Just A Little Hello

After a few revisions with my little Goldfinch design, I decided to have the Hello on it's own and do another, different Hello with my bird.

Here is a sweet Hello with a twinkle for the garden or inside.

Studio Class Time

Students are hard at work in this mosaic class creating some Bee-U-ti-ful mosaics!
I'm teaching classes at diMosaico for this fall. Put a mosaic class on your activities planner and play with a wonderful, traditional media.
Check out the classes/events section on my website for frequent updates as classes are added.

Mark the dates: Oct. 26 DogtoberFest and Nov. 8 - 9 Tucson Open Studio Tour.
More on these events coming right up!

Hi Emalie :) - what a gorgeous butterfly!

Lovely Milagro Heart!

Mosaic Flower Garden Project

Here's a flower garden you can have all year! Butterflies and bright flowers will be a great project this winter after the holidays are over.
Yep, sound like I'm planning Way Ahead but trust me, fast forward to rain, snow, cozy indoor activities and hot drinks after the tinsel and paper craze has passed. How nice create something really cool on those long winter evenings.

Why mention this? Because there could be kits available for this mosaic as well as classes.

The class project at diMosaico will run for three Tuesday evenings, 6 pm - 8:45 pm.  Students are expected to work on their projects in between class meetings in order to finish their projects.
The mosaic flower squares can also be done as individual projects, perfect for a box lid.

To make the most of class time, use the colors chosen on the color flower drawing. This way glass cutting can begin, learning how to use the tools, materials.
Don't worry about creating a masterpiece right away. The purpose of the classes are to learn new skills and sharpen them through consistent practice.

If you were just learning how to play an instrument, no one would expect you to play in an orchestra concert the next week - right?  Patience and practice, practice, practice.  :)

Mosaic 9 Square Flower Garden work in progress - SueBetanzos.com

Hello Little Goldfinch

Goldfinch mosaic in progress from my tile series.
Stained glass, bead.

A Gila Welcome Mosaic

Custom Gila Welcome mosaic will jazz up an entry way, indoors or outdoors.
Ready to hang with a wire on the back.  Remove the wire for a more permanent installation.
At my new Etsy store - Art Of Sue.
More on the way for Dogtoberfest  in Tucson where I will be demonstrating mosaic for classes with deMosiaco. One will be Mosaic Your Pet! Come out to say hello and support a wonderful non-profit Handi-Dogs. Voted best non-profit event in Tucson :)

I'll be giving a beginner four hour micro class on September 20 at diMosaico in Tucson for those interested in trying out mosaics.

Custom mosaic -  Art Of Sue

Mosaic Gila Monster Welcome

Mosaic Gila monster in progress as part of a commission for a welcome plaque. This super cool lizard is not a monster at all. She is another of nature's fascinating works of art. Rarely seen in the wild due to urban encroachment.

Stained glass done in reverse method. It is laid out on clear contact paper, sticky side up which prevents  pieces from moving.

Song To Sister Earth

Another painting in progress centered on the series on birds, gardens, and lovely inspirational words.
I used the same basic layout and it will be in a different technique or media. The SkillShare digital image coloring class is going well, learning a lot. This is hand drawn and colored :) A Mano! Next piece could be a digital colored for my class project.

"Sing Praises To Sister Earth" - St. Francis Of Assisi. Sue Betanzos

Kitten Friendship Ink

Sue Betanzos - Black Star Matt Ink on cold press 140 lb watercolor paper.

A beautiful quote from my large collection of lovely words and quotes. Paired with a BFF image I have loved and wanted to use.
Decided to use a combination of ink techniques with brush for my final SkillShare Mastering Ink class project.  Revisited brush/ink and really liked the Dr. Phil Martin Black Star matt ink which is a super rich, warm black that is waterproof, permanent.  Next time I will use brushes with longer heads like liners that will be easier to keep clean. Oh, and mask the whiskers for a crisp look.
Favorite, Only brush cleaner: The Masters

Sue Betanzos - Friendship

Additional notes copied from my post on SkillShare with my final Kitten Friends Ink class project:

