Neuro What?

Recently, I started a journey into the process of learning about neurographica. I was searching for a productive way of dealing with the negative energies that were blocking my creativity. Being joyful begins with feeling joy from within. Our challenges impact the way we feel, and that feeling gives off energy. Our current political situation is a bit scary isn’t it. During my research, I discovered neurographica and it has made a world of difference in my creative productivity.

Neurographica is a drawing method used to shift our beliefs and mindset. Algorithms used in the drawing process inspire creativity and imagination. They help you to recognize patterns or hidden obstacles, and to try different steps to find a creative solution.

As you may know, my art is about sharing whimsy and joy with the world through my paintings. During the process of creating neurographica drawings, I rediscovered my joy. It had a healing effect on my energy and fed my soul, allowing me to discover new ways of dealing with my reactions to negativity.

Because of my positive reaction I enrolled in several courses to study and learn a more in-depth approach to this method. I’m almost finished with my courses and will soon be a Certified Neurographica Specialist!

I invite you to join me on this journey. I’m compiling a list of people interested in taking a workshop with me once I’m certified. Please reach out to me and I’ll provide you with more information on *workshop dates. *For my amazing supporters and followers, I am offering a FREE session with me after I receive my certification. I can think of no better way to share my whimsy and joy with you (next to my paintings, of course)!

To learn more about the concepts of neurolines and rounding please watch this free Video Tutorial

New Classes have been added to the website! Please check ‘em out here. I’m happy to share my knowledge with you and love seeing you in my classes. Be sure to check out my Gouache Class at the Art Store on Saturday, June 7th11am-2pm all materials provided.

On Thursday, May 15, 2-4 I’m teaching a Watercolor Class at NOPL Brewerton. Register via the library. Keep an eye on this one and register early, they fill up super fast!

Upcoming Art Show & Sale Sat. April 26, 10am-4pm and Sun April 27 11am-4pm the Onondaga Art Guild (of which I am a member) will be holding their annual Spring Show & Sale at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 14 Jamar Drive, Fayetteville, NY

Thawing Out A Bit

Hello and happy day to you! I’ve managed to peak out from behind the snowbanks and heard birds chirping for the first time in a long time. IYKYK me and I love birds! So, it feels good today even if it’s still a bit chilly out there. It’s cozy in the studio; paints are flowing, and projects are happening.
With this bit of thaw that we’re having it seems like a good time to tell you about two new classes I’m offering in March at the Art Store.

You know I do love classes at the Art Store (both as a learner and as an instructor) Why you say? Well, it’s because all your materials are included in the cost of the class, class sizes are limited to only eight people, so you get total instructor attention, and classes are a TON of fun!! Woo-hoo! Trust me, it’s totally worth it!! Oh, what am I teaching in March??

Watercolor: Going Deeper Friday March 21 11:00am-2:00pm Register here

Going Deeper: Gouache on Textured Substrate Friday March 28 11:00am-2:00pm Register here

The Art Store is located at 935 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse, NY 13210

Call them at 315-474-1000 to register over the phone. Tell ‘em Eva sent yah!

It was great seeing so many friends and art fans at the Edgewood Gallery Slices of Life opening reception in January. Thank you to everyone who came out to see my new watercolor line of jewelry and the art of Joyce Backus and Elisabeth Groat.

The next show opens tonight (Feb. 28, 2025), 6-8pm and features the art works of Nikolay Mikushkin, Peter Valenti and the Bead Society of CNY.

Edgewood Gallery is located at 216 Tecumseh Rd., Syracuse, NY

(315) 445-8111in addition to wonderful art exhibits, they offer framing services for all your artwork.

Thank you for being a supporter of the local arts in Syracuse, NY!

Have a day filled with whimsy and joy!

Welcome 2025!

Happy New Year everybody! I hope the holiday season was joyful for you and that you’re ready for what 2025 will bring. I guess all we can do is buckle up, strap in and hold on for a wild ride! That’s my plan anyways!

