Like a lot of artists and/or bloggers, I have been “taking” Strathmore’s free Online Visual Workshops since the beginning of this year and to be fair, it’s probably one of the most useful things I’ve ever done. I learnt from the marvellous Pam Carriker about re-using my own art in my art journalling, and then about watercolours and other techniques, etc. from Linda Blinn in March and now…
Well, from the delightful Roz Stendahl, I am learning a more technical and very organised approach! Roz has some very strict habits and is awesome at cataloguing her own art journals. She’s the most professorial of all the teachers who’ve led the workshops so far, which appeals to me, as a mature student. I respect that and I have already learnt the “rule of thirds”!
I had no idea that such rules existed, which may explain why my “composition” either works or doesn’t! Maybe that’s why I’m so random and haphazard… or possibly not!
Reading Roz’s blog posts, I know very well that I’d love to take an in person workshop with her. She has so much to impart, but hey, I live too far away for now, so this online one is the next best thing!
The circles, diamonds and teardrops were all made by punching those shapes out of a regular playing card and then spraying ink or painting through them. The blue background page is Ultramarine acrylic paint scraped across and around the page with an old bank card and then black paint brayered around some masking tape.
The book pages were done at the same times, using leftover paint up in a random fashion and then messing around with masking tape and spray ink (which I made using rubbing alcohol and a fuschia pink Sharpie!!).
I also like the unexpected colour combinations that resulted here – another “happy accident”!!
Altered Art & Stuff... 
Billie
/ May 9, 2011Love the book pages, I don’t know if it is the colors organization or what..but it appeals to me.. I agree
the class is well done and I like what we are learning..almost feel that her class should have come first. Do you agree with that? How do you feel?
Rosie
/ May 9, 2011Actually, I disagree! I think Roz’s style is so different and she teaches different things. She is also uber-organised (and a little intimidating!), so I might have been put off by that if she’d come first!
Pam’s workshop led me by the nose and gave me my first independent lightbulb moment of glory when I saw her recycling her artwork and journal pages. I have kept better track since then and also started to create the digi-sheets due to that smallest of acorns…
Linda Blinn? She’s so gentle… 😉
Marit
/ May 9, 2011Oh yes, the rule of thirds is very helpful sometimes, and great to know while creating. Your pages look stunning, I am in love with the colourcombination! Not something you would think of but it works! “Flopportunities” are the best!
Rosie
/ May 9, 2011Thank you Marit – I LOVE that: Flopportunities!! What a great word!! 🙂
Kim Mailhot
/ May 9, 2011Yummy stuff, Rosie ! The class sounds awesome. Isn’t it great that we can always learn something new and then apply it to our art ! Love that !
Happy Paint Mushing !
Cynthia H
/ May 10, 2011Rosie, thanks for your “take” on the classes! With all the changes going on in my life, I’m behind (only one week into the second workshop – yikes!) but am definitely looking forward to progressing on to Roz’s class 😉
LuLu
/ May 10, 2011Howdy Twin Rosie,
Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Peace,
LuLu
Terri@PringleHill
/ May 10, 2011I, too, am really enjoying those workshops. And I think I’ve learned the most from Roz. She’s amazing . . . and so are your backgrounds! I wish that Strathmore had more of these workshops planned. Hugs, Terri xoxo
Pat
/ May 11, 2011Hi Rosie! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I just recently discovered the Strathmore workshops so I’ve been watching them right after another. I’ve only seen one from Roz so far so I’m looking forward to watching the rest after reading your thoughts and seeing your journal pages. 🙂
Roz Stendahl
/ May 17, 2011Rosie, my computer alerted me to your post about the workshops. Thank you for your kind words. I don’t mean to be intimidating. I’m glad you are pushing forward. I love your backgrounds, especially the last two. I hope that you have great fun journaling on them. Thanks for joining all of the workshops!
Rosie
/ May 18, 2011My pleasure Roz – it’s been a great experience and I enjoy both your blog and your style of teaching! 🙂