New Website! Check it out!

I just renovated my site since we have relocated to Chicago my photography and painting business!  I added more photography and a cleaner, fresher look and made it even simpler to navigate.  Whatcha think????

Just click the image to take a look!

(Get ready to tap and snap.. ;)

Fishy

Oh, I'm sorry it's been so long since I've posted work! I cannot begin to tell you how busy life has been with 3 young kids and the dog, so I get done what I can. I have done several encaustic paintings lately that I am going to be posting that are small in size.

Encaustic requires the artist to be flexible and make decisions quickly in the process. Seldom do my original ideas come to fruition the exact way I intend with this medium, but I do love it nonetheless once I get over this fact. You kind of have to go with the flow of the paint and torch and watch colors melt and blend in such beautiful ways. I had toned this one in reds and burgundys with the intention of almost completely covering the background in blues. My students loved the burgundy tones as I did as the process went, so I decided to keep some that toning showing thru. This is "Fishy!'

Encaustic on cradled board, 6 x 12", $150 s/h $12

1st Student Art Show!

Claire Kayser Fine Art put on it's first student art show last night, and it was WONDERFUL!!! We kept it to our spouses and a few friends, had it catered by Lauri at the Golden Fig, and hosted by Jack and Kirsten Driscoll at Jack's historical, charming building. The evening was splendid in every way with gorgeous weather that allowed us to spill outside on the upper level deck, great h'ore deuvres. We raved over the students' work and talked about art, mingled with one another and enjoyed ourselves tremendously. Thanks to my great students for allowing me to work with you and help you through your painting journeys!

Summer Adult Plein Air Painting!

Hey Ladies!

We will be plein air painting on Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, no need to commit to a number of classes as this summer is low key, come if you can on Tuesdays. Claire will be providing instruction in various settings around the twin cities. Email Claire or call Claire at 651.983.2743 at least 4 days in advance to get the schedule for that Tuesday's location and details. Cost is $50 per day and payment must be received the day of class or before. Claire will give you a supply list once contacted. Come on, bring a friend or daughter!

Lowdown:
Tuesdays
10 am - 12 pm (some days time may vary)
Pay by the class!
Fee: $50 (due day of class or before)
Get on the email list for the weekly schedule!
Call Claire at 651.983.2743 to sign up
Limited to 12, so hurry!
Get ready for FUN!

April Wine and Paint FULL!

Thanks to all who have signed up for next month's Wine and Paint party! It's filled with 8 ladies who want to paint an Italian theme of charming villa windows with laundry hanging - such a common, charming site in Italy. It will be fun making our canvases convey that Italian charm!

I still have openings for May 6th one if anyone is interested! Call up a friend or two and come! You get $15 off for bringing a friend.

Email me at claire@clairekayser.com or call me at 651.983.2743!
Fee is $85
$75 for COLOR CAFE students!

Also, I have started the punch card for studio C that when you have done 5 Wine and Paint nights, you get your 6th FREE! Get started NOW!

Get on the "C list!" (the new A list!) at studio C!

New Blog Name!

My blog is no longer "into the light" as I've decided to change it to "studio C". I'm in the idea storming stages and beginning of what my studio offerings will be in the coming months. It's a very exciting time! My studio is going to be all about painting, teaching, learning and creativity. So the things that I will be offering will be a conglomeration of things that I know, have practiced, and what clients have asked of me. Stay tuned to exactly what studio C will be! But for now, DO "start C-ing!"

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Joanie Delamater!


Last week's class was to paint in a more simplified way or to abstract a subject and paint it more simply with fewer brushstrokes to describe the subject. I allowed students to chose any image they wanted and suggested ways to simplify it for a painting. They did it! In fact, I didn't help Joanie one bit! She came into class with several different images she thought of using, decided on this landscape, and also had in mind to paint something that day for her mother who is today turning 84!

VOILA in a big way!!!!

Joanie nailed this painting in every way - accomplishing the assignment, painting with a beautiful palette of colors, strong composition, and finishing in just over an hour!

I AM INSPIRED!

Happy birthday to you, Joanie's Mom, and congratulations, Joanie!

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Sheryl Douglas!

Wow, we in class have anxiously been waiting for Sheryl to complete this painting of her brother on his Harley! We loved it the moment she brought the canvas into class with her great sketch of it as a start. She's great at drawing, too. Also, Sheryl creates some of the most edgy, creative, artsy cards, too. Please inquire about seeing some of them. I will post pics of some when I get some images of them. Until then, enjoy this masterpiece! Way to go, Sheryl!

Next Wine & Paint Party!

The next Wine & Paint is one your won't want to miss! We will be painting "Bessy the Cow"!



No need for any prior painting experience - just come, unwind from your day's stresses, and paint. I will demonstrate, and you will paint your painting in the next 90 minutes. FUN!
I supply all you will need - you just bring your wine, libation, whatever drink of choice. I will have some nice cheeses and crackers, bottled water and coffee available.

Details:
Wednesday March 11, 7 - 9 pm
Claire Kayser home studio
All supplies provided
BYOW (wine, not whine!)

Fee: $85
COLOR CAFE students: $75
Class limited to 8 fun ladies!

Help me by going paperless with payment!
Paypal is a completely safe and secure way to pay. Click below
and pay. If you don't yet have a paypal account, you may quickly get set up.
Thanks!

Your Fee

Fee $85.00 COLOR CAFE students $75.00

A GREAT CHARITY OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU!

In this new spirit of responsibility, giving and feeling of connectedness I want to share an opportunity of giving and recieving for you! Please click here for those details!

Here's a peek:

... and the WINNER IS...

