Friday, November 26, 2010

Holiday exhibits, Winter classes and Products for sale

Holiday Greetings to One and All


These first few PNW storms have been wilder than usual and I hope you weathered them safely.


Holiday Exhibits:


"Emergence" has been selected to be part of the “Nativity” Exhibit for Gallery at Capitol Hill Presbyterian. The gallery will be open Sunday, November 28th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Artists’ Reception) -- Saturday, December 4th: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (Community ArtsFest – workshops, benefit auction, cake walk and other activities for all ages) -- Thursday, December 9th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz) -- Friday, December 24th: 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve Service) as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-2 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule a visit.


Art Door auction fundraiser to support Tacoma Art Place Date: Thursday Dec. 2nd. Location: Speakeasy Arts Cooperative, 746 Broadway St.,Tacoma, WA 98402


Neo-Kitsch: national small works showcase exhibition at ArtsWest. Exhibiting two mini sumi-e cats images. The dates of the exhibition are December 5 – 24, 2010. Please join us at the opening reception on December 9 from 6 – 7:30pm. ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery, 4711 California Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116 206.938.0963 x 115 www.artswest.org


ART for EQUAL JUSTICE 12.11.10 - I'll be donating several pieces of Sumi-e for this fundraiser that will be held at the Tacoma Art Museum on Saturday, December 11, 2010 - A gala (black tie optional) evening and art auction to support equal justice programs in Pierce County providing access to justice for low-income people facing civil legal issues. See www.tacomaprobono.org for more information

Holiday Cards


Physically my Sumi-e regular or holiday cards and block print cards may be seen at
Traditions, 300 5th Avenue SW, Olympia
Bainbridge Arts & Crafts on 151 Winslow Way East, Bainbridge Island, WA
The Gallery at Towne Centre 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park, WA.


Other items with my art images


I have opened a small “store” on CafePress http://www.CafePress.com/9LivesStudio


and larger one on Zazzle - Products include cards, apparel, mugs, calendars…


http://www.zazzle.com/Nine_Lives_Studio

Give the gift of creativity - classes make great gifts for the holiday.


Winter Classes


Senior Services for South Sound Arcylic Class - register January 12, 13 & 14th - Friday January 21 - 9 weeks - 2 hour - Friday 1:30 to 3:30 pm $30 fee paid to instructor, material list available upon registering - contact Chris Quimby @ 586-6181 ext 123 or activitiesdir@southsoundseniors.org
222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501


Children's Book Illustration Tuesday Jan 4 – Feb 22 from 6 to 8pm – 8 classes
Enroll in this information packed class and become acquainted with the concepts of design, storyboarding and dummy construction of a children's picture book. At first the participants will work to illustrate popular fairytales, folktales, fables and legends from around the world. Discussion with a simple critique checklist will improve storyline, characters, setting and dialogues. Class time and handouts provide students with the basic tools to continue working on projects at home. For the first class, please bring pencils and a medium sized drawing pad additional materials and supplies will be discussed in class. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380




Make Prints, Make Books – Wed Jan 5 – Feb 23 from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Draw into Print – Mon, Jan 24-Feb 7, 6-8pm - 3 classes This class will focus primarily on incorporating the drawn line into your prints and mixed media work. An intriguing hybrid among printmaking techniques, monoprints and collagraphs are a unique combination of two processes, monoprints are drawing, painting and printing, while collagraphs involve the combination of collage and printing. Techniques taught can be used to enhance mixed media art. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Painting What You Love Monday Feb 28- April 18 from 6 to 8 pm- 8 weeks  This course is an instructional class for beginning in acrylic paint that will cover the essential elements of competent drawing skills, good composition, accurate values, exciting color harmonies and expressive textures. A course outline and materials list will be mailed upon registration. Participants provide their materials  Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Finger Painting on the Moon Tue March 1 – April 19th from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes Jump start your creative side! Awaken the muse within no matter how dormant you may feel your muse is. With activities designed to lead you gently into a creative space, everyone will enjoy this adventure. We will work with a variety of drawing materials and explore how to develop our personal voice. Students will practice ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and find ways to start a series or develop a theme. This will be a mixed media extravaganza full of tips and prompts for a creative soul. A great way to test the water if you are just beginning or for the experienced artist to go deeper. Supply list available upon registration.  Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Wed March 2 – April 20th from 6 to 8pm – 8 classes
Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.  Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380

