Saying Good-Bye to Studio 81

This is probably one of the most difficult announcements I've had to make in a long time.   The building that houses Studio 81 and Ann Litrel Art has been sold, and we will be moving out very soon.  I have decided to close Studio 81 at the end of November.  

I was lucky to call this space my Home Away From Home for five years.  The opportunity to share this space with Ann came at a time that I found myself desperately needing a place to work without the constant needs of my two very young children.  (Although...there were a lot of times they came and painted there with me!)



One of the first regular classes, and one of the staples at the studio, was our weekly Figure Drawing group.  We've had several hundred sessions over the last few years, very fortunate to have a roster of incredibly talented and generous figure models that inspired us every week.



And of course I could not have kept the studio open without my morning painting classes and mini workshops.  There have been numerous faces in and out of these groups over the years, and as life keeps taking us on our journey, health, finances, obligations often changed the size of the groups, but the joy that teaching brings me never wavered.

Over the past few months, I realized that the studio - while never in the red, and I am thankful for that - was not generating enough income for me to justify, as a single mother, maintaining the space.  This was very difficult for me, because I never really thought of the studio as "Mine".  The studio always became Alive when it was filled with creative souls, and I felt - as I am sure Ann did - that this space was meant to be here, in downtown Woodstock.  It was destined to bring creative souls together. And it was partly my privilege to do so.



One of the things I am most grateful for is the fact that this gorgeous space, nestled in the heart of our wonderful downtown, allowed me to bring some of the most amazing artists today to teach workshops.  Casey Baugh ended up teaching four workshops here, Kerry Dunn twice, and Jeff Hein will be back in just a couple weeks to help celebrate the final weeks of our studio with his second workshop.  These workshops invigorated me, inspired me, and have helped me grow both as an artist and as instructor.  They will forever be some of my favorite memories at the studio.



Looking through photos, I realize that my children have greatly benefited from enjoying the space as well.  They often created along side me, or used the quiet time to read, and grew up these last five years getting to know downtown Woodstock.  It was important for me, too, that they saw me having a place to work and create.  



And anyone who has met my children know that they are quite the characters.  Jack would stand on the sidewalk shouting out "Art Show!  Come see the Art Show!" for Friday night live (when he wasn't entertaining the adults, of course!)  

Critique nights, Friday Night Live, watching the sunset from the roof, sharing wine with friends, laughing until it hurts, spilling pastels (you know who you are!), explaining the naked woman in the middle of the room to the police officer, and way too many other memories to count.  What a joy it has been to call this studio Home for as long as I have, and it was only a home because I got to share it with all of you.



So what will happen next?  Well my Tuesday morning students barely took a breath before they started planning who would get to host the first class at their house!  So I don't think they'll let me sit idle for too long!  And I wouldn't have that any other way.  

The first thing on my to-do list will be to liquidate as much of the props, furniture, easels, and of course - ART - at the studio in the next few weeks.  

And, I am currently looking for a home, hopefully with a home studio space.  

In some ways, I hope that saying good-bye to this space will help me pursue one of my biggest goals, which is to get to the point where I can teach a workshop anywhere in the world.  If I keep the studio, I will always be in the mindset of bringing students and other artists to me.  I'm excited about the new adventure of going out into the world and teaching all over.  

What beautiful bookends I have on my time in the studio - how the universe brought me the opportunity at a time when my on-line business was bringing in enough money for me to pay the rent and start teaching.  When I needed a space outside my home, when I needed to remind myself that I was more than just Mom.  And now, as the universe has set this move in motion, I am lucky enough to have a large commission that will carry me through the next few months as I settle into a new teaching routine, and I feel that it is also that nudge to "Go...pursue the next step".  I am tearfully grateful that I am being watched out for.

Thank you so much, Ann Litrel, for seeing the beauty and potential in this gorgeous room, and allowing me to share it with you all of these years.  And thank you to every single one of you who made it all worth while.

I will be sending out a final schedule for the month, including our last two Figure drawing evenings, my last Friday Night Live, and the big studio clearance sale.

