CHRISTMAS SALE AND WINTER CLASSES!

Hello Everyone -  Christmas is just around the corner -- although it is a very busy time, many of you are finding time to paint and enjoy this special time here at Cochrane Arts Central. Wednesday and thursday day classes are full which is fantastic for this hectic season. The winter class schedule is out and posted on the "Classes" page. Check it out.  I have organized the classes so they all follow the same format (except for the weekend workshops).  I think this schedule will offer a regular routine that all students will become familiar with -  basically all classes run on a 4 week time frame and continue each month.  Take a look at the schedule and it will describe these classes in detail.  We will add more classes as they get organized.  If you have never painted before but have always wanted to try it, the Sampler Class may appeal to you. Even if you are not into the arts, you may know someone who is.  Classes are a wonderful Christmas gift and we would love to organize the class and supplies to go with it to make the gift complete.  If you can't think about what to get the artist in your life, a Gift Certificate may be the answer.  Available in all denominations with no expiry date and they may be used for classes.

We are having a Christmas Sale starting on December 15 - December 24.  All products (excluding art pieces) will be 15% off! So stock up -  art supplies make great Christmas gifts!

We have wonderful art works in the Gallery area painted by local artists.  Paintings also are great Christmas presents.  We have all price ranges to suit everyone's budget and lay-a-way plans are available.

I would like to thank all my customers for supporting Cochrane Arts Central in 2012.  I look forward to seeing you and many new faces  in 2013.  Coffee is always on -  drop by even just for inspiration.  My friendly staff are very supportive and welcoming!  So on behalf of the staff and teachers, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Marla Blackwell

FALL SALE NOVEMBER 9 AND 10, 2012

Hello Everyone -  Our annual Fall Sale is coming up November 9 and 10th.  You don't want to miss it because all stock will be 20% off!  As well, there will be demos in the Studio showing new techniques, products, textures, etc.  These will be done by our teachers and students.  You can try out as well.  Refreshments and door prizes will be part of the two days.  Please come and join in -  this storewide sale is only once a year!  Paulette Fleming of Mary Kay Cosmetics will have a hand wash product that takes paint off your hands easily and makes your hands feel so soft.  I love it! Also, the winter class outline will be available and we will be taking registrations.

Speaking of classes -  the ongoing classes taught by Hermann Brandt (tuesday mornings 10 - 1) still have room for November and December.  These are fun, casual lessons and you learn lots about drawing and also oil painting.  Give us a call for  more details.

Don't forget  Free Fridays!  Every friday you can come and paint with others in the studio for free. No charge -  come and get inspired and paint with other students/clients of Cochrane Arts Central. 

See you soon -  Marla

ACFC 2012 AGM

COCHRANE ARTS FESTIVAL

Hello Everyone -  The Colour Theory Class on September 22 was awesome.  Everyone learned a lot and took home a workbook to complete and once completed will receive a certificate. There was a waiting list on this class so we will probably offer again in the winter or spring session in 2013.

This weekend is the Cochrane Arts Festival.  It will be held on saturday and sunday on 2nd Avenue West downtown.  Cochrane Arts Central will have a tent on the street.  There will be specials and paintings at our spot.  Come check it out.  The weather forecast is good so far!

Fall classes are going well.  Open Studio Fridays are going strong -  This is a free painting time.  Come and paint  with other aspiring painters!

Marla

NEW STUFF AT COCHRANE ARTS CENTRAL!

Hello Everyone -  Fall is just about here - hard to believe. But with it comes great new product and classes at Cochrane Arts Central.  You will find the Fall Class Schedule on the Classes page -- check it out.  Some classes are filling quickly - please call soon if you have questions or would like to register.  There are the familiar regular classes which continue to be very popular as well as new additions.  For example, Scot Paisley is teaching a drawing class for the teenage group as well as the beginner and intermediate adult classes.  Nancy-lynne Hughes is teaching a color theory workshop.  We have been wanting to include this for awhile now - so we very excited to have her here. We have more info in the class description as well as here at the shop.

Our fall shipment has arrived with most of the new products.  Tombow pens are here with the complete range of colors. They are dual ended with a thicker point and a fine one.  People are really liking these with drawing and mixed media.  We have a wider range of brushes to choose from - something for everyone.  You can never have too many brushes.  We are absolutely loaded up on canvas -  not enough room for all of them!!

Don't forget Open Studio Free  Friday! There is no charge for this very fun time in the studio with other painters. Very popular over the summer - it's great to have like minded people around and friday is the perfect day of the week to let loose and get creative! JOIN US IN THE FUN!

That's it for now -  stay tuned - I will update more often now that Fall is here and lots going on. 
Don't miss out!

Marla and The Team

PLEIN AIRE WORKSHOP WAS FANTASTIC!

