Our winter painting class is off to a GREAT start! We have 2 sessions going, a Thursday night session and a Sunday morning group. Our models are holding the same pose for 2 weeks, giving us an opportunity to develop a painting, but mostly to increase our ability to LOOK. The first week we drew with pencil to get a feel for the pose then we switched into simple painting with burnt umber. By the end of the night we had the figure established on the canvas with the light and dark areas blocked in. This first look at form made our job the second week a lot easier when we started to apply color. The first thing we did was make corrections by looking at our paintings backwards with a small hand mirror. Next we laid out a simple palette of colors, cad yellow medium, cad red light, french blue, cobalt blue ,burnt umber and white. I would have liked to have had yellow ochre as well but didn't. I started in the shadows, cooling off my flesh tones with a mild mix of cobalt blue into my flesh colors of white, cad yellow and a pinch of cad red light. After I laid in shadow colors, I started to address the flesh colors in light, which was most of this portrait, I had flat lighting being set up beind the light. As the night went on, the models face became a touch redder in color, I liked to be able to add as much red and other colors as possible to the face.

Here are a couple of panels painted with liquid dispersion paint. I took them over to Larry's Autobody shop and had them coated with industrial clear coat urethane. Research is continuing for the mural project. Next will be the design stage, soon!

This fall I've been researching and designing a 60 foot heritage mural for the new Peace-Health hospital here on San Juan Island. The subject will be the history of healthcare in the San Juan Islands. Our story parallels the story of modern medicine, in an island way. I am creating a timeline of the characters and innovations that are unique to these islands. From that I plan to design panels that tell our story. Gayle Carter, Dr Heath and Roy Franklin loading a patient into the aircraft, The big three of San Juan Healthcare from the 1950's to the 1970's.

Speak End of Summer along the San Juan Shoreline, Sculpted Alive on Westcott Bay

Our second day we painted along the shore of Pear Point facing east on San Juan Island. I demonstrated one of my favorite plein air techniques of using black gesso and a colored transparent glaze as an under-painting, a great way to build up layered information quickly. Some people experimented with color palettes, others took the plunge and tried oil paints for the first time. Experienced painters took time to develop their compositions and try new ideas, tools or techniques.

WE started this workshop on the Westside of San Juan Island, the setting was magnificent. We had a variety of supplies to experiment with: collage materials, sumi ink, acrylics, watercolors, pencils and paint. This day started in the spirit of PLAY. Each artist took their own approach to finding their voice. Some artists completely abstracted form, building up an idea with the use of collage. Most artists worked expressively with color and simplified shapes. Everyone tried something new. This kind of playful approach paid off when people started to develope their small canvases in the afternoon.

Watching the tide at Cattle Pass through a stand of young alder trees. Plein air, Lopez Island in the background and the incoming strong tide at Cattle Pass, San Juan Island.

September 9,10,and 11 will be the dates of our final workshop on San Juan Island. The focus of this weekend workshop will be abstracting the landscape. We will use views of San Juan Island to develop sketches and work to simplify forms. We will look at several artist, how they approach abstracting the landscape and discuss possibilities. We will review ideas how to create space and think about ways to break up those conventions. In order to free up, we will look at creating an interesting surface by adding collage to our surfaces. We will also sketch in sumi ink, simplifying form. Call 360 378 2638 for questions or sign up. Cost for the weekend, $225.

The main aspect if this workshop was understanding color. Friday night we talked about the color wheel, we all made one using oil paints. We looked at work by Henri Matisse and saw how he used the color wheel beautifully in his paintings. We spent our morning just looking at color in the landscape. Our painting site was a riot of color at the gardens of Island Gardens on Guard Street. Everyone made wonderful color comparisons and observations, matching color of the natural palette. By the afternoon everyone had found a painting spot that they liked and started in, for many it was their first painting experience. Sunday we headed over to Jensen's Shipyard and started by looking at the new environment. Everyone felt more relaxed with the painting process. Congratulations to both of our mother daughter artist-teams, and to the newly converted oil painters.

Looking across Beaverton Valley on San Juan Island, plein air.

