New Braunfels' Friday Night Live-JULY 10

Downtown New Braunfels, Texas, will be open for business from 5-9 p.m. next Friday, July 10. And so will my Casa de Linda Art Studio and Gallery, located above the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. Come on up for a glass of wine, visit for a bit and check out some of my newest Wildflower paintings! We are located at 239 W. San Antonio St...in the heart of historic downtown New Braunfels! The gallery downstairs will also be hosting a reception for the "Texas" show that just opened. See you Friday?

KIDS AND ART

Just finished the second week of my Summer Art Camps! The camps continue through Aug. 13. Some of the camps are filled but I still have a few openings...so if you have a young Picasso in your life now's the time to sign them up! The photo collage above shows some of the projects completed in last week's "Pets are our Pals" art camp for kids 5-9. This was the first time I offered this topic. I'll repeat the camp July 20-23. The children bring a photo of their pet and that's what we work from. Cute results, don't you think? If you are interested in my art camps, click on the box at the top of the column to the left. The art camps are held in my Casa de Linda Art Studio in downtown New Braunfels Texas.

ART CAMPS NEW BRAUNFELS JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

My Summer Art Camp 2009 schedule kicks in on Monday, June 8. Thought I'd give a quick summary of the fun that's in store at my studio in New Braunfels for kids ages 5 to 13 this summer. As of this this writing, I still have room in all of the camps but some are getting close to full.

JUNE 8-11: The morning camp from 9:30-11:30 for kids 5-9 is titled "Prehistoric Times." This is the second year I've offered this dino-themed camp and the kids love it. I'd say "especially the little boys" but I had a couple of girls last year who were busting with pride over the huge paper maché dinosaurs they created and painted. The afternoon camp from 1-3 p.m., titled "Painting: Sunsets and Still Life," is geared toward ages 8-13. The children will complete 2 paintings on stretched canvas in the 4-day camp!


JUNE 15-18: "Pet are our Pals" is a new camp I'm offering this summer for the younger kids. Children will bring a photo of their pet for a painting project and create a paper maché cat or dog and personalize a pet placemat. The afternoon camp will all about drawing. In this "Ready, Set, Draw" camp, we'll learn how to really look at objects and improve drawing skills.

JUNE 22-25: The morning camp this week is another new one. "Hurray for Horses" is just for the horse lover who also loves art! Students will draw and paint horses and decorate a box with a carousel of horses and ponies. The afternoon camp explores the world of color. "Painting - Experiments with Color" will take the students through assignments where they'll create a color wheel and learn how colors work with and against each other. The featured project will be a self portrait painting inspired by Andy Warhol's "Marilyn" series. I did this project in several camps two years ago and the kids -- and parents -- loved it!

JUNE 29-JULY 2: Ages 5-9 will go on a safari to the rainforest in the morning camp titled "Tropical Safari." Projects include drawing and painting and creating a fantastic paper maché animal mask. In the afternoon, it's all about girls ages 8-13 as I offer my first-ever "Girl Power" art camp! The featured project for this camp is a large, Georgia O'Keeffe-inspired floral painting on canvas. We'll also design some jewelry and decorate a keepsake box.

Camps continue weekly through mid August. You can read more and download a complete brochure and registration form by clicking here.

BLAZING GAVELS AUCTION JUNE 3-12

Here's a riddle for you. What do I and my Casa de Linda Art Studio and Gallery have in common with H-E-B Foods, the artist Brother Cletus, Burger King, and the Weston Centre? Answer: We all support San Antonio's public television station KLRN through their annual Blazing Gavels TV auction!

For the 3rd year, I'll be joining these and a whole slew of businesses, ranging from huge, international corporations to mom-n-pop corner stores to fellow artists and artisans, by donating services and products to be auctioned off June 3-12. This year I am again donating 10 gift certificates for the one-a-day promotion. That's right, you have a chance everyday to bid on a Casa de Linda gift certificate! Each certificate has a $100 value that can be used toward my Summer Art Camps for ages 5-12, painting classes for ages 10-adult or applied to the purchase of one of my original wildflower paintings! Bidding will start at $25 for each certificate so you might have a chance for a really good deal. And you'll feel great knowing that the money you do spend goes toward KLRN programming!

