One more summer has come and gone...

I am so happy to say that my summer was BUSY!   I spent my summer learning, trying new methods, new mediums, photographing weddings & portraits, painting, drawing, and of course spending valuable time with family and friends.  Now with the school year started (1 day down, 179 to go)  I officially have "ended" my summer - and, boy, is there a lot to share!

Let's start with some painting.....
I was hired by some good friends of mine to create a custom set of paintings - I was so thrilled and jumped at the chance to paint for them!  They  had seen a painting of mine of a seahorse and requested a larger version of it along with two other sea creature designs.  After putting together some sketches - I was off to work!  But I can't really call it work - because I enjoyed every second of it.  When it came time to pack them up and deliver them....I had a bit of separation anxiety - ha!  Yet, I realized that feeling meant I had done right - I had put a little bit of myself into each and every one.  I love this style and process and I intend on continuing this series with more water loving creatures.

These pieces are about 20"x20" on hardwood panel - The Crab is my favorite :)    Enjoy!

See these and more of my work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/MettlerStudios?ref=si_shop

AND if you'd like a custom peice of your own - don't be shy to contact me at nicolemettler@gmail.com

Thanks!

Blast of Color!

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to continue my education through Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Great Lakes Institute of Photography (GLIP).  I met so many wonderful artists - all teachers in my eyes - for I learned A LOT in only 4 days.  I finally felt a sense of belonging as an artist, that I haven't felt since my photo darkroom days at BGSU.  It was sad to leave, but I am so thankful for the photographers who develop, teach, and attend these programs.  I will definitely see you there next year!

On one of our outings to Downtown Ann Arbor, MI - we had some time to kill while waiting for our model.  Downtown, there is a  'graffiti hall' - graffiti artists paint all over the walls until their heart is content.  I'm not sure if this is supported by everyone in the community - but it seems to be quite a popular place.  Another interesting tid bit - in the 'graffiti hall' there is a 'gum wall'.  Passers by add their chewed gum to the wall and it becomes part of the art - painted over and over and over again - creating a whole new texture to the brick wall itself.  Some might consider it gross - others might consider it sculpture!

Here are several photos I took while visiting Ann Arbor.

ART SHOW THIS SATURDAY june 11

Summer is here!  School is out, so the artist in me kicks into high gear.  I will be at the ArtScape Art Fair in Old Town Winchester this Saturday from about 11 am to 6 pm.  There will be other local artists and various activities.  Check out the details here - http://www.oldtownwinchesterva.com/2011/06/artscape-art-fair-2011/

Come support the local artists and stop by my tent and say hi!  Hope to see you there.

Here's a little something new I've been working on - prints available at the show!

http://www.wix.com/nicolemettler/nicolemettlerart

the end of the school year is approaching...

Ahhhh....finally summer is in the air!  This school year has been a wonderful year, and again I am blessed to have worked with so many talented young ladies and gentleman.  One of our latest units has been working with liquid watercolors, which I love because the colors are so vibrant AND they speed up the watercolor painting process!  They are all ready liquid form, so no need to add water!  I do multiple watercolor painting projects with my Intro classes - and one they seem to enjoy the most is the experimental watercolor techniques.  We use salt, rice, plastic wrap, and other household items to create visual texture.  I absolutely love what salt does to watercolor!

"Pisces Dance"  Watercolor On Paper.  2011

Another watercolor project that I am trying out right now (only a few students are completely finished) is painting on a crackled surface.  When you use watercolors, it creates this mosaic or almost a stained glass affect.  So far, so good - the projects are turning out beautifully!  And the kids really like the final look.

"Under the Sea"  Watercolor On Board.  2011

Click here to see more of my artwork!