Speaking of plans; it’s been my habit to make artistic plans and set daily goals for achieving them (I know, so boring) However, it does actually work for me, so I keep doing it. Usually, these goals cover such things as painting ideas that I have lurking around in my imagination. Composition is an artistic process that I’ve always enjoyed. Get’s the creative juices flowing and I get so engrossed that sometimes I forget to make dinner. I add practice time into my daily schedule, along with studio tasks, classes, website stuff, marketing, and all sorts of weird artsy things that I can’t tell you about. When I look back on the preceding year’s lists, tasks, events, etc. I get a great portrait of what I call my little slice of living the artist life.

So, I find it extremely exciting that the next art exhibit I’ll be participating in is called “Slices of Life”! (No, I had nothing to do with the title). Invitation image below.

The opening reception is Friday Jan. 10 6:00-8:00pm at Edgewood Gallery, 216 Tecumseh Rd, Syracuse. My newest collection of watercolor jewelry will be featured along with the works of Elisabeth Groat and Joyce Backus.

Slices of Life postcard front.

Slices of Life postcard back.

My schedule is beginning to get busy with studio classes and private lessons. Please consider booking early in order to get into the classes you’re interested in. I keep group classes in my studio to a maximum group size of only four participants. It keeps it cozy, and you get me mostly all to yourself. Please check out the Classes page for the most current offerings.

For those of you who enjoy taking classes from me at the Art Store, please note that I am currently not scheduled for any upcoming dates. I like to keep close to home during these “Outside Frozy, Inside Cozy” kinda days (the title of my newest watercolor painting. Image below). Don’t worry, I’ll be getting back into their rotation and will update you as soon as I have dates and more information! In the meantime, you have ample opportunity to get into my studio for a private or group lesson. Don’t be shy! Give those new art supplies you were gifted a chance to play! Contact me and come out for a lesson soon! It’s all just a slice of life and waiting for you to take a taste!

Season's Greetings

If you follow me on any of my social media accounts (thank you), you have probably noticed a severe lack of posting on my part. Especially on FB where I’ve completely blacked out my image. Since the night of the recent election results, I have struggled to find the whimsy and joy in the world I so love to create with. My darkest days have gone from wallowing in despair to glimpses of hope. Navigating through all the feels put me in an artistic slump. This was new territory for me, and I must admit I found it quite challenging.

My husband has often commented that he wished he could live in my brain. (His being entertained by my musings I’m sure) Not likely a pleasant experience these last few weeks. However, if you could see into my daily brain now; you’d see things returning to as normal as I ever get. The sun still comes up every morning (really, it’s up there, we just can’t see it very well here in CNY). I can still paint, I have a roof over my head, a supportive and loving family, food in my pantry, and so many blessings. My life is actually quite wonderful. I’m going to tell you why and how I got here in just a second. First, I must confess that as bright and cheery as I sound, all is not sunshine and roses quite yet.

Our political choices have changed the world in which we live in. And I’m not convinced it’s for the better. Our choices matter and effect us all. How we treat one another matters. What we say and do matters. What we allow to happen matters. You are welcome to disagree with me. I know I cannot change the world. But I can change the way I go through my day and how I interact in my place in the world and the people around me. I choose kindness and acceptance for people and the choices they make. Love who you want as will I.

And that’s what hit me in the head, or rather heart! L-O-V-E! My art has always been about sharing whimsy and joy with the viewer. Simple as that. It took me a while but remembering this simple mission helped me get myself back on track. Allowing myself to indulge in what I’ll refer to as my “dark art days” was a lesson in understanding why I feel so strongly about creating joy with my art. My dark art made me feel yucky, pissed off, and utterly alone. It also helped me channel my feelings and explore some new avenues of creativity. Yes, challenge is good, yes getting the feels out of my system is good. Yay art.

