Artist Ursula Stocke NEEDS YOUR HELP!

I write this evening not really knowing what to say or how to say it. Last night I was struck with the news that our dear friend and fellow painter/teacher Ursula Stocke has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. Immediately I knew I had to help in whatever way I could.

Ron & Ursula Stocke

Both Ursula Stocke and her husband Ron Stocke have performed many painting demonstrations, classes, and workshops at both our Artists' Edge locations over the years. The two are relatively inseparable. They often teach together, helping to support each others events, and to those artists (and even normal people) who know them, they are an absolute treasure.

My friendship with Ron & Ursula began with business, but in recent years has rounded out as shared interests, not only art, but a genuine passion for art education, and even international travel. My wife Karin and I were just trying to figure out a time in our busy schedules to meet for dinner and give Ron & Ursula tips and tricks for enjoying a trip to Northern Italy, where we have been many times...

Then as we try to figure out our busy hectic lives, the news breaks. I hear from Ron, that his wife Ursula has Stage 4 Colon Cancer.

I am absolutely shocked. Don't know what to say. 42 years old. Hey, that could be me!

I spoke with Ron this morning. He and Ursula are in good spirits, about as good as anyone could be in this situation. But they will need help. They are underinsured and need help raising funds to get the treatments that Ursula has no choice but to get.

Here is the donation sight where you can help Ursula: http://www.giveforward.com/ursulastocke Here with a credit card you may make a donation of any size. You can read a message from Ron there as well.

For those of you who want to donate in CASH or CHECK, you may do so at either Artists' Edge location. I know many of you know Ron & Ursula and how much they have given to the "quality of life" for us artists...I plead with you that if you can give anything to help with their battle, please just give what you can.

If anyone has any questions about Ron & Ursula you can reach me at the Poulsbo store at (360) 779-2337.

Thanks to all of you for any help you can give.

Sincerely,
Derek Gundy
www.artistsedge.com

Top 10 Artists' Edge Holiday Gifts!

Happy Holidays to Everyone! It has been a great year, and we're in the midst of a wonderful holiday shopping season. We've had a few recent shipments with amazing items for your creative gift giving needs. Here are just a few suggestions.

1. Pentalic Field Watercolor Book: Available in 3 sizes, this is a great hard cover watercolor sketch book with high quality 140# paper. 7x10, 9x12, & 11x14.

2. Connoisseur Kolinsky Sable Travel Watercolor Brush: You'll be amazed how the handle folds over to become the protective cover for the best possible brush a watercolorist can have # 7 round and flat, A FEW LEFT IN POULSBO.

3. Super Deluxe Sketch Books: Often known as "the only sketch book you'll ever need" this great item features 93# paper which is great for drawing and sketching but also wet media such as watercolor & inks. Various sizes

4. M. Graham Oil, Acrylic, Guoache, And Watercolor paints: Very well stocked with recent shipments. Ask one of our staff members to choose a great selection for your artist. These paints are 40% off with us all the time!

5. Palette Paper: Disposable paper palettes are great for mixing oils and acrylics. Great gift that artists can always use.

6. Gift Cards are always available with us for any amount! Now offering $115 for the $100 gift card level (a 15% bonus) Now through Decmeber 24th. Gift cards work well for all items in the store, but particularly good for framing and brushes (2 things better to let them pick out!)

7. Kids Puzzles & Art Supplies: Mellissa & Doug items are great for kids, come see our selection in both stores. Makes gift selection for the young ones easy!

8. Classes. We have a new schedule out for January & February. How about giving the gift of a class, or taking one together?

9. Drawing Sets: Help your artist keep well supplied with a well rounded drawing set!

10. Original Art & Framed Prints. Come browse the selection of framed artwork at both stores.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at www.artistsedge.com !

Michelle Amicucci has the Artists' Edge

At Artists' Edge, we work with Artists all the time. Sometimes it might be helping them with supplies for their creative endeavors, other times it may be framing their artwork for an exhibit.

Most recently, local artist Michelle Amicucci has been painting up a storm, and has been coming to us for art supplies as well as framing for over 20 paintings & prints in the last month or so. Michelle's latest adventures have her diving into Pet Portraiture. You can discover the wide variety of artwork Michelle creates on her website at MichelleAmicucci.com. She is also represented by the Front Street Gallery right here in Poulsbo, WA

Michelle is passionate about nature, painting mostly animals and landscapes in watercolor, oil or mixed media. She portrays her subjects in a range from representational to semi-abstract. Her paintings tend to be minimalist – not a lot of background (if any at all). Michelle thinks it's challenging to capture an animal or landscape that is “interesting” and intriguing to a viewer while retaining its individual character – or perhaps, retaining the individual character is what makes it intriguing….

In 1987, after studying at the University of Besançon in Besançon, France, Michelle Amicucci graduated with a degree in French from Carroll College in Helena, Montana. She worked for several years in Washington, D.C. before moving back West where she worked in the natural gas industry for the next 18 years, taking weekend workshops and evening art classes. In 2008 she left her job to spend more time with her mother and pursue art more seriously. Michelle lives locally here in Kitsap County

Janet Cramer Scholarship Fund Off To A Successful Start

The opening reception is now in the past, but there is still time for everyone to help us continue to raise money for NCA Student Scholarships right here in Poulsbo. We still have hundreds of Janet Cramer's original paintings, as well as many posters & prints, so there are artwork choices for all budget levels. The show will continue to hang through November 28th.


