STUDIO 'FLAT' FILE

For my artists friends that might need extra storage in their studios, plus a work surface, I wanted to show you the "flat" file storage I made using IKEA products. This is an easy and inexpensive way to create open shelves for flat storage. The shelves are 39" x 24" and separated by 6" legs and one set of 4" legs. The five shelves with 4 sets of 6" legs and one set of 4" legs create a total height of 35".

The shelves are Linnmon table tops that IKEA sells for $14 each. The legs are Capita adjustable legs. The 6" adjustable legs sell for $14 for four and the 4" sell for $12 for four. The added bonus is that this is a very portable, light weight system. Also the table tops come in other sizes, and more shelves could be added. I configured this to add up to the total height I wanted for a work surface.

THANK YOU!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas

and a Happy, Healthy 2016.

As the year draws to a close I am reminded of how thankful I am to God who gives me the ability and for those who have supported and encouraged me and critiqued and taught me.

Your support and patronage through the years is what has made this journey possible.

Patrons of the Arts 15 x 18 

I don't often paint the figure, and even though this painting was done several years ago it seemed to go nicely with what I wanted to say. This lovely couple, enjoying a day at the Milwaukee Art Museum, walking in sync; holding hands; swaying to and fro as if they had walked side-by-side for many years, and no doubt they had.

To the patrons of my art and to all patrons of the arts - THANK YOU for your support. 

~Susan~

MAY LOVE, JOY & PEACE INCREASE

It is sad, but it should not come as a surprise, since troubled times were prophesied long ago.
The poor are becoming increasingly poor and losing hope.
The wealthy are becoming increasingly wealthy and greedy for more.
The middle class is diminishing and with it middle class values and morals.
We see increasing hatred and anger being spewed throughout 'social' media,
toward those who are different - different faiths, different races, different politics;
toward their brothers, their neighbors or a stranger.
As a nation we are becoming increasingly divided and filled with hate and bitterness.

Some statistics show there are enough firearms owned in the US to arm every man, woman, and child. I am fearful of the increasing rise in hatred and anger coupled with all the guns.

I am NOT fearful for my own life.....I believe that when my body dies I will live in the presence of my Creator and Savior God, forever.

I am fearful for others and for future generations.

May we as individuals refuse to take part in the increasing divisiveness.

MAY WE BE WILLING TO BE AN INSTRUMENT OF GOD TO SPREAD 

LOVE, JOY AND PEACE, 

 to a hurting world, a hurting nation, and our own neighbor.

Snow Covered Windfall 14 x 18"

FRAMED AND READY TO GO

These two paintings are ready to be shipped to Owosso, Michigan, for the 2015 Great Lakes Pastel Society Members Show. The show will be on exhibit at the Shiawassee Arts Center in Owosso from October 6 - November 7.   I plan to travel to Michigan to attend the opening reception on Sunday October 11 from 2 - 4 PM. So if you're in the area please stop by the reception. I grew up in Ovid the town next to Owosso so it will feel like going home again.

 If you can't make it to the exhibit you can view the paintings in the show by going to: 2015 GLPS Members Show.

This is a frame that I've not used before, and I expect I will be using this moulding a lot in the future. I have my nephew Brian Magsig to thank. He is working for Frame Specialties and he had them shipped directly to my home. 

Below are the images before framing, so the quality of the photo is a little better.

Down the Road a Piece

11 x 15

Framed 16 x 20

December Morning

10 x 15

Framed 16 x 20

AUGUST IS ART APPRECIATION MONTH

Patience Brewster informed me that this month is Artist Appreciation Month.If you"re not familiar Patience iis an artis as well and designs handmade Christmas ornaments. They encouraged me to write a blog post about the artist that has inspired me the most and I knew immediately who I would write about. Without a shadow of doubt the artist with the most influence on my life is my brother urban-landscape artist Stephen Magsig.
.

There have been many artists whose works I have studied and appreciated such as Nicolai Fechin, Winslow Homer, John Twachtman, Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas. Some of the contemporary artists that have also influenced my work are:
 Wolf Kahn,/www.wolfkahn.com/
Sally Strand, www.sallystrand.com  
Marc Dalessio, www.marcdalessio.com 
Albert Handel,http://alberthandell.com/; 
Marc Hanson,http://marchansonart.com// and
 Barbara Jaeniecke, www.barbarajaenicke.com. 
But it is my brother who introduced me to the world of art. Many years ago he gave me a book for Christmas. It was "Wyeth at Kuerners". This book opened my eyes to a world as seen through an artist's eyes. As a child growing up in a small town I had never been to an art museum or gallery. As I studied the pages of the book my love for art was born.

Stephen has had a continuing influence on me as I have watched his career as an artist grow. Beyond my admiration for the art he creates I admire his perseverance and dedication. Stephen has been creating a work of art daily for over 40 years. On his blog: myartspage.blogspot.com/ . 
Stephen has created and posted over 2000 5 x 7" - "Postcards from Detroit".
 In addition to these daily paintings he also creates larger works for gallery shows, often working as large as 48 x 72". His life revolves around art every day and I think he must even dream in brush strokes. Stephen and his artist wife Janet Hamrick share a love for making, viewing and collecting art. Janet and Stephen's work can also be seen on their website: www.smagsig.com/.

