New Art: Back to School & Dream Big!

 I was inspired to create "Back to School" by this bittersweet time of year.  Tomorrow my daughters and I all head back to school.  We enjoy school/work, but hate saying goodbye to summer.  In "Back to School," I was able to incorporate bits and pieces of my daughters' homework and my kindergarteners' drawings into my collage.  Wishing everyone a great first day back to school! 

Earlier this summer, I kept having dreams where I would run to the shore to see a whale playfully surfacing in the ocean.  I decided this meant that big creative ideas were about to surface for me!  This dream inspired my new colorful collage "Dream Big!"

 Don't forget to come by Del Ray Artisans this month for the "It Runs in the Family" show!  The Tury Family Portrait will be on display.  The show runs Sept. 7th through 30th, with an opening reception on Sept. 7th from 7-10 p.m.  See you there!

Tury Family Portrait!

We recently completed a fun family art project!  We each created our own mixed-media self-portrait (Cindy Wunsch style...thanks Cindy!) and combined them in a custom frame as a family-portrait.
Our family portrait will be displayed at the Del Ray "It Runs in the Family" Show this September!

More details to come...

CREATE Mixed Media Retreat!

Just got back from the CREATE Mixed Media Retreat in NJ!  Had an AWESOME time!  I enjoyed learning new techniques, playing with paint, creating art and making new friends!  I took two full-day workshops: "Storyblock Collage" with artist Jodi Ohl and "The Heart of Art" with artist Cindy Wunsch.  Both instructors were wonderful and their classes were so much fun!  They are both truly talented and amazing women!  I also ran into Jenn Mason, editor of my favorite magazine, "Cloth, Paper, Scissors!" If you are looking for a fun way to make mixed-media come to life, this is it.  I recommend this retreat to artists of all levels.  I hope to go again next year!  I love the new pieces I created: "create joy" and "Queen of heARTs!"  I can't wait to try out these new techniques at home. Thank you to all my CREATE friends!

Attempts at Abstract!

I enjoyed my abstract painting class today with instructor Brenda Belfield.  Though I struggled at times, I had fun playing with paint and texture.  I came away with new friends and two new abstract paintings.  The highlight for me was re-connecting with artist Ginny Moore.  I hope to paint with her again soon.

Full House--Opening Night!

Full house for the Opening Night of "A Tribute to Margaret's Garden!"  Over 100 people showed up to share their stories and enjoy artwork inspired by Margaret's beautiful garden.

A Tribute To Margaret's Garden Show!

 I am honored to be participating in a group show paying tribute to Margaret Thomas and her Garden!  My family has been visiting Margaret's Garden every year since my girls were babies.  We have spent many a magical moment in Margaret's beautiful iris garden--looking for fairies, having picnics, taking photos, painting pictures or simply taking slow strolls through the beautiful blooms.  Margaret and her garden are very near and dear to our hearts.  She will be greatly missed.  Please join us for this special event at the Art Space in Herndon.  The show runs Tuesday, July 10th through Sunday, August 12th with an opening reception Saturday, July 14th from 7-9 p.m.

Art "full" weekend (continued)!

To add to this weekend's artful theme, we went to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival in Reston!

I visited twice, once by myself on Friday night and again with my family today.  The weather was gorgeous and we had fun looking at all of the beautiful artwork and talking with the artists.  We came home with a few small pieces and lots of inspiration!  One of my favorites was "Live Your Dreams!"