Online drawing and painting classes!

I am currently teaching online classes in beginning drawing and painting each Saturday through PNCA Community Education from 10-12 Pacific time. They are really affordable and fun! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pacific-northwest-college-of-art-community-education-17805857581

New Online Classes in Basic Drawing & Painting

Through PNCA Community Education, I am offering a series of 2 hour classes online on basic drawing and painting techniques. They are very affordable. Hope you can join me. Classes begin this Saturday and happen each Saturday through September. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pacific-northwest-college-of-art-community-education-17805857581

“Fast Food” by Ardis DeFreece Charcoal on Paper

Online Workshop on Narrative Ecological Art, Part 1: May 31, 5-7 PM

Narrative Ecological Painting & Drawing

Instructor: Ardis DeFreece; eco-artist, painter, draftswoman, art educator & writer.

$25, 2 hour class, Sunday, May 31 5-7 PM

https://www.elisabethjones.art/online---narrative-ecological-painting.html

https://www.facebook.com/events/669482087165140/

https://www.meetup.com/PDX-Art-Classes/events/bqxnsrybchbpc/

Painting by Ardis DeFreece, Science at Work, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oil over Acrylic, 2016.

In this class, students will learn how to take complex ecological concepts, ideas and images and

combine them to create a compelling work of art. The course is open to all levels as students

will work on their own pieces with tutorials, demonstration and discussion with the instructor.

Materials will include: a sketchbook for ideas, drawing paper and graphite pencils or charcoal,

Larger drawing paper and media for a drawing project and canvas or panel with painting media

for a painting project. Materials lists for various projects are available. Students who want to

work through the process as fully as possible can attend all 6 classes. Students who are unable

to attend all six classes may drop in each week.

Part 1: Ideas, research, planning & composing

Students will learn how to combine their ideas and research to create a compelling composition.

We will look at the work of multiple artists and discuss strategies for narrative and design.

Students will learn different methods for planning a complex work of art from composite images,

written work, field work and imagination. Each student will begin a narrative work of art, that

they can continue with me in another workshop or on their own.

Materials: sketchbook, newsprint or larger drawing pad, graphite pencils or charcoal.

Please feel free to share photos, clippings from publications, ideas for areas of concern or

subject matter for class. This is not required, but can be helpful in creating your composition

within the 2 hour class.

Mini #29, Narcissus, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2020

As the symbol for rebirth, good fortune, and vanity, the narcissus is complicated. For me, they are simply one of the most cheerful harbingers of Spring.

Ardis DeFreece, Narcissus, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2020

Mini #28, The Fig, Acrylic, 2x3 in 2019

The Fig

In 1994, when I was a Junior in college, I went to study abroad in Florence and Paris. During my first weeks in Italy, I attended an immersion program in Siena, since I did not speak Italian. Within a few weeks, I could get by passably, if a bit clumsily. By the time I got to Florence, I felt reasonably confident that I could make myself understood. I was feeling competent enough to do some shopping. Stopping at a greengrocer’s stall, I saw some fresh, dark purple figs. In my Italian class, we had learned the words for many fruits and vegetables. Vaguely, I remembered that some were female and some male, but that just didn’t seem too important in practicality. I figured the greengrocer would understand me well enough. Upon seeing those juicy looking figs, I greeted him with a, “buon giorno signore,” and told him confidently, “vorrei una fica per favore.” This statement was met with wide eyes and a wicked smile. He cocked his head and asked, “come?” I was confused, I had clearly and politely asked for a fig. So, I pointed to the best looking one and said again, louder, “Vorrei questa fica per favore!” His smile grew and he waggled his index finger at me saying, “Signorina, noooo-o” Now I was getting irritated. Did he not want to sell me a fig? Why not? I tried again with more force and thought, I’ll stop saying I would like one and switch to I WANT ONE! So I did, saying even louder “Voglio questa fica qui! (I want this one here!)” pointing imperiously at the fig in question. Then he guffawed loudly. At this point I was so annoyed and embarrassed. I thought, “this is just what everyone said it would be like, people pretending not to understand me!” Then it dawned on me, that vague lesson on figs, especially figs… Oh God, yes, I just did exactly what I was warned not to do. A fig, in Italian, is un fico, una fica is a vagina, and not just a vagina, but a p***y... Mortification spread over me in a wave as the greengrocer chokingly asked me, “Why aren’t you happy with the one you already have?”

