Mary Ann Hagen

I am happy to announce the “Paint Your Pet” Schedule for the winter/spring season

Listed Below are the Dates and the participating Animal Rescue and Humane Organizations! Mark your calendars and join us!

Now booking dates for May, June July of 2017

Thursday, November 17 2016, Humane Society of Summit County, http://summithumane.org

Thursday, February 9th, 2017 -Lake Humane Society (Mentor Ohio) http://www.lakehumane.org

Sunday, February 19th, 2017-Cleveland Animal Protective League http://clevelandapl.org

Thursday, March 2nd 2017, Paws and Prayers http://pawsandprayers.org

Thursday, April 6th 2017, Geauga County Rescue Village     http://geaugahumane.org

Sunday, April 23rd 2017, Golden Treasures Rescue

http://clevelandapl.org

Paint for a purpose! Thanks to all who participated to raise funds for the Cleveland Animal Protective League!

Happy portrait painters ( who didn’t think they had ANY artistic ability) went home with super great paintings of their pets and helped raise funds for the Cleveland Animal Protective League!

What does an Artist’s Versatility Reveal?

Is artistic versatility an indicator of freedom and exploration or lack of confidence?

What kind of artist am I today? Maybe I’m in an Abstract and contemporary mood. The art I create today could be large or small, colorful or black and white. It is possible I will paint, draw in ink, use watercolor or acrylic.  Artists need to explore styles and mediums order to progress and grow. Therefore,  it is my intention to experiment with as many mediums and techniques as humanly possible! Additionally, I love to use various mediums and techniques in order to get into my creative zone and to avoid a block ( which happens often). The abstract acrylic painting below is an example of a way to jump start my creativity. Painting intuitively fast and loose is a great way to jumpstart my process. I find it is helpful to participate in art challenges such as the 30 paintings in 30 days hosted by Leslie Saeta and the ” Artists Helping Artists ” podcast which is broadcast weekly. Podcasts such as Leslie’s inform artists of new developments in marketing, art materials, workshops and discuss concerns of working artists.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/artistshelpingartists

Graphic Design School encourages an artist to produce a versatile portfolio in order to attract  potential employers. To be relevant in the fine art arena, a consistent body of work is preferable. If not, The artist is labeled fickle or flighty. Instead of talented and versatile the artist appears scattered and inconsistent . I do not agree as the only way of getting anywhere as an artist  is to Go EVERYWHERE. I believe that acting upon creative thoughts make artists who the are at any given point in time. In conclusion, just do it ( stolen from Nike)….paint, draw and create every day without fear or critism. Be compelled to bend, stretch and challenge yourself as an artist.

With summer finally arriving to northeast Ohio,I am having a difficult time being creative. So many cool things to do here as Cleveland is blossoming more and more with every passing day! I’m not complaining about the weather and all the added outdoor projects ( the hubby and I resurfaced our massive back patio with pavers ) and activities including parties and gorgeous nightly sunsets over Lake Erie.( Cain Park Art Fest this weekend in Cleveland heights is my absolute fave).

I am really trying., still, painting every day, sketching on location ( mostly the at the beach ) but I am totally distracted, ugh! Anybody else feeling this way?

i guess the best thing to do is to plan for fall…when the cooler temps force me inside to focus and move forward……can’t wait for the 30 in 30 painting challenge beginning on September 1st

Big shout out and Thank you

http://www.oakwood.org/art

and Susan Majewski for displaying my paintings at the Beaumont Hospital in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn.

And thanks to Erin Shaley (Art Therapist) for knowing my art would be a good fit for this venue. It’s so nice to think my paintings may be the source of someone’s comfort. It is an honor to take part.

Everyone can paint! Let me prove it to you (these ladies did)

I say ” you can and I can show you how”.

Here is is the instructor Chris Leeper in action laying the foundation for an acrylic landscape painting on paper. This workshop was held at the beautiful Cliffside Art Collaborative in Hinkley Ohio. The grounds were gorgeous, the people fun ( and talented)the class was informative and the instructor entertaining. Worth an hours drive from Lake County Ohio…..Cliffside Art….I will be back!

http://www.cliffsideartistscollaborative.org/tablet/index.html

http://www.oakwood.org/art

• So, yeah… I feel like I have been putting myself out there and loving it! In 2016 I have applied to be in 3 juried shows ( got in one) . Taught a average of two casual painting classes per month, enjoyed participating in numerous workshops. Looking forward to my first solo exhibition Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan (see link above)   July -September 2016. Big thank you to Erin Shaley and Susan Majewski for making that happen and loving my work. Made significant sales! Worked on commissions. ( and it isn’t even June 1st) So, bring it!!! The snowball effect began with donating paintings to charity. You know, raising $$$ for a good cause. For me, it’s painting, for others it’s running or walking for a cause.  It truly is all about sharing❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

https://www.vangoart.com

I highly recommend the Vango Online Art Gallery. Although I have never met their team in person, they have always been professional, helpful and respectful when assisting me to get my art seen and sold.

https://www.vangoart.co

• This versatile app allows an artist to sketch, plan, value study etc. all without breaking out all the pens, pencils, brushes. The illustration below was done in a recent life drawing class. All you need is the free app ( paper by 53). And the stylus (pencil) prices vary. I bought mine for $79 however I do believe the price has been reduced since I purchased mine.

The illustration below was created using the camera tool to import an photo allowing me to paint over the photo and later deleting the photograph leaving only the painting.