On July 7th, we had the plein aire workshop at Marla and Rob Blackwell's. It was the most perfect day - Didn't rain and was hot! Nancy-Lynn Hughes instructed the class of 16 students. She taught the class how to focus in on the landscape and break it down so it could be transformed on to the canvas. Students learned a lot about changing light and the challenges and rewards of painting outside. Lots of enthusiasm and focused work created terrific paintings by all. After a morning and afternoon of painting, students relaxed and then we had a barbecue dinner. In the evening, Nancy gave a critique on everyone's work. We all learned from that and it was all very positive with helpful suggestions. We will definitely want to have this event again and those of you on the waiting list will have your chance too! I will keep you posted as to when we can arrange another one. Meanwhile, have a look at the pictures with this blog and see how much fun it was. I will have the Fall Class Schedule in a few weeks. Please call if you have questions. I have classes in place -- just need to firm up dates and post on the website.  Until then, happy painting! Marla

PLEIN AIRE PAINTING - NANCY-LYNN HUGHES

Hello Everyone -  I am excited to tell you about a fun painting event Cochrane Arts Central is hosting on July 7, 2012. We are having a full, fun day of outside painting at the Blackwell's on the Horse Creek (northwest of Cochrane)!  This will be instructed by well known plein aire instructor, Nancy-Lynn Hughes.  Please check out the "Classes Page" of this website for details.  Call or email for further details.  We will be happy to fill you in!

Also, there is still room for the Beginner Watercolor Workshop on Saturday, May 26.  Now is the chance  to try watercolor.  This is instructed by Marla Blackwell.  The Ongoing monthly classes continue to be popular as well.  See the details for all of these classes on the "Classes" page.

See you soon.

Marla

SPRING SALE - APRIL 26, 27 AND 28!

Hello Fellow Painters - Cochrane Arts Central invites you to take advantage of spring savings and stock up on supplies for the upcoming painting season.  Everything is 20% off! The sale takes place on April 26, 27, and 28 (thursday - saturday).  Come on in - friendly and knowledgable staff will be happy to assist you.

Also, there will be a plein aire class on Saturday, July 7.  Students will be instructed by well known Calgary instructor, Nancy Lynn Hughes.  Nancy teaches all mediums and is an expert in plein aire instruction.  This will be a full day in the country.  Details are being worked out and will be on the website very soon.

Don't forget about our ongoing classes.  Tuesdays 10 - 1 with Hermann Brandt (oil or drawing) and Wednesdays or thursdays 10 - 1 with Marla Blackwell (watercolor or acrylic).  All levels welcome. Check the Class Page of this website for details.

See you at the sale!

Marla and Cochrane Arts Central Team

SPRING SCHEDULE IS OUT

Hello Everyone - The spring schedule is out. We have a great line up of classes again - just click on the class tab and you can read the whole schedule.

We have some fun events coming up and we will give more details once we have them sorted out. For example, a paintout in the country where painters can bring the medium of their choice and paint the countryside followed by a delicious dinner! As well we plan to have a gallery show of works by our young artists in June where the artists will be in attendance describing their favorite piece of work.

Stay tuned - and in the meantime - consider taking a class- there is something for everyone!

Marla and the Cochrane Arts Central Team

STILL LOTS OF WINTER LEFT!

Hello Everyone - there is still lots of time this winter to take a class. Our monthly ongoing classes are proving to be very popular! Tuesday mornings from 10 to 1, are drawing or oils with Hermann Brandt. Thursday mornings from 10 to 1, are watercolor or acrylic with Marla Blackwell. The description of these sessions are on the class tab. Check it out! These sessions will run as long as you want them to!

There is still room for a couple more students in Hermann's drawing/oil class which starts on February 22 (wednesday evenings for 8 weeks). Again, check the class tab for full class description. You will learn lots in this class.

The Spring 2012 Schedule of classes will be out in a few weeks. Keep checking this website for updates.

The gallery page is being updated as I send this blog out. Candace Holden has many paintings for sale. Her medium is oil and her bright choice of colors are very cheery and bold. Her choice of subject is mostly landscape. We have a beautiful series of charcoal drawings by Caleb Booth. They are outstanding. Come in, have a coffee and enjoy the fine pieces of art by our local artists.

See you soon - Marla Blackwell

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello Everyone -- we trust everyone had a wonderful holiday season and looking forward to a little more routine once again!





We have many classes to fill your winter hours. Just check the class page to find out what is going on. They start very soon - so give us a call and we would be happy to get you started and inspired.





There is Studio space available. This is a wonderful opportunity to get away from home and paint in a studio setting. This is not a class but a work space where the artist can concentrate on a project without interruption. It is a very inspiring place and lots of creative energy all around. I have mentioned this project to a few people and have received positive feedback. In fact, thursdays are booked by one artist already. There is no set schedule -- you simply need to give us a call and reserve your spot. The fee is $10 per day. This opportunity is open to all levels of ability -- absolutely no intimidation -- only encouragement! You can book once or several times -- it is up to you. It is wonderful to have creative people filling our rooms at Cochrane Arts Central.





Have fun painting, drawing, or being creative in whatever your medium may be. We look forward to help expand your creative journey whether it be supplies, classes or studio space!





Marla Blackwell