Forward to days filled with whimsy and joyful paintings, drawings and explorations…It no longer feels like a solitary struggle because we all are capable of love. We just have to choose to change our reactions to ones that are more caring and compassionate. So, I choose whimsy, joy and love and share it with you my followers and collectors of my art. I choose to change what I can change, and it begins with my outlook. Fair warning to you though, I WILL open my mouth and speak out when I see or hear people not choosing kindness. You will also note my FB image has changed from darkness to light!

I wish you all the best during these holiday weeks and the many challenging days ahead of us. Days, weeks, months, years all require kindness. Choose well my friends.

We have a winner!

All this technology out there and I’m finally putting some of it to use. If you’ve never tried Canva, let me tell you; it’s pretty cool! I use it to set-up the blank greeting cards I create using my original art and the occasional social media post. I’m not sure how I did it, but I managed to find myself with some time to kill. So, I explored the additional features on Canva and created the following promo brochure. My intention is to bring them along when I teach classes or am vending at events. I think they came out pretty good. Rather than type the info all over again I’ve decided to save some time and send it along in this email. Maybe you’ll see something new.

Front page of promo brochure

Promo Brochure page 2

Something New? Why, yes! I found out recently that I’ve been accepted as a vendor to the Manlius Swan Fest! So be sure to stop out and see me on Sat., Oct5th from 1-4. You’ll be able to see my newest abstract painting, created just for this event. “Swan Pond Abstract” will be making its first public appearance and is now available on my website

What’s this about a WINNER?! If you recall, in my last email I requested help naming a new painting. I have selected "Blue Sky Daydream" as my favorite and am happy to send you a print of the painting! (You know who you are) I’ve tried emailing you and haven’t received a reply. So, check your spam folder and get back to me. I need your mailing address to send you your print. In the meantime, thank you all for your suggestions! They were creative and I’m saving them for possible future use. Who knows, maybe you’ll get a print sometime!

There’s still some room in the watercolor class this weekend at The Art Store. Register here Class is Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:00-3:00. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits with “Kahlo: Expressing Identity Through Watercolor.” All materials provided!

NEW CLASS ADDED! Join me at the Art Store on Friday, Oct. 25, from 11:00-2:00 for Cold Wax & Color Craze Friday! Explore the exciting possibilities of combining oil paints with cold wax medium to create stunning, tactile artwork on hard surfaces. All materials provided. Register now

Wha’dya Mean, Summer’s Over?!! A recent watercolor painting that sold the day I put it out on social media. I liked him so much; I’ve painted another one! (There’s a subtle difference between the two) I’m keeping him to myself for a little while longer but will bring him out to play at the Swan Fest. Then he’ll be available.

Art, Whimsy and Joy

What’s with the new tagline, you ask? Well, it’s not really new per say, it’s just that I’ve been focusing on it more intentionally these days. Seemed to me that if no one knows your tag line, why bother? So, here’s why it’s so important to me and what I hope it brings to light. But before I begin…Hi! It’s me, Eva and moving forward these lil bloggy things I do will sound more like they’re coming from me and not some third person POV. (They’ve all been by me; I was given some bad advice). I’m not normally that formal and aloof. So, for what it’s worth thanks for hanging in there with me while I figured it out!

Art is what it’s all about! As a young girl art was my way of keeping myself out of trouble. It kept me busy and occupied enough to get out of doing additional chores. “Sorry mom, I have to paint this (insert something impressive here), I can’t do the dishes right now.” And then, I would suggest in a helpful manner for her to have my little sister do them! Creating art has always been part of my life. I have aunts, uncles and grandparents on both sides of my family that also painted and created art. Obviously their encouragement influenced me. Art helps me bring to light the images and ideas I imagine, dream, see, and want to explore. It’s my way of sharing beauty with those who see my art.

