Nest & Nurture--March Art Party Registration now OPEN!

Registration is now OPEN for my March Art Party “Nest & Nurture!”

Come nurture yourself by joining us on Sunday, March 8th from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. to create mixed media pieces celebrating the art of nesting and nurturing!  Cost is $45 and includes all instruction and supplies.  No previous art experience necessary.  Please bring a drink or snack to share.  Classes fill quickly, so register soon!  To register click on the “Art Parties” tab and follow to the “buy now” button.

If you are interested in nurturing your mind, body, spirit and creativity for an entire weekend, check out my Artful Awakenings Women’s Art & Yoga Retreat in the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina April 24th-26th!  For full details and registration information click on the “Retreats” tab.  Register soon, only a few spots left for this amazing artful event!

Amazing "Artful Angels"!

Thank you to everyone who came to my "Artful Angels" Art Party this Sunday (Mom, Anne Marie, Kathy, Carrie, Karen, Maribel, Jen, Yoon and Melissa!  We had an amazing time creating, connecting and celebrating the season!  Each of your angels is unique and beautiful--just like you!  I hope your "Artful Angels"  bring joy and blessings to you and your families!  Happy Holidays to ALL!  2015 Art Parties will be on the 2nd Sunday of each month from 4-7 p.m. starting in January!  Check back for registration information soon:)

Art on the Avenue--an Awesome Artful Experience!

Couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous fall day for an outdoor art festival (though a little less wind would have been nice)!  We had great weather and huge crowds all day long!  I had lots of art admirers visit my booth!  Several people wanted to touch my paintings (and did) because the glossy finish gives my paintings a glass-like look.  Lots of people called my art colorful, happy, gorgeous, pretty, beautiful, bright, cheerful, and joyful!  All adjectives I am very happy to have associated with my art!  After all, the reason I create my art in the first place is because it makes me happy and by sharing it through shows, classes, and retreats, I am hoping to spread that joy to others and make them happy too!  Some of the highlights of the festival for me were:

1) Having a life/executive coach who had never purchased a big piece of art before buy my "let your spirit soar" painting for her office to help inspire her clients!

2) Another woman wanting to buy the same painting!

3) Seeing a steady flow of little girls come sit before my lotus painting!

4) Having both big and little girls ooh and ahh over my mermaids!

5) Having my entire family help and support me through the whole process!  Thank you SO much "Team Tury!"  I couldn't have done it without you!

6) Being interviewed by 5th grader Mia who was instructed by her art teacher to interview "a real artist!"

7) Having friends and family surprise me by stopping by my booth including my mother-in law, Anne Marie, Christine, Maureen and family, Sam, Kimberly and Mia, Stacy, Jen, Dawn, Martha and Anna, Linda, Bonnie, and more!

8) Having friendly, supportive vendors surrounding me!

9) Selling 2 large pieces of art and 10 small pieces!

All in all, a great way to spend a fall day and a great first experience with a juried outdoor art festival!

Thanks again to my family and friends, to everyone who purchased my art and to everyone who visited my booth!  You all helped make this a great experience for me!

"Grow WILD and free!"

Below are two examples of when Pausing Paid Off…

As I've mentioned before, I am currently taking Flora Bowley's online class Bloom True.  I had just finished another layer on my 4 original canvases and was loving the look!  My paintings looked and felt tribal and WILD.  I was not ready to cover them up and transform them with another layer of paint just yet.  So, I decided to Pause…Instead, I started (and finished) two new smaller canvases!  Here's what emerged when I let go and painted WILD and free!  Now, I am ready to move on with my original 4 canvases and see what magic happens there!  Stay tuned!

These two paintings are now at the "By Women, About Women" show in Old Town, Alexandria!

Bloom True!

I received Flora Bowley's Bloom True class as a gift from my family several months ago.  Class finally began last week and the timing was perfect!  It seems to be just what I need at this moment!  I have a feeling this is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come!  This class is so in line with where I am personally and with what I teach to others.  However, I have not been following my own advice lately.  I felt like I was limiting myself and my art.  I felt like I was painting more for others and less for myself as I was trying to create demos for classes and workshops, new pieces for art shows with a specific theme, and get ready for my spring retreat!  I was looking for a way to get back to painting just for the fun of it and with no expectations--no limits.  So far, Bloom True has been just that!  Thank you Flora--you are an amazing artist, teacher, spirit!  Thank you fellow Bloomers--I love each of your stories and creations!  I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!  I am definitely enjoying the ride!  Here's a peek at what I have created so far:

