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!

Art As Meditation

A meditative state is when your body and mind are in a deep state of relaxation. It’s not about the absence of thoughts, but more about not getting tangled up in them. If you think about it, you might think that the process of creating art is rather stressful and completely NOT relaxing. I wouldn’t hold it against you if that’s what you thought; but I will tell you that you’ve got it wrong.

I’ve been working on a special commission piece for a client, (heck all my pieces are special; there I said it). At first it was a challenge to think about all the things that needed to go into it. Talk about getting tangled up in my thoughts! The process of creating new artwork begins with a discussion with the client. We discuss things such as: subject or theme, reference photos, specific requirements, budget, timeline, deposit, framing, etc.

After listening attentively while the client shares their ideas, I ask questions and take copious notes, look at their reference photos and thank them for the opportunity. This meeting usually takes no more than an hour or so. Then the fun begins.

Once I’m able to begin working on the piece, I go through a process of drawing quick studies of the subject and thumbnails of the composition/concept. This is where all those tangled thoughts start to really dance and tangle even more. Sometimes they get a little knotted and frayed and need to be weeded out. Too much of a good thing can be bad, and too much of a bad thing can be, well; bad. Then the color testing begins, and I won’t bombard you with that kaleidoscope of fun this time. Suffice it to say that there tends to be a few days of moving things around and making decisions. It’s all good though because something truly amazing happens. As I work through these processes, I find my awareness is heightened, decisions seem easier to make, I can “see” the piece in my head and that tells me how to bring it to light. Doing the actual work of putting brush to canvas fills me with a sense of inner calm and allows the clients’ idea to emerge through the tip of my paint brush.

The process of creating art is truly a meditative state for me. I’m in my studio most days 10-5 and am always surprised when my husband opens the studio door at 5pm to inquire about my day (and what’s for supper?) It’s not that my time has flown by, but rather that I was in each of the moments that make up my day so deeply that time seemed irrelevant. Now if I could only figure out how to apply that to those little lines on my face.

When you’re ready to discover your inner calm, consider taking a class with me. Art can be used to create calming environments too, take a look at the image below. Look how inviting and comfy that sofa looks. Soft blues and violet are soothing colors, swirls give the eye a place to wander in the painting, leading to a sense of peace and relaxation. The room looks cozy, and the poppy painting adds to the feeling of comfort and calm.

Where've I been? Good Question...

Yep, I know, I know; I did it again. Missed a month to post my blog. August came and went in a whirlwind of activity, and it was impossible to get to the keyboard. My apologies, really. I do appreciate you taking the time to read my posts and I know you look forward to them. Thank you for your indulgence. So, what’s kept me away? Plenty………………….

In July we traveled to Georgia to celebrate our grandson Leon’s first birthday. He’s such a cutie pie and you will most likely see him in a painting of mine before too long! We spent about a week or so there and although we loved spending time with family the blazing sun and high temperatures were a bit oppressive. After a few days rest back home, we packed up and flew to visit more family in Colorado.

Happy Birthday Leon! (Told yah he was a cutie pie!)

As you may recall, Colorado is one of my most favorite places on the planet. Tons of artistic inspiration!! Hikes are like eating eye candy for me! The western landscape with its reds and golds are absolutely stunning. Yes, I did some painting while there. Did a bunch of studies to use in studio as reference materials and worked up a few more detailed paintings. They’re not quite finished yet though, so you’ll have to stay tuned. Returned home in the middle of August and took a nap (LOL)

August was spent prepping materials for a fresh new batch of my funky bohemian style bowties. The whole process takes about two weeks and since I was sold out during Art Mart last holiday season, I wanted to get going on them. Before I can hand marble each tie, they need to be scrubbed and prepped with a mordant. While they dry, I whip up a couple 5-gallon buckets of goo (that’s what I call it anyways) the goo lets the colors float on the surface. I clean out my 7-foot marbling trough and poor in about 2-inches of goo. Once it settles, the fun can start! I add the colors one at a time, and manipulate, twirl and create designs into the paints. Then I carefully place the tie over top, picking up the design first on one side and then flip it to catch the design onto the reverse side. A quick rinse to remove most of the goo, and then they dry and cure for a minimum of 10 days. This is to ensure good adhesion of the designs. Then I wash them in a mild soap and add fabric softener, another dry on the line, a quick ironing and finally they’re ready! Once I take their pictures both tied and un-tied versions, I post them to my website.