Saturday Classes


Resolution Collage in a Container  Saturday Jan 8 from 9:30-3:30pm bring a lunch Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence, In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box using a variety of intriguing techniques. Many of us have collections of ephemera in the form of old photographs, postcards, buttons, twine and found objects from everyday life to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. For the Beginner to Experienced Student. Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Studio Notecards Saturday Jan 22 from 9:30 to 3:30pm bring a bag lunch    Collage embellishment fun filled fiber art notecard workshop. Explore various techniques, such as fused collage, couching, reverse applique, and materials such as watercolor pencils, acrylic paints, and more for creating these 5" x 7" sensations.   Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Watercolor: Textures and Techniques  Supply list upon registration Sat. Feb 5 from 9:30 to 3:30pm material In this workshop you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line,  markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques. Some painting experience required.  Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Introduction to Mandalas Sat. Feb 12 from 9:30 to 3:30pm  The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop we explore the history of mandala patterns and create our own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself. This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun.   Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Clipboard Assemblage Art – Sat Feb 26 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Create a unique clipboard assemblage using your favorite collage items, paints and mementos. Learn how to manipulate various media including acrylics, fabric, paper, text and wire. You may even dedicate your piece to a meaningful person, event or place in your life. This will be a journey you won’t forget! Supply list available at registration. Note students please bring clipboard or other surface for a base.  Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Art of Handmade Paper   Sat March 26 from 9:00 to noon   Not only is making homemade paper a fun experience for you, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as greeting cards, artwork, decoration for envelopes and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity. A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle in class will be mailed with your registration confirmation.  Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Block Printing: Linoleum Cut –   Saturday April 9 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.   Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gove/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907 http://www.auburnwa.gov/

Resolution Collage in a Container  Saturday Jan 15 from 9:30-3:30pm bring a lunch - material fee $3


Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence, In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box using a variety of intriguing techniques. Many of us have collections of ephemera in the form of old photographs, postcards, buttons, twine and found objects from everyday life to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. For the Beginner to Experienced Student.


Make Prints, Make Books –  Sat. Feb 19 from 9:30-3:30 pm – $7.00 material fee - bring a lunch
This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image.


Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils


Please note – this date will have to be changed – I goofed and have a class scheduled for Oly P, A & R … first time I ever did this!
Sat March 26 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a lunch  -  Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut –   Saturday April 16 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Material fee $10 bring a lunch
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.

Watercolor: Textures and Techniques   Sat. May 7 from 9:30 to 3:30pm – bring watercolor paper, brushes, watercolors [dry or tube], water dishes and a bag lunch - Some painting experience required.
In this workshop you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques.


“You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-A-Thing” Collage     Sat. June 4 from 9:30 to 3:30pm $5.00 material fee - bring a lunch     Collage offers versatility and flexibility. Free your creative spirit with this fast-paced, upbeat “You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-A-Thing” Introduction to Collage. Come prepared to learn the basics of collage, materials, and techniques in a supportive environment. Emphasizing fun - catch the spontaneity of a child: finding objects, bits & pieces in the most unlikely places and putting a puzzle together.


Introduction to Sumi-e  Sat. August 20 from 9:30 to 3:30pm $4.00 material fee - bring a lunch
Instructor Ellen Miffitt will introduce you to the four treasures: ink stick, ink stone, brush and paper. The simplicity and spontaneity of brush painting begins by learning to hold the brush, making the basic strokes, and loading the brush to create tones and depth. The goal is to break away from logical thinking and to be spontaneous in expressing with the brush.


Centralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099 Phone: (360) 736-9391 Toll-free from Olympia: 753-3433 36-9391 http://www.centralia.edu/

Make Prints, Make Books –   Sat. Jan 29 from 9:30-3:30 pm – $7.00 material fee - bring a lunch
This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image.


Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils Sat March 19 from 9:30 to 3:30pm –no material fee – bring a lunch, watercolor pencils and pad of smooth watercolor paper 90 to 140 lb and a small brush or two.
Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.










Wishing you the best Holiday ever!


