Live Wedding Painting Orlando, FL and Custom Watercolor Art
  • Art Collections
    • Culinary Art
    • Around Town
    • Water's Edge
  • Live Painting
  • Custom Work
    • Custom Paintings
    • Large Canvas
    • Logo & Branding >
      • Collaborative process
    • Personal Portait Illustration
  • Upcoming Events
  • About Caryn
    • FAQ
    • Services
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Classes
    • Open Studio and Classes
    • Weekend Workshops
    • ArtCamp
    • Private Paint Parties
  • Press
    • Awards and Accolades

De-stress and refresh by learning watercolors in a more flexible way.

3/30/2020

Comments

 
Picture
Student work by Kendal Zeilke
In the midst of all the stress, confusion and re-grouping that we are doing, I wanted to provide the option of a little distance learning for the grown-up mammas and pappas. I've found that painting is not so much about creating a finished product but more about the relaxing process of creating one. It gives us an opportunity (i.e. excuse) to drink a favorite beverage, listen to music and take some time to learn something. Sometimes, the process is not only refreshing but rejuvenating and beautiful!
Picture

What's changing?

I've always taught by introducing a lesson or topic, giving specific examples and then giving you the freedom to complete a piece on your own time when it is convenient. Now, with online instruction, I can provide this same format but with the unexpected joy of some enhancements. Now, you can sit down for the lessons, pause the videos and start and re-watch them anytime you want.

​Each week, we will have a small amount of homework. Students who want to can share their final or in-process pieces in our online forum.  If not, you can always get feedback privately by emailing the images to me. This gives me the freedom to give solid, honest and direct feedback. It's like having your own private painting coach!
Florida wataercolor watercolor classes
The unexpected bonus about moving our class online is that it provides flexibility for people to learn according to their own schedules and comfort levels.

Those who want feedback can get it from myself or the group if desired. 
If not, just enjoy learning and growing on your own.

While I usually have students in my home studio to paint together, I've long wanted to be able to offer classes online for people out of town who have requested it. This odd state of staying at home has forced me to finally make it happen!

How will your online classes work?

Picture
Each week, I'll create a page on my website full of examples, notes and information. I’ll also post a video(s) of me teaching the content.

What I'm most excited about is that I'm creating an online forum to help us stay connected with one another, get feedback as we work through the painting, and hold each other accountable. Hopefully, this will keep us actually getting our paints wet each week ! ; )

I use my talented, artful assistant, Holli, and my daughter, Mia, weekly (and sometimes daily) to get feedback on current projects. It is invaluable to have other eyes on our work!

Picture
I’ll also continue to utilize a Pinterest board and add fresh pins weekly that relate to the content we are studying. Even if you are not yet ready to dive into a class, feel free to follow me on Pinterest.

What will you cover next?

This next 8-week series will cover the main aspects of painting a still-life.
We will discuss the following:
  • Arranging your objects
  • Composition of your painting
  • Basic perspective
  • What to put in the background
  • Highlights on hard and soft surfaces
  • Painting glass and refracted light
  • How to paint different lighting scenarios
    (windows, light bulbs, sunlight)
  • Creating visual balance
  • Fun classes on water-coloring florals and food.

What if I don't know watercolors?

Though my favorite medium is watercolors and that is what I'll be using in my examples, the art theories and skills taught in this particular series can be applicable to oils and acrylics as well!
Picture

What's the cost?

This past week’s lesson is a free extra bonus lesson. The cost is $180 for 8 weeks. Once the course is over, you can choose to renew or discontinue the class. In other words, there is no commitment.  If interested, you can register here.

Still not sure?

Daniel Smith Watercolors tube of paint
It may help to have a look at the this past week's free bonus lesson. It's like tasting a free sample. This class covers the basic art theory of how to compose a still life.

*Note: The free class includes videos of me teaching, but does not include videos of me actually painting. Future classes will have both.

Picture
I'm looking forward to staying connected with students both old and new in this way. As always, I welcome your feedback on what you'd like to explore.

If you have friends that you'd like to connect with by sharing an online painting class, copy, paste and send them this link to register: http://www.caryndahm.com/classregistration.html
Comments

You've Been Quarantined

3/28/2020

Comments

 
-The human spirit is incredible. We long for community and connectedness and when we can't have it, well ... we're going to make a way!
Last night someone who loves our family "quarantined us" by putting this sign on our door along with a jar of colorful m&ms. We were so happy to have the treat after just having ate pizza and watching a movie. Tre has been putting a hurtin on that candy! I admit I'm doing my part to put on the "quarantine fifteen"
Picture
In an effort to further spread the joy, I scanned the sign, cleaned it up, purchased a corona virus graphic (so that it's copyright free) and made a  printable version here for download. 
Picture
You can also click on the image above to download the printable .pdf file.
A new window should open up.