I’m STILL taking pictures of this current batch. Not only did I do 36 new ties, but I also added 12 pocket squares and 12 lapel pins to the mix! Can I just say, they look gorgeous!

August is also the time when I hand paint glass bulb ornaments. These were also wiped-out last holiday season for which I am grateful. I really enjoy painting these and was happy to have the chance to refill my stock. If this is something you are interested in learning how to do, I offer classes both in my studio and at the Art Store.

So, now we’re into September and I’m still working on getting all those tie photos done, sealing ornaments and carding my jewelry. Oh, yeah, I forgot to add I’ve been making new jewelry too! Earrings, necklaces and bracelets, oh my!

September is also the time when my returning students resume their private lessons, and when I schedule new group classes outside my studio. SO, here’s your insider scoop on where you can catch me teaching

1. Alcohol Ink Painting Class on Sat. Sept 17, 2-4:00 at the Art Store, Erie Blvd. Call 315-474-1000 to register ($25 all materials included)

2. Pan Pastel Painting, a four-week seminar for beginner and experienced art enthusiasts, Begins Sat Oct 8th 10:30am-12:30pm, runs Oct 22, 29 and Nov 5th Classes held at the Art Store (See #1 for info) All materials provided, fee is $25 per session

3. Alcohol Ink Ornaments Sat Nov 19 Session 1 from 11am-1pm, Session 2 from 2-4pm all materials provided fee is $25, held at the Art Store

So, thanks for hanging in there with me, I had a lot of catching up to do. I appreciate you very much! Have a wonderful day!! Stay healthy and enjoy the rest of our nice weather before that white stuff starts falling!

Why'd You Paint That?

Have you ever wondered why artist’s paint what they paint? Why does one artist choose one subject over others? Or why does an artist paint in a certain style? After perusing my website for the first time, a visitor commented, “What is behind your concentration on spiders? I have a fear of spiders, so I noticed right away.”

“Good question and thanks for visiting my website. I hope the spiders didn’t scare you away; please visit again”.

I thought the answer would make a good blog post, so here it goes…

The imagination of an artist is both a curse and a gift. It provides a plethora of ideas and inspiration for creating art. Compositional suggestions, random snippets of real and imagined characters and landscapes provides us with the ability to see the world differently from non-artistic folks. I paint what my imagination throws at me, I enjoy the assortment of styles this forces on me. It keeps skills sharp and is more fun. The colorful chaos that swirls in the depths of mine is a constant source of inspiration for creating art. Until it isn’t.

It was during one of those painful moments of artistic block, that the search for something to create turned my eye towards our scary, hairy little friends. Inspiration sort of jumped out at me from within the darkness of a closet. In other words; a big ole spider surprised me. Seeing it jump in response to my shrieking got me to wondering, what’s it like to be the spider that is suddenly surprised by a big ole hairy human? So, while wiping up the spider goo, the ideas started taking shape. (I’m sorry to all you spider lovers. It scared the crap outa me, and c’mon the closet had an assortment of shoes ready to protect me!)

Recording my thoughts and sketching answers to all the questions that my mind was conjuring up helped develop the theme beginning to take shape. Or was it just nightmare fodder? Maybe a little bit. Researching spider images kept me awake for many a night. Fortunately the sleepless nights helped fill the sketchbook and added more fuel to the series of paintings that were now caught up in the chaos stream.

Painting spiders to express shock and surprise required help from a creepy model; so I used a porcelain doll. Using duct tape to position her in a variety of poses added to the creep factor. (I didn’t add the tape in any of the finished pieces. To see that, you’d have to look through the sketchbook) These paintings were also influenced by my research into other artist’s (Francis Bacon and Max Beckmann for example) Prior to any creepy, spider artwork my paintings had been fairly bucolic in nature. Thus the need for research. This is common practice in my work as an artist.

After completing my first spider themed painting, it was time to give it a title. This can sometimes be a difficult task; sometimes the mind has nothing to offer. Other times it offers a gift. Deciding to title the first piece, “Meeting Miss Muffet” led to the series being titled along the altered lines of the Little Miss Muffet nursery rhyme.

And so my friends that’s why I painted spiders. The series as it currently stands is as follows:

“Meeting Miss Muffet”

“Along Came A Spider”

“And Sat Down Beside Her”

“Eating Their Curds Away”

“And Frightened Us All Away”

Yes, I know the series is missing “Sat On Her Tuffet” I’m working on it; stay tuned!

