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!!

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.

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!