Monday, February 24, 2014

Stuff... and a Give Away

 REMINDERS,  Donna Watson, acrylic and collage

NOTE:  I will be teaching 2 two day workshops in Portland, Oregon in April.  The first workshop is titled:
Journal to Book:  A Zen approach.  On the first day, artists will explore their interests, passions, heritage, hobbies, or relationships AND create collage papers, either hand painted or found for their journal.  On the second day, artists will take their story or history or interest and use collage papers and/or text to begin their book in a blank journal.  (April 8-9, 2014)

The second workshop is titled:  Boro/Wabi sabi The spirit of collage.   On the first day, artists will hand paint rice papers using paints, stamps, stencils, whatever.  There will be in introduction to Zen tenets, composition, design elements and principles.  On the second day, artists will create their collages using journals, canvas, wood supports.. whatever they want.  (April 10-11, 2014)

For more information on these workshops go to:  www.artandsoulretreat.com   

Zen Nature 2, Donna Watson, collage


NEWS:  My paintings have been included in the book 100 ARTISTS OF THE NORTHWEST.
My painting REMINDERS at the top of this blog is one of the paintings included in the book.
There are 50 artists from Washington and 50 artists from Oregon.  The book is filled with 
contemporary artists of all mediums both 2-D and 3-D, and is available from Amazon.com

There will be a reception and book signing on March 1, at Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park on Camano Island, WA.  I will have 6 painting included in the show and there will  be 25 artists from the book there in the gallery for book signing.  

AND NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!  This is my first ever giveaway after - wow, how many years since I started my blog?  4 or 5 years.   Just leave a comment (make sure I know how to contact you) at this blog post and I will have a drawing and send someone a copy of my own hand created book THE BEAUTY OF NOTHINGNESS.  The book is available at Blurb.com  here   but I have one signed copy ready for my first ever give away.



Here are some sample pages from the book.  You can view the whole  
book at the Blurb.com link above.


"Learning to be creative within the confines of our limitations is the best hope we have to transform ourselves..."  Phil Hansen

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!








57 comments:

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

Congratulations on your inclusion in that book! That's wonderful. Wish I could take one of your workshops, especially the second one you described.

Doreen said...

Congratulation on the inclusion in the book. Love "Reminders". Looking forward to your classes in Portland.

amy of studio four corners said...

what a treasure...to be the recipient of your first giveaway...such a work of art. congrats too on the inclusion in the 100 artists book...I'll have to be on the lookout for it...

Cate Rose said...

Ooh, what a wonderful giveaway gift. I adore all your work!

Fiona Dempster said...

Congratulations on the show, the book and the workshop Donna - such a bundle of good news all in one! I'd love to be included in the draw…nothingness is one of my favourite notions. Go well.

Terrie said...

Absolutely love the theme of this and would treasure this addition to my artist books. I love a giveaway! Thanks so much for sharing.

Valerianna said...

Wonderful to be included in the book... and lucky someone to get your book! Have a great workshop.

ArtPropelled said...

Wonderful to be included in the book. Congratulations! I would LOVE to win 'The Beauty of Nothingness' so yes please put my name into the draw!

Sue Marrazzo Fine Art said...

Great News!!
Love your work!!

Tammie Lee said...

hello,

your workshops sound wonderful! I wish you all a fabulous time!

Plus the show and book you are in, congratulations!

plus you have created a book, how wonderful and give away, how wonderful for one of us!

wishing you lovely days and nights within the last leg of winter.

Kelly Kilmer said...


I always leave your blog full of inspiration and possibility. Thank you for sharing so much that you do.

ELFI said...

toujours zen..! je suivrai bien un cours ..trop loin pour moi..et félicitations pour le livre!

GILLIAN CHAPMAN said...

'The Beauty of Nothingness' is an inspiration - as is all your work. I would love to come to your workshops, sadly too far away...

Unknown said...

Dear Donna, Congratulations on such an interesting volume with fellow artists from your part of the world. Hope your workshops go well and that you meet interesting new people. Please can my name go into the hat for the giveaway? Best wishes, Annie x

Penny said...

Congratulations on the book, have always loved your blog, would love to be included in your giveaway.

Barry said...

Hi D - you must be energised by all the positivity - courses and publications - good for you. Go well. B

linda colsh said...

Your art is such beautiful work, always. I taught in Tokyo in November and thought often of your website & blog & the spirit of your work while there.

Lynn said...

Congratulations, Donna, on being included in the book. Gorgeous painting, 'reminders'.

Your workshops sound fabulous. All the best with them.

Denise Pelletier artiste graveure Qc said...

great! love all your works .....congratulations!
you inspire!

Sand Hill Art said...

I would love to be considered for the Giveaway. I follow your work via online Feed. I once lived in Portland, and wish I could have timed a visit to friends to coincide with your workshop. Best wishes.

Unknown said...

Donna, congrats on the book. Thank you for all your insightful posts....wishing for the give away

Judy Shreve said...

Donna - congratulations on your work being included in the artists book! 'Reminders' is gorgeous - simple and elegant.

And I wish I were closer to be able to attend one of your workshops!

The give-away is so exciting. My fingers are x'd!

Gill said...

Congratulations!!

Your workshops sound fabulous - I wish I lived nearer!

Magdalena said...

First of all , congratulations for the book!
...someday I would love to participate in your workshop...maybe...who knows :)...
with love,
magdalena

candm46@roadrunner.com said...