The August workshop will concentrate on understanding color. We will dissect the color wheel, work on mixing color, all colors around the color wheel. Everyone will gain color control and deeper understanding of individual pigments. We will work with full strength colors, warm and cool of each primary and learn how to mix them down with compliments. We will learn to mix accurately on location. Artist will learn how to construct a color poster before beginning to paint. For questions or sign ups, call 360 378 2638. Starts Friday night, 6 pm, Saturday and Sunday out on location on San Juan Island. Dates August 12,13,14 For more info and materials list click here www.paintthesanjuans.blogspot.com/

Mary McCulloch invited us down to paint in her garden on the south end of San Juan Island. We could barely get out of our cars before we all saw dozens of paintings to paint. The second day, everyone felt more comfortable with their materials and able to handle a complex situation by simplifying their viewpoint. We introduced a new technique of laying in the painting initially with black gesso, covering it with transparent glaze, and then working with regular opaque paints. Unfortunately it was a little too cold to for our glazes to dry quickly. We heard a nice talk from Mary about composition and movement in paintings. We introduced the Fauve painters. The next workshop will be August 12,13,14. The main topic will be color control, understanding color, how to mix it, and how to use color effectively. We will work with our limited palette to mix any color we want. Sign up at Funk & Junk or call 360 378 2638. Thank you to Marie Di Christina for her great photos of artists holding their fresh paintings.

Damp weather didn't wet our spirits, a great day experiencing weather and capturing it in paint. We talked about materials first, what to paint on and what to paint with. We talked about some ideas for travel. Our main focus was to create space and incorporate those ideas into our paintings. We developed compositions, established an idea, did several versions until the idea was simplified into a good painting composition. Many people created a color poster, establishing a color palette. Before we began, we made a lot of decisions, it helped to free us up.

Good weather has finally arrived and the island is looking good for our summer painting workshop. With this year's late spring, the farmers are just now getting their hay baled. Hopefully we can paint them during the workshop. We are also invited to visit and paint in a gorgeous flower garden of a master gardener and artist here on San Juan for one of our painting days. Call if you would like to join us for this July's summer outdoor painting workshop, Paint the San Juans! 360 378 2638. Starts Friday evening, all day Sat. and Sunday.

The Salmon is ready for the Friday Harbor 4th of Parade. Check us out in Fremont Solstice Parade

Just received this photo of my 3 abstracts hanging in Jeff and Lora's loft apartment above Union Square. They are part of "paper doll series", working abstractly from the figure. What does that mean? Working with the model at the Arts Student League, using the model to see abstractly and energetically to create this series. Using the fastest paint possible, black and white gesso, acrylic and pencil. The 3 paintings on the left are Lora's own beautiful paintings.

Join us this summer, Paint the San Juan Islands! Experience the beauty of San Juan Island while Expanding painting skills. Annie's Summer Plein Air painting workshops will cover the basics and nuances of working on location. Friday evening will be devoted to a demonstration and time for questions about materials and techniques. On Saturday and Sunday, artists will set up at different locations each day on San Juan Island. Artists will sketch, thumbnail, and work to finish a small painting each day. Annie will go from easel to easel giving each artist personalized instruction on their particular view. Endless possibilities abound with San Juan Island's maritime and pastoral views. Workshop sites are one day by the sea, and another at old island farms. Years of teaching drawing and painting combined with her love of painting her island home, makes Annie's workshops the perfect creative island experience. Scroll down for online painting demonstration and material list here. Dates for this year's 3 workshops. July 15, 16, 17 August 12, 13 14 September 9, 10, 11 Cost $225 per workshop Overnights available at Nichols Street Suites Sign up at Funk and Junk Antiques in Friday Harbor, email at anniehowelladams@gmail, or phone at 360 378 2638 in Friday Harbor.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Class !!! beginning March 27th, 6 weeks of drawing the portrait from the beginning. Class will cover the basic steps to render a convincing portrait. Class will help any artist, even if not ultimately interested in portraiture.... "If you can draw a portrait, you can draw anything......." Each week will cover small incremental step for portrait drawing, we will demystify drawing the portrait by learning these steps: The Envelope, tilt, the block- in Setting the Features Measuring lights, darks, & edges Specifics of side, 3/4 and frontal views anatomy of head, specifics of eyes, nose and mouth Emphasis and Composition Available for online learners. Artists not in Friday Harbor can sign up for this class. I will teach and critique online via gmail. Islanders will meet Sunday morning, 10 am at the Islands Arts League, on Mullis Street. ONline students will receive lessons each week. Cost $72. Sign up in person, Funk & Junk or contact me at anniehowelladams at gmail.com, or first day of class. Class open to artists of any level.

