March 2012
Hello Everyone!
More exciting news to share with you all!
Feel free to pass my newsletter on to others. I spend a great deal of time putting it all together so it is a lovely notion that as many enjoy it as possible.
Here is a summary of what this newsletter contains – you will find the full content below the summary.
• ‘Portrait of Europe – An Artist’s Mediterranean Odyssey’ 2012 tour
Only two double places left before we are sold out! - (we can offer you double, twin-share or part twin-share). Maybe you and a friend would love to join us. Feel free to contact us to chat about the tour.
Let us introduce you to what we feel is “the best of the best” Europe has to offer – while traveling in a small like-minded group to spectacular destinations and experiences – all in the safe hands of Richard and myself – experienced tour leaders.
The focus of this unique tour:
- Sight-seeing stunning Europe at a very leisurely pace. The list of personally-chosen destinations and experiences can be found by clicking the brochure link below..
- Painting the beauty of Europe for those who would love to try their hand or extend their skills. Or capture the essence in a painted travel journal or portray the majesty of the Swiss Alps or the character of ancient villages – and so much more
- Photography and how to get the most out of your digital camera
- European Cook school – experience Mediterranean cooking at it’s best with star chef Luigi Gandola in beautiful Bellagio, Lake Como Italy
- This is going to be a trip of a lifetime!
- Click the banner below for details: (Please be patient .. this is quite a big file (1.22Mb PDF) so may take a few moments to open.)
• One-on-One workshops: The response to the news release of my One on One workshops has been overwhelming too. It is such a fantastic way to learn. Many have requested I extend the workshops to offer one, two or three day One on One workshops. So I have extended the length of these tailor-made workshops: now available: one, two or three day tutorials in my home studio.
I hear so often that artists have reached a plateau and don’t know how to break through to the next level. Many are unsure how to determine what needs fine tuning, how to give their work the polish the magic to attain that professional edge.
I have spaces left in early April, Late May, June and July. There are dates scattered amongst the other months and next year is now filling too.
So do feel free to contact and discuss one of my personalized One on One workshops with you. It would be my pleasure to extend your painting skills so you can reach your full potential.
You can read more here: Susan’s One on One Workshops
• Release of new painting:
In a rare move, I am announcing a new painting that is for sale via my website:
• The three keys to great painting: Observation, observation, observation!
• Susan’s Limited Palette of colors
• View the Free Art Lessons on my website
• Click to visit my Youtube channel – there are many new film clips here including a television interview that could be of interest.
‘Portrait of Europe – An Artist’s Mediterranean Odyssey’ 2012 tour
What a great response to our ‘Portrait of Europe – An Artist’s Mediterranean Odyssey’ 2012 tour! Only two double places left before we are sold out! – (We can offer double, twin-share or part twin-share)
This tour is a brilliant way to see what we feel is the best of the best of Europe – at a leisurely pace and in the security of a small group of like-minded people – with Richard and me as your experienced tour leaders to guide you every step of the way. A relaxed, fun and unique tour to our favorite European haunts. The hand-picked spectacular destinations, exquisite excursions and adventures will have you in awe.
Our focus:
- Sightseeing spectacular European destinations at a leisurely pace.
- Painting for those who have always wanted to try their hand or for those who would love to extend their skills with me there to guide you. Where better than amongst the ancient villages or sitting in a Swiss meadow surrounded by wildflowers and the majestic Swiss Alps.
- Photography: Richard will share his expertise showing you how you can create brilliant travel shots as well as demystifying how to get the most out of your digital camera.
- Wine Appreciation: Richard has a vast knowledge of wine and will conduct two wine appreciation tastings of superb European wine.
- Italian cuisine: another tailor-made highlight! While visiting Bellagio “The Pearl of Lake Como”, we have star chef Luigi Gandola who will let us into the secrets of his famous restaurant kitchen as we are guided through and help to create some of his signature dishes.
Richard and I have personally chosen what we feel are the most spectacular destinations and excursions Europe has to offer. The land portion of our tour takes us from Paris to the Loire Valley, Beaune (France), Lauterbrunnen (Switzerland), Bellagio – Lake Como (Italy), Venice (Italy), Nice (France) and then on to the principality of Monaco. There we join our five star cruise on the prestigious Azarama Journey for 11 nights as we cruise down the French and Italian Rivieras.
