Jan Wiedmayer

Happy summer!

2011-06-12T10:04:00.002-04:00

It's been a long time since I've put an entry on my blog. I PROMISE to be more faithful to my friends and myself. I've recently returned from our winter home in Florida. We fortunately spend the winters in Florida. I took art classes from Teri Thompkins. I painted portraits using acrylics. It has been a wonderful challenge. Thanks Teri. I'll put up some of my work next entry.

Talk to you later.

Jan

Jan's Art Journal

2010-04-12T09:45:00.002-04:00

The first picture, ANCIENT WOMAN, is a picture within a picture. I used sand from my backyard! I did the background first which turned out to have a timeless feel. I put a statue in the ruins.

The second picture, A DAY AT THE BEACH, was a three step process. The nude drawing was traced on an abstract painting. This seemed like a beach pose, so I put her at the beach and then put in the background.

A lot of thinking/non-thinking goes into this process. I'm not putting what I see with my eyes on the paper. If I want to have a picture of something, I can take a photo. To increase my ability to visualize creatively, I am using Mary Todd Beam's book, CELEBRATE YOUR CREATIVE SELF. It has 25 specific projects to help the artist stretch in new directions.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-03-25T12:29:00.007-04:00

Here are 2 of my projects. Donne kept asking me why I had to "see" something and then give the work a title. Answer--Because that's the way I always did it.

Sorry Donne, I've given them titles. The world wants titles. The first one is called Let There Be Peace. To me, it has a spiritual feeling. I'm using fluid acrylics on illustration board. The dripping is caused by spraying alcohol. Let er drip! The window was done first. I squeezed 3 paint colors on the illustration board and then pulled it down with a paint trowel. I added some touches with gold paint.

The second painting is called Heaven Sent, I think. This is fluid paint on watercolor paper. I then squirted some gold paint and then sprayed with my trusty alcohol spray bottle. I didn't know what to do next, so I took it to Donne. Donne said, "Thank heaven you didn't do anything to it." That's why I needed help. I didn't trust my own instincts yet. During this growth period, she also recommended that I don't ask for feedback from others, especially my spouse. That was a wise recommendation. If someone prefers realistic art, they may have no emotional connection to abstract art. How valid would their comments be in this situation?

In the next post, I'll include some work done further along on my growth path.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-03-25T12:15:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted any art news for a while because I have been busy "making" art. I wanted to push myself in new artistic directions. My teacher, Donne Bitner, is an accomplished abstract artist. We've been meeting weekly for critiques, learning new techniques and support. For someone who has always had to "see" what I was working on, this is "way out" for me. Some of the first assignments forced me to think about what I wanted to accomplish. I want to find my personal artistic signature. Rather than doing what I think people will want me to do, I want to do what works for me. I'm still "in process" and it feels okay. What colors do I love, what do I love to paint, do I love my work? Tough questions, but necessary if I want to find the artistic me.

The next few posts will include some of the "finished" work. I'll talk about the process. Maybe this will help you along on your artistic adventure.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-02-16T19:30:00.005-05:00

Sometimes folks ask me how long I've spent on a painting. One time I said, "7 years" and I got this astonished look. The truth is, sometimes it flows and sometimes it goes and goes and goes. I'm sharing with you today one of those "goes" paintings. I did the original 3 or 4 years ago. I would take it out and look at it and then put it back in the closet. I don't know how many times I took a look and tried to figure out what wasn't working. It was just plain boring to me. Recently I started individual art classes and decided to ask the instructor for some insights. The more we talked about the work, the more it came together for me. The other day I pronounced it finished and hung it up. I like it now. Donna Zagotta says to not stop until you love it. That's why it can take artists years to finish a work! They've got to love it!

I thought you would like to see the before and after. This is the shoreline on Lake Michigan. One of the most beautiful spots on earth. Which one is your favorite? Please leave a comment.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-02-02T14:28:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite pieces is currently on exhibit at the Dexter Public Library in Dexter, Michigan. My friend, Mindy, went to the reception and took some photos. Enjoy!

It's a favorite because the theme is universal and I could do anything I want and use any color I love! What a freeing experience! This is the direction I am taking. I will continue to use the figure but this will be only a part of the entire composition. I'm currently taking lessons to achieve this goal.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-01-20T07:16:00.008-05:00

It is a sad time for us. Yesterday, our dear dog, Pumpkin, joined her sister in doggie heaven. At least, that's what I want to believe. It was a tough but loving decision. She was a great friend for almost 16 years. We'll miss her a lot.

I'm so glad I did a pastel painting of her a few years ago. I tried to sketch her while she was ill, but it was just too hard. All I could see were her bones.