Studio Happenings

Hello again! It’s been a busy summer of art making, exhibits, teaching and sharing my love of artistic exploration with you all! My students have explored new ways to use alcohol inks, had lessons in watercolor, pastel painting, acrylic painting technique and plein air painting. (Check out student Shari F. Lemons acrylic painting below) In between teaching, I’ve delved into the world of live Facebook videos! Not gonna lie, that was a little intimidating for me! (and as you’ll read also included many teachable and laughable moments)

Lemons

Honorable Mention!

Painting Size Guide

In one of my first FB live videos my camera/phone popped right off the try-pod! It was pretty funny and taught me to make sure that lil sucker is in there correctly! Oh, and cleaning the camera lens, yup, that’s a thing you should do BEFORE you go live. sigh. You can’t make this stuff up. If you’d like a good chuckle go ahead and check em out on Facebook. You’ll find them in my group, links will take you there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/evahunterartstudio Eva Hunter Art Studio FB Group

Now that classes are well underway I want to let you know where to find them. In addition to private/small group lessons in my studio located in Clay, NY you can find me teaching in and around Central NY.

Here’s my class schedule for the next few months:
Nov. 20, 10:30-12:30 or 2:00-4:00 Alcohol Ink Holiday Ornaments at the Art Store $25 All materials provided! Sign up at the Art Store 935 Erie Blvd East, Syracuse, NY or call them at 315-474-1000

Dec 11, 1:00-3:00 Alcohol Ink Holiday Ornaments at Karl’s Custom Framing, 243 S. Peterboro St, Canastota, NY Call Danielle at Karl’s 315-877-8904 to register.

Keep an eye out for more classes at The Everson & The Art Store and Karl’s Custom Framing in the new year! Pastel classes, acrylic pouring and alcohol inks are on the list!

SHOP LOCAL KEEP YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS IN BUSINESS

The Holiday shopping season is here! Find Eva Hunter Art & Merchandise at these locations and events:

Art Mart Opens Nov 5, 11:00am located in the former Urban Outfitters 221 Walton Street, Syracuse, NY

CNY Art Guild Holiday Art & Craft Fair Nov 13, 10:00-4:00 at the Cicero American Legion, 5575 Legionnaire Dr, Cicero, NY

Night Market Nov 27, 3:00-10:00PM at Sky Armory, 351 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY

BCA Gift Fair Dec 4, 11:00-4:00 at Brewerton Center for the Arts of CNY, 9660 Brewerton Rd, Brewerton, NY

New Jewelry

New Bowties

New Art

New Art

New Accessories

In October during the CNY Art Guild Art Show & Sale at Aspen House in Radisson I was awarded an Honorable Mention for my painting, Turquoise Browed Mot-Mot. See photo above with Bev L. and my disheveled self (I was totally surprised and a mess but wanted picture anyways) This was the first time I ever received an Honorable Mention for my art. It feels great and I am so humbled by the recognition!

Original Art makes great gifts! Please keep me in mind when planning your holiday gift giving. If you’ve ever wondered how painting sizes compare to one another check out the handy Painting Size Guide image above. I can create custom art in any size (even bigger than the samples given) My prices are reasonable and fair. Contact me with any questions and a complimentary consultation.

Update to my ehunterartist Instagram account; I changed it to evahunterart . Please follow me at Instagram

Hey What's Been Going On?!

Gallery Wall inside Eva Hunter Art Studio

Recently a friend asked me what I’ve been up to lately in my studio. It’s been awhile since my last blog, so I thought it’d make a good subject to share with you.
First and foremost is the big news of the day; I’m a new Grandma (or rather Nonna)!! Baby Leon was born on July 6th and he is cute as can be. If you follow me on Facebook you will have seen his video debut this morning! If you don’t follow me on Facebook here’s the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/evahunterartstudio
Now let’s go back a bit in time. Waaaaay back in Jan of 2021 we decided to renovate our two car garage into my art studio. Our family room, which I had been using was to become space for my daughter. Not being very handy or knowledgeable in the home renovation game my husband and I hired a contractor. Our game plan was as follows:

1. Pack up/box everything in studio. Hold in studio until work is complete. This will be agonizing!

2. Clean out crap in garage. No really, throw it all away! Ok, we can save that…put it in a box. Fill the dumpster from the contractor (this was a HUGE blessing!)