Much love to you all, and Happy Creating,

Kristina  

Figure Drawing Open Studio Woodstock GA

I'm excited to announce that the open figure drawing studio sessions are starting again!

Every Tuesday night August - September 2015

(No Session on September 22nd)

Model schedule still in the works but so far...

August 4th - Mike

August 11th - Melanie T.

August 18th - Michika

August 25th - Ellie

Painting with Casey Baugh

Last week was the third week that I got to watch and learn from modern master Casey Baugh.  And I am still learning from this man!  He did some awesome demos, showing off some new techniques, and even using different brushes than the last time we worked together.  I posted some of the highlights on my Studio 81 Facebook Page.

So here are a few of the paintings I did in between adjusting spotlights, fetching fabric, filling jars of thinner, changing radio stations, stocking water bottles, and helping out in any way I could :)

I'm most pleased with the top two - I actually really enjoyed the back view on top.  She held the pose beautifully, including the draped hands, and the light on her shoulder was very subtle. The palette in the second one was minimal, and therefor the focus was easily kept on her face.  The bottom two are a little too saturated, and forced.  I don't think I was relaxed!!! But good practice none the less :)  I'm already looking forward to Casey's next class in June 2014.

Figure Drawing Master Class with Michael Mentler

I am THRILLED to announce that "The Bone Doctor", Master Draftsman Michael Mentler will be coming to Studio 81 in December 2013.

Mr. Mentler is a prolific and gifted artist and a force as a teacher.  I feel like I could write ten paragraphs on why I think his work is so fabulous...but for now I will sum up why I think his work is so IMPORTANT -

Artists need an understanding of geometry and anatomy in order to take their work to the next level.

That's it.  I really believe that, and Mr. Mentler embraces both of those vital elements in his work.

This class WILL fill quickly!  Register via Michael Mentler's website - The Society of Figurative Arts -
today!

Figure Drawing Master Class with Michael Mentler

(The Figure in Dry Media)

December 2nd - 6th 2013

Location: Studio 81:Portrait and Fine art by Kristina Laurendi Havens

8594 Main Street, Woodstock 30188 

(2nd floor)

10-5 Monday - Friday

In Uniform - Newest Paintings from the Woodstock Series

Memorial Day in downtown Woodstock was absolutely wonderful.  The weather was sunny and clear, and a huge crowd gathered in the city park to honor the Veterans of the Armed Forces.  As I approached the park, I caught my first great photo of the day - a fireman bending down to hand a red hat over to a young boy.

I was pretty far away, so I kept shooting as I got closer.  I ended up combining a couple of shots to get the right pose of the fireman, the child, the firetruck, and the group of firefighters off to the right.

I was hoping to catch a good shot of the local fireman at some point - I often see them at Hot Dog Heaven, but this was a better shot - and showed a great side to their community spirit.

Later in the ceremony, I positioned myself at the back of the Veterans Memorial, where I could watch as several men in uniform came forward to lay a wreath at the base.  Again, I took multiple shots, and I combined a few elements - and left out some extra figures - to come up with this composition.

The gentleman in the middle was the eldest of the bunch, and I hesitated to add the cane, but at the advice of a friend I added it in, and that (along with the height of his waistband!) really helps to show his age.  I liked that contrast of the elder generation in the foreground and the young children in the back, doing their best salutes.  

It was a proud day to be part of the Woodstock community.  

Wrapping Up and Catching Up - Casey Baugh's Workshop and A New Painting

The end of April to the middle of May has disappeared in a whirlwind of activity.  Spring is normally my favorite time of year - the warmer afternoons that finish with cool evenings by the bonfire, the budding of the trees, the inkling to clean out all of the closets and drawers.  However, this spring has had a totally different feel to it.  The weather in GA was stuck in some kind of twilight zone, hanging on to cold temperatures and rain like winter was never going to end.

The crappy weather has impeded my progress on my summer tan, but has not hindered my process in the studio.  Of course, how could I not be inspired to be productive after spending a week with Casey Baugh teaching in my space?!?