I started doing pet pastels of other people's pets and discovered that many people didn't have decent pictures of them. I work off with some pretty questionable material. A word to the wise. Get some decent pictures of your pets while they are young and healthy. I have a number of pet friends on my website.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-01-18T13:33:00.004-05:00

This was our second African safari and I doubt if it will be our last. The sunsets are incredible. I painted several scenes from our last trip and decided to put them on my blog. There are 2 best times for animal sightings, in the early morning and in the evening. The animals like their siestas. There is nothing more incredible than watching the animals and the sunsets with a glass of wine! These game drives are referred to as "sundowners." That's exactly what we did, watched the sun go down. These experiences can be addictive. The euphoria and the oneness I felt with nature I want to experience over and over again.

Jan's Art Journal

2010-01-11T19:24:00.005-05:00

This is the reason we went to Africa! We saw Mom Rhino and Child at Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania Africa. These are the only ones we saw. Apparently there are only 30 living in the crater. Their horns are prized for their aphrodisiac qualities so there is a huge problem with poaching. Tanzania is a great place to view wildlife. We need to give them our support. There are very few places in the world for us to see animals in their own environment. Central Africa has been experiencing severe drought for the past 3 years. Drought, civilization, and poaching are causing major problems for some of the most unique plants and animals in the world.

I am grateful I was able to have this experience. Seeing those magnificent animals was truly an "artful" experience.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-28T17:09:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. It's time to regroup and set goals. One of my goals is to post on my blog REGULARLY. I mentioned in an earlier post that it was a challenge to sketch the animals in Tanzania. They wouldn't pose for me! My dog, Cruiser, is a great model. When he is taking a nap I can leisurely sketch him. Nature does not have straight lines. Neither does Cruiser. He likes to get in a fetal position. He seems to go into hibernation on these dark, winter days.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-25T10:22:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas! It's a rainy, dreary day in Michigan. I'm sure glad we have our little tree. We put it up as soon as we got back from Tanzania. I enjoyed looking at it so much that I decided to sketch it!

Be spontaneous in your sketching. Maybe you'll get something worth doing something with later, and maybe you won't. Look at the effort as a "warm-up." I have pages that look just like doodles. So what.

I'm onto a new sketchbook. I'm just like a kid with a new box of crayons. I bought several gray pens to use for the middle tones. Can't wait to use them.

We'll be leaving for our winter sojourn to Florida on Jan 2. Can't wait for the sun and warm weather.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-24T18:56:00.002-05:00

This is Olasiti Lodge in Arusha, Tanzania. While enjoying our R and R, I had an opportunity to sketch. Tanzania is very close to the equator which means that colors are more brilliant. It was quite a visual shock when we got off the plane in Detroit. Living in Michigan, we're not aware of this difference except that we know we are searching for color and light this time of year. One year we kept up our Christmas tree (an artificial one) until March 17th. I know, I know. Usually, we are in Florida by this time of the year, but this year it was very different. While on safari, my husband developed severe arthritis symptoms. As soon as we got home, we got to a rheumatologist. He's now stable and we are heading south for sun, warmth and color!

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-16T16:45:00.004-05:00

Tanzania Travels.

This is Joe, our patient driver/guide. He is sitting at the wheel waiting for us to take picture after picture. Joe would laugh and remind us that on the first game drives we would get excited if we saw a zebra or a giraffe or any "common" bird or animal. Now, it's a cheetah or leopard, or we lose interest. It's sort of like "seen one castle, seen them all."

The other picture is of the baobob tree. It is referred to as the "upside down" tree. It looks like all its roots are at the top. The trunks are huge and fascinating. This is a typical tree in Tanzania.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-10T15:35:00.004-05:00

Continuation of sketches from our Tanzania Safari.

As I sit at my computer in the "frozen" north, I can't help but recall the warm, bright days in Tanzania. Being so close to the equator, there is little variation in the length of their days. The colors are so vivid. The sunrises and sunsets are exquisite. The Christmas tree lights here adds some color to the gray days.

I call this sketch The Honeymooners. I was able to sketch the lion couple because they are resting up between "rounds," if you get my drift. The honeymoon activities are continuous for 4 to 7 days, depending. During the honeymoon the relationship in monogamous, then it's on to the next bride in the king's harem.

Since I had the luxury of still models, I filled in the background. Now I actually have a finished composition. Even though it was dusk the colors were still vivid. We overstayed our visit. A sudden downpour slowed our progress to camp. The word slow on the park roads take on a special meaning during a storm. Anglebert drove around huge ponds that seemed to come out of nowhere. We sure didn't want to spend the night with the lions! What a ride!

