowa
The exhibit is located on the lower level in the corridor between the Atrium and Cafeteria

Mercy Hospital has an extensive collection of local and regional artists due to their belief that art creates a spiritual connection. The exhibit is an extension of this philosophy as they provide a beautiful space for patients, caregivers, and hospital staff to pause and reflect.

Enjoy the Holidays!

11/12/2018

Upcoming Shows

New! Framed small prints.

November 18
Holiday Art Market
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Sunday • 10am - 4 pm

November 24
Small Business Saturday
at NewBo Market, Cedar Rapids
Saturday • 10am - 6pm

December 1-2
Holiday Thieves Market
U of Iowa Memorial Union • Iowa City
Saturday 10-5 • Sunday 10-4

Classes

Tuesday, December 4 • Bordeaux & Brushes
Acrylic Painting & Wine 101
The Secret Cellar • 319-841-2172

Contact me about winter art classes
Acrylic • Drawing • Adults • Youth

Events

Two special events at Mt. Vernon Creates -- Watch for more details
Opening reception for Portrayal of Mt. Vernon
Opening reception for Unbridled Spirits Fundraiser