Whimsy is my favorite! Think about all the characters and little creatures we imagined as kids (well, I did anyways). We had a big willow tree in our backyard, with a big ole treehouse in it that my Dad built for us. I used to spend hours up there just daydreaming away! The whimsy I express in my art is expressive of the playful and odd memories of these childhood fancies, and my current desire to produce art that offers the viewer a chance for a momentary escape. Sometimes a whim overtakes me, and I just have to go with it to see where it takes me. I find it quite enjoyable.

Joy is why I paint and create artwork. The world is both lovely and horrible at times. My mission is to share more joy. It’s really as simple as that. It’s also easier, feels better, and spreads positivity. When you have a piece of art that conveys joy hanging in your space, it illuminates that joy a thousand-fold. Nothing better than that, I say.

The above image is one of my most recent paintings. I’ve been getting back to my original interest in abstract art and have rekindled my old love. With all the new mediums available these days, it’s like being lost in a candy store. I’ve discovered cold wax mediums and acrylics and absolutely love it. This piece needs a title. Help a girl out and email me your suggestions to eva@evahunterart.com If I select your suggestion, I’ll mail you a print of this piece!

Here’s where to find me sharing my Art, Whimsy & Joy………….

• Sat. Sept. 7, 11am-5pm Art on the Porches. I’ll be a vendor at this event. Find me on the lawn of 110 Ruskin Ave., Syracuse. This is a great family friendly event! Food trucks, live music, activities galore!

• Mon. Sept 9, 11am-12:30pm Small Group Watercolor Lesson in my Studio. $45 per person. Space is limited. Materials provided or bring your own. Call me at 315-699-3077 to reserve your space!

• Sat. Sept 28, 11am-3pm Watercolors Freda Kahlo style at the Art Store, Erie Blvd. Contact the store at 315-474-1000 to register.

• Sat. Sept 28, 10-4 my merchandise and art will be available for purchase at the Atrium 201 E. Washington St, Syracuse. Sponsored by the CNY Art Guild. (I’ll be teaching at the Art Store during this event.)

• Sat. Oct. 12, 10am-4pm MACC (Midstate Athletic Community Center) 5575 Meltzer Ct, Cicero Vending event. Stop in and shop local!

• Sat Oct 19, 11am-5pm ArtFest Makers Market, 20 Sicard Ave, New Rochelle, NY. Not local but I’m wicked excited to have been accepted, I just had to share!! NYC here I come!

• Nov 1-30, Solo Exhibit at the Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 W. Genesee St, Camillus, NY

• Sat. Nov 16, 10am-1pm Cash & Carry. A one-day event during my exhibit offering you an opportunity to purchase my art, and other items. Maxwell Memorial Library, 14 w. Genesee St.

• Thurs. Dec. 5, 3-4pm Watercolor & Inks at the Brewerton Library, 5440 Bennett St, Brewerton. Contact the library at 315-676-7484 to register. All materials provided.

• Sat & Sun Dec 7-8 Plowshares. I’ll be a vendor at this event. Stay tuned for more details.

• Whew! That’s enough for now. Plenty to keep this girl busy. Some of you have asked about my glass ornaments, and when they’ll be available. As of today, I am planning on bringing them out for the first time this season at the Oct 12 event at the MACC. I hope to see you at some of these events. As always, thank you for your support of my small art business. You are truly appreciated, and it just makes my day when I hear from you!!

Characters, Color and Whimsy

Have you ever asked yourself how artists come up with their ideas, or the images they represent in their art? Ever wondered why they choose the colors they choose? Or why they place things in certain areas? Believe it or not there is a method to the madness as it were. (Or at least there should be) It is quite a cerebral undertaking and when done thoroughly, leads to wonderful results.

The process of creating a visual representation of a fantasy story or theme was the topic of a class Eva taught this past weekend at the Everson Museum of Art. Telling a story through artwork can be a very enjoyable process, once one masters a few steps. With that said the students in the class got to work and rolled up their sleeves to begin the practices being taught.