Many congratulations on your inclusion in the book. I admire your work so much, and would love to have a copy of your book!

Carmel Glover said...

For several years I have been delighted and inspired by your work and your e-newsletters, which I always send on to friends. I, too, wish I could take part in your workshops, but alas, Australia is just a bit too far away :-)

Cynthia Schelzig said...

Considering there are thousands of miles between here and there...ohhh sigh,,,to attend one of your workshops. Maybe Scotti should beam me up or I could get lucky with your book. The 100 Artists book looks interesting and what an honor that you could be included. Wishing you a sunny day in paradise.. ....

Cecilia said...

I hope someday you will give a workshop in the Northeast ... even better, in central coastal NJ! I've admired your collages for a long time and would love to own the book you are generously offering to give away. Thanks too for sharing those delightful photos of your sweet and funny pets!
Cecilia Swatton
crswatton@gmail.com

Pat Jeffers, Artist said...

I so look forward to the emails with your post. I always keep them for several days so I can go back and back. In the middle of the craziness of life if I look at one of your paintings for those few moments I know I am breathing. I LOVE your work. Thank you for sharing.

Debbie said...

Congratulations on being in the book, would love to own a piece of your work, I wasn't aware of the book so might have to buy it if I don't win it.

Gail Baar said...

Congratulations! Your hand made book looks wonderful too! I would love to own a copy.

leslie said...

Love your blog and your style of mixed media. I just recently discovered you.

Maya Sara Matthew said...

Congratulations on the inclusion in such a prestigious publication. I hope I win your beautiful book. Thanks for a chance to win!

Charlton Stitcher said...

What a lovely thing - a chance to win a copy of your book. I love your work ...

Lynda said...

How did I not know you had published books??? Regardless, I could look at your images for hours... one day hope to be able to take a class with you... and thanks for the chance to win a copy of your book (so I don't have to be on-line to look at your images for hours, LOL)

Sharon said...

What a beautiful little book with wonderful old Japanese letters and a great style of putting them all together. A much generous Giveaway. Also, thank you for sharing your work on your blog.

Unknown said...

I have long admired and been inspired by your work. Every day I get to look at a beautiful small piece of yours I have on my living room wall. Thank you for your generosity in having a drawing for this lovely book.
Marilyn Reaves

Carol Sloan said...

Donna, I am an admirer of your work. I'd love to win your book. You can email me at carolbsloan@yahoo.com if I win. Thanks and congratulations on being included in the book!

trish quilty said...

How wonderful..a giveaway of your book. I admire your work so much. Thank you. I have alwasy loved looking at your site and your art work.

sunny davis said...

Ah, yes, nothing like a giveaway to heat up another bitter cold day in Chicago! I could use some Zen influence...

Lorraine said...

Just want to say I enjoy your blog and your work-- hope to see it in person some day!

Caterina Giglio said...

Congratulations on having your work published... it is always a delight, I think to have our work recognized ...just wonderful...

susan bowers said...

You seem to have found your stride Donna. Really love that acrylic and collage work at the entrance to this post and can you believe it .... I actually went onto blurb and bought myself a copy of your book before reading you rpost! If I ever make it to the Portland area, I will bring it for you to sign.

Peggy said...

Love your blog and I love that quote at the end of this post.

Anonymous said...

gloriously wonderful!
you are such an inspiration Donna

xox

Anonymous said...


I can always count on your blogs, Donna, to lead me to peace and creativity.
Thank you, Marty Atwell

Laura said...

Admirer from afar...mid-states...IL.
Love your work...lonecrow 4 gmail.com

CERULEAN said...

Donna, what a beautiful book. I love the subtle use of paper combined with the Japanese calligraphic. It's zen in optima forma.

Diana Anderson said...

Thank you so much for sharing your artist journey through your blog.
Have appreciated both your written and visual expressions.
May your classes go well.
Diana

Sharmon Davidson said...

Congratulations, Donna, on being included in the book! Your new work is beautiful; I especially love Zen Nature 2. Gosh, i really hope I win the book!

zoe cohen said...

Your work is quietly beautiful and inspirational. The workshops sound great too! Your Book, The Beauty of Nothingness looks amazing. Thank you for all.

JonesMoore Studio Art, Lisa JonesMoore said...

GREAT to hear about all of your activities and news Donna!

Seth said...

A big congratulation to you Donna and being included in the book. "Reminders" is stunning...but then again all your work is!

Unknown said...

Greetings,

I am not sure if the GIveAway is over but I figured since I see nothing posted to leave at least a comment.

I was just updating my BlogLovin' app and the blogs I want to follow when I decided I wanted to follow you and here I am.

So please include me in your book give away.

When you have time stop by my site as I too have now giveaways for the iPhone/iPad.

TheiPhoneArts.com

Wishing you all the best,
Egmont

india flint said...

I'm late to the conversation but wanted to wish you a wonderful time in Portland , Donna. I have a rich store of memories from my time there last year, wandering the Japanese Gardens and gathering flotsam by the river

It was lovely to meet you last year and to see the originals of your gorgeous books

thewiildmagnola said...

my first visit. your work is thought provoking, compelling explore outside the standard box.

nothingness and silence scare most people.

peace is the gentle reward.

thank you so much for sharing.

http://thewildmagnolia-ocala.blogspot.com

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