So if you are in Central Texas area I hope that you'll tune in to KLRN Ch. 9 June 3-12 for their 43rd Annual Great TV Auction.

Donations needed for Summer Art Camp Program

Five years ago I rented a studio space above the New Braunfels Art League Gallery in downtown New Braunfels Texas and opened Casa de Linda Art Studio and Gallery. I started giving painting classes for students ages 10 through adult in my new studio. That first summer, I also decided to offer a few week-long art camps for younger children. I quickly found that the Summer Art Camps filled an important need as there are few opportunities for art classes for children. As a result, the program has grown every year.

In 2008, 39 children took a total of 62 camps. For Summer 2009, I have again scheduled 10 weeks of camps for ages 5 to 13. Camps start in early June and continue through mid August. Mornings are reserved for younger artists, ages 5-8. In the afternoons, I offer camps for ages 8 to 13. Each camp is limited to 8 children. (A full brochure can be downloaded here.)

Last year, a wonderful retired gentleman and local resident learned about the program and offered to donate $500 to the New Braunfels Art League -- and to get a matching grant from his former employer -- to fund scholarships for children of families with financial need. Thanks to his generosity, NBAL used the $1000 donation to award 12 Summer Art Camp scholarships to children ages 8-12.

This year, we have again been blessed with the $1000 donation. But there is a great need in our community. I have set a personal goal of at least doubling the number of scholarships we award in 2009. To do so, I need to raise an additional $1000. The funding is facilitated through the New Braunfels Art League, a non-profit arts organization, so donations are tax deductible.

If you are in a position to donate toward this program, you have two options.

First, you can mail your donation to the New Braunfels Art League, P.O. Box 310325, New Braunfels, TX 78131. To learn more about NBAL, please visit their website. Be sure to include a note with the donation that it is for the Summer Art Camp Scholarship Program.

Your second option is to simply donate online using any major credit card or your Paypal account.

All donations will be turned over to the New Braunfels Art League to be consolidated with the other donations for this special scholarship program. Please let me know if you need a receipt from NBAL for your tax records. To donate right now, click here or use the "Donate" button at the top of the column to the left of the is blog posting.

Thank you for taking the time to read this important post and for considering a donation to the Summer Art Camp Program. Every donation, regardless of the amount, will be greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please contact me.

Wein and Saengerfest New Braunfels 2009

UPDATE 4-29-09 Wein and Saengerfest HAS BEEN CANCELED
Fine wine and fine art are an excellent pairing. But many folks still think of France when they hear the words fine wine and we all know the fine art that has been produced there over the centuries. Texas, however, is becoming better known for both its fine wines and talented artists. The original artwork above, appropriately named “Wine Soaked Meadow”, celebrates the wildflowers and the wines of the Texas Hill Country

Yes, it's time to check out the new offerings of Texas wine and what better way to do so than spending the afternoon at Wein and Saengerfest. This all-day celebration of the grape in downtown New Braunfels, Texas, is being held on Saturday May 2, 2009. The official hours are from 12 noon to 10 p.m. There will be wine tasting, wine seminars, grape stomping, food booths and local artisans offering their latest creations. Live music and street dance under stars will be featured in the main plaza. This is a family friendly festival and there's even free art and craft activities for kids in the upstairs of the New Braunfels Art League Gallery at 239 W. San Antonio.

If that's not enough, we are having our own celebration as well. Casa De Linda Art Studio and Gallery is celebrating its 5th anniversary with an Open House and Studio Sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 1-3). Our studio is located above the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. So if you are thinking of coming to the Wein and Saengerfest, plan to come upstairs (or take the elevator) to the second floor at the NBAL Gallery and check out all the wildflower paintings and art-related gift items. Yes “Wine Soaked Meadow” is one of the featured paintings that will be for sale. Our Open House hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m. Wine, wildflower art, great specials and friends...now that's the way we do it in Texas!

MARKETING FOR ARTISTS SEMINAR; EXPERIMENTAL PAINTING

I have a very busy week ahead at the Casa de Linda Art Studio in New Braunfels Texas! In addition to my regular painting classes and some special workshops already underway, I'll be starting a 5-week EXPERIMENTAL PAINTING CLASS FOR ADULTS on Friday. I still have openings so if you are interested, contact me. We'll be doing some mixed media, playing with palette knives, learning new techniques and more! Great for beginners or if you are in a rut and need to break out. Space is limited!