When I first started this class I watched Yuko's video a few times to absorb all of her tips and advice. Then, after getting new brushes (have to wait on the cool Asian brush investment) the experiments began with the various techniques.
Once I jumped into black and white studies I just kept going, getting more comfortable producing in inks. Really enjoying the whole process and challenge. Hours passed like minutes in my little bubble of a studio.
The bird studies ranged from the technical pen, to pen and ink, to several brush and pen combinations. Each had a distinct look and, more importantly, the practice got me comfortable with the water color papers, brushes and ink.
First thing I learned was to get brushes with longer heads. Like acrylics, the ink is waterproof and kept working up to the ferrul with the shorter brushes so I had to keep cleaning the brush if I dipped it. 
I used the eyedropper from the bottle to put ink drops on my glass palette to get ink from and that helped. The cold press watercolor paper used for my end project was a Strathmore which was a bit smoother than other brands, yet still had some tooth for the brush.
After many experiments, the combinations of brush strokes, washes and pure blacks finally gave me piece I was comfortable submitting. 
The image was combined with a lovely quote selected from my collection (I'm a book/quote addict!) and given to a friend who just lost her kitty companion of 15 years in the form of a handmade card.
Below are the experiments and brushes used. This is was a fun class that really got me going in a new painting direction. 
Thank you Yuko for sharing your wonderful experience and knowledge!

The "adventures in Ink Experiments". The Goldfinch, Oriole and fawn are done in technical pens to get back into working in ink black/white perspective. The other three birds are done with brushes.
The lettering is generated :(   Hand lettering is so beautiful that I've signed up for a few calligraphy classes next for a more hand done look/feel.
The Wood Thrush is the ink wash experiment, feeling how the ink behaves on paper in washes. I LOVE the Black Star ink with it's soft rich blacks and am hooked on this brand from now on. 

Mastering Inking Skillshare Class

One of the Current classes I am in: Mastering Inking with Yuko Shimizu.

She is an amazing illustrator and I'm having fun revisiting/learning inking again.
Yes, I will submit my class projects in her contest! (you will read about it in the class description link).

First pen and ink of fawn with Micron pens instead of brushes. Next ones will play with brushes.
Pens offered soft, fine blends. (Scan is from a laser copy so kind of rough)

Fawn Ink Drawing - Sue Betanzos " A year from now you may wish you had started today." ~ Karen Lamb

One of my very favorite ♥ treats to myself ♥ this summer is enrolling in the Skillshare Classes site.
Technology is a beautiful thing since it allows access to Anything you want to learn. For those of us who can't dash off to attend workshops, these online classes are a wonderful gift.

Skillshare is a site where one can take a wide variety of online classes. There are many online class sites and I chose this site because it had instructors I admired and knew I would benefit from.
Plus it is well within my budget and there is unlimited access to the classes you take.

Tons of free stuff also on Youtube, so between the two I get to "go to class" every morning starting at 5 am when I am mentally at my sharpest via a giant Cup O' Joe :)

Want to expand your skills or learn new ones? Then check out budget friendly Skillshare  - do some window shopping :) for your brain.


Screenshot of the Ink Contest from Yuko's class:
Work that shows the important artist questions; "Who you are, What you want to express, Effort you have put into your work"

Studio Muse Risa Girlie

Risa, 14.7 years. My studio muse and BFF.  Some days are better than others, but all are golden and make me love her all the more :)

Andy's Keepsake Box

Andy was a sweet companion who loved his toys and chasing squirrels :)
This box in progress will hold his ashes and collar.

The front will have his favorite orange ball, the sides with tree branches and the back with a squirrel. Inside will have the faux stone finish. Andy was a Coton de Tulear.

Materials used include a birch box, acrylic paints, variety of artists brushes. Though I always have plenty of brushes, in the end I always select a few favorites for each project.

Custom Mosaic Address Plaque - finished!

Glass and ceramic tile custom mosaic address plaque Finished  :)
Below are the steps for reverse indirect technique used in this project.

Address Plaque by  Sue Betanzos Designs

Layout your design with clear contact paper, sticky side up to prevent pieces from moving when placed.

All laid out according to the design. Vermillion Flycatcher with prickly pear and bee.