A short video about the making of the mural , from start to finish.

New project in the works, large oil painting for a contemporary home on Lopez. Painting will be based on a historic photograph from the Lopez Historic Museum of the 100 year old busy fishing hub of Richardson. Will be posting progression of this project as it develops. Smalls study in place.

For San Juan Islanders and On-line Learners coming this winter. * * * * * * * * * * * * Beginning Drawing For novice artists and those wishing to improve their drawing skills. We will start from the very beginning, developing an artist's eye. Small easy-to-understand steps will teach skills in a playful and informed way. Classes will meet Sunday mornings at the Islands Arts League, in the blue building at the bend in the road on left side on Mullis Street. Cost $72. 6 week starting Feb. 6th, 2011. Each week will have a specific lesson, and for those that wish, take home projects expanding each lesson. Topics will include line shape & form, texture and vocabulary, observation, light & values, simplifying perspective and other spacial considerations. There will be a presentation of some art history to illustrate artists who have used concepts that we will be working with. Open to any age and ability, geared for beginning artists and for skill enhancement for those with some art experience. On-line lessons available through out the course. ******************************** NEW this year,artists not able to attend classes in Friday Harbor, will be able to take this class on-line. Open to any and all, same cost, same 6 weeks. Questions, email me at anniehowelladams at gmail.com. We will have an online group for the class with lessons, examples, and take home projects. I will post images of our work along with the week's lesson. Online learners can email their work digitally via jpegs for critiques and discussion. Online students limited to 12 people, for personalized attention. Welcome Lora Meyer, our first online student from New York City! Online learners will receive weekly lessons on Mondays over the course of our 6 weeks.

Working with both long poses in pencil and quick poses in collage, sumi ink and a wooden coffee stick, in Nikki Orbach's experimental figure drawing class.

This is what I'd call a happy camper, received this first thing Christmas morning from Ted Valentine Merry Christmas Annie, I just wanted to thank you so much for the awesome painting. It is absolutely fantastic and I couldn't be more pleased, thanks so much. I just couldn't wait to thank you. My favorite boots ! It will always have a place of honor in our home!! Thanks so much and best wishes to your entire family for a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! The Christmas Commission Project is closed for the time being, but think of next Christmas! I will be opening next year for a limited number of Christmas Commission paintings. In the meantime, back to the studio......

Painting from photo below... Photo of the South End on Lopez Island Welcome to this year's 2010 Christmas Commission Project. This is simply how it works: For $200, you will receive an oil painting of the image of your choice. It will be an oil painting on canvas, 8" x 10". Subjects could be anything, a favorite place, a person, an animal, something funny, or grand, your favorite dancing shoes. Whatever it is that you choose, I will paint it for you in time for Christmas! Send or bring in a real photo or a digital file and a check for $200 and I will create your painting. It will be mailed or delivered by December 17th. Contact me at anniehowelladams at gmail.com or of course, Funk & Junk Antiques when I return to San Juan Island. Stay tuned to see the Christmas Commission Projects Gallery. Some examples of past Christmas Commission projects of animals, Mr. Smith and Kiddo. Oil on canvas.