On Sunday, April 19, I'll be offering my Seminar I: MARKETING AND PR FOR ARTISTS from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at my New Braunfels studio.

Here are some comments from artists who attended my last seminar:

"This seminar was extremely helpful to know where to go to get help" -Pam P.

"Linda is extremely well informed on marketing, drawing on her wealth of experience in the marketing arena and as an artist. Well done!" -Lotus M.

"Linda has such a tremendous background in journalism and marketing and add this to her expanding art career, this is a seminar that can jump start your art careen or give yourself a realty check to improve your marketing skills. You leave with strategies that have worked for Linda and can work for you." - Wendy Z.

What can you expect on Sunday, April 19?
Artists will explore writing a marketing plan; receive templates for creating press releases; learn when, how and where to pitch themselves to the media; get tips on creating "buzz" and getting free publicity; receive information on domain registration and web hosting; learn how to make the most of "social networking;" examine opportunities for creating multiple streams of income from their art; and more!

The fee is $75 for five and a half hours packed full of information and a ton of handouts to take home. HOWEVER, I'm offering a one-time special on April's seminar. Sign up and pay ONLY $35! That's $40 off the regular price. I will never again offer this seminar at this ridiculously low price! Space is limited. Save your seat today! Contact me today to sign up and take your art business to the next level!

By the way, soon, I will be offering Seminar II: "LICENSING FOR ARTISTS." To sign up for that seminar, you need to first take Seminar I, "Marketing and PR for Artists."

I am also booking my marketing seminars with outside groups and associations. Please contact me if you'd like information on having me set up a seminar in your area.

SUMMER ART CAMPS 2009 in NEW BRAUNFELS

Summer is around the corner and at Casa de Linda Art Studio that means that our Summer Art Camps for ages 5 through 13 are open for registration! We've have added several new topics and brought back popular camps from the past for a fun-filled Summer 2009 Art Camp program New Braunfels Texas studio this year! More information is posted at our website plus a pdf brochure ready to download that includes a full listing, prices and a registration form.

Casa de Linda Summer Art Camps are divided into two age groups. Camps for younger kids ages 5-9 are held in the mornings from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Topics for Summer 2009 include: Prehistoric Times; Tropical Safari; Hurrah for Horses; Circus, Circus; and Pets Are Our Pals. Children ages 8 to 13 may sign up for the afternoon camps, 1-3 p.m. This summer will feature: Ready, Set, Draw!; Painting-Experiments with Color; Art in 3-D-Real & Not; Painting-Sunsets & Still Life; and Girl Power!

This will be the 5th anniversary for my Summer Art Camp program. And this May will mark the 5th anniversary for the Casa de Linda Art Studio and Gallery as well! I'll be posting more information on this later but you might want to "save the dates" of May 1-3 and plan to drop the studio to help us celebrate our 5th anniversary!

Bluebonnets Are Survivors

2009 looks to be a very lean year for Texas bluebonnets and enjoying a nice display at the Wildflower Center Artist's Show last weekend may be as good as it gets for this spring.

Linda and I have enjoyed a few fantastic wildflower displays with bluebonnets as the dominant flower over the last decade in the Hill Country. These along with childhood memories south of San Antonio are a great part of Linda’s inspirations for her contemporary wildflower paintings. Reflecting back over the last 10 years I can really think of two years where almost every where in the Hill Country we traveled we saw awesome displays of bluebonnets.

It seems to me that even though Texas is world renown for the sweeping vistas of bluebonnets the frequency of these displays of grandeur are fleeting and not at all something you can count on each spring as one might think. These realizations lead me to have even more respect for the tenacity and sheer ability of bluebonnets to survive as a species. This favorite flower so deeply identified with Texas can be decimated by drought and reduce these prolific fields of blue azure to tiny spots of color along such famous scenic drives as Willow City Loop near Enchanted Rock. Too much rain at the wrong time can be just as detrimental for these floral displays and the forthcoming seed that insure their very existence for future generations to relish.