Any guesses as to what they were being shown? Well, since the class was about creating a fantasy story painting using a narrative approach; character development would be an important step to understand. An exercise to practice this skill is to borrow from caricature artists. Take some time to think about the level of exaggeration you can manipulate to achieve an interesting character. Or maybe you can morph parts from one type of animal for example onto an unexpected creature. When you allow yourself time to play with this concept and sketch your ideas you will soon see your very own unique characters coming to light.
Another practice used to help develop their ideas was to answer in pictures, who, what, when, where, why and how are all these ideas relating to one another in their painting.

Understanding color and how to use them is a class that is usually a whole semester or two of college. Trying to understand it all in a weekend class or workshop is unrealistic. We delved into the basics and came away with a place to start.

Did someone say, “Whimsy”? Why, yes that was me; Eva, I LIKE whimsy and it’s important to include a bit of whimsy so as not to take ourselves so seriously. I mean, isn’t there enough of that already? Adding some whimsy and joy into your art will help spread the joy and we need more of that these days.

In a nutshell that’s a little bit about how artists get to work on creating their painted stories. It really is up to the individual artist to use the practices that work best for them. As your skills develop over time, you’ll see improvement in your art. Get a sketchbook and draw every day, take notes, find resource images, save them, daydream, play and enjoy the process.

Secret Passage is part of the Happy Little Treehouse Series

Taking an art class can help in so many ways. Not only do we learn from what the instructor is sharing, but we learn from the other students in our class. Maybe you’re a little nervous about taking a class with a group of other artists. It happens. We compare our work to others and worry we’re not good enough. I’m going to tell you to stop right there and give yourself a break. Don’t compare your art to other art. It’s not fair to yourself and prevents you from moving forward. Consider starting with a private lesson. You’ll get Eva’s undivided attention and a lesson designed specifically for you. When teaching a new skill or technique, she will give you a demonstration and guide you through the process. Each stroke of the paintbrush is a step towards improving your technique and skill. She’s also pretty nice and very supportive.

If you’re interested in learning how to create your own fantasy painting Eva is offering a studio workshop on Thursday, Aug 15th, from 5:30-8:30pm. Pre-registration is required. Register here

Additional upcoming classes being offered in Eva’s Art Studio include Palette Knife Technique Aug 14 and/or Aug 16 Register Here Pastel Painting Class Aug 19 and/or Aug 21 Register Here Small Group Watercolor Classes July 29, Aug 8, Aug 12 Register Here

Textural Abstract Acrylic Master Class Saturday August 24, 10:30-2:30 Eva is teaching this class at The Art Store Register Here all materials provided for the Art Store classes. See details pertaining to each class offered in Eva’s Art Studio regarding supplies and materials. Most are included in your lesson.

Psst, here’s an insider scoop! Eva will be offering a watercolor class based on painting like Frida Kahlo! Save the date Sat. Sept 28th, 11am-3pm. It will be offered via the Art Store. Stay tuned for a link next time! …..aaannd upcoming to the studio will be classes offered in Cold Wax & Oil paintings! Woo-hoo!

As Promised...

Fantasy Story Painting: Using A Narrative Approach to Create Art

Thursday, July 18, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm and Saturday, July 20, 2024, 10:30am-3:00pm (half hour lunch break). Classes held at The Everson Museum of Art 401 Harrison St, Syracuse, NY. $50 Members/ $65 Non-Members. Register

This two-part class taught by Eva Hunter will take students through the process of creating their own fantasy story painting. Using techniques in composition, character development, color theory and skill development, students will paint with acrylics on canvas to bring their stories to light.

And A Big Thank You to everyone who came out to see me at Crazy Daisies Summer Art Market this past Saturday! Wow! What a wonderful day. The weather was perfect, the crowd was amazing, and the venue was rocking with the live music, food and beverages! I am truly thankful to have participated in this event and share my art with new friends. One of my most recent watercolor paintings, “My Colorado” sold, along with a bunch of prints, cards, ties and jewelry. Time to make some more!!