Ellen Miffitt


Nine Lives Studio


PO Box 11133


Olympia, WA 98508-1133


www.nine-lives-studio.com


https://sites.google.com/site/ellenmiffittartist/ [specific for class info]



Thursday, November 4, 2010

Exhibits/Sales this weekend

Enso Center Annual Holiday Exhibit
My mini collages and original sumi-e blank note cards will be displayed.
2010 Enso Center Annual Art Exhibit - Opening reception November 5th 7-9:30pm. Exhibit hours noon to 5 pm on Saturday November 6th and Sunday November 7th. Location: 8708 196th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA [425] 869-0276 www.enso-center.org


Furry Faces Foundation Fundraiser donation
Donated matted Sumi-e for this fundraiser...
Auction Sunday Nov 7th at Ola Salon in 2942 SW Avalon, West Seattle
Exhibit will be hung October 24 through to the auction date…


Waiting for clarification of when to hang... Solo Exhibit for the months of November and December @ Maple Leaf Lutheran Church 10005 32nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125

Sumi-e art on Cross Stitch Pattern

Pat Emlet contacted quite a while ago but we finally set up a contract for use of my “Cat Enso” design to sell on cross stitch patterns and kits. http://www.cross-stitch-art.com/

Accepted for Nativity exhibit at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church Gallery



"Emergence" has been selected to be part of the “Nativity” gallery at Capitol Hill Presbyterian. The gallery will be open
Sunday, November 28th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Artists’ Reception)
Saturday, December 4th: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm (Community ArtsFest – workshops, benefit auction, cake walk and other activities for all ages)
Thursday, December 9th: 5:00-8:00 pm (Capitol Hill Arts Walk/ Blitz)
Friday, December 24th: 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve Service)
as well as by appointment Mon.-Fri. 10 am-2 pm: call 206-285-2282 to schedule.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Block Print cards...

Here are a few types of "blocks" available to carve for block printing - top left to right:
Golden Lineoleum; Soft Kut Block [my favorite], Wonder block - cork with less binder
Michael's soft block, DB Blue easy cut lineoleum
I purchase materials at http://www.dickblick.com/









I printed 8 of my carved blocks yesterday - making about 10 prints each in a couple of hours... problem was where to stack them to dry!  Brayer rolling water soluable ink on plexiglas...

Echinicia design is carved in Golden Leneoleum, goldfish is Soft Kut Block and the other fish is Wonder block...

I don't have a printing press and use a baren to hand rub inked block to paper... next step - pulling the print [pull paper off the block]
 I also inked some Maple leaves and printed them on the Mulberry block printing paper...
I used the glue that I use to adhere my Sumi-e to cardstock but it was too wet and made the water soulable ink easy to move...  today I used a spray adhesive - smeely but got the job done quickly without making the card stock too wet...  I usually purchase card stock from Paper Zone and its heavier weight than the blanl cards from Jo Anns...  So I have 50 cards adhered...
just need to print an info label, place that on the cards and bag them....  next stop Traditions!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

2011 Winter lass Schedule - Olympia Parks and Recreation

Children's Book Illustration
Tuesday Jan 4 – Feb 22 from 6 to 8pm – 8 classes –
Enroll in this information packed class and become acquainted with the concepts of design, storyboarding and dummy construction of a children's picture book. At first the participants will work to illustrate popular fairytales, folktales, fables and legends from around the world. Discussion with a simple critique checklist will improve storyline, characters, setting and dialogues. Class time and handouts provide students with the basic tools to continue working on projects at home. For the first class, please bring pencils and a medium sized drawing pad additional materials and supplies will be discussed in class.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Make Prints, Make Books –

Wed Jan 5 – Feb 23 from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes -
This hands-on class will focus on combining simple book structures and beginning printmaking techniques to make small edition arts books. Easy to learn bookmaking such as the Japanese stab binding stitch book will lead students to understand the formal qualities of the book. Simple printing processes like linoleum cut and monoprint will be covered for students to learn how to combine text with image.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Painting What You Love

Monday Feb 28- April 18 from 6 to 8 pm- 8 weeks
This course is an instructional class for beginning in acrylic paint that will cover the essential elements of competent drawing skills, good composition, accurate values, exciting color harmonies and expressive textures. A course outline and materials list will be mailed upon registration. Participants provide their materials
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Finger Painting on the Moon
Tue March 1 – April 19th from 6 to 8 pm – 8 classes
Jump start your creative side! Awaken the muse within no matter how dormant you may feel your muse is. With activities designed to lead you gently into a creative space, everyone will enjoy this adventure. We will work with a variety of drawing materials and explore how to develop our personal voice. Students will practice ways to overcome the fear of the blank page and find ways to start a series or develop a theme. This will be a mixed media extravaganza full of tips and prompts for a creative soul. A great way to test the water if you are just beginning or for the experienced artist to go deeper. Supply list available upon registration.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380