I am certain that every work of art I have studied has in some way influenced my own art. As a self-taught artist studying books about art has been my primary source of  'art education'. In a future blog post I will write about the many art books that are on my book shelves.

If you're an artist I'd love to hear from you about the artist's who have influenced your work. If you are a lover of art, whose work do you admire? August is almost over but I think you'd agree every month should be ARTIST APPRECIATION MONTH

11TH ANNUAL MILE HIGH INTERNATIONAL PASTEL EXHIBIT

 ON THE ROCKS 

SUNLIT PINES

These two paintings were selected by juror Liz Haywood-Sullivan to be on exhibit with over 100 other pastel paintings at the

 Denver Public Library 

 July 12 - September 25, 2015 in the 

11th ANNUAL MILE HIGH INTERNATIONAL PASTEL EXHIBIT.

The exhibition catalog is available to view on line:

11th Annual Mile High International Pastel Exhibit Catalog

I am honored that On the Rocks was selected to be on the cover of the catalog.

EVENING SHADOWS 10.5 x 13.5

I love this time of day, when the shadows are long and the sun light is soft and creates a peach-colored glow.

This is what/why I paint

Dark swirling storm clouds,
    A shroud of fog,
Red-orange clouds at sunset,
    White wisps against a cobalt sky;

Curling lichen on the side of a tree,
    A twist of a branch,
Expanse of sky above an open field
    An eagle soaring;

 Full moon lighting a snowy path,
    Stars conceding,
Hazy purple morning clouds
    Suddenly broken;

The lip-stick red maple,
    Vying with the sumac,
The bright, brief colors of autumn,
    Paling, drying, dieing;

The first unexpected dusting of snow,
     Squirrels scurrying,
Hoar frost melting
    In the mid-morning sun;

 Colorful mounds of fresh new snow,
     Blue and purple shadows,
A million diamonds sparkling
    Beyond monetary measure;

The last remnants of melting snow,
    Brooks surging,
Tender pale green shoots
    Piercing dark decay;

A fresh green meadow
    Lambs mingling with dandelions,
Sun warming hard gray rock,
    Squirrels busy again.


I quietly meditate, walk softly,
disturb little - drink it in,
Pour it out on paper.

ONE HEART

On Saturday, February 21, 2015 I will be speaking at an interdenominational Chrisitan women's seminar-  The 22nd Annual One Heart Women's Seminar. It will be held at the Wintergreen Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. 

I will be speaking about creativity; we having been created in God's image are fundamentally creative people. I will touch on how we can be hindered by the negative voices we listen to, and how we all can use our unique abilities to serve the God from whom we receive our abilities.

Two other women will be speaking, Deb Tank and Teresa Romain.

If you'd like to register please contact me. 

LAKE MICHIGAN SHORELINE 9 x 11 - Day 11 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

I needed to see some summer colors, and bask in the warmth of all this one portrays.

I knew I had a busy January, so why did I sign up for the 30 day challenge? I've been in the studio, framing, and also practising reciting a message I will be giving on creativity in February. Another - what was I thinking! This coming week looks equally as busy, the first chance I might have to paint will be Thursday.....we'll see. It's all good, just not getting in easel time.

100 x 100 x 100 Experiment - Day 6 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

An experiment day for the 30 day challenge. I like to do 100 stroke challenges, but I often lose count in the process, so today I chose 100 pastels and used each pastel only once. This is a 10 x 10" - 100 square inch pastel on paper, done in less than 100 minutes.

ON TOP OF RIB MOUNTAIN 14 x 14" Day 5 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Top image is the "tweaked" version.

This one might need a little tweaking in the leafy area, but I am satisfied with the way the rock outcropping looks.I am posting it before I am completely ssatisfied so that I have one for Day 5 of the challenge.

WHERE'S MY SWEATER 6 x 8" Day 4 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

My daughter's dog loves to visit. So many smells in the woods and in the summer she loves to swim.
She also loves to wear clothes, and picks her wardrobe from her very own basket filled with sweaters. 

TRAIL TO BOHN LAKE 7 x 10" Framed 11 x 14 Day 3 - 30 in 30 Days Challenge

Foot trail along the Ice Age Trail.
This painting is being donated to the Ice Age Trail Local Chapter in Waushra County. It will be used for the Sweetheart Candlelight Event on Saturday February 14.

PATH TO THE LAKE 7 x 7 - Day 2 - 30 in 30 Challenge

A quiet path looking over the Lake Michigan Shoreline. Available:http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/susan-klabak/path-to-the-shore/310721

JANUARY MORNING 12 x 15 Day 1 - 30 in 30 Days

Morning sun filters through the trees creating a nice contrast between the blue snow shadows and the soft  peachy early morning light, This is the first day of Leslie Saeta's  Challenge to paint 30 in 30 days. I have a few commissions to do this month, so I'm not sure I'll complete the challenge, but it's fun to participate, so I'll post what I am able to get done.