My sacred art altar

Layer 2

Layer 3--the toughest one for me so far

My mandala


I have created mandalas before, but this one is my favorite and is very special to me! Not only is it a reminder of my Bloom True journey, but each item I used has a special meaning to me.  I made the background with my leftover Bloom True paint.  The mirror at the center is a reminder to check in with myself and was received at a friend's baby shower.  The starfish at the center symbolizes my love for the ocean and was given to me by my mom. The tiny pebbles are reminders of my daily walks.  The shells were collected on the beach this New Year's Day.  The glass beads also remind me of the beach and I use them in my artwork.  The rose petals were from flowers my husband gave me for our anniversary.  The lavender was picked with my daughters for my birthday a couple years ago.  I can't help but feel love, joy and gratitude every time I look at it!  Hope you enjoy it too! 

Del-Ray-Geous Weekend!

Del-Ray-Geous Opening Weekend!

Thanks to Lesley and Dawn for curating a great show and hosting an awesome opening night! The Del-Ray-geous Show runs from October 4-27 at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery in Del Ray, Alexandria.

Closing reception and awards take place October 27, 3-6pm.  I have two mixed media pieces in the show, "Artful Avenue 1" and "Artful Avenue 2!"  Be sure to vote if you come by!

Art on the Avenue Artist Demonstration!

I truly enjoyed my first time doing a live painting demonstration!  I've painted in front of students before when I've taught classes. I paint in front of my family and friends on a regular basis.  But this was the first time I've ever painted in front of a huge crowd of friendly strangers!  It was a sunny, hot October day in Del Ray and hundreds of people showed up to partake in the Art on the Avenue festivities!  I demonstrated painting and collage, showing whoever was interested how I create my "Artful Avenues." I had fun chatting with everyone who stopped by my tent and especially loved engaging the children who were oh so happy to help me cut out windows and doors for my colorful buildings!  I would definitely do this again!

Art Parties: "Create & Celebrate!"

I started hosting monthly Art Parties this year in an effort to add more creative time to my calendar, spend more time with my friends, and test out my skills as an art instructor!  What started as just a fun excuse to get together with friends has turned into something more.  By combining my drive to create with my skills as a social worker, I have been able to provide a unique experience where art meets self discovery and personal growth!  I have had such great feedback from my friends, that I am now opening up these "Create & Celebrate" nights to other groups of women!  Not only do you get to sip, snack and socialize with your friends, you leave with an original, meaningful masterpiece to take home.  You may even gain a better understanding of yourself and appreciation of your friends.  I hope you will join me to "Create & Celebrate!" Gather your girlfriends, drinks and snacks and email me at jackietury@gmail.com to schedule your Art Party!  Let the creativity flow and the fun begin!

                                          Art Parties are 3 hours long and cost $45.  All art supplies are provided.   

Custom Cake Collages Available!

Custom Cake Collages now available!  A great way to celebrate a birthday, wedding, or any special occasion.  I use my unique 3-d cake technique along with painting and collage to create a special keepsake.  Personal photos, images, memorabilia, etc can be incorporated into this one of a kind gift! Contact me at jackietury@gmail.com for more information.  Here is a sample of the cake I created for my grandmother's 95th birthday.  Happy Birthday G.G. !

Cloth Paper Scissors Challenge!

Started the new year by creating 5 new mini canvases to enter into the Cloth Paper Scissors Reader Challenge!  Each piece has a different inspirational message.  You can view my pieces and leave comments on their website http://www.clothpaperscissors.com/media/9/default.aspx?PageIndex=2.
My minis are on page two.  I also entered one of my mini 3-d cupcakes.

The finalists will be posted tomorrow.  Really hope to be one of them--wish me luck!

Sweet 'n Salty: New Art--New Show!

"It Runs in the Family" show just ended.  Thank you Michelle for the awesome placement of the Tury Family Portrait (front and center as you enter the gallery) and the wonderful compliment (I love your piece and wanted to showcase it--it's the signature piece of the show). 

 The next show at the Del Ray Artisan Gallery is "Sweet 'n Salty" and runs from October 5-28.  Join me at the opening reception this Friday, October 5th from 7-10 p.m.  The sweet 'n salty theme inspired two new mixed media pieces that I created for this show. "Take a BITE of LIFE" has a carnival theme and features a juicy apple as the main subject.  "Celebrate"is one of my 3-d cakes complete with real candle.  This month I will be celebrating the 6th year in my creative journey.  It was almost 6 years ago that I signed up for my first painting class as an adult.  A birthday gift to myself with the encouragement of my husband Paul.  The first painting I did was of a slice of birthday cake, complete with 3-d frosting.  I have been happily painting ever since!  Thanks Paul!  Time to Celebrate!