3. Shop around for a shed. Look at too many, get overwhelmed, go back to the first one we saw and buy it. It’s now Feb so we start praying the ground stays frozen and it doesn’t snow. Our shed will be delivered in a week or so. Oh and we have to have a stone pad installed and leveled off before the shed is delivered. Our shed guy, “knows a guy”. He says trust him, he won’t wreck our lawn, he delivers sheds in all kinds of weather.

4. Hire “the guy” to install a stone pad for the shed. Works out well, no snow for awhile in Syracuse, made it easy. He’ll be back to remove our fence post on shed delivery day so the truck can get into our backyard. Oh and he had to pull out our grapevine and a rose bush to make room for the truck. That’s ok, I don’t like wine or roses (said NO ONE EVER!)

5. Shed delivery day dawns on a thawing Syracuse ie: the lawn is muddy. Guy says trust him. Watch as the hydraulic truck makes ruts in our lawn and the ramp sticks with our shed halfway down the ramp. Really, I wish I was making this stuff up. Shed is finally laid to rest nicely on our stone pad. Truck frees itself from our lawn. Fence post is replaced. Shed guy is proud of himself, claims we have the best looking shed in the neighborhood and goes happily on his way. As his backside is seen disappearing from our sight, I give my stressed out husband a big glass of wine and we make plans to call our landscape guy in the spring.

6. Move all the stuff we just have to keep from the garage into the new shed. Being careful not to twist an ankle in the ruts left by the truck. This process will take a lot longer than expected, the ground fluctuates between mushy and icee. My husband is a saint and moves it all by himself. I am a saint and stay out of his way.

7. Decide we want/need to replace our home furnace and upgrade it to an HVAC system. Also discover that the new studio space will need a mini split to heat and cool it. Uh huh. So, new home HVAC system is installed. During the install for the MiniSplit we’re told we need to run a new 220 line into our home, and that we need to call our energy provider, blah blah blah. Um, nope. We just happen to have a 220 line that we’re not using. Hah! So, use that Mr. HVAC man.

8. Contractors arrive and begin what will be a two and a half week process of installing insulation to all the walls, overhead door, and ceiling, hanging new drywall, mudding, installing additional outlets, new lighting (my studio is very well lit now!), topping off the pony wall with a finished ledge, molding, install gallery hang system, paint the walls, ceiling, clean, seal and paint the floors. If you’re ever in need of a local handyman I got a guy you can call! Just ask me and I’ll share his contact info with you.

9. Joyfully move all my studio stuff into the new space! Dance with happiness and kiss that wonderful husband of mine. Follow the carefully measured placement map to arrange my equipment in it’s new location. A few tweaks will be made due to the fact that I have to share floor space with the snowblower for a little while. Sigh. We forgot about that part. Hubby doesn’t want to have to pull the darn snowblower out of the shed every time he has to clean the snow from the driveway. This would involve snowplowing his way through the backyard, over the ruts, through the gate and onto the driveway. What a whiner. You know I’m kidding.

And that my friends is how I came to have the best art studio I could ever wish for. It’s close to home, private, warm and cozy in the winter and cool and comfy in the heat of summer. I spend about 7-8 hours a day in here creating my art. I’ve been able to offer private art lessons, and divide my time between all the things involved with running a business.

The landscape guys have come and gone, the ruts have been filled in and grass refuses to grow there. Why does my husband have the worst time of trying to grow grass? I mean really, he’s so careful to water it, puts straw over it, shoos the birds away, stands guard over it…..not a single blade.

Having this space has helped improve my production as I now have enough space to work on several projects at once. For example currently on my easel is a large oil painting in progress, on my workbench I have three pieces to mat and package, on another table I have my marble vat set up so I can marble some ties this week, I have an acrylic painting in process and one of my students will be here tomorrow for her lesson. This space also has room for a little retail nook which showcases my jewelry, scarves and ties. The longest wall has a gallery hanging system where I hang my art, there are also two more wall with hanging systems showing my art.

Life is good. My art is selling, private lessons are a blast, classes are on the calendar again (I’ll be teaching at The Art Store in August and The Everson in Oct.) If you’re local or visiting Syracuse and would like to stop into my studio give me a call (315-699-3077) I’d love to show you around!