Jenn Dougherty!!!

Thanks so much, Jenn, for becoming the next follower of my blog! You win a free spot in my next Wine and Paint Party on March 11! It will be fabulous and even more so having you!

Thanks, thanks, thanks!

PS: That Aretha hat really works for you!

SURPRISE!

In an effort to get you who only READ my blog and don't comment or have not become a follower, I am offering a reward to the next person who becomes a follower! I guess it benefits those who live around the twin cities most, but here it is:

Attend my next Wine and Paint Party FREE!
Wednesday March 11
7 - 9 pm



Yes, simply become a follower by clicking on the follower button on the right side where the other followers are, and get yourself set up! It's very simple and won't take but a minute! That's an $85 value for FREE!

Email me to let me know you've done the deal!

Best of luck,
Claire

WINE & PAINT NIGHTS!

Yes! I will be kicking off my new WINE AND PAINT PARTIES! These evenings are a great way to be introduced to painting with NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY or if you have painting experience, just come and pick up a brush again! The atmosphere is very relaxing and fun with time to paint, socialize and enjoy great music, goodies to eat and your favorite libation. This time is for YOU - tap into your creative soul and be taken away from your everyday stresses. I will help you on your way to painting a piece that you will take home that night!

Here's the deal:
I provide ALL materials
You bring only your wine or drink of choice
$85 fee (paid 2 weeks in advance of date)
8 student limit
Reserve your spot now!
Call Claire at 651.983.2743 or email at claire@clairekayser.com

SCHEDULE
November 5, 7-9 pm (2 spots left)
December 3, 7-9 pm
January 14, 7-9 pm

ART OPEN HOUSE!

ART OPEN HOUSE
November 15
6 - 9 pm
Home of Claire Kayser
paintings, pottery, mosaic art, books & their authors, jewelry, culinary arts, live music!
Get a jump start on holiday shopping with gifts that are completely unique and one of a kind - ART!
Grab a friend and come mingle with the artists and creative people and listen to some live jazz! Buy something unique and original for loved ones on your list!

Support artists!

The Dodge Nature Center Fall Gala!

The Dodge Nature Center's Fall Gala benefit went super well last Saturday night! I was so honored to be the featured artist in which my work was highly spotlighted all night long. I donated a commissioned figurative landscape painting to the winning bidder in the live auction. It went for a whopping $3500! I was so flattered!!! See all the pictures of the nights events. Thanks to Lee Driscoll for nominating me for the featured artist, and thanks to Dodge and all the great employees I got to work with especially Ann Nelson and Pam Burkley. Thanks to you all!

The example of the "figurative landscape" painting to be auctioned off.  

This one is of my 3!

Tom and Me!

So many were highly interested in my encaustic painting which I will be producing more of in the coming weeks!  Encaustic = beeswax + pigment!  Beautiful!!!

Pam Burkley is all the way to the left in this shot.  She has been super supportive of me and my work so much that she has signed up for my next COLOR CAFE session and bought another spot for the silent auction!  THANKS, Pam!  You're a DOLL!

Eileen Armitage and me at the end of the night!  She looked stunning, as usual!

SPOTLIGHT ON...

... Pam Frecentese! Wow, after only one week painting, look what she produced! She painted this image of her Wheaton Terrior so effectively using her toning - the reds and other colors surrounding the dog's head - and she also put nice color in the light areas and shadowed areas of the doge's fur. Way to go, Pam!

All of my students have gotten off to a great start this fall, and I'm looking forward to journeying through with them to tap into their creative souls!

Twins and Friends Art Show!

I wanted to post the invitation to the Twins and Friends show on the 31st in Alabama.  You see my painting which is an oil on canvas, my sister Carole's is an encaustic (pigments with beeswax) painting, and the peace bracelet made by Chicago-based artist Jean Basse.  I own this bracelet and wear it all the time - the peace sign is rough silver attached to brown leather.  She makes it with black leather, too.  Jean also works with pearls and other great semi-precious gems.  I can hardly wait 'til her site is done so that you could see what she does and order straight thru her site.  James Dean will also be showing his Pete the Cat stuff.  Great!  Check it out.  Anything can be purchased and shipped to you!  Simply contact Carole or Leslie at Carole Foret Studio at 256.232.2521.

Go to my Painting Blog!

Several new paintings!

Plein Air Painting & Kid Art Camp Update!

You will want to make plein air painting Tuesdays with Claire and others! No need to commit to any of the days, just come if you can. We will be painting in several different locations over the coming weeks from June 24th thru July 22nd. Cost for class is just $45 or pay for all 5 sessions ahead of time and get a discounted rate $200. Classes are from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Meet at my house by 8:50, and we will travel to our spot to paint. We are at Selby and Western to paint architectural street scenes tomorrow June 24th.

Also, I still have one or two spots left in each of my kid art camps! If you know of someone that might be interested, tell them to come on and bring a friend. We will be painting color mixing and will paint at least 1-2 paintings! Fun, indeed!

Become a FOLLOWER!

Hey All!

Just wanted to alert you to something you could do if you're interested. That is to become a follower of my blogs. All you need to do is to scroll down and look on the right side column and go the follower section. Click that and just follow the link. Hopefully, you will think my blogs are cool and something you want to see with some frequency. I don't know - maybe not. I would love to know who looks at my blogs anyway. I have the "follower" link on both this blog and my painting one. It won't send you any unsolicited emails or anything like that. If YOU have a blog, you can put this feature on your blog for others, too, as it's great for networking among bloggers and sites. Let's trade followership!!!!

Thanks!
Claire