Portfolio Prep. students getting ready for Auditions!

The time has come for auditions for entry into Miami Art Magnet Programs at schools such as Southwood Middle School, Robert Morgan, D.A.S.H., and New World School of the Arts ….My Portfolio Prep. students have been working very hard on preparing the required pieces for these important auditions. As always, it gets pretty intense at this time , with the pressure of getting their best work completed in time. I have to say, they are rising to the occasion, and I am impressed with their focus, dedication and creative ability. I really enjoy working with them, and it is very rewarding for me to help them achieve their goals.  I have had many years of experience doing Portfolio Prep. classes, and I am very pleased to say a majority of my students get into the schools of their choice. It is wonderful to see their work evolve during the time they work with me. But the story doesn’t end with the auditions. It is my intention to prepare them technically and mentally for the programs they will be entering, so I foster independent, critical aesthetic judgment, technical ability and guide them in being able to apply the principals they learn with me. I feel it is most beneficial to the student to work with me over a period of time in order for them to really absorb these concepts, as well as to have sufficient time to create their best possible work. I feel we are really blessed with these great art magnet programs here in Miami, and that over the years, graduates of these programs will be among the cream of the crop in the art world. I am really pleased to be able to participate in building the future of American art.Please contact me if you have a student that is interested in preparing for these auditions, and remember, it is not too soon to start getting ready for 2011!

New Year, New Classes at Blu Moon Studio of Art !

2010 is in full swing, and Blu Moon Studio of Art is planning and moving forward into this new year, with new art classes for kids, teens and adults, as well as many interesting art workshops. I will be adding a basic drawing class, an intermediate drawing class ,a digital photography class and an open studio session. All this is in addition to my regular line-up of classes ; mixed media, acrylic painting and of course ,Portfolio Prep. for middle school and high school students preparing for Art Magnet auditions. I am currently revising my schedule and will have the latest edition published soon. I will post my new schedule here as soon as possible. In the meantime please contact me with any questions you may have regarding my art classes.

A new year at Blu Moon Studio

Today was the start of my first week of the New Year here at Blu Moon Studio of Art . I am very glad to welcome in 2010 and a new decade. There were many good things in the last ten years as well as the year past,. but I can’t say that a change isn’t welcome, and the idea of a fresh start is most appealing! I am feeling very inspired and I hope you are too…

Happy New Year from Blu Moon Studio !

Greetings and Happy 2010 from Blu Moon Studio in beautiful Coconut Grove! I wish everyone a new year filled with optimism and inspiration! I think that after a difficult and challenging 2009 we are all ready to lighten up a bit and face the future with a spirit or renewal and creativity. This won’t solve the planets difficulties , but might allow us to find new paths and solutions to old problems. At any rate, a lighter heart helps to make things around you lighter… Blu Moon Studio of Art will continue to offer classes, workshops and events to nurture your creative spirit and inspire you . Whether you are an experienced artist or a beginner who” can’t draw a straight line “,  I hope you will find something at Blu Moon to awaken your imagination. I will be offering many of the same classes in 2010 and I will be adding new ones as well. I have some very interesting workshops and events planned too, so stay tuned!

I am currently working with a very talented and ambitious group of young artists in my Portfolio Preparation for Art Magnets class as they approach the dates of their art magnet school auditions. It takes dedication, focus and perseverance to prepare for these auditions, but they are rising to the challenge. The hard work is well worth the opportunity to attend the terrific programs offered by Dash, New World and others. My Portfolio Prep.class provides the structure, feedback and guidance that can help an aspiring applicant attain their goals. It is never too early to start preparing for the auditions, and my classes resume the week of January 4.

I will also continue to offer painting classes for adults in the up-coming year. I currently have a basic acrylic painting class on Monday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. and  an intuitive acrylic painting class on Saturdays from 12:30-2:30. I also offer private classes in painting in oil or acrylic by appointment for $50.00 an hour. I will be adding other classes in a variety of media in the months to come.. please check my blog or website for updates…

I hope you will visit my studio and it is my hope that you will have a beautiful and happy new year. Remember, the key to your creativity lies within you!