Emerging From Confinement

As I sit here in my studio it dawns on me that it’s been a year since news of the Covid-19 virus spread just as fast as the illness itself, and we were all sequestered in place. Like most of my friends and family I was pretty frightened by the thought of a scary Spring plague running rampant through humanity. My husband and I considered ourselves lucky to have both our daughters living back at home. Home is a safe place and it relieved this momma’s heart to have her family together during this time. Unbeknown to us, it would be a very long time in isolation from the rest of the world. You see; I have asthma and a fairly poor track record of contracting bronchitis. No way do I want to have a battle with Covid. We also learned that there were to be some medical challenges our daughter would face during this time. That’s her story to tell, so no details from me. Needless to say, we weren’t going to mess around with risking exposure.

What does this have to do with my life as an artist? Plenty. With the restrictions and reality of this new way of life I found a new sense of determination in my creative process. Gone were distractions such as visits to the hair salon, grocery shopping, running mindless errands, meetings, etc. (My hair hasn’t been this long since high school.) With the exception of the occasional off day; I’ve always been pretty disciplined in producing my work. Now I had no excuses not to create. I had all the time in the world. No distractions. I was free! I could focus even more intently on projects I’ve always wanted to work on. My studio is in my home so every morning I’d jump out of bed, get ready and paint the day away. And then things changed again.

We needed to make space for the arrival of our first grandchild!! Don’t even get me started on how scary it is to be pregnant during this pandemic! I’m trying to focus on the positive here. Our daughter would move into the family room (AKA my studio) and we would renovate a new space for my studio. Easier said than done.

We hired a contractor, and after two and a half weeks of watching our garage be transformed; I have the best studio ever. We installed a mini split HVAC system, added insulation to the walls and ceiling, hung new drywall, installed amazing LED overhead lighting, installed an art rail hanging system, sealed and painted the floor, fresh paint on walls and ceilings. It took me a week to move my studio supplies and equipment into the new space. Hanging my art without having to pound nails into the walls was wonderful. I now have a much larger space to work in, with room enough for a little retail display. Can I just say, “OMG I love it!”

Each day is a blessing and I am filled with thankfulness for the love and support of my family. They encourage me and frequently pop in to see what’s happening in my studio. I never realized before how much I was distracted by being in the family living space of our home. Too easy to get distracted and pulled away from my work. I get more done in this space over the course of a day than I ever did before. It’s amazing what a little focus can do.

With Spring around the corner and vaccinations more readily available, I’m looking forward to emerging from the confinement of the past year. I long to see my friends in person not just via Zoom. I’m planning several, limited attendance, invitation only New Studio Open House(s) in the Spring. Keep an eye out for your invitation.

New Art Series Release

Embrace is a new art series inspired by the beauty of a well tended garden. There are eight pieces in the collection. Each is on a 6 by 12 inch AlumaComp panel. Done in inks and sealed with a UV protective glaze. They are available unframed at $100 each. You may purchase them online through my website, www.evahunterart.com Purchase as many as you want or just one. This is a limited series and I will not be offering prints of them.

The hard work and dedication required to nurture and bring forth new blooms is a trait that I’ve always admired. Both of my grandfathers were avid gardeners and I have fond memories of walking among the blooms and vegetables each planted. Tended to and cared for on a daily basis their gardens nurtured and fed their families. They taught me that hard work is required for success.

Relationships among friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and those we don’t know yet require careful tending. Reach out with kindness and compassion. Embrace one another with understanding. Who knows what will bloom if we take the time to consider each other? Like a gardener tending to each leaf and petal, weeding out the rogue growth is often required. So, put on a sunny smile, share it with someone who needs it, and embrace those who need to be tended to.

Stay positive. Stay healthy. Embrace kindness.

PS- What’s AlumaComp you say? Oh, it’s an archival painting and mounting panel. I quote from the label on the panel, “These aluminum composite panels are .4mm (5/32”) thick. Each panel is a sandwich of two aluminum surfaces with a 1/8” polyethylene core. They are lightweight, extremely rigid and will maintain their structural integrity.
AlumaComp is perfect for mounting canvas, photos, prints and papers to create an incredibly stable painting panel or prime and paint directly on the surface. The brushed aluminum surface provides texture that grips primer or adhesive for a perfect bond. The smooth surface provides a finished look as a backside or can be used in negative painting applications for metallic highlights.”

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