Firmly apply/adhere mosaic tile tape to the surface. A heavy grade clear tape for mosaics. 

Carefully flip the mosaic. Now the backside is ready for a thin coat of grout and cement. The grout will fill from the back for an even front surface and prevent cement from seeping through.

Butter the substrate (1/2" Wedi board) and a very thin coat on top of the pre-grout. This ensures complete adhesion of all tiles for a firm bond. Vital for outdoor pieces to withstand weather.

Center and Seat the substrate onto the prepped area. This is already on a heavy cardboard bottom. Put another firm board on top to sandwich and flip so now the right side of the mosaic will be on top.

With a tile float, press the tiles to make sure all is bonded. Then let the cement and tile cure a few hours (depending on air moisture/environment).  Use the container the cement was mixed in to test the hardness of the cement as it cures.
When it has hardened to very firm clay, Carefully test a corner of the mosaic film for tile adhesion. The tiles should remain in place.  Gently begin peeling the film at right angle (Not straight up which can pull pieces off since the cement is not hardened).  

Once tile tape has been removed start cleaning excess grout with toothbrush, brushing off excess. The grout should be at the point where it can still be removed from the surface as it begins to harden more.

Certain areas will need more filing if the mosaic is mixed media, such as this one. Plus the edges and bottom still need finishing.

The sides are finished with tile and a touch of silver chain added to the bottom to complement the mirror accents. Last step, grout the edges and the chain, clean and polish. Let it cure for a few days. Cement and grout will continue hardening for 10 - 15 days depending on moisture environment (especially the cement).

This address plaque is ready to hang. It can also be done without hangers for direct permanent application on a surface.
(hangers were applied onto the Wedi board Before mosaic was assembled)

Tiny Gems

African Bee Eaters - Sold.  Allen's Hummingbird - Sold.
The first, a small, sweet gouache of a species of birds that (some) makes it's nests by burrowing in sides of river banks in large colonies.
The second, Allen's Hummingbird below it is small but fierce in guarding it's territory.
Thank you to Denis and Noreen for facilitating these sales XO!!

Last year I did a small series of a favorite subject - hummingbirds.  I like a contemporary feel to them because they are so energetic, fearless and gem like.
Originally they started out like many - studies for a new direction of work. I never know how they will turn out since I just play with backgrounds until it feels right.  An intuitive process of experiments in (new term I just learned and Love) "Imaginary Realism".

Reading facts/information on each new subject is a part of the job that I enjoy as much as the painting.

All have sold, so I know it is a good direction. Now it's a matter of choosing and inventing subjects based on reality, animals & nature to satisfy my inner visions. Constantly works in progress with some touching on fantasy like unicorns, mermaids, sphinx, elementals and more.

African Bee Eaters - Gouache

Keepsake StarGazer Box

The first in a new series of little boxes done in a style I used to call fantasy art, but now have a new, richer term: Imaginary Realism.

Subjects of imagination, myth, folktale and more will be featured as this direction is explored. Some playful, some fey and wild, others completely new. My new StarGazer style isn't really so new since it has been used for all of the glass paintings.

Next year it is being expanded to include the boxes and other functional 3D art.

Now for getting quality boxes made of harder wood in the sizes I want at the right price.

Sunset Nebula Mosaic - Sold

Tucson sunset are some of the finest - they can take your breath away in the seconds before twilight (my favorite time :) )
Last year I did a series of small mosaics created from tempered glass and inspired by - you guessed it - StarGazing and nature.
They ranged from small squares to small rectangles. This one was part of two mosaic pieces submitted for the Small Works exhibit at Tohono. I am happy to say it has found a new home - SOLD

The rest can be seen in an Earlier Post. All have the fantasy elements of glitter, jewel colors, gem stones and are signed by the artist (me!).

Sold

Magic Realism

I thank each and every one who has supported me through the purchase of my work, comments and just staying in touch via this wonderful and magical keyboard. 

Studio work can be isolating due to the nature of the work (an issue with many artists), and it makes my day when I get communication from individuals that I feel I know though we have never met in person.  

