Reuse old watercolor pan paint trays.

How to reuse pan paint trays!
Hello everyone!

Here's a little tip from my studio: My students already know this, but I thought I would pass it along to any art teachers out there.  I use cheap pan paints for my kids classes and then when the trays are almost empty, I take the trays and add student grade watercolor paints from a tube and add the paint in the empty pans. I keep the colors almost the same such a light green pan would be filled with a light green paint from a tube.

After all the colors are added, I let the trays dry completely and then close the lids. I keep at least 15 or more trays on hand for my beginner adult and kids classes. This saves me from have to waste paints and my students love the colors. I offer beginning watercolor classes with all material supplied by me so students have everything they need for class.

I hope you can use this idea, too! It's a great way to keep watercolors in a neat little compact tray you can provide for your students when you teach.  Here's a link to find watercolor paints from Jerry's Art A Rama.

  Oh, I always throw out the awful brush that is included in those trays. I find students cannot paint with them. I provide professional watercolor brushes for my students when they take classes from me. Good materials equals good painting results! If you have some tips, let me know! I would love to hear from you. All for now, Happy Painting!

My furry friend is gone...

Taffy Cinnamon Magelssen- RIP 2000-2013.   It's been a tough two weeks! My ever present furry companion, Taffy, has gone to doggie heaven. I really miss her and it just isn't the same in my studio, and my life!, without her. We enjoyed 13 years with her and her spirit is ever present.  She was always next to me, underfoot, or sitting by my side nuzzling my arm and bugging me to take her for a walk.   On cold days, she would lay on  top of my feet and keep me warm.  Having to put her down after she got very, very sick was one of the most heart-wrenching things I ever had to do. I know she is in heaven and I will see her again. Knowing this gives me hope and happiness. Animals are such a blessing to us! Thanks for listening. If you have a story of a favorite pet who passed away, please let me know. I would love to hear about it.          

Hugs to all of you-

MagelssenArtStore at Zazzle

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Cat in the studio...and other stuff.

Hello,  It has been awhile since I have blogged. I guess I am more of an artist than a writer. I have been doing classes on my porch this past summer and it has been a blast.                                                           Of all the things to do, taking art classes will decrease your stress levels, create a playful mindset and just help you relax. I can take up to 6 students and if you want to do a fun night out or a lazy afternoon of just painting fun, get in touch with me.  I do need clue you in that there is a ever present cat in the studio...

My art marketer, Snugs, (shown here) is always checking things out in the classroom. Luckily, students are getting used to him. He cannot jump on the tables and I let him up somedays just so he can "feel young again".

He loves my brushes, (I hardly paint with brushes these days anyways.) so I let him play with them.
What ever you have been doing lately, I hope it is creating art. Check out this awesome artsy website- Wine and Canvas

Keep in touch. I would love to hear from you!