What a day, the panels were put up by Mike Adams, Dave at the Sign Co and Ryan, level, plumb, square, drilled and bolted down. All glitches were solved and the results, well.....a lot of horn honking, thumbs upping, and picture taking. The Dedication:    Notes from the Marvel:  I set my alarm early, so early I felt nauseous, in summer, ten minutes to four. I pulled on my sweats, checked the engine oil, started the jimmy-diesel, and jumped  aboard the Donna Mae for coffee while our engines warmed up. The foc’sole of the Donna Mae was Norwegian in style, spare and efficient. The coffee pot bubbled on the diesel stove. There was a small fold down table and hard wooden benches with storage under the seats. It felt big compared to the cramped foc’sole of the Marvel. Nobody said much at that hour as we huddled around the stove with our thick ceramic boat mugs, wondering what the day would bring..... I used to fish for a living, once it gets in your blood, you never forget it. This project started as an innocent conversation with Lynn Dannaher, who asked everyone for ideas, back when her building was a football field of battleship gray. Standing out on the sidewalk with her on January 2nd of this year, I pointed to the building and pointed back , and said one word,” mural”. That was it, we started to brainstorm about Friday Harbor's past, and it was immediately clear we both were only interested in one thing: commercial salmon fishing. It was in our blood, we both salmon fished, Lynn with all the net fisheries, and me with hook and line, trolling and long-lining. We started to gather ideas, old salmon labels, a chart of the Salmon Banks, historic photos. The first person I called was Pete Dardinelli, who said, “call Mike Galligan” I hit the jackpot with Mike's scrapbook of his father's photos from the 1950's seining off South beach and photos from the back deck of Margaret J. 2 of the panels are from Mike. Pete in the skiff and Waiting to set, taken by Mike when he was 14 years old. There was nothing more Friday Harbor than the salmon packer, the Nereid, built at Jensen's Shipyard by Nordine's father, Albert Jensen. Jeri, Nordine's daughter, had the original hand colored photo of the boat, in front of the FH salmon cannery, it was the photo that hung on Nordine's living room wall. She had other San Juan maritime treasures, original photos from the Salmon Trap off of the salmon banks, original photos of men tarring their nets by the old cannery. She discovered this when a photographer developed glass plate negatives that were stored in her attic. 2 panels from Jeri, the Nereid and the King Salmon on the Trap I called Dale and Carole Marble, Shelle and Ellis Cropper, Kitty Roberts, Skeeter, Jim Capron,Dave Nash, Diane Erickson, and others. I called Sarah Hart who documented fishing through her photography in the San Juans in the 1970's. Nobody knew that at the time, she was documenting the end of an era. While I was gathering images, Lynn was convincing her building partner Dave Moorhouse, that this was a good idea. She was busy convincing the town that we needed this, and got the Port of Friday Harbor on board as well. I was busy with museum conservators , Guerra paint company in New York City, and in general figuring out how to work with light fast acrylic pigments in squeeze bottles. I did this by painting through a ream of large sheets of paper, working up ideas and color palettes for each panel. The day the town council approved Lynn's permit, I ordered aluminum panels. Ace Hardware had them on the supply truck within 24 hours of ordering, it was a rare case of bing bang boom. I started painting the mural on Memorial Day weekend, right as the BR oil spill was in full swing. I painted listening to that environmental holocaust, I painted listening to baseball games and music, I kept painting.....working , painting, no trips to Turn island, painting.... I kept on painting all summer......and then Something Extraordinary happened. WE heard seiners going out, boats were anchored up at Fish Creek, Fishermen were cruising the Lopez shore. If you recognized it, you could smell the scent of sockeye in the salt air. Let me tell you, there is nothing more galvanizing to a fisherman than hearing about someone else's big set. The waters were full of sockeye. I went down to the big rock at South Beach early morning in mid-August, crews were standing on deck, the seiners were cued up waiting their turn, As soon as one set started to close the next boat was in position, Like a horse anxious to run. Skiffs were manned and running with wet exhausts, I watched a seine boat take a 360 degree spin announcing he's was about to set. They started their set, the skiff took off towards the beach. The seine net unwound off the drum with the slap of the purse rings as they hit the steel deck and slid into the water. This was a beautiful sight, 40 boats fishing off of South Beach, setting and brailing, just like the old days. In Shelle Cropper's words,” the mural, it's painting and installation is a magnificent synchronicity, coinciding with the greatest sockeye salmon return in almost one hundred years." Each panel tells a part of our collective fishing story, gill netting, reef netting, seining, packing, right here in Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island, on our island. We would like to dedicate this mural, 100 years of Commercial fishing in the San Juan Islands to anyone who has cooked a salmon over an open fire, to those who have put on clammy wet rain gear covered with fish scales, to those who have endured jellyfish in their eyes, or web in their wheel, to anyone who has worked on a back deck covered with fish. To the Fleet of Friday Harbor, The Rise and Shine, the Anna J De Haro, The Bull Dozer, Kansas, The Defiance, the Primo, the Night Watch The Venture, the Intruder, Elva S, Streaker Dixie 3. the Margaret J, Pisces Lillian F, the Blue Horizon Apollo 11, High Finance Cindy, The Adventuress Welcome, the Cork, Spirit The Easy, The Satisfaction To all those men and women who have lived this great adventure, who have fishing in their blood, we dedicate this mural.