Have fun spreading the joy to those you love and making the best of a tough situation!
- Caryn

Comments

Those Simple But Easy Wins

3/24/2020

Comments

 
Picture
Hello, my friends.  I hope that everyone is managing OK. The craft that I'm sharing today is one of Tre's, my youngest son's, past favorites from Camp Create. I chose to share this project today because of its simplicity : ) It totally reminds me of our generation's little Shrinky Dinks!

Picture
I'm finding more each day that it is essential to our mental health to step away from social media and the news, unplug and just Breath.  On one level, worry can become paramount during these times, but in other ways, being home, simplifying and spending more time outside has been therapeutic. In that spirit, I'm planning on giving myself a word to focus on every couple of days.
Camp Create Art Projects
The word that comes to my mind this morning is ... simplify. Trying to stay focused on the people and things that are at hand in front of me, and leave the rest to do another time. When my little (but bold) grandma was alive, we used to have coffee every Friday morning. On days when I felt overwhelmed or tired, she used to tell me to ... "Only do what is necessary, the rest can wait!"

I'm embracing these words of wisdom today. Hope you can spend time creating with your kids, taking a hot bath, cooking a healthy meal, getting outside, drinking hot tea, gardening, walking dogs, reading good books, resting and SIMPLY breathing and being.

Camp Create Chihuly glass art project
Picture
Chihuly glass kid's art project supplies
Here are the details for today's super fun but simple project:

Supplies:
  • Colorful array of Sharpie markers
  • Chinet disposable cups
  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven (toaster or conventional oven)

Picture
How we loaded them in the toaster ovens at Camp Create
Picture
The result using thinner stripes of less color
Process:
  • Use the Sharpie markers to color on the cups. You can do patterns, stripes, polka-dots or just let them have fun coloring! The more you cover the cup, the more colorful the resulting sculpture will become.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Put the cups on a baking tray and cover the tray with foil.
  • Pop them in the oven and watch carefully as they begin to crumple and melt.
  • Pull the sculpture out when you child likes how it looks and let it cool.
Chihuly glass kid's art project - summer art camp, seminole county
The result using lots of color, covering the cups

Camp Create
Helpful tip: While these do look stunning piled in a bowl near a sunny window, at Camp Create we made mobiles out of them. To make colorful mobiles, just punch a hold near the top of the cups using a hole punch before baking them. After they have melted and cooled, the kids can thread string into their creations and tie to make colorful mobiles. To hang, we tied the fishing string to criss-crossed popsicle sticks. You can use whatever you have on hand, but a pipe cleaner worked great to hold the 2 sticks together.

PictureImage courtesy of Artsy.net
This project idea was inspired by a world famous glass artist named, Dale Chihuly. Miss Holli introduced me to his work. She grew up in Seattle, WA, where Chihuly has his roots. His art is actually on permanent display in Florida's city of St. Petersburg. When things go back to normal, consider scheduling a day trip to see his art. It is something to behold! Here is the museum's website.

Would love to see what you create with your kids during this down time. Tag me on Facebook or via Instagram using #campcreateartcamp.

What inspirational verses, words or thoughts are you focussing on today?
I Corinthians 14:33 / For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.
Picture
Comments

Textured Watercolor Mosaic

3/19/2020

Comments

 
Camp Create Art Camp Seminole County Watercolor Cut Paper Collage
Hello my friends. Well today I'm feeling a little brighter about this stay-at -home thing then I was yesterday. At the Dahm house, we are getting dirty by digging into some much needed yard work. Feels good to get these long avoided projects tackled and under our belts.

Today's craft is one that is simple and happily it's time consuming for the kids. What I love about this art piece is that you can have the children create the project to be in the colors of their room or perhaps even your kitchen color palette. These frame up nicely once completely dried!

Picture
Watercolor Collage Mosaic from Camp Create 2017
Supplies:
  • Watercolor paper or white card stock
  • Paint set (watercolors)
  • kid's scissors
  • glue stick
  • Modge-Podge or Elmer's glue for a clear top coat

Process:
  • The first step is to create all kinds of textures using watercolor paint on the paper. The kids can have fun splattering, cross-hatching lines, and mixing the colors.
  • Try sprinkling coarse sea salt into the wet paint to let some funky textures form.
  • Set it aside to dry (perhaps this is a good time for a snack)
  • Once dry, brush off the salt and let the child cut up the watercolor paper into triangular chunks for the mosaic.
  • Glue the triangles on to white or black card stock using the glue stick. Try fitting them together like a puzzle or cutting the pieces to fit as they go. Hint: This is the time consuming part of the project : )
  • Go over the collage using Modge Podge or watered down school glue to keep the pieces glued down nicely.
Picture
Tip: A nice twist on this project is just to let the kids tear paper or newspaper and collage it together on card stock. Then they can paint the pieces with colorful watercolor paint.
Winter Springs Summer Art Camp
Oviedo Summer Art Camp
Here's to keeping those little hands and hearts busy creating today.