Latest from the studio of Eva Hunter, Art

Hello again! I am happy to see that as I begin this month’s blog post; it’s not snowing this time! I’m pretty sure I haven’t jinxed us all too, June seems like a fairly safe month to not have to worry about that cold, white stuff. So, here’s the latest news from the studio….

My solo show is up and doing great! Haven’t seen it yet? Well; get yourself to the Marcellus Library and check it out. It’s up until June 29th. When I set it up, I was happy to see that the library has a dedicated hanging system for art and a very large space to accommodate several pieces of art. With that in mind, I am showing a large collection of works never shown in public before.

Classes have been going well too and selling out fairly quickly. I thank you for attending them and for all your encouragement! It’s been great sharing my techniques and knowledge with you all. The pictures you’re sending me of your finished pieces have been wonderful. I’m so proud of you!

Here’s where to catch me next….

Saturday, June 15th 9:30am-4:00pm I’ll be bringing a collection of small works, jewelry, bowties, ties, scarves, prints and cards to the Crazy Daisies Summer Art Market event. Please stop by and check it out. They have a wonderful set-up, great food and beverages, beautiful flowers and live music!! In honor of this being my first time as a Crazy Daisy vendor; I created a new painting. It’s not only a new painting, but also in a completely new style and technique for me! So, because I love all you wonderful Eva Hunter Art Fans all so much, here’s a sneak peek at it…

View fullsize

Saturday, June 29 10:30am-2:30pm I’ll be teaching a painting class that will show you how to use my technique of using alcohol inks and oils together in a painting. Held at The Art Store 935 Erie Blvd E There’s only a few spots left, so sign up soon. All materials provided! Here’s a link for you: Register Now

Stay tuned for more info regarding my new class to be offered at The Everson Museum of Art in July!

As always, please reach out to me via email or phone if you are interested in any of my art or lessons with me. Please note, if I don’t pick your call up it’s because I’m most likely giving a private lesson or am up to my armpits in paint. Leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I clean my brushes.

I’m off for a visit to one of my most favorite places on Earth (Colorado) and will be soaking up as much inspiration as possible. Enjoy your days, weeks, and month. Get outside and paint something (I know I will!)

Upcoming Classes and Exhibits

Hello from the art studio! As I sit here typing on yet another snowy morning, I can’t help but be excited for Spring to get here! Yes, I’m aware of how mild our winter has been, and I’m not sorry for wanting warmer weather. There’s much going on in the Spring and I’m excited to share some new things happening……………..

First please save the date for my SOLO Art Exhibit! I’ll be the featured artist all of June at the Marcellus Library. Woo-Hoo! I’m secretly hoarding images of my new artwork in case you’ve noticed a lack of them on my social media pages. I’ll have a ton of new work available during the show, be sure to stop in for a looksee!

Second, I’ve got new classes lined up at The Art Store on Erie Blvd. All materials are provided for the classes at the Art Store. Sign up in person or online at theartstore.com Classes being offered there are as follows…

#1: Ultimate Watercolor Masterclass Sat. April 13, 11:00-4:00,

#2: Basics of Watercolor Friday April 26, Noon-2pm

#3: Water Marbling on Paper Friday March 22, 12:00-2:00pm

New Classes in my studio are online now. Check em out here! We’ve got a small Weeknight Painting Group getting started, Color Theory workshops, Watercolor Painting, Pastel Painting and as always small and private lessons are available!

Coming up in the warmer Spring and summer months will be a class to dye a bathrobe! Be sure to keep an eye out for that one as space is going to be very limited!!

Eva will also be participating for the first time in the Onondaga Art Guild Fine Art Show the weekend of May 4th. More details to follow, but please save the date.

Stay warm and enjoy that white stuff if that’s your bag. As for me, I’m going to fire up my encaustics and warm up with a little hot wax painting.