"WILDFLOWERS LIGHT UP THE NIGHT"

This is my most recent creation and I'm really proud of it! I've titled this mixed media painting "Wildflowers Light up the Night." It's actually two paintings with one layer over the top of the other. The painting in the back is on stretched canvas measuring 24 by 30. What you can't see very well in the photo are blue rhinestones and tiny glass beads sparkling in the night sky over the field of wildflowers in a distance. The second painting is of the wildflowers in the foreground, which I painted on plexiglas and used spacers to hold it up from the painting in the back so it would give the assembled work depth. On top of the painted plexiglas is another, thinner sheet of plexiglas protecting the painting. We installed the entire piece in deep (1.5 inch) "floater" frame to give it a finished look and protection (as well as a way to hang it) without distracting from the art. It makes it look like the art is floating the black frame!

"Wildflowers Light up the Night" is on exhibit this month in the New Braunfels Art League's Contemporary Art Show. And speaking of the show, you are invited to join us this Friday night(Aug. 7) for the opening reception! The New Braunfels Art League is located at 239 W. San Antonio St in downtown New Braunfels, Texas. Many of the shops downtown, including my Casa de Linda Art Studio and Gallery upstairs will be open this Friday from 5-9 p.m. for the August Friday Night Live event. Hope you drop in for a glass of wine and see this newest painting!

ART CLASSES IN NEW BRAUNFELS FALL 2009

To learn about current art classes go to CasaDeLinda.com and click on classes

We are barely into the month of August. The forecast for the next week predicts highs each day between 101 and 105. But school is starting soon as are plans for Labor Day, the last blast of summer. So let's talk about the FALL! I've got my schedule planned for classes and workshops that will start up in September. Below are a few highlights but you can also download a pdf version of my Fall 2009 Classes brochure for all the details.
BASIC ACRYLIC PAINTING
These are my on-going, year-around, Basic Painting classes for ages 10 through adult. I'll have classes for "adults only" on Thursdays 1-3 p.m and 6-8 p.m. and on Friday mornings 10-12. Classes for ages 10-14 only are held after school on Thursdays. On Saturdays from 10-12 and 1-3 are the classes for ages 10-adult. Fee is $60 for 4 classes plus new students must purchase a starter kit for $80 plus tax.
PAINT ALONG WITH MS. LINDA
Back by popular demand are my 4-week long painting workshops for kids ages 8-12. We complete two paintings in each 4-week session. The first one this fall will be held on Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. starting Sept. 23. Topic is "Southwest Landscapes." The second 4-week course will begin on Oct. 21 and the them will be "Still Life" and will include a special palette-knife project. You have a couple of different options on the fees so contact me or download the brochure for more information.
ART EXPLORATIONS FOR ADULTS: Paper Mache and Drawing
This fall I have two 4-week workshops planned.
NEW: The Fine Art of Paper Mache
First (and for the first time ever), I'm offering a Paper Mache workshop just for adults! Choose between the night course on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. starting Sept. 23 or the day course on Fridays from 1:30-3:30 starting Oct. 23. Fee for each 4-week Paper Mache workshop is $80, all supplies included.
Yes! You can Draw!
I'm also bringing back my popular "Yes! You can draw" workshops this fall. Choose between the day course on Fridays 1:30-4 p.m starting Sept. 25 or the night course from 6:30-9 p.m starting Oct. 21. Fee for each 4-week Drawing workshop is $100, which includes all supplies.
SPACE IS LIMITED in all of my classes and workshops so if you are interested, contact me soon! Just drop me an e-mail to linda (at) casadelinda.com!

SCHERTZ ARTZ '09

I am so pleased to have been invited to participate in the first "SCHERTZ ARTZ" fine art exhibition this week! The show is being held at the lovely Schertz Civic Center and is open to the public on Friday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A VIP reception, which is sold out, is also planned for this evening. For the next 3 days, the civic center has been transformed into a fine art gallery! For those not from the area, Schertz is located between San Antonio and New Braunfels. They have a newly created Schertz Area Arts Council that is co-sponsoring, with Schertz Magazine, this first exhibition of high quality fine art created by some of the area's most well-known professional artists. I've posted to photos with the blog entry. One is of David (my husband and partner), being interviewed by WOAI 4's San Antonio Living, the local NBC affiliate. The other is photo of my display at the exhibit taken right after we did the installation on Wednesday. Special thanks to Stella Marroquin and Kathy Perales for providing these photos. Both are fellow artists participating also featured in the exhibit. The Schertz Civic Center is located at 1400 Schertz Parkway. If you are in the area, it's worth the short drive to see this wonderful exhibit!

Wildflower Paintings Make Beautiful Watches

Germany is the newest country offering my wildflower paintings as fine jewelry. Two of my paintings "Freedom" and "An Eternal Love" are the focus of these ladies watches being sold at 1-2-3.tv. These limited-edition, artist-inspired watches are being offered in smaller quantities than last year. There are only 500 made of each of the two watches being offered in Germany. The few auctions we have seen show they are being well received and going fast.

Meanwhile Bid.tv in the United Kingdom is using the painting "Dreamy Daze into Night" with a brand new watch style that is selling very well. This limited-edition has only 720 watches to offer, so they aren’t likely to be around for very long! So don’t wait if you want one, get it now for that special someone or for yourself.

Another difference from last year is they have etched the "Jacobson" part of my signature on the back along with the series number and my full name. We have one each of the three watches that sold last year and these are truly beautiful time pieces. J.K. Henderson, the watchmaker, has done a wonderful job in creating a fine watch that accents the artwork very tastefully.

Unfortunately they are still not being offered for sale nor can they be shipped to the U.S. from either of these companies.

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

For the most current art classes for kids go to CasaDeLinda.com and click on classes

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

For the most current art classes go to CasaDeLinda.com and click on classes

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

For the most current art classes go to CasaDeLinda.com and click on classes


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!