Mary Ann Hagen

http://Www.davidrankinwatercolors.com

Thank you David Rankin and the Euclid Art Association for another great Watercolor Workshop!

David Rankin is a well known wildlife watercolorist and Art instructor.  The Euclid Art Association is fortunate enough to have him instruct our group for a couple of times per year. Our workshop began by painting value studies and discussing the importance of taking the time to paint them before diving head first into a painting. By the time we began our final painting using color, all of the kinks had been worked out! I know this is so elementary….however, I know I need to implement this practice on a regular basis. Above are some of the steps we used to complete the value study.  They really do make a huge difference in the finished work.

The Etsy Store is again open! So excited for this announcement as it has been a while since my art has been available on Etsy. The store name is simply Mary Ann Hagen and it features wedding illustrations created by me in the app paper by 53. The app has endless possibilities for gorgeous prints for wedding and anniversary gifts. They are so unique and thoughtful

I am very excited to be painting LIVE at the upcoming “Brides and Brunch” event hosted by Expressions Bridal and Jennifer and Company Salon. The Event will take place on Sunday, April 17th 2016 from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. The location is Red, Wine and Brew in Mentor. In addition to painting live at the event I will be offering both digital and hand painted bridal themed art! Tickets for the event can be purchased at http://Www.jennifer&companysalon or http://Www.expressionsbridalandformal

Anyone who knows me also knows I love to listen to podcasts of all kinds. You might call me a podcast junkie. I LOVE everything about them. They can be subscribed ( so you never miss an episode) to or listened to at random, any and every subject from politics to travel, actual radio shows can be saved and listened to whenEVER. Um….yeah and yes please! Some are broadcast from the host’s apartment living room or even their garage. I have a standing date ( every other Tuesday ) with Alec Baldwin’s ” Here’s the Thing”. The interviews (and Alec’s voice) have me hanging on every word.  They  transport you to the best of entertainment, interviews and information ( for free).  They are great for passing time at the airport, doctors waiting rooms etc. I especially like to listen while walking in the neighborhood, driving to and from work or my all time favorite doing housework! Before I know it floors are washed, furniture polished, dishes done, cooking…..ok you get the idea.

Listed below are some of my go to podcasts including the Art Podcasts I listen to religiously. The art podcasts especially the ones that address art marketing etc. are awesome and definitely worth giving a try.

http://Here’s the thing

http://Artists helping artists

http://The saavy painter

A good time was had by all who participated in yesterday’s Paint Your Pet event to benefit the Lake County Humane Society! It was a pleasure to meet you,  be your instructor, and share my passion for painting – it is what I live for! Cannot wait for the next event!

Interested in throwing a painting event? Send me and email and together we’ll create a one-of-a-kind experience! mahagen@live.com

I’m beyond excited and honored to teach a Paint Your Pet class as a fundraising event to benefit the Lake County Humane Society! Everyone attending the fundraiser sent me a photo of their favorite animal and I sketched each image onto a canvas – and together this Thursday we’ll paint and make each pet come alive! Everyone will take home a custom painting to enjoy forever. I’ll post photos of the completed paintings the following day, February 26th, so be sure to check back!

The event has sold out but don’t fret because the Humane Society plans to have more Paint Your Pet fundraisers very soon. I’ll be sure to notify you all here on my blog… sign up for my mailing list so you don’t miss out on your chance to paint with me!

Can’t wait – it is going to be a blast!

It certainly was  a ” frozen party” in northeastern Ohio today, with temperatures in the low teens, but that didn’t stop my friend Markie who turned seven! Happy Birthday Markie!

To celebrate she had a dozen of her besties over to enjoy some pizza, cupcakes, and of course painting! The kids had a blast painting an original rendition of a pair of princesses that I sketched on a canvas for each of the kids attending the party. Markie and her friends took home a completed work of art to enjoy forever! I had as much fun as they did and I can’t wait for my next painting party!

Interested in hosting a painting party? Send me and email and together we’ll create a one-of-a-kind experience! mahagen@live.com

Made with Paper by 53! I am taking commissions for the upcoming wedding season. Such an awesome way to spend a snowy Cleveland afternoon. Makes a thoughtful gift for the bride…..or the bride AND groom….I better get busy 🎨

I began experimenting with Yupo paper recently and absolutely love it! Yupo is the 100% recyclable, waterproof, tree-free Synthetic Paper with attributes and properties that make it the perfect solution for a variety of marketing, design, packaging and labeling needs. Instead of the watercolor paint being absorbed into the paper it simply skids and slides across the surface….so fun to watch it morph. This happens to be the translucent type however there is also opaque. I need to buy more as this has quickly becoming an obsession. 😳

Love using contrasting colors for florals…dreaming of summer!