Painting with Water Soluble Colored Pencils
Wed March 2 – April 20th from 6 to 8pm – 8 classes
Want the look of watercolor and the control of colored pencil? Water-soluble colored pencils can match anything watercolor do, plus have the ability to create effects impossible with watercolor. Discover this medium's exciting versatility. Learn about materials, tools, and techniques, and then apply this information to create a painting. Participants bring watercolor paper & watercolor pencils to class.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Draw into Print – Mon, Jan 24-Feb 7, 6-8pm - 3 classes
This class will focus primarily on incorporating the drawn line into your prints and mixed media work. An intriguing hybrid among printmaking techniques, monoprints and collagraphs are a unique combination of two processes, monoprints are drawing, painting and printing, while collagraphs involve the combination of collage and printing. Techniques taught can be used to enhance mixed media art.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Saturday Classes

Resolution Collage in a Container
Saturday Jan 8 from 9:30-3:30pm bring a lunch
Start the New Year by visualizing your desires and goals into permanence, In this workshop, we will create a work of art around and inside a container or box using a variety of intriguing techniques. Many of us have collections of ephemera in the form of old photographs, postcards, buttons, twine and found objects from everyday life to use to collage the box. After transforming it into a work of art, students will create an altered paper doll as resident. For the Beginner to Experienced Student.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Studio Notecards
Saturday Jan 22 from 9:30 to 3:30pm bring a bag lunch
Collage embellishment fun filled fiber art notecard workshop. Explore various techniques, such as fused collage, couching, reverse applique, and materials such as watercolor pencils, acrylic paints, and more for creating these 5" x 7" sensations.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Watercolor: Textures and Techniques
Supply list upon registration Sat. Feb 5 from 9:30 to 3:30pm  Bring a bag lunch
In this workshop you will try 15-20 techniques for achieving textures and special effects in your watercolors. You will employ colored pencils in the wash, ink line, markers, salt, wax paper, crayon, and other materials with the washes, both while wet and when dry. The morning will be spent exploring these materials and in the afternoon you will complete a work combining 5 or 6 different techniques. Some painting experience required.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Introduction to Mandalas
Sat. Feb 12 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a bag lunch
The word “mandala” is a Sanskrit word that is over 2300 years old translated as “circle” or “sacred center”. Circular patterns have been used throughout time in many cultures, including the Tibetan and Native American, as tools for centering and healing. In this workshop we explore the history of mandala patterns and create our own personal mandala, using oil pastel, colored pencil and collage. Using principles of geometry and symmetry present in nature, along with your own personal creativity, you will come away with new knowledge of yourself. This should be a time to let go, to play with color and design, and to have fun.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Clipboard Assemblage Art
Sat Feb 26 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a lunch
Create a unique clipboard assemblage using your favorite collage items, paints and mementos. Learn how to manipulate various media including acrylics, fabric, paper, text and wire. You may even dedicate your piece to a meaningful person, event or place in your life. This will be a journey you won’t forget! Supply list available at registration. Note students please bring clipboard or other surface for a base.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Art of Handmade Paper
Sat March 26 from 9:00 to noon
Not only is making homemade paper a fun experience for you, but it's a good way to recycle waste into wonderful possibilities such as greeting cards, artwork, decoration for envelopes and more. Making paper is a fun way to express your creativity. A supply list with directions for making a simple mold & deckle in class will be mailed with your registration confirmation.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Block Printing: Linoleum Cut –
Saturday April 9 from 9:30 to 3:30pm Bring a bag lunch
Learn techniques for the relief printmaking process using the flexibility and ease of linoleum. A relief is achieved by carving into the surface using special tools to leave raised images. These images are then inked and printed without a press to create a dynamic and textured print that can have many layers and colors. Students have the option of creating a multi-block image or themed cards to exchange with students to complete an edition. Open to both teens and adults.
Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.ci.olympia.wa.us/par Call 360.753.8380

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Another fundraiser and a submission to a holiday exhibit

ART for EQUAL JUSTICE 12.11.10 - Saturday, December 11, 2010

I'll be donating a framed piece of work for this fundraiser to be held at the Tacoma Art Museum - A gala (black tie optional) evening and art auction to support equal justice programs in Pierce County providing access to justice for low-income people facing civil legal issues. See www.tacomaprobono.org for more information


I’ll be submitting art to Small Works, Big Presents – The Gift of Art @ The White River Valley Museum, 918 H Street SE, Auburn WA This Exhibit runs from the opening Nov 16 to December 19 www.auburnwa.gov/arts for info...   keep your fingers crossed. It's a nice venue to have an exhibit.