Ardis DeFreece, The Fig, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

Mini #27, Ridgefield NWR Creek, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is one of my favorite spots for bird watching and landscape painting. Growing up nearby, my mom and I would come here often to see Bald Eagles, Great Blue herons, egrets, Sandhill Cranes, owls, swans and geese by the thousands, and much more. I still come here at all times of year. This little creek is a great spot to see turtles, frogs, ducks and nutria. I know, nutria are invasive, and yet I can’t help but find them cute and disgusting at the same time.

Mini #26, Fall at Audubon, Portland, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019.

As you may have noticed from previous miniatures, I love the Audubon Society. The trails in their park are beautiful year-round. This image, from last Fall is a special memory. I went there with my mom and we spent a rainy afternoon watching birds, leaves falling, water trickling and light changing. She is the reason I am so interested in birds. From the time I was a little girl, we had bird feeders in the back yard and she would tell me about the individual birds and the plants and food that attracted them. We have made many bird-watching excursions over the years. She has also inspired me to travel further to see them in some amazing places, from eagles and sea birds in Alaska to Roseate Spoonbills in Costa Rica and Tuis in New Zealand. Each time I watch and wait for birds, I think of my mom. So glad we are still sharing these adventures.

Mini #25, Forest Memory 1, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

When I think about my childhood, the time before memories are very clear, I think of trees. I think that many of us in the Pacific Northwest are aware of its beauty, but we are only aware of how truly green it is when we leave and return. Each time I have left, the sense of verdant abundance upon returning is powerful. These days, I also think about how fragile this green world has become. I am simultaneously consoled by my forest memories and anxious for the future. It is a strange paradox. When I think of my early memories of trees, in my mind’s eye, I can see the filtered light that makes its way through the evergreen branches. It is not a clear picture, but a murky, glowing, amorphous image and it always brings me peace.

Mini #24, Ecola State Park, Oregon Coast, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

Since I was a kid, the Oregon Coast has been a special place. I love the changeability of the coast from sunny and blue to stormy and gray in minutes at certain times of year. When I am away from the ocean, I feel land locked and a bit claustrophobic. I crave the openness of the water and sky, the freshness of the wind, the smell of the sea, and the call of the birds. I find the crashing waves terrible and beautiful in the same moment, truly sublime.

Mini #23, West Maui View, Acrylic, 2 1/4 x 8 inches, 2019

Looking West toward Iao Valley. This is often a windy spot, but on the right day, the water is filled with surfers. Or for the surfers, the right day has perfect waves and very few surfers, a rarity on Maui. The color of the water is remarkable and it changes as the clouds pass overhead.

West Maui View, Acrylic, miniature

Mini #21 & 22, Sacred Pools and Polipoli, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

More Maui, I have spent more time there recently and it is on my mind and in my heart. Two of my favorite places are up high on the side of Haleakala at Polipoli and down low on the South side at the Seven Sacred Pools in Haleakala National Park. Both places are spectacular. From Polipoli you can the Hawaiian Islands and beautiful, blue Pacific while being surrounded by high desert. It a stark contrast to the lush green of the North. The Sacred Pools is a special place for it’s waterfalls, clear pools and intimacy. You are surrounded by rocks and trees, while tucked into a stream bed. I was lucky enough to be there on a day with very few people.

Sacred Pools, Maui, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

Polipoli, Maui, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

Mini #19 & 20, Maui: Cattle Egret & Iao Valley, 2 x 3 in, Acrylic, 2019

Just missing Maui for lots of reasons. Iao Valley is a wonder, if you visit Maui, make sure to go. It reminds me of places in the Columbia Gorge, Yosemite, Costa Rica, and New Zealand. Beautiful, lush tropical forest that descends a steep ravine, down to a rushing river below. Magical. As for the cattle egrets. They are seen all over Maui. They are non native, brought in to take care of certain pests and they have become problematic by eating threatened native species of frogs, geckos, and the eggs of other birds. The egrets are beautiful in appearance and overbearing in their habits. They remind me of humans…

Mini #17 & 18, Japanese Magnolia and Cherry Blossoms, 2 x 3 in, Acrylic, 2019.

Cherry Blossoms, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019.