FYI: Miss Holli and I are currently planning this summer's Camp Create projects. If you want to sign your child up, you can reserve your spot now and then make the payment a week before camp starts.
Picture
Comments

Easy Art Projects For Kids

3/18/2020

Comments

 
Picture
Camp Create Art Camp in Seminole County
As I'm thinking today about the toughest part of being quarantined as a mom, to me it is the fact that you want to keep your kiddos active (and off of electronics) but you also want to keep yourself sane at the same time. With that in mind, Miss Holli and I want to provide for you a few of our favorite (and easiest) projects from past years at Camp Create's art camp. 

We tried to find a few crafts that the kids enjoyed the most, but could still easily be replicated using supplies that you most likely have on hand.

Camp Create Seminole County Art Camp
We will be sending out a handful of ideas each week that you can pull from. The idea is to set aside some time for you to keep their little hands busy and for you to have a chance to unwind. All of these suggestions are tried and true projects.

Some we created ourselves and some we found online, but all have been used at past Summer art camps with much success!

Of course feel free to modify, simplify or add what you think will work best for your kids.

Picture
Today's Project Idea: Bubble Gum Machine using Nerf Bullets
Picture
Supply List:
  • NERF bullets
  • Acrylic paint in rainbow colors
  • Canvas or sturdy paper such as white cardstock or bristol board
  • Pencil
  • Water Jar and Paper Towels
  • Gum to chew while they work
    (this one is optional ;  )

Process:
  • First have them draw a picture of the gumball machine on the paper, filling up the space nicely.
  • Paint the base and the top cap of the machine in red.
  • Dip the ends of the Nerf bullets into the acrylic paint and dot on paper to make the gumballs.
  • You can tell the kids that the white space created in the gumball is the highlight where the light is shining on its surface. We try to sprinkle in art theory wherever we can : )
Bonus fun idea* We had a bubble gum machine in the room and had the kids guess the number of gumballs. You could put something round in a bowl and have them guess the number. Nerf bullets could work and the closest guess wins a prize.
Picture
If you try any of these that we send out, we'd love to see pics. Feel free to tag Miss Holli or I on Facebook or via Instagram using #campcreateartcamp

Picture
For inspiration, here is the gumball machine I painted many moons ago that inspired this project. The kids can look at it for a visual when drawing the machine's base and cap.

We would love to hear what your child's favorite project has been at Camp Create. If you would like us to include instructions for that specific project, e-mail us or comment below.
Additionally, if want more information on this Summer's camp, you can find it here.
Comments
<<Previous

      Sign up
      to receive occasional updates about classes, camps, and current projects.

    stay connected

    Culinary art, Caryn Dahm

    Caryn Dahm

    Whether I am painting custom artwork, creating a water colored logo for a client, or teaching art students, I hope to refresh and inspire others with my work. Read more ...

    View my profile on LinkedIn
    Picture

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    January 2022
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    Categories

    All
    Arranging Photos
    Art Camp
    Art Display
    Art Show Set Up
    Buttons
    Creative Living
    Design Project
    Design Theory
    Display Tent Wall
    Easter
    Elementary Kids
    Florida
    Furniture Illustrations
    Gardening
    Good Neighbors Farmers Market
    Hard Work
    Jelly Beans
    Mothers
    Mt. Dora
    Parenting
    Peeps
    Photography Grouping
    Product Review
    Scripture Verse
    Still Life
    Student's Work
    Summer Fun
    Teaching Kids To Love Work
    Thrifty Art Show Set Ups
    Tutorials
    Watercolor Class
    Watering Can

follow @caryndahm on instagram
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
407-421-3198 or via e-mail at design@caryndahm.com
  • Art Collections
    • Culinary Art
    • Around Town
    • Water's Edge
  • Live Painting
  • Custom Work
    • Custom Paintings
    • Large Canvas
    • Logo & Branding >
      • Collaborative process
    • Personal Portait Illustration
  • Upcoming Events
  • About Caryn
    • FAQ
    • Services
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Classes
    • Open Studio and Classes
    • Weekend Workshops
    • ArtCamp
    • Private Paint Parties
  • Press
    • Awards and Accolades