Express Yourself

Nags Head, N.C. - One source of inspiration!

Discovering Your Own Creativity

I am intrigued by the many different ways people express their creativity. Whether it be cooking, writing, woodworking, poetry, metalwork, housekeeping, landscaping - the list goes on and on, and is truly unending. There are as many forms of creativity as there are individuals!

My friend Hope Hilton teaches classes on creativity at the KAArtist shop in downtown Athens, Ga, where I am teaching a silk painting class in April. Her classes have titles like Creativity Takes Courage and Creative Journaling. Creativity can be what gets us up in the morning; it can be what sees us through our tough times, illuminating the joy in everyday experiences that might otherwise slide right by without our taking notice. Creativity for me is a never-ending source of ideas, inspiration, and fun, and Hope’s classes are amazing because she helps everyone unveil their own sources of creativity!

I am excited to join Hope in this endeavor by offering my silk painting class at KAArtist on Saturday, April 9th from 1-4 p.m. There we can work together to explore color and line and silk and beauty, and you can see what other creative opportunities Kristen Ashley (of KAArtist!) has cooked up for us.

During our time in class, we will see how others have approached painting on silk and discuss how your unique approach to life - and creativity - will help you create a stunning silk painting of your own. 

Why is expressing yourself important? I believe we all have an inner vision to share with the rest of the world. We can begin to discover that vision by expressing it through our own unique talents. Come explore with me to discover how you can share those talents!

What is your favorite creative outlet? Hit 'reply' and let me know. Let’s begin a discussion on what makes your heart sing.

SIGN UP TODAY!

Silk Painting with René Shoemaker
KA Artist Shop
127 N. Jackson St.
 Athens, GA
1.706.850.1224

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Peggy was very happy with her new silk painting! Columbus State University 2015

René Art is now on exhibit:
Discovering the Chattahoochee Valley:
Silk paintings by René Shoemaker
The Columbus Museum, Columbus, Ga through July 2016

What is the difference between dye and paint?

“Peacock" (in process), created by participant at Columbus State University workshop, 2015

It can be confusing to hear about "painting on silk", along with discussions of dyeing the fabric. Dye is the best way to add color to silk, as it lasts much longer than paint, and it makes your new creation wearable and washable. With dye, the silk retains its supple feel; paint tends to lay on top of the fabric and make it stiff. Once the dye is applied to the silk, given some time to rest, and “fixed” in some manner so that the color won’t wash out, you have a silk painting that is resistant to fading from light or washing.

An article was published in the Athens' Flagpole about the last time I taught silk painting. I enjoyed the experience so much - I loved meeting new people who were eager to learn about the process. You can read the full article here.

One of the students in the class was in an official capacity as signer for another student. After watching many a signer work at UGA events I was mesmerized by his interpretations of my words! I was honored to have his help.

NEW SILK PAINTING CLASS

I've partnered with the wonderful "new" (one year old now!) independent art store in downtown Athens, GA to teach a silk painting class on April 9th, 2016. I'd love to see you there!  Click here for more information. Feel free to hit reply to this message to let me know what YOU would like to know about the process of silk painting. I'd be happy to answer your questions!
 

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CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!  

Silk Painting with René Shoemaker
April 9th, 2016

KA Artist Shop
127 N. Jackson St., 
Athens, GA
1.706.850.1224

The One Thing You Need to Know

The One Thing You Need to Know to Get Started in Silk Painting

Painting on silk is a joy.

It is not difficult.

It is quick.

And it is rewarding.

The thing I like best about silk painting is the swiftness of seeing results – the colors, the beauty, and the immediate gratification. You can paint a scarf one day and be wearing it the next! Or hanging it on your wall for all to admire.

Personally, I love to take an image or design and simplify it down to a few lines and shapes. The color then becomes the main focus of the design. Silk soaks up the dye like magic, and it is a beautiful and stunning process to watch.

I'll be teaching a Silk Painting class in Athens in April, and I will send out more details in a few days.

Oh – and that one thing you need to know to get started in silk painting? It doesn’t take any special talent or skill. I will guide you through the process in our class.

Take care,
-René 

René exhibits Café Art in Brooklyn Feb.15 - March 15, 2016

I am so delighted to report I am exhibiting The Café Experience in Park Slope at my favorite Brooklyn coffeeshop - Café Grumpy! Please share this news with your NY friends - I'd love to meet anyone you know. I will be in NY Feb 14-20th. Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!