Where Do Artists Make Art in Hillsboro?

“My studio is in the top of my house so I get a great view of the world and a lot of growing things,” says pastel artist, Denise McDonald.

See where artists make art in your neighborhood during Washington County Open Studios Tour, October 17 and 18 from 11 am to 5 pm. Over 40 artists will be opening their studio doors for you.  And it’s FREE.

Mosaic artist, Lynn Adamo describes her studio, “My studio is attached to my home. It was our original garage that we converted to a studio in a remodel 18 years ago. It opens up onto the courtyard, which is used as an outdoor living/dining room in the summer.”

Inside or outside, upstairs or down, artists find many creative ways to create.  And they’ll show how they do it and where October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm. Artists’ studios in Hillsboro to visit are: Lynn Adamo, mosaic; Catherine Bede, watercolor; Joyce Gabriel, watercolor; Tim Gabriel, forged steel; John Groth, fused glass; Linda Haworth, glass; Lori Hicke, ceramics; Barbara Martin, collage; Denise McDonald, pastels; Jo Ann Wellner, kiln formed glass.

Free tour map and artist information is on the Washington County Open Studios Tour website www.washcoart.org

Lynn Adamo: A Peek into her Process.

How do artists make art?  The answer is as unique as the art and artist.  And on the Washington County Open Studios tour October 17^th and 18^th, you get a peek behind the scenes into the art making process.  Every artist is opening up their studio to you, showing you their materials, inspirations and demonstrating what they do and how they create art.

Here is a quick peek into one of our 41 artists on this year’s tour.

Lynn, when you begin your work, what inspires you?

“My initial inspiration comes from the natural world and decay of the man-made built world. I take photos of things that interest me wherever I go, and keep these ideas in mind when it comes to starting new pieces.”

How did you find your way to art, Lynn?

“My first career was as a graphic designer, so my professional life always had a thread of creativity running through. As I discovered mosaic art and began to learn techniques to create art in a new way, a second career presented itself to me. I have been extremely fortunate in having a supportive husband who encouraged me to follow my new passion and ultimately retire from my first career in order to do so. If I’ve had any obstacles to progress in my art, they have all been self-imposed. It is a personal struggle to push forward and improve the practice of my art.”

Lynn, do you use a weird, different material or technique and how does that inspires you?

“I love rust! I search out old rusty hardware and all sorts of detritus of mechanized civilization. I sometimes also rust my own steel scraps to use as substrates or part of my art pieces.”

When people come to your studio, Lynn, what will they see you doing?

“Visitors will see all sorts of materials I use and a couple of projects in process. They will see how I cleave stone and the mosaic glass called smalti with a hammer and hardie.”

Lynn can you describe what is unique and inspiring about your studio? 

“My studio is attached to my home. It was our original garage that we converted to a studio in a remodel 18 years ago. It opens up onto the courtyard, which is used as an outdoor living/dining room in the summer.”

See Lynn making art and get inspired during the 2015 Washington County Open Studios tour October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5pm.  Get a FREE tour map and information online at www.washcoart.org

What inspires artists in Hillsboro?

Denise McDonald

“I may see a shape or a color that I like to start out with and go from it leads me,” says pastel artist, Denise McDonald.

You’ll get to see the magic of creation and inspiration that turns ordinary materials into art for FREE.  During the Washington County Open Studios tour, 41 artists will be opening up their studios  October 17 and 18 from 11am to 5 pm right in your own neighborhood.

 

Lynn Adamo

Mosaic artist, Lynn Adamo says, “My initial inspiration comes from the natural world and decay of the man-made built world. I take photos of things that interest me wherever I go, and keep these ideas in mind when it comes to starting new pieces.”

There's so much to see!  And all for FREE!   So make your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org

What weird techniques do artists use in Hillsboro?

“I love rusty old found objects like rusty nuts and bolts, copper and steel shavings from an industrial metal process  and I use granite, marble, and mosaic glass called smalti,” explains mosaic artist Lynn Adamo.

Catherine Bede says, "I use a lot of wet-on-wet watercolor technique for very detailed flower paintings."

Wonder what weird technique or process you’ll get to see during Washington County Open Studios? October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm, 40 artists will be demonstrating their techniques for you. 

Lieta Gratteri, watercolor painter explains, “The weird technique I use is granulation. When layering and layering colors over each other, rotating from warm and cool colors, you can get some amazing effects.

"What has been challenging me is taking inspiration from historical patterns in art and architecture and integrating an element or style into my own artwork, especially in art journaling and bookmaking," says Valerie Sjodin, mixed media artist.

You can see art in the making October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm in the suburbs and country during Washington County Open Studios.  Get a tour map and directions FREE at www.washcoart.org