That's the magic part - being able to make friends with those I would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet!  This is one of the Many reasons I love my job and am Grateful Every Day. 

So here's to magic and love in the coming holidays and new year.

Keepsake Box inside with rich red faux stone finish

Tohono Chul Small Works Exhibition

Good things come in small..." Well this Small Works Exhibit at Tohono will be worth checking out with artwork 12 inches and under. Two of my mosaics were chosen for the invitational exhibit.

The round Dog Star Canyon has elements of the rich sandstone canyons as well as a small petroglyph of a dog in gold reverse glass painting.

A sparkling blue creek water element, vintage gold glass bugle beads gleam, curling thru the 'sandstone' and tiny smooth river pebbles around the edge of the piece complement the earth colors.

Dog Star Canyon - Mixed Media Mosaic 12"

The second mosaic piece is from my Nebula series called Sunset. Contemporary mixed media mosaic in rich pink and orange it is in a black box frame like all nebulas.
The mate, Turquoise Nebula is sold. There are several small nebula pieces available at www.suebetanzos.com that are equally fun jewel toned contemporary mosaics to add sparkle and color to an area. There is a sprinkle of glitter under the glass in each piece to add interest.

Recordar Es Vivir

To remember is to live. Translation of the title and always my thoughts on November 2.
Altar display at Tohono Chul for my grandmother, great grandmother, mom.

The altar display went well. I brought items that were relevant to my grandmother such as sea shells (she loved to walk on the beach and collect shells), photos of:  her BFF friend Carmelita, her mom (my great grandmother next to the white frame of Carmelita), family photo in the front with my mom, and her daughter (my mom at the end by the bible). Also her favorite color - pink, some tiny dishes, a wooden chocolate mixer, flowers, candles. Forgot to fill the cup with coffee (cafecito).

At the last minute I also brought postcards of the painting to give as mementos, keepsakes of the event. People loved them and I wish I had brought more.

My grandmother was passionate about the Virgin de Guadalupe, the bible, church so there were items for that as well. You never know what people will be drawn to and I was surprised how many questions I received regarding the wooden chocolate mixer and the significance of the shells.

I must have demonstrated the use of the wooden hand mixer and the making of Mexican hot chocolate at least a dozen times, rolling the handle quickly between my hands.

Dia De Los Muertos Altar for my Abuelita Margarita Gomez Macias - Tohono Chul 

Talking and explaining non-stop from 5 - 8 pm was exciting but exhausting and towards the end I was getting a little hoarse. Also, in the rush to get everything, get out there and set up, I forgot a sweater. By 7:30 pm it was chilly and I was glad I had brought the jeans to change.

It was a new experience to share my family memories and photos. People were fascinated by the old photos and personal items. They were kind, respectful and curious.
By now Many have learned about hand making Mexican hot chocolate with a traditional tool over a stove! I bet if I held a tiny cooking class on just that I would have gotten a fair attendance :)  Who could know? I hope at least one person is inspired to try this old fashioned, traditional method.

Millie Finished

 I know I was supposed to show the in-between stages of the painting but it has gotten pretty busy and no time! So here is little Millie a sweet little dog who is so endearing that it's easy to overlook her little habit of stealing and hiding things.

Owner Laura was telling me the story of Millie stealing and chewing up some pretty expensive hearing aids and as I sat looking and Millie's sweet, innocent, bright eyed little face I could not help but laugh.
We all have met people and dogs who can get away with almost Anything! It's hard to stay annoyed with them and we end up laughing instead knowing we should be upset, but finding it easier to laugh.  O.k.  - lesson there - don't hang on to your anger and hold grudges! It takes more effort to stay mad and gives you frown lines - Very unattractive.
Plus, everyone wants to be around Happy people who are easy to hang out with instead of those heavy personalites - yeek!
Dogs have an lot to teach us, just pay attention and Go Play "~)
Because Millie is so cheerful and bright, that stupid OLD rhyme tune goes thru my head "Millie, Millie, mo Millie, banana fana fo fillie me mi mo Millie - Millie!" It's great that our dogs like our silly song and dances - knowing it's just for them LOL  :~D

 Hi Millie, Hi Laura!