The Texas Hill Country and bluebonnets seem to be perfect for each other. The extremes of weather conditions that the Hill Country is known for seems like the perfect training ground for the bluebonnets to evolve as a species. This land of extended droughts and infrequent but furious flash floods, searing summer heat and poor soil fertility, of winter months that can soar to 100 degrees for a day and the next week be below freezing. The Hill Country is a land of extremes yet the bluebonnets thrive in the few good years and survive the many harsh ones.

It all in the bluebonnets genes, they simply know how to proliferate in this land of extremes. As a human being in these uncertain times I take great solace and stand in awe of this ability to survive and thrive. Yes, times may seem harsh now but we will survive and in due time we will thrive. At least if we take a lesson from nature and our beloved Texas bluebonnets.

Wildflower Days Are Here Again!

It’s that time of year that the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin puts on its annual Wildflower Days. For 2009 it all starts March 21 with the Artists & Artisans Festival. Linda has been invited back this year and will be among the 20 artists that will be offering their unique Texas artwork for sale.

The days and hours for the event will be Saturday March 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday March 22, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. We invite you come by and peruse the artwork as well as all the wildflowers on display throughout the Wildflower Center. The Hill Country wildflower show may be sparse this spring but the vast variety of Texas wildflowers on display at the Wildflower Center along with the artist’s festival will make this the place to be to put a spring in your step and joy in your heart.

Artist Dalhart Windberg will be signing his newest print “A Spring Occasion” from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and the proceeds will benefit on-going work at the Wildflower Center.

Shou Ping will be on hand to discuss her wildflower watercolor sculptures that are on display at the McDermott Learning Center and Art Gallery from March 14 to May 31. Both Linda and I admire this very gifted artist and look forward to see her and her newest creations.

Linda will of course have some of her most recent large wild flower artwork, a great selection of smaller original wildflower paintings along with several of her newest designs from our online store. No rain needed to enjoy these floral delights. We hope to see you in Austin next weekend. Pray for more rain!

2009 SPRING BREAK ART CAMP - March 23-26

Last year's Spring Break Art Camp was so successful that I'm offering it again this year. I teach this art camp for ages 7-12 from my Casa de Linda Art Studio in downtown New Braunfels and it's scheduled for the week that both local school districts, New Braunfels ISD and Comal ISD, are taking off, March 23-26.

Parents can choose between half-day camp (mornings 9-12 or afternoons 1-4) or full-day camp (9 a.m.,-4 p.m.) Each camp is limited to 8 students maximum. Fee for the half day is $145 and that includes ALL art supplies as well as mid-morning and mid-after snacks. For the full day camp, which includes staying over for lunch, all of the art supplies and two snacks a day, the fee is $275. (Full-day campers need to bring a sack lunch).

Students will complete a variety of projects during the camp, including some drawing, some painting and some 3-D work. At the end of the camp, they will take home all of their projects. We'll talk about some famous artists, such as Andy Warhol and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as more contemporary artists such as William Wegman, which they may not be familiar with. Some of the projects will be inspired by the works of these artists. We'll also do a color wheel and explore how colors work with each other, experiment with various painting techniques and learn about composition.

If you are interested in saving a seat for your child, please call me at (830) 624-5302 or e-mail me (linda@casadelinda.com).

Incredible Floral Paintings:Austin

The wildflowers are blooming in North Austin as of March 3, 2009. Linda and I, with help from a fellow artist from the New Braunfels Art League, just finished hanging Linda‘s latest Wildflower Show. A dozen of Linda’s wildflower paintings are now on display at the newest Kerbey Lane Restaurant off Hwy. 183 at Anderson Mill. The décor and painting schemes for the various rooms seems like they were designed just for Linda's wildflower art . We posted a few photos for your viewing pleasure.

The dining areas that we hung the wildflower art in were mostly earthy tones of rusty brown, mustard yellow and lime green. I thought that shade of green was going to be a challenge but once we had some of the paintings hung we knew they were going to look great.

They have a state-of-the-art hanging system that made hanging the artwork a breeze. Allison who curates the art for all the Kerbey Lane locations was a pleasure to work with and we had all the artwork up in a little over an hour. One of the quickest art displays we have done in a while.

This new facility lends itself to large contemporary art pieces so we couldn’t be more pleased with the invitation to display here. Viewing the final outcome exceeded all of our expectations. Several customers made very positive comments as the art went up so that helped affirm what we were feeling. We do hope you will get a chance to stop by for a bite and enjoy the artwork.