Monday, October 18, 2010

upcoming happenings

I'll be taking this workshop on Sunday:
WRITING DEEPLY - A Poetry Writing Workshop 
DATE: SUNDAY, October 24, 2010 at 2-4 p.m.
PLACE: Urban Grace Church, Room 208
COST: $10 (suggested donation)
RSVP to tamsugah@aol.com
Writers & Poets:
Coping with trauma and pain is often the price of admission to a creative life. How can you harness those life experiences or memories--oftentimes painful or uncomfortable--recall them, write about them, and then turn them into poems?

This 2 hour writers workshop will focus on reading topic-relevant poetry on emotionally difficult subject matter, writing exercises, discussion, reading and sharing of each others work. This will be a supportive poet's environment focused on listening and helpful suggestions for improvement rather than intensive critique.

Enso Center Annual Holiday Exhibit - I'll be participating in this exhibit with original Sumi-e cards, matted art and some small framed collages...


2010 Enso Center Annual Art Exhibit - Opening reception November 5th 7-9:30pm. Exhibit hours noon to 5 pm on Saturday November 6th and Sunday November 7th. Location: 8708 196th Ave. NE, Redmond, WA [425] 869-0276 www.enso-center.org

Furry Faces Foundation Fundraiser donation - I've contributed four matted Sumi-e for this fundraiser.  Exhibit will be hung October 24 through to the auction date…Auction Sunday Nov 7th at Ola Salon in 2942 SW Avalon, West Seattle

I have an upcoming Solo Exhibit for the months of November and December @ Maple Leaf Lutheran Church 10005 32nd Ave. NE Seattle, WA 98125


I will have ten images presented at the Art Slam - Sponsored by the Tacoma Arts Commission on Nov 17th from 7 to 9pm at the Rialto Theater in downtown Tacoma. Art Slam will also be available for viewing on Click! On Demand's Tacoma Art & Culture channel through Dec 2011


I'm going to create a piece for this fundraiser - Art Door auction fundraiser to support Tacoma Art Place Date: Thursday Dec. 2nd. Location: Speakeasy Arts Cooperative, 746 Broadway St., Tacoma, WA 98402


I've been selected to hang my art at Met Vets Solo Exhibit July- September 2011 – Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital,  401 Fawcett Avenue, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 (253)274-0225    http://www.metvetpets.com/

Friday, October 15, 2010

Tree Sprite images

This Wednesday I completed my 22 Tree Sprite images. I had watercolored 7 of them about five years ago. It only took me a couple days to complete the total and touch up the originals...
the blue" sky is showing up a more medium blah gray - hmmmmm need to improve my photo skills!















































Thursday, October 7, 2010

Water Sprite series

Below are the first six images of twenty-two started in last week of August
Last night I finished the last details including the worm that teases the Water Sprites goldfish.
The Water Sprite rides around the pond seeing all the insects and fellow residents: frogs, turtles, crayfish and more...  I used watercolor, watercolor pencils and to highlight the worm, ink.
The pond water was created by sprinkling the blue wash with salt nd the sandy bottom was spattered with watercolor to indicate sand...








Furry Faces Foundation Donation


Art work will be hung from October 26th until the auction on Sunday November 7th in the after noon. Location: Ola Salon, 2942 SW Avalon, West Seattle

Furry Faces Foundation, a.k.a.  --having fun...while raising money for animals  -- 
Teri Ensley, Leader 


206-932-1652  furryfaces@hotmail.com   www.furryfaces.org
www.facebook.com/pages/Furry-Faces-Foundation/119492341396607?ref=ts

Get Away from Me





Kitten Attack of the Mouse Toy
Mountain and Hut #7

Doris Day Z's Yarn Play

Sunday, October 3, 2010

tidy art room

 Yet again, reorganizing my little studio...
It felt too crowded so I removed the large closet door I was using as a table and replaced it with a smaller door....
the last few days, I have been working on my 22 drawings turned watercolor of a water sprite. The sun light was coming in on my right and covering my design with shadow from the brush... so last  night I moved my work desk so no the light will come straight at me... 
left is art work surface and right side is office work space -
all tidy and ready to begin again

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Olympia Film Society Silent Auction info

