CLASS LOCATION: SYDENSTRICKER CABIN OF PEARL S BUCK BIRTHPLACE, 8129 SENECA TRAIL, ROUTE 219

The fee includes the cost of the inks and tiles provided by the instructor.  This class is for both BEGINNER AND THOSE THAT HAVE SOME EXPERIENCE WITH ALCOHOL INK!   Beginning students will learn the basics of alcohol inks;  what they are, how they work, and how to paint with them.  Students should expect to have fun and take a lighthearted look at their creations.  Painting with alcohol ink should be a relaxing, eye-opening experience.  Students are encouraged to “let go and go with the flow.”  Let the ink do its thing and then help it along.  We will be working on a ceramic tile, which each student will take home after the class.  We will paint a simple abstract landscape using the pouring method along with some brushwork.

Students may choose instead to create a simple abstract to get the feel of the ink.  No two paintings will be alike!  Each will be a unique expression of the creator!

The point is to relax, feel no intimidation and have fun!  As I say, “RELAX AND GO WITH THE FLOW.”

ALL SUPPLIES TO CREATE YOUR PROJECT WILL BE SUPPLIED BY THE INSTRUCTOR EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING 3 ITEMS THAT STUDENTS SHOULD BRING FROM HOME:

1.    apron, paint smock, or old shirt to protect your clothes

2.    small paint brushes (very small tips) like those that you can get at the dollar store

3.    an explorative attitude and the desire to learn, relax, and have fun!

If you want to further explore and embellish your creation during the class, (or after) the instructor suggests purchasing the following items, but this is not necessary to create in the class.

3 pack of ranger inks from Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels,  a small plastic pallet,  a small pallet knife, an extra fine tip black Sharpie marker, and a white PC-1MR Ultra Fine Paint marker by Uni Posca.  Most of these can be found at your local dollar store, except for the inks and markers.  THESE PURCHASES ARE NOT NECESSARY TO TAKE THE CLASS BUT WILL ALLOW MORE ARTISTIC FREEDOM.

BIO OF INSTRUCTOR, CELESTE VERRONE:

The instructor for this class is Celeste Verrone who is a self-taught artist that works in a variety of mediums.  Her first passion is watercolor, but she enjoys using Alcohol Ink and Acrylics as well.  Although Celeste has had a lifelong interest in art, it lay dormant for many years.  The seed of creativity was planted at a very young age and never left her!  She didn’t start her journey in art until later in life after raising a family and retiring from her career.

There is a wide variety within her work as she prefers to take a reactive approach toward the feeling she gets from the subject.  She tends to portray peace, harmony, and tranquility in her floral and landscape paintings yet never hesitates to use bold, intense colors. Celeste reserves the right to paint soft as a spring breeze or wild as a hurricane, whichever is calling.

A native of Missouri, Celeste moved from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in 2005.  She now resides in the small town of Browntown with her husband where she draws inspiration from her surroundings.  Celeste has a variety of hobbies, but her most treasured thing in life is her family.  She is a former member of the Blue Ridge Arts Council.  Her work is sold locally at exhibitions and art events.  Her art has been shown in many juried shows including, “Art at The Mill” at Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, VA.  She often paints commissioned pieces for her patrons and can be contacted at cjverrone@gmail.com