What inspires artists in Forest Grove?

“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.  

I am a fearless painter and often try new ideas that come to mind,” says painter, Helvi Smith.

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.

Wearable art clothing artist, Paulina Kriebel says, “As for actual inspiration, my best ideas come early in the morning while I'm lying in bed in a semi-awake state.”

There's so much to see!  And it’s FREE!   So mark your calendar for October 17 & 18^th from 11 am to 5 pm for the Washington County Open Studios tour.  Forest Grove artists: Penny Forest, Helvi Smith, Paulina Kriebel.  For more info on artists and tour map go online at www.washcoart.org

See Art in the Making in Forest Grove this Weekend. Free.

“Visitors will see me glazing or doing the raku process if they are there at the right moment. The raku process is really fun to watch, also I try to use different materials with my clay forms:  limbs from trees, nails, buttons, puzzle pieces, wire, ribbon, etc,” says Barb Hertel, Raku Artist.

Get a free tour map at www.washcoart.org and spend Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19 from 11 am to 5 pm visiting art studios during Washington County Open Studios.  Forty artists will be demonstrating their techniques for you and some are right in your own Aloha neighborhood. 

Painter Helvi Smith adds, “When people come to the studio - they will see my "gallery" first.   I LOVE the color orange and the walls are painted a deep vibrant orange and that is a big hint that there are few neutral colored paintings around here.”

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 

What Weird Techniques Do Artists Use in Forest Grove?

“I use house paint almost exclusively in my paintings.    People give me leftover paint all the time!   I love the recycling aspect that Susie's bedroom color is now a great color in one of my paintings.   I use squirt bottles with paint in them like some artists use brushes.   I love paint, says Helvi Smith, Painter.

Wonder what other 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. 

Ceramic Artist, Barb Hertel adds, “The raku process is really fun to watch, also I try to use different materials with my clay forms:  limbs from trees, nails, buttons, puzzle pieces, wire, ribbon, etc.”

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 

Ask an Artist: Helvi Smith, Recycled Painter.

Ever wonder how an artist becomes an artist?  Why they make art? Where they get their inspiration and what you’ll see when you visit their studio? 

Here’s your chance to get find out.

What weird and different material do you use?

“I use house paint almost exclusively in my paintings.    People give me leftover paint all the time!   I love the recycling aspect that Susie's bedroom color is now a great color in one of my paintings.   I use squirt bottles with paint in them like some artists use brushes.   I love paint.”

 

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

“When people come to the studio - they will see my "gallery" first.   I LOVE the color orange and the walls are painted a deep vibrant orange and that is a big hint that there are few neutral colored paintings around here.”

What’s your favorite part of your process?

“Put a white piece of canvas in front of me and it is so SO exciting to see what happens next.   Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to paint and sometimes I just let go.   Letting go is the hardest and best part!”

What got you interested in art?

“I have always been interested in art.  However, about 5 years ago, a friend made a New Year's Resolution to make more art in her life, and I asked if I could tag along with her resolution.   So we  made a plan to meet at her house every Sunday and "make art."  I found some canvas at Goodwill, and I had leftover house paint and off we went!  I fell in love with painting.  I paint every day now.”

Why do you love what you do?

“I am never bored with painting.   I am never afraid to try anything that comes to mind.  I feel so lucky to have found out what I am meant to do.” 

You can see more of Helvi’s work and visit her studio during Washington County Open Studios tour October 18-19^th from 11am to 5pm.  And on her website at www.helvismith.com