After School Van Gogh Art Class

After School art classes are so much fun for me. It is truly the first time teaching all day, where all of the students want to learn. I have been doing after school art off and on over the last 10 years, consecutively the last 3. Traditionally, I did the fun stuff and let the kids decide. This year I have changed things up a bit. I have found an excellent curriculum which is age and grade compatible from ages 5- adult. Our trial lesson began with Van Gogh. We learned why Van Gogh painted the paintings he did, studied and practiced his techniques, then we began painting our very own starry night. Here is our work in progress...

Bird House Fever

I have a few crafty friends who are getting ready to set up at a couple of local festivals. The nearest one is the Frog Festival in Sumiton, Al. Each year a couple thousand people attend looking for interesting arts and crafts, festival foods, and local musicians. My crafty friends have decided that they are going to build and paint birdhouses and wood planters.

I love to paint funky stuff, and I thought to myself- "hmmm I wonder what a funky birdhouse would look like?" Well here is my funky birdhouse!

Mule Day 2012

One of the coolest places to see awesome arts and crafts is at Winfield's Mule Day in Winfield Alabama. Today I spotted some super cute metal work, flying pigs, metal and wood crosses, and lots of burlap crafts. If you ever get a chance, Mule Day is once a year in September!

New Paintings

I have serious bouts of creativity. I can sit for hours when I am inspired to paint or draw. Last night I finished about 8 projects and 2 new paintings!! Whew!!!


To be continued:-)

Another Beginning!

It's funny how you think things will work out one way, then everything takes a drastic turn. I have been so blessed on this journey of artistic self-discovery. All of this began as a way to make extra money. I needed to figure a way to pay some serious student loan debt. My regular teacher's salary was not getting it. This money needed to be in addition to our regular budget. I applied for jobs at every level. I took on tutoring after school. I did some mystery shopping, I took a part-time job stocking books for a local Kmart. No other minimum wage payers would hire me because I was over-qualified. I knew that I had to do something.

I looked to my talents. I am a decent teacher. I love art. I began talking to a local gallery owner and an art teacher friend of mine. I began painting more and doing some crafts. I knew I could do some crafts. The problem with trying to market and sell crafts is that most people do not appreciate the time, energy, and effort that goes into a crafty work of art or a painting. I took an art class in a nearby city. Then it hit me. I can teach people to paint. Not just people, but children. My 7 year old son was my first guinea pig.

Through trial and error, I have developed a way to use my talent to help others celebrate with paint. This is my fourth year of hosting paint parties for children and adults. My business began with the name Celebrate with Paint, evolved into Ginn's Art, combined with The Color Palette Studio and finally has become  It's Sooo Easel!!!

This has been a fantastic ride. I have made many new friends and professional aquaintances for whom I will always be grateful.
Thank you for the support, advice, and above and beyond all else encouragement!!

Josh and Amy Boshell                               
Lisa Brown   
Toka Harris/Lady Bug's Bakery and Deli                      
Terra H arbison /Marilyn Inman/Bama Girlz Kreations
Athletic Arts / Maria Ross                 
Angie Lewis                                 
Myra Blackston
A and E Fun Center/Mike and Miranda Walker   
Melissa Williams
and especially my family!Michael, Logan, Garrett, Drake, and Chelsea