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 Inspires the Art in our Artists?

Creating art is a mysterious process even to artists.  No matter whether it’s clay, painting, mosaics or drawing, how artists find their way to making art is a unique and individual path.

Here, a few of our 2015 tour artists talk about what inspires their work.

For some artists, the materials they use spark their art.

Angel Neiwert

“I love the process of transforming the clay into hand-coiled and slab-built sculptures as well as throwing on the wheel,” says Angela Neiwert, clay artist.  “ I am always in awe regarding the versatility of clay and its endless possibilities continually excite me and challenge me as an artist.”

Helvi Smith

Painter, Helvi Smith says, “I LOVE a blank canvas.  I may or may not have an idea when I set a canvas on my work table - but it does not stay blank for long.   I use squeeze bottles filled with acrylic house paint to put paint on canvas.  Or brushes.  Or fingers.  Or spatulas.    I am fortunate that I never have "Painters Block."   I love to paint and ideas flow as easily as the paint for me.”  

For others, inspiration comes from natural life and, sometimes death.

 

Emma Weber

For Emma Weber, it’s where she lives, in Washington County.  “As a primarily nature-inspired artist, the ease of stepping out your door and finding farmlands, mountains, forests, beaches, and wildlife that one has living in Washington County is an important muse for my work.”

 

Lynn Adamo

Lynn Adamo, mosaic artist, 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 piece.”

Pinterest: Take a Peek At Our New Tour Artists.

Linda Gerrard, glass

This year, in addition to this blog, you’ll be able to see our artists on Pinterest.  If you haven’t seen this social media site before, you’re in for a treat.  Especially if you love to look at beautiful pictures, you’ll find plenty to love on our new Pinterest site.

Pinterest is a site full of wonderful images. 

 

Helvi Smith, acrylic

I like to think of it as an amazing collection of inspirations to get my creative juices flowing.  Sometimes I find quotes that guide me.  Sometimes I see sweet animals, delicious treats or amazing art to excite my creativity.  Whatever I see, I can pin it to one of the boards on my personal Pinterest page. 

 

Sharon Orella, copper

I like to think of Pinterest as my online vision board.  You can create one, too.

 

Susan Gallacher-Turner, porcelain

To get started, just visit Pinterest on the web.  Start your own Pinterest page and start pinning your favorite and inspiring images.  And you can use our link to get your creative juices flowing.

Whether it’s a wonderful fused glass piece, dazzling piece of jewelry, watercolor, oil or acrylic painting, wood or iron work, copper repousse, ceramics or sculpture, it’s all there on our Washington CountyStudio Tour Pinterest site.

 

Lynn Adamo, mosaic

Get inspired.  And get pinning on Pinterest!