The art of succulents


Here's a lovely recap of our March First Sunday class from Lynda Weir...

"I took the succulent class at the Art Cottage - it was a perfect day full of sunshine that made smiles bloom! There were six students, and I must say everyone in class had a grand time. 

Fro gave us a tour of her garden and said we could take cuttings from any of her plants and then she used a little rhyme to explain the elements of creating a pleasing design when planting a pot or container - something thrilling (tall plant), something filling (ground cover) and something spilling (hangs over the edge). She also said we were free to use whatever treasures we found in the garden, such as small clay pieces, shells, or painted rocks,  It was like being a kid on an Easter egg hunt! All of us very adult ladies became so excited and we were dashing throughout the garden, looking in every corner. 


Fro had all manner of planting containers on hand, which included clay pots, tin boxes, wooden drawers, large shells and more. While we were all doing some creative planting, she served everyone a slice of pound cake with berries and cream, along with a glass of pink lemonade. 

It was such a pleasure meeting the other women and seeing joy on everyone’s face. Fro is such a giving, gracious person and a wonderful teacher - not only of art but also of life!"

Call us to reserve your space now for the April class, which will actually be held on the second Sunday due to the Easter holiday.  We'll be painting glass jars and paper flowers with alcohol inks.

Attendance is extremely limited, but we will create a waiting list and offer a second session if there's interest. All supplies plus refreshments are included!

Free MIni Art Gallery

 

Fro is on the phone letting everyone know the news!

We are so pleased to be partnering with the Concord Art Association to bring you Concord very first Free Mini Art Gallery!  

We converted our existing mini library book cabinet out in front of the aRt Cottage. There will still be some space for a few free books, but now we have local artists keeping the box filled with small artworks and other crafty handmade treats. Come by and find a treasure to take home.

If you're an artist or maker yourself, feel free to add some of your mini items to give away to someone else (be sure to include your business card or name on your work). 

Our little gallery box is like a random act of kindness - let a little free art make your day a little brighter.






Sneak Peek - Salon des Refusés

 


The idea for this show came to me when a call for art from the de Young Museum went out to Bay Area artists several months ago. The Museum accepted several hundred pieces from local artists, however, there were several thousand more who did not make it. 


This got me thinking about the French Impressionists and how they had initially been treated when the big shows opened at the Museum in Paris. They did not paint like the traditional Masters; they expressed themselves in a new style with color and light, painting their impressions of what they saw. And they were refused! So Napoleon ordered the museum to host a show that would be open to all the artists who were refused and not “juried in.” 



Salon des Refusés runs Saturday, January 9th through February 26. We're partnering again with Made in Concord, so you can shop two ways - in person at the gallery (full show) or online at MadeinConcord.com (partial selection).

Charitable giving at our 9th Annual Unique Boutique



Among the many talented artists and crafters who are selling their wares at our 9th Annual Unique Boutique this holiday season, we have a group of quilters who will be donating their proceeds to local nonprofits, hospice groups and hospital patients.

Scrappy Quilters is a group that has been meeting regularly since 1993 at the Mt. Diablo Education Center in Pleasant Hill. Our gallery is filled with a wonderful selection of their lovingly made lap quilts and tote bags! They are also collecting donations with a raffle for a chance to win this gorgeous quilt.

Donate $5.00 for one single entry into the drawing ($10 for two entries, etc.) via PayPal by clicking here:  paypal.me/artcottageconcord.  

A sneak peek!

If you haven't been by to see the current show yet, here's a sneak peek. 

We hope to see you soon!

 


Artist Spotlight: Tom Quinlavin

Borders


Tom Quinlavin is originally from New York and studied art at Long Island University, where he received a BFA in Painting. He had an art studio in his apartment in Manhattan for several years, before moving to Concord in 1999.

"I push the contrast between colors, shapes and movement (or rhythm) of what’s happening on the surface. Color and movement have an emotional value and I use that.

While sometimes I use recognizable imagery, my work is based in an abstract format. However, it’s not only about abstract concepts, but also how I see myself and the world around me. I continue to evoke emotions, moods and ideas. I just keep painting.

The Right Place at the Right Time

The Right Place at the Right Time was originally two separate paintings but I wasn’t quite satisfied with the results. Not that they weren’t strong works on their own, they just needed a little push. I tried turning them and then put them together, which really pushed Hans Hoffman’s concept of “Push and Pull.” They then became one."

Click here to see more of Tom's work.

Artist Spotlight: Walter Crew

It Is What It Is

Walter Crew lives in Pleasant Hill and has been painting for over twenty years. Before retiring, he had a career as a Journeyman Aircraft Machinist at Alameda Naval Air Station. He also bred and showed English Bulldogs for fifteen years.

"Painting is my therapy - it’s positive and relaxing, especially with so much negativity in the world. I usually paint each evening before I go to bed. I want to be creative and do my own style - I don’t think anyone else paints quite like I do. I want to make paintings that will make viewers stop and take a second look and hopefully remember it. If I’m not able to get the viewer's attention right away, then I haven’t succeeded.

With the above mixed media piece, “It is what it is," I just sat down and did whatever I felt like doing at the time. I love creating this kind of unplanned work. I added collage objects to my acrylic painting, worked in different figures, netting, cut-outs...I had fun and I want to do more like this.


My bird painting was done in oils with added solvent drippings for texture.

I enjoy working with a variety of styles and mediums - I want to try it all! Never be afraid to make mistakes - that’s how we learn. You won’t be very creative or go very far if you're afraid of mistakes."