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-08T13:44:00.003-05:00

The first picture, in case you can't figure it out, is of hippos. The hippos are relatively slow moving, so I was able to catch some accurate lines. We visited a hippo pond while on a game drive. Hundreds of hippos call this large pond home. We visited in the afternoon so many were taking their afternoon siesta. I sure wouldn't want to get my arm caught in a hippo mouth!

Going on a game drive is quite an experience. We drive and drive and are constantly on the lookout for game. The bigger the prize, the greater the pressure on the driver/guide. As soon as a lion or cheetah, for instance, has been spotted, the game mobiles seem to come out of the woodwork. I don't know whether or not smoke signals are sent, but all of a sudden there are 10, 20, 30 vehicles all jockeying for the best "looking" position. Heads are popping out of the roofs and windows. Folks are jockeying for the best camera and binocular positions. Quite a sight!

This is the view of the Serengeti Plain from the gazebo at our MOBILE tented campsite. Mobile is in caps because this one word has loads of impact. The tented camps are on platforms above the ground. Nice and safe. Nice and comfy. The OTHER KIND are on the ground. We had regular night visitors. The local cape buffalo crowd spent the night in our campground because they knew the local lions wouldn't come near the camp. Between the snorting and chomping, I didn't sleep through the night!

Jan's Art Journal

2009-12-03T14:41:00.003-05:00

We recently returned from a trip to Tanzania. A trip to Africa is mind changing. I sketched along the way, but it's not easy to sketch people or animals when they are constantly on the move. Sketching is a wonderful way to really look. I used pen and then went over some of them with watercolor pencil.

The first picture is sketches I did while on a game drive. The animals are cape buffalo and elephants. Central Africa has been experiencing drought conditions for several years. It has taken its toll on the people and the animals. The Massai man was our nature guide on a hike at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The mountain is referred to as the "Shy Lady" because she doesn't show herself. We never saw the mountain until we were headed to the airport!

Jan's Art Journal

2009-10-31T15:55:00.006-04:00

I've been sketching at regular intervals, sometimes several times a day. It's amazing what I can catch with just a few lines. I think I will be able to do a better job sketching when we are in Tanzania. A project? Forget it! I'm using a sketching pen and then going over parts of the picture with watercolor pencils and then hitting it with a little water. Some examples of my handiwork.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-10-13T11:36:00.003-04:00

Since I took Patti Casteel's Sketchbook Workshop, I am focusing on "seeing" every day. I've gotten hung up on doing a "project" rather than focusing on creating art. I would tell myself that I don't have an afternoon to devote to art, and the afternoon would go somewhere.

Sketching doesn't require that kind of commitment. Just carry a sketchbook, a pen, pencil, etc and when you have a few minutes, sketch. It doesn't matter what it is-animal, vegetable or mineral. Just sketch. It's amazing what we see when we stay focused for a few minutes.

If there are any creative folks out there who never have time to "do" art, get a sketchbook and get sketching. Be sure to date the work and journal right on the page. Write whatever you want. Share or not to share is the question.

I thought I would post one of my first paintings. It's a watercolor. Most of us don't want to share our really bad work, and I have to honestly admit I haven't taken photos of my REALLY BAD STUFF.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-10-08T14:55:00.004-04:00

Arthur. This is Ma Fan's brother. Arthur is just the opposite of Ma Fan. Elsie had quite a time getting Arthur to even show his face. Elsie calls him, "my love."

Jan's Art Journal

2009-10-08T14:44:00.004-04:00

Ma Fan. This means trouble in Japanese. Ma Fan is one of Elsie's beloved cats. Ma Fan lives up to his name. Just look at his eyes.

He's waiting to check you out at Mallett Creek Library in Ann Arbor, Mich. This pastel is in the current Ann Arbor Area Pastelists exhibit at the library.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-09-22T09:01:00.002-04:00

I'm Watching You!

This is the pastel that took me years to complete. I finally saw the lights and the darks! It was such fun to be "in the flow." It can be addictive.

The Ann Arbor Area Pastelists hung their exhibit last Thursday. It is at the Mallett Creek Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I'll post the closing date on the next post.

I have 2 pastels in it. Elsie's beloved cats. We have always had dogs, so animals hold a special place in my heart. All they want is love and food.

Jan's Art Blog

2009-09-15T10:29:00.004-04:00

PALS

When we were in Africa several years ago, I fell in love with these guys. I just had to paint them! This is an oil painting.

It was the first time I had ever attempted to paint zebras. The stripes were a challenge. I put aside any more zebra painting for a while.

I then decided to do a painting with pastels. I started the painting a number of times, but couldn't get past the stripes. My instructor, Professor Lockard said, "Treat it like a horse. Find the lights and the darks." I kept looking for the lights and the darks and all I saw was stripes! I finally finished it! I'll put it on the next post.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-09-13T10:34:00.002-04:00

I just visited an interesting blog-From Farwell to Korea. Josh is fascinated with the people and their culture. Since we are world traveler's, other places fascinate me.