Once I got over the shock of Casey actually walking through the door and standing in the center of my studio...I settled back in the comfy couch in my studio and just watched as he held court, talking about his painting philosophy and connecting with his students for the week.

The first day demo did not disappoint.  Casey spends a great deal of time on the set-up, settling into his surroundings, adjusting (and creating!) the perfect type of lighting scheme and posing the model until he can visualize the complete painting.  While this process may seem drawn out to those who just want to watch the magic when his brush hits the canvas, it's this mental process that Casey credits with much of his success.

The rest of the week was equally inspiring and insightful.  Casey demonstrated with two paintings based on photographs.  Watching him select the perfect shot, edit it, and again - visualize the complete painting before picking up his brush - was incredibly helpful.

Of course, the signature is a part of the painting - Casey has refined his signature and always places it with great care.  Often, this is before the painting is "finished" - considered part of the process, not the final touch.

Casey was so generous with his time, and hosted a more social gathering one evening where he completed another fabulous demo in more of a party setting...the vibe was much more relaxed as we talked, ate, drank, and heckled Casey as he created this masterpiece.

We also took some time to admire the sculpture that Matt Lewis has been working on in the studio.

On the final day, Casey arranged our lovely model against one of the fabulous 100 year old walls in the studio.  The lighting, the red dress, even her hair color were perfect together.  

Tucked out of everyone's way, I worked on a painting from a photo of the same pose.

Hearing Casey talk each artist though their painting, and watching him make adjustments, was incredibly helpful and I tried to keep two things in mind as I worked - push the full value range that I want to establish, and value is more important than color.

This is almost finished...I have since resolved the hand.  I will post another picture soon!

Great news:  Casey Baugh will be back at Studio 81 in August of 2013 AND in June of 2014.  If you are interested in getting on the waiting list for 2013 or signing up for 2014, please contact me.

Evert Ploeg, Kurt Sutton, Casey Baugh all coming up at Studio 81

This past week, the weather here in Georgia finally allowed us to throw open the windows and enjoy the spring temperatures.  Of course, this was followed my intensive amounts of dusting and vacuuming brought on my the 1/4" of yellow pollen that covered every floor, piece of furniture, the dog (I did NOT vacuum the dog...although I was tempted) and window blind.  The next day, it went right from spring to summer, and instead of opening the windows we turned on the A/C.  Just as we were getting out the shorts from last year and sandals switched places with boots, we had to switch back over to the heater as temps dipped back into the forties.

I think this crazy weather pattern is throwing me off.  Spring is usually my favorite time of year.  I clean out my flower beds, organize the kid's closets, try out some new recipes...it's an energetic and hopeful time of year.

In spite of my issues with the weather, this spring does bring forth some great potential.   I have been working hard on some new paintings, and there are several exciting events coming up for me and the studio.

First off, I'm so excited to be attending my first Portrait Society of America conference.  I visited the conference briefly two years ago when it was in Atlanta, but this year I get to stay the entire time.   I'm looking forward to a lunch with Rose Franzen, Demos by David Kassan and Michelle Dunaway, and numerous other lectures and workshop opportunities 

What is most thrilling is the events that will take place right after the conference.   Casey Baugh will be teaching for two full weeks at my studio in Woodstock.  I got so much out of the class that I attended in Chattanooga, and my work has grown in the months since.

Casey's Demo from Day One of Class

The day after the portrait conference, the incredibly talented Mr. Evert Ploeg will be painting a portrait live on stage at the Elm Street Theater in Woodstock, just one block away from my studio.

Evert will be painting the acclaimed actor Kurt Sutton, who travels the country performing his one man show, "An Evening with Mark Twain".

This one-night-only event is exactly the kind of Cultural Arts event that will benefit the growing Elm Street Cultural Arts Village.  I am hoping for a packed house - and looking forward to inviting more artists to teach and share their talents here in Woodstock.

General admission for this event is $40.00.  It's a huge bargain to get these two amazingly talented men together on one stage!  