Breakfast with the Artist… Sheri Friedman

Breakfast with artist Sheri Friedman on Nov. 7 2009, at Foccaccia Rustica Restaurant in Coconut Grove Fl. showcasing some of her paintings and giclees.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyKPidumS48[/youtube]

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kids art classes at Blu Moon Studio of Art

Kids love art, and if they are encouraged , creating art can be a lifelong joy for them. All too often though , their natural creativity is squelched before it can blossom and grow. Well meaning but untrained teachers, critical comments and  an unavailability of art resources often put an end to a child’s desire to explore their innate creative abilities, and this often unfortunately creates a lifelong belief that they lack creativity or “talent”. This is very sad and absolutely untrue ! Everyone is creative ,even if they do not express it in drawing or painting . I firmly believe that creativity is a gift to be treasured and nurtured from the very youngest age, and throughout life. In my childrens art classes , I encourage creativity, and a sense of playfulness, while maintaining a gentle focus on building skills and craftsmanship. I work with a variety of materials and introduce kids to the basic elements of art, in order to build a strong foundation for the future, whether they pursue visual art or just appreciate it as a part of their lives. I encourage every parent to tend to their childs creative spirit … it is a beautiful and important part of them. I offer Mixed Media for Kids age 7-12 on Thursday from 4:30-6p.m. and on Saturday from 10:30 -12:00. All materials are included in the fee for a four week session.

Happy Thanksgiving from Blu Moon!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope this holiday finds you with many things to be grateful for and with many blessings to share !  My thanks to all my friends ,family and students for their love and support…. when the road gets rough it is good to remember how great you all have been! I will continue to provide you with the best that I can to help you on your creative journey! All the best…  Sheri and Blu Moon Studio of Art

New student work at Blu Moon

One of the rewards of teaching  is to see your students discovering their inherent creative ability and watching them create wonderful works of art !  Here are some creations by two of my students … Valerie in my Mixed Media class and Ale in Acrylic Painting class here in my fabulous Coconut Grove Art Studio …. Enjoy !

Ganesh in Acrylic by Valerie Nivert 2009

Sidney's Jungle by Aleloop, Acrylic painting 10x14

20/20 Art Show Video

My paintings at a national and international artists at the opening reception of 20/20, an eclectic exhibition at ArtspaceMAGQ , presenting works ranging from the avant garde, contemporary, and traditional styles. I will be showing my piece, Reve Tropique   a tropical fantasy done in Prismacolor pencil on board. Along with the original,  I have fine quality limited edition giclee prints on canvas and fine art paper available for purchase. ArtspaceMAGQ is located in the Falls Art District at 8747 s.w. 134 st. Miami, 33157 . ArtspaceMAGQ is a unique gallery space and studio, providing a number of creative services including archival quality ultrachrome pigment editions. For more information please go to www.Artspace.magq.com

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGBnhbhD9Qs[/youtube]

Creating a Creative Space

I have learned a lot in my last year as the founder, owner, resident artist , art instructor, manager, social director, head of marketing and publicity and guiding spirit of Blu Moon Studio. To say the learning curve has been steep is a huge understatement. To say that this has been a labor of love is equally an understatement, and I have learned many things about myself as I learned how to build a creative space that not only serves my needs as a working studio artist, but also provides the opportunity for others to find their own creative voices. Many people have passed through the front door of Blu Moon Studio, and have been instrumental in shaping its path. It is an organic and evolving enterprise that is constantly changing and re-creating itself as it develops. Many thanks to all who have thus far contributed to the life and times of Blu Moon Studio!

Classes have been going well, and I am seeing beautiful work being produced in my Basic Drawing class ,often to the surprise of my students ! I have often heard the exclamation.. ” I can’t believe I could do something like this “! The creativity is there… you just need to find the key. My Acrylic Painting class is  a lively and creative group who never fails to amuse and inspire me .. hello “Man with a Purpose “! ….and my Intuitive Painting class is serene and introspective . I am totally enjoying my High School Portfolio class and my talented and enthusiastic proteges. It is wonderful to see them blossoming into their potential as artists. Then there is my Mixed Media for adults, which is just plain fun, and which I love because  I get to play too ! Absolutely loved Valerie’s paper mache Goddess!! And then there is my Mixed Media for Kids.. many thanks to Riley for the artwork you see here! All in all good things are happening here and may it continue to do so!