I specifically chose this cruise line for the quality of the ship and because the destinations are more specialized and very much out of the ordinary. Beginning with San Tropez (France), Portofino (Italy), Cinque Terre, Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi (all Italy), Taormina (Sicily), Capri (Italy), finishing in “the eternal city’’ Rome (Italy). Each personally chosen destination on land and on the cruise will give you plenty of time to absorb the atmosphere and enjoy the tailor-made experiences and excursions we will introduce you to.
Each will allow you the opportunity to take in the true flavor of the stunningly beautiful destinations we have in store for you on this incredible tour of personally chosen destinations, excursion and adventures. Suffice to say it will be a tour of a lifetime creating forever-memories.
This is just a sampling of the wonderful, diverse array of experiences you will be mesmerized by on this tour. There are also many surprises that aren’t in the brochure so feel free to email Susan or Richard if you would like to hear more in-depth summary of all that is in store!).
Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries.
+64 7 5433 933 or email: info@susanart.com
Click on the image below to read just some of the highlights and experiences ahead:
Susan in her studio (Click to enlarge)
One-on-One workshops:
Great news! – a number of you would like me to add a three day workshop to my One on One workshops which are currently one and two days. So now my tailor-made One-on-One workshops are now available for one, two or three days of personal workshop, totally focusing on what you would like to learn and where I see I can extend your skills to reach your full potential.
Read a testimonial from an Australian Artist who has just completed a three day One on One workshop with me:
| “I feel so blessed to have shared three wonderful days with Susan in a one-on-one workshop. What a memorable experience, jam-packed with a treasure trove of valuable information that will positively influence the way I paint from this point on. Susan is an exceptional teacher with a true gift of communication. Her detailed pre-workshop preparation meant that the workshop content was tailor made, addressing my individual needs and ensuring the available time was utilized to maximum advantage. Susan’s passion is infectious, her patience incredible and her hospitality warm and genuine. It was an absolute privilege to be tutored by such a gifted artist and a beautiful person. I learnt more in three days with Susan than I had in ten years of constant study, classes and workshops. I would repeat the experience in a heartbeat! I returned to Australia with a million new ideas, a renewed excitement about my work and a sense of confidence for the very first time. Oh!…. and a new and dear friend for life!” – Judith from Australia |
Release of new painting:
Title: Lofty Refuge
Watercolor on hot pressed Arches 300gsm watercolor paper
Image size: 12 ¾” x 12x ¼” (325mm x 310mm)
Outside frame measurement: 31″ x 30 ½” (790mm x 770mm)
Price US$10,000
Contact Susan via her website contact form HERE.
Let me tell you a little about the inspiration behind this piece:
“Like guardians overlooking their domain, two white pigeons keep a watchful eye on proceedings. Sheltered from the breeze, they soak up the autumn sunshine. Their backdrop of illuminated stained glass catches the sunlight too – though dulled by many seasons, the colors are still jewel-like. The complementary textures of velvet-smooth plumage and hand-crafted glass fascinated and compelled me to take out my brushes. Raungaiti Marae, Waharoa, Waikato, New Zealand.”
The three keys to great painting: Observation, observation, observation!
Example: Painting methods used for the stained glass in Lofty Refuge:
How did I paint the stained glass? As with everything – we have to ignore the label we give things. Forget it is stained glass. Look at the surface, the way the colors change, the transparency as opposed to opacity. We often frighten ourselves before we begin to paint a texture, a surface or an object we have never attempted to paint previously. But if we use our observation skills, we can analyze what it is we are actually seeing and what makes it appear as it does.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is the surface opaque or transparent?
- How do we know that?
- Is the surface flat or rippled/undulating?
- How does this present itself?
- What are we seeing in tonal, color and color temperature differences?
- Is there reflected light or surrounding object reflections that influence what we see?
Focus on these observations and analysis. They will tell you far more than thinking “How can I paint stained glass?”
If you paint what you observe you cannot go wrong. This truth applies to any subject at all.
Susan’s Limited Palette of colors:
I use mostly transparent or semi transparent watercolors from a leading German colour house: Schmincke. This premium quality paint is a joy to use.
You can view my limited palette of colors on my website page here: http://www.susanart.com/blog/susans-magical-palette
These will help you to create the simple illusion of any subject.
(Susan Harrison-Tustain signature set of pigments:)
Other painting lessons
While on my website do visit my free ‘Art Lessons’. There is a wealth of information there for you! http://www.susanart.com/blog/articles-free-watercolor-lessons
Have fun!
Susan