OFS Mezzannine Gallery Presents...
Olympia Film Society @ Capitol Theater
3rd Annual Silent Art Auction 5 pm-10pm
Free Admission
Best of Local Annimated Shorts
followed by Flamenco Luz - live performance 7-9 pm

Friday, September 24, 2010

What's new at Nine Lives Studio

Long time since last post - finished kid's classes in mid August, my daughter came up for a week, prepared for fall classes....
but it's official seven classes have been canceled already this fall.... I know how everyone is struggling financially - hope you will consider taking a class! class list on this site https://sites.google.com/site/ellenmiffittartist/

I will be doing a demo/hands on at Daniel Smith in Seattle on Dec 13th noon to 2 pm - Watercolor Pencil...
I bought this cute child's rocking chair for the 2011 Chair Affair fundraiser that helps the NW Furniture Bank. Silent auction in held at TAM in Tacoma in the early spring...
There's a few more days to view the Fine Arts Exhibit at the Puyallup Fair...
it's a great exhibit – I have two mini’s and a mixed media piece exhibited this year.


BAC Almost Perfect Sale starts today and goes over the weekend... Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, Bainbridge Island, WA I brought up some mini collages and some sumi-e…


Merrill Gardens activity director is going to have me help residents design a holiday card for the annual contest sponsored by Merrill Gardens for their residents… then in January I will stop by every second Wednesday afternoon to provide an art experience for Olympia Merrill Gardens residents.


Although I’ve been slow on adding new work on the website, I will capture my annual fall burst of energy and direct it into new pieces… When my daughter was viiting from Oakland, I drew and started to color in a series of 22 images of a water sprite – keeping in mind children’s book illustration.  Backgrounds are done - filling in with watercolor pencil...


 I have been creating by writing lots of poetry – one to three a day! Total written to date = 449 http://ellen-spoetry.blogspot.com/
I will have two collages on a CD cover for a new music group in Seattle... Maestro Sidereus and the Mysterious Syzygy…
Midnight in the Orchard


Fall Equinox II











Donated a piece to the Olympia Film Society auction fundraiser coming up… soon.  Will post the dates later. Flight Dreams a min collage






Sunday, August 15, 2010

Other news from NLS

Fall classes just around the corner… check these websites for more info:

Auburn Parks & Recreation 2840 Riverwalk Dr Se, Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 931-3907 www.Auburnwa.gov/arts


Olympia Parks and Recreation – 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501 www.olympiawa.gov/experienceit Call 360.753.8380


Centralia Community College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099
Phone: (360) 736-9391 ext 427 http://www.centralia.edu/academics/cont-ed



Additional classes added:
"You-Don't-Need-To-Know-A-Thing" Collage Thurs Sept 16 - Oct 21 - no class oct 14th
Collage offers versatility and flexibility. Free your creative spirit with this fast-paced, upbeat “You-Don’t-Need-To-Know-A-Thing” Introduction to Collage. Come prepared to learn the basics of collage, materials, and techniques in a supportive environment. Emphasizing fun - catch the spontaneity of a child: finding objects, bits & pieces in the most unlikely places and putting a puzzle together.

Centralia Community College
Manga age 16 to adult Sept 18th from 9:30 to 3:30

Basic Enameled Jewelry Dec 11 from 9:30 to 3 pm material fee $20

Fall Senior Services for South Sound Arcylic Class - 9 weeks - 1.5 hour - Friday 2:30 to 4 pm contact Chris Quimby @ 586-6181 ext 123 or activitiesdir@southsoundseniors.org location: 222 Columbia Street NW, Olympia WA 98501

Waiting to hear from entries to the Fine Art Exhibit at the Puyallup Fair:
sent in two mini collages and two mixed media up with a fried last week.


Heard back from a group of musicians that want to use my mini collage/s on the covers of their new CDs… they’re Seattle based – work day jobs and do their musician gigs whenever possible.  Midnight in the Orchard will be used for their Luna CD and they are deciding on others - its a series of four CDs!!


Last but not Least!!!
My daughter and grandson come up the 24th and I have a whole bunch of projects saved for Grammy and them/him to create with!  Plus we must get out and pick some blueberries...

Samples for various classes

Here are some demo work done for and while the students were painting, etc...
Name Design






practice control and brush work











demo of sprinkle salt, wax resist, alcohol drops, back wash, wax papr paterns






watercolor pencil drawing










  watercolors