Last year I was invited to teach online which I have never done before and it felt like the opportunity to learn a new way to share my love for art had come at the perfect time in my life.  Looking back I can say, this has been one of the most unique experiences from learning how to videotape myself to organize my videos in a step by step process coupled with keeping a conversation going as if my students were right next to me.
I am so thankful to ArtfulGatheringEvents, specially to Zinnia for her expert couching, patience and also for her vision, she has been so encouraging in every step of the way during this wonderful journey.   
Registrations are open, not only for my class but for 18 other amazing instructors, please come to visit and take a look, may be in here you will find the beginning of another art journey for yourself.

CLASS ENROLEMENT

Workshop Description 

Classroom No. 106
Session One: June 6 - July 17 

For this workshop I have create a sculpture designed with polymer clay and mixed media elements in this instance the themes I have chosen were inspired by my love for the desert and the first people of Arizona. I am teaching students how to create a variety of spirit dolls based on these themes. 
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The Blue Corn Maiden and Sedona Moon are, for me, core symbols of abundance, prosperity and serenity.  The rich colors of the land connected with the stories, lore and traditions of the Native American Hopi and Anasazi people inspired me to make these figures.

The first section of this workshop introduces students to The Blue Corn Maiden's Journey.  These lessons include how to create Kitchen Witches on a whisk attached to a glass jar.

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"I never want projects to be finished; I have always believed in unfinished work. I got that from Schubert, you know, the 'Unfinished Symphony."  ~Yoko Ono

There is something about unfinished paintings that want to be left alone, perhaps the viewer has the right to complete the work with their imagination.  
I am working with acrylics, using the amazing water-based Americana® Decor™ Chalky Finish paint.

• This paint was originally designed for home decor; to refurbish flea market finds etc. but I discovered it works wonders with mix media.
  

• I have painted directly on wood and canvas using think layers which dry fast enough to build textures with paper and fibers.

For now, I want to share a series of small paintings in progress.

Fall is my favorite time of the year; I love the change of colors and the cooling off, the moon is so amazing, and somehow my spirit soars during this time of the year.
Soon we will be thinking of Thanksgiving and Halloween with family traditions. 
When I was growing up in a small town near Mexico City, I used to help my Nana Maria with her Ofrenda/Altar for Dia de los Muertos, the day of all souls.  At this time of the year, we would be shopping every day for sweets, fruit, chile/mole, flowers and colored tissue paper to make "papel picado praying flags" to decorate her table in honor of her dear departed, in celebration of the dead, yes, we celebrate them as if they could enjoy still their favorite food and drink. It is a day of honor and remembrance. 
I seldom participate in making large ofrendas but always keep small altars at home and also create my little sugar skull dolls and others like the Huesudas , Catrinas and Pelonas...all of them names for the one with skull related figures.

I hope you enjoy these images I have made in the past, others will soon be available, at my Etsy store

Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer of thankfulness
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
(Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind)
~~The founder , Usui Mikao 

Mountain Song. Mix Media acrylic painting by Griselda Tello.  All rights reserved  © 2014