Will we get to Korea? Probably not. We're going to Tanzania in November. And then there's India, Vietnam, etc,etc.

My art studio is cleaned up and waiting for my next project.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-09-01T14:58:00.008-04:00

TOP OF THE WORLD. Acrylic by Jan Wiedmayer.

We had a wonderful trip to Peru this past Jan/Feb. My husband, Dick, climbed to the top of Hwayna Picchu. He was so proud of his accomplishment, I had to paint his success.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-09-01T14:33:00.003-04:00

While you are out enjoying this fine fall weather, stop in at The Side Door Gallery in Dexter, Michigan. The Ann Arbor Pastelists Association is exhibiting new works in miniature. The exhibit will be up through September 20, 09. It is located at 8083 Main Street. M-F 10-6 and S 10-4.

Jan's Art Journal

2009-08-29T09:59:00.004-04:00

JANE'S GARDEN HELPERS. Pastel by Jan Wiedmayer

These little folks watch over my neighbor's lovely garden. I liked them so much I wanted to spend some time with them. As I walk my dogs past her garden every day, I look for new flowers and say "hi" to my buddies.

2008-12-09T13:46:00.000-05:00

Hi Folks,

My art exhibit is up at Winter Park Library! Looks pretty good!

The reception was Sunday. I didn't have a lot of visitors but the ones who came, I thank you very much. Now I'm "out there."

Jan

Help me Celebrate!

2008-12-02T10:27:00.000-05:00

My first solo exhibit is up at the Winter Park Library. It will be up through Dec and Jan. Reception is Sun, Dec 7 from 2-4 pm. Hope to see you there.

Please leave comments about the exhibit, my website, my work, etc.

Jan

Jan's First SOLO Art Exhibition

2008-11-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hi,

Tomorrow is the big day! I'm hanging my exhibit at the Winter Park Library. I've been emailing and distributing my flyer around town. I'm getting together the things I will need for the reception next Sunday. If you are in Winter Park from 2-4 next Sunday, please stop in. I'd love to meet you.

I have learned a lot through this exhibition process. Folks have been so helpful and so kind. Thanks everybody.

Jan

Wiedmayer update

2008-11-20T12:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybody,

It's cold (for Florida) but sunny today. I'm busy getting more technified (new word). I'm now on Facebook. Next, I'll add a photo.

I'm also framing my pictures for my solo exhibit at the Winter Park Library. Got to fill up those walls!

Talk to you later.

Jan

2008-11-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hi Out There,

We're getting adjusted to our second home here in Winter Park, Fl. Yesterday Dick spent the entire day on plumbing. We now have a functioning kitchen and bathroom!

I'll be teaching an art class series at the Winter Park library in March and April. It's my way of saying thank you for offering me an exhibit opportunity.

One of these days someone will respond to my blog!

Jan

Oops, another spelling error

2008-11-13T11:03:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I mispelled JEKYLL ISLAND!

If you want to find out how the patients are doing at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, go to www.georgiaseaturtlecenter.org.

We are now back in Winter Park for the winter. It is a little schizophrenic to have two homes. I'm getting reacquainted with friends and places in WP.

My art studio needs attention. I'm thinking of new projects and getting pictures ready for my exhibition at the Winter Park Library. I will be exhibiting Dec 08 and Jan 09 in the Community Room. I met with Community Relations Coordinator, Mary Gail Coffey, about marketing the exhibit.

Will keep you "posted."

Jan

Grammer and spelling corrections

2008-11-12T08:53:00.014-05:00

Sorry for the spelling and grammer errors in the last post! I'll be more careful next time.

Jan

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Good morning Floriad!

2008-11-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Hi out there!

We decided to take our time getting to Florida. We're had a great stopover on Jekyl Island. We wandered around the historic section and came across a new building exhibit. The state of Georgia has refurbished the old electric plant building and has turned it into an exhibit center and hospital for sea turtles. It's amazing what man/woman has done to the sea turtles and it's also amazing what man/woman is doing to help them. Jekyl Island is a Georgia State Park. What a jewel.

Talk to you soon.

Jan

Leaving for Florida

2008-11-08T11:39:00.000-05:00

We're leaving for Florida early tomorrow morning. It's too cold in Michigan!

I know my gallery isn't up yet. I'm sure Rick will get to it very soon.

We plan a boring, uneventful trip, dogs and all.

Jan

Welcome to my world

2008-11-04T17:13:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog!

I am excited about having a website and a blog. Thank you, thank you, Rick Ireland.

I'll be sharing my artwork with you. Please feel free to comment. I need to know what you like to see.

Talk to you soon.

Jan