We had a fantastic time at the opening reception. With a wide window of time between 3:00 and 8:00 people could stream through, browse through the show, sort through stacks of unframed original watercolors, and talk with family members about the artist. Daughters Nancy Heckler & Karen Brody shared light hearted stories about their mom and how much this would mean to her, and as the night went on, paintings were sold, one by one, making a huge difference for local art students right here in Poulsbo.
This painting titled "Forest Glow" sold during the reception.

Here is another great tree painting, which is framed double sided because it actually has another painting on the back. Come on in to the Poulsbo store to see the other side, as well as all the other great colorful paintings.

A sampling of paintings as well as more information about Janet Cramer can be found here.

Eileen Sorg Colored Pencil Workshop Project & Supply List

Here is "Bird Brain", the colored pencil project for the workshop September 24th & 25th.

Prismacolor Colored Pencils, available @ Artists' Edge

You may make substitutions for color based on availability, however staying as close as possible to Eileen's color selections will ensure a good result!

Black
White
Ginger Root
Warm Grey 70%
Limepeel
True Green
Burnt Ochre
Sienna Brown
Terra Cotta
Cream
Henna
Parma Violet
Beige
Yellow Ochre
Dark Umber
True Blue
Mediterranean Blue
Peacock Blue
Powder Blue
Cool Grey 50%
Ultramarine Blue
Colorelss Blender (burnisher)
Stabilo Aquarellable Pencil – White (optional)

Watercolors
Artists Edge can provide a simple folding palette with these colors for $6 if you would like to just try. Please let Derek know ahead of time if you'd like to do this.

Sepia
Burnt Sienna
Neutral Tint
Manganese Blue Hue
Sap Green
Quinacridone Gold

Watercolor Brushes
Recommended: #0 or #1 size round, #6 round.


Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
Size .005 black
Size 01 black
Size 03 black
1 Brush Tip Micron black

1 piece gator board to tape paper down to (available at Artists' Edge)

9x12 piece of Arches 140# Hot Press (no substitutions). 1/4 sheets of Arches (11x15) can be purchased at Artists' Edge, or you may buy full sheets (22x30). Please let Derek know what you will need so he can have it set aside for you.

I suggest going through what you have now and see what you need. Students can email me a list of what they need, or drop it off at the Poulsbo store, and I'll begin pulling supplies together for you.

If anyone has any questions you may email Derek, or reach me by phone at (360) 779-2337

Shadow Box Framing, Anything Is Possible!

Here's Derek in our Poulsbo store with a few record album shadowboxes. Not only are these prized possessions shown off proudly, they are also protected from UV light by Tru-Vue Conservation Glass. It is clear Derek had a great time working on these pieces by noticing his display of the devil's horn signs with both hands. Rock on!

Now Taking Registrations for Fall Classes @ Artists' Edge

Artists' Edge has just released it's fall schedule of art classes and we are now taking registrations. Many of the classes are back by popular demand, and there are also some new classes with new instructors!

To get registered for classes, visit www.artistsedge.com or call (360) 779-2337.

Kaye Guerin is a sculptor & painter visiting the area through October. We are very lucky to schedule a 2 day Sculpture workshop with her on Friday & Saturday Sept. 16th & 17th. Here is a photo of one of Kaye's students working on a sculpture. Kaye will also give a short lecture on her sculpture September 10th. Cost to attend is $10 which includes clay and a clay tool. Participants will make something simple from the clay, and if they wish to take the workshop the following week, they can apply the $10 to the tuition as a credit.

Deborah Milton is another new & talented instructor. Deborah will be teaching a 3 week course: Walking the Artists' Edge, Taking Risks with Watercolor which begins October 6th. Also scheduled is her Luminous Mandalas in Colored Pencil day long workshop for Saturday October 15th. Here is a watercolor on Claybord by Deborah, titled "Roots".

Chris Britton offers a great Intro to Cartooning , aka Cartooning 101 on Saturday October 8th from 10am-12pm. In this 2 hour course you'll learn the basic details on how to draw successful cartoons. This class is great for ages 8 through adult.

Back by popular demand, Eileen Sorg will be offering a 2 day Colored Pencil Workshop Saturday & Sunday September 24th & 25th. This will be your only opportunity to take a workshop this fall. This class always sells out, so register today if you're interested. Here's one of Eileen's latest images, "Tweet".

Derek Gundy teaches a variety of classes beginning this fall. Drawing Portraits is a 3 week class in which students will work with a model for 3 weeks beginning September 8th, and work toward one or two masterful drawings. We have gotten great results with this class! Intro to Crackle Paste is only $20 and scheduled for Sept. 9th from 1-3pm. If you're wanting to get started in Watercolor Derek's Beginner class is scheduled for Wednesday September 21st. And finally, Derek offers his popular foundation class, Structural Drawing beginning October 12th and running for 5 weeks.

Michele Zarb will be offering an Artist Mentor program beginning this fall. We are still working out the details at this time, and will be posting something shortly.