Coloring Easter Eggs

Today the dogs and I colored Easter eggs. I have no grandchildren, so I improvise :)



Gertie was the most willing to wear the bunny ears.

Rufus thinks he hears the Easter Bunny!

Spanky was really the only one who was actually interested in the whole egg dyeing process.




and stayed until the end.

Inspire My Life Retreat

I have been given the fortunate opportunity to teach at "Inspire My Life Retreat" this Summer in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The retreat runs from Thursday July 28 - Sunday, July 31. Come for 1 or more days. I will be teaching two classes on "Interactive Art Journaling". Sign up for both classes or one. Friday, July 29, 12 - 6pm and Saturday July 30, 9am - 3pm. I hope to see you there!

PS - I'm taking classes too!

64 Annual Ozaukee County Art Show

I entered my owl assemblage titled He Knows Who in the 64th Annual Ozaukee County Art Show at the Cedarburg Cultural Center.

The saw handle was the inspiration for this assemblage as it reminded me of an owl's head. The shape of the handle is just as I found it. The body is made from a wood casting pattern. The wing feathers are made from the clips of an old fishing stringer and a recipe page for eggs from a vintage book. The feet are curtain hooks and tail feathers are made from parts of Christmas tree candle holders. I cut out and etched the brass plate with the phrase HE KNOWS WHO. The phrase relates duality of the noise an owl makes and what the wise man knows. The cast metal drawer pull was the final addition.

To see more of my assemblage figures click here.

I was greeted by a nice surprise when I went to the opening of the Show on Sunday.


Actually two surprises as my Mom Joan Hollnagel also received a ribbon. It is always special to have one's art validated in this way, thank you judges!

Both pieces of art were hung on the wall next to each other. Click on my Mom's picture to see all of the amazing detail that she has incorporated into this design.

Figure Drawing Group

I joined a figure drawing group. We meet once a week for a 3 hour drawing session with a live model. I haven't done this since college. It feels good to get back on the horse! Actually I don't remember the horse being that uncomfortable. I am bringing with a chair to sit in next time! Our model was Julie. Above a couple minute long sketches.

5 minute pose.

10 minute pose

15 minute pose

1 hour long drawing of the 2 hour pose. I redrew this same pose in my art journal as I had finished this one as much as I cared to.