Here I am in the cold, wet Pacific Northwest… Dreaming of Spring. Each year, I wait for the first buds to open and show their colors. After a gray winter, they are so cheerful. When they are in full bloom, I can be found walking everywhere, painting, photographing, drawing and marveling.  Favorite places for Vancouver/Portland blooms: 1. Hulda Klager Lilac Garden in Woodland, WA. 2. Portland Japanese Garden. 3. Portland Chinese Garden. 4. Mt. Tabor Park. 5. Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. 6. Local meadows and wooded areas, too many to share, too important to risk to exposure!

Mini #16, Tulip Field, Woodland, WA, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

When I was a kid, my mom and I would “play tourist” near where we lived. Sometimes my brothers would go when we were quite young, but as I got older, it was often just mom and me. I have so many fun memories of the adventures we had, both locally and on longer road trips together. This tulip field was a spot we visited every spring. After I did some traveling, I realized even more, how beautiful it was... stripes of brightly colored flowers all the way to the horizon.

Mini #14 & 15, Karekare Peninsula, NZ, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

To the Southwest of Auckland is a beautiful coastal area called the Karekare Peninsula. It is surrounded by the Waitakere Ranges, a forest of giant kauri trees, waterfalls and incredible plant and animal life. It is such a breathtaking place. There is a trail that follows a stream out to an expansive, wild beach. The rocks in the water reminded me of parts of the Pacific Northwest Coast and gave me a feeling of the connectedness of places. The giant kauri in New Zealand forests remind me of the California Redwoods and old growth in the Olympic Peninsula as well. Like the Northwest, these forests are threatened. Kauri trees are dying at a startling rate due to a fungus-like organism called Kauri dieback disease. While visiting, many of the trails were closed to help prevent the spread of the disease. I am saddened to think about the loss of these ancient and beautiful forests and I hope a cure or effective treatment is found.

Mini #13, Goldfinch, Acrylic, 2x3 in, 2019

One of my favorite birds, of course, good daughter of the state of Washington that I am!

Mini #11 &12, Maui Flowers: Hibiscus & Heliconia, 2x3 inches, 2019

Yellow Hibiscus and Heliconia, 2x3 inches, Acrylic, 2019

Mini Yellow Hibiscus, 2 x 3 inches, Acrylic, 2019

Mini Heliconia, 2 x 3 inches, Acrylic, 2019

Maui is a place I have begun to know a bit. The abundance of flowers provides never-ending inspiration. Hibiscus and heliconia plants are native to the Pacific Islands and have become symbols of the Hawaiian islands in particular. The yellow hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower. I am learning more about native species of plants and animals and the invaders that threaten the native species as well. Many plants have naturalized on Maui without becoming invasive, but I am continually surprised to learn how careless people have been in the plants and animals they have brought to Maui. In some places, you can see the invasive species covering an entire area from vines, shrubs, trees, and ground covers. I plan to paint more of these plants as well.

Mini #10, A Small Bay in NZ, Acrylic, 2x3in, 2019

I have been fortunate enough to travel to New Zealand a few times in the past five years. It is truly a beautiful country with spectacular nature and wonderful people. This little bay in the north is one of my favorite places. My partner had been there years before and could not find it again until we drove around from bay to bay. When we found it, he was so excited to show it to me and I could see why. There are huge, sculptural trees that hang out over a crystal clear stream running out to the ocean. The bay itself is sheltered and forms a perfect crescent. Often, misty fog rolls in and the diffused light causes the whole place to glow. It is magical. The only warning I would give would be to watch out for the biting sand fleas, though this place was worth a few itchy bites on my feet.

Mini #9 Vancouver Sunset, Acrylic, 2x3 inches, 2019

I just like sunsets, always have. There will be lots of them.

Mini #8 Raven, Acrylic, 2x3 inches, 2019

I can’t say exactly why I am so fascinated by ravens, corvids (crow family) in general have always appealed to me. Their jarring, attention getting calls, their stealth and cleverness have something to do with it. When they look at you, they seem to be thinking all sorts of things. Mostly, they seem to be regarding me with curiosity or that look that says, “stupid human…” I appreciate the myths and legends attached to them from all over the world as well. They have been seen as messengers from the underworld, figures that travel between life and death, keepers of knowledge and wisdom, and portents of evil. Though I truly only see them as beautiful, clever birds, I can understand the wish to attach more meaning to these creatures. Yes, I know some folks find them a nuisance, but if you ever hear a raven mimic human speech or see a crow put walnuts in the road to be cracked by car tires, you might appreciate them a bit more. Check out the story of Canuck the Crow for a fun read. https://www.audubon.org/news/the-misadventures-canuck-worlds-most-infamous-crow