Monday, April 29th

7:00 - 10:00 PM

Elm Street Theater

Main Street, Woodstock

Book your tickets online!

Portrait Classes and Open Studios in Woodstock, GA

I'm excited to announce that I am adding more classes and studio times at my Woodstock Art Studio!

Portrait Drawing and Painting

This will be an on-going class, new artists may join at any time.  The first 4 weeks for each

student will be a series of exercises to study anatomy, learn about proportion, and how to

capture a true likeness.  Students will start with black and white and then progress into color, in your choice of media, including pastel, watercolor, oil or acrylic.

Tuesday Mornings 10:30—1:30.  4 Consecutive Weeks $108

*Classes Start November 7th!*

Open Figure Studio

Every Wednesday evening join a diverse group of Artist as we draw and paint from the live model.  A variety of short and long poses.  Professional models (male and female, nude unless otherwise stated.)  Work in your choice of media (Orange paint thinners only, please)  Some easels are available—portable easels or drawing boards are recommended.

$12 per week or $45 for five consecutive weeks

7:30—10:30 Wednesday Evening

Studio opens at 7:10

4 hours 4 art

Join me in the studio to dedicate 4 hours a week to your Art.  You could bring in a painting you have been trying to finish, resolve a drawing you started from the live model, get a critique on some new work, get help photographing your work, pick my brain on setting up a Blog,

an on-line shop, or Facebook business page, or hire a model and work! 

Dedicate 4 hours a week to building your portfolio, making new connections, finishing new work—being an Artist! 

Every Friday 10:30—2:30.  $20/Week

*Additional sessions will be added!

I have really missed teaching regular classes.  Portrait and figurative work is my specialty, but I am willing to critique or help you with any other paintings or projects during 4 Hours 4 Art.   4 Hours 4 Art is not just the name of the open studio time...it's a promise to yourself to dedicate 4 hours a week to becoming a better Artist.  As the sessions grow, I hope to establish a group of artists who support and encourage each other to create, try new things, enter shows, share their work, share a model, whatever!  

View my entire Event and Studio Schedule.

Contact Me if you would like to sign up!

Unlocking Creative Genius. Mystery solved!

Our figure drawing group in Woodstock, GA gathered in spite of the loud thunder and threatening clouds.  In fact a rainbow even made an appearance outside our studio window as the sun broke thru the clouds. (I took a photo but forgot to load it onto the computer...you'll have to trust me!)

For the long pose our model perched on a tall chair, her shoulder catching the light from an over-head spot light.  There was a very pretty fuscia drape behind her, and some warm reflective light off of the back wall.  Perhaps it was the fact that there was a rainbow outside, or because I was just feeling so funky...I worked with a LOT of color!

I like the weight of the figure, the shift in her shoulders and the warmth in her skin.  I'm not sure about the hands - at one time I had the arm stretched accross her lap, and I liked the twist it implied in her wasteline, but then I went back to the actual pose, with her hand resting on her left thigh.  I may change it again!   And while I like the shape of the hand on our left, the scale is too large - it consfuses the space.  I'd like it to feel further back in space.

But I was having fun :)

I didn't want to over-work the drawing, so for our last 30 minutes or so I did this quick sketch from a different view.  Mostly copying the figure in front of me, I made minor changes to the position of her arm to better fit the composition. 

When the model walked around the room she almost jumped back in shock when she saw my drawing!  Out of the dozen times we've worked together I ALWAYS tend to go towards soft lilacs and pinks when I work in color, capturing her soft skin tones.  I *think* she was happy with the color!

And, as promised, the Key to Creativity.  Our group is always so great about bringing munchies and libations to share.  If you REALLY want to know what makes Artists tick, just check out the food station.

Yup.  Pork Brains and Two Buck Chuck.  Let the Creative Juices Flow!!!

Open Figure Drawing Group - Woodstock, GA

Our figure drawing group is finally getting back together here in Woodstock, GA. We will be meeting at Ann Litrel Art on Main Street. If you would like any more info please post your e-mail and I will add you to my list!

If you are thinking of attending for the first time, please let me know!