About ErinHardinArt

Therapist turned oil painter constantly exploring. Sometimes I'm exploring the complexities of human relationships, sometimes I'm exploring the complexities of paint.

Watercolor Journaling Workshop

Posted on March 11, 2016 by ErinHardinArt

As you’ve probably noticed, I love my watercolor journal. I often post pictures on here of watercolor journal entries from special vacations,

periods of time I don’t want to forget, or just mundane moments from my life.

Even if the picture doesn’t turn out perfectly, I think that just the attention and care put into that moment, that event, that item, imbues it with a certain honor that says, “I was here and this was important enough to me to try to record it.” A picture truly is worth a thousand words.

So, I’m excited to have the chance to share my fairly simple watercolor journaling techniques with all of you in the Birmingham area with in an upcoming workshop.

NEXT Saturday, March 19 from 9-2 I’ll be teaching a workshop at Samford Academy of the Arts. The cost is $175 plus supplies (my supplies are fairly minimal- a watercolor notebook, a travel watercolor set, a permanent marker, and a water pen are the only items you may not already have laying around).

Follow this link: Samford Academy of the Arts , click on the painting tab, then scroll down to my workshop “This is Your Life Watercolor Journaling Workshop” to register.

Hope to see you there!!

Out with the old… eventually

Posted on February 29, 2016 by ErinHardinArt

Christmas 2014 when my daughter was 3, my father-in-law and his wife gave all the grandkids boots. What a hit! My little girl wore hers constantly- I even had to talk her out of wearing them on the beach- and they quickly became her trademark. But, like kids tend to do, she’s growing. Quickly. And by this past Christmas it was time for a new pair. They were replaced by a pair of brown boots with colorful stitching on the sides. She took to them immediately. It took a little longer for me. They were so grown-up and I wasn’t ready.

She’s getting so big, so fast. The 4-year-old in brown boots is so different from the 3-year-old in pink boots. So different and yet the same. I love watching her grow up. I love watching her change. But it also breaks my heart a little. So when I requested she pick out some things to give away and she brought me her pink boots, I almost cried. The sentimental packrat in me wanted to hold on to them… just because. She’s right, though. It’s time to move on. But not without commemoration and one last look.

Pink Boots- watercolor journal entry

Sometimes Love Means Not Complaining

Posted on February 25, 2016 by ErinHardinArt

I love my husband for a zillion reasons. He can make me mad faster and laugh harder than anyone I know, sometimes simultaneously. He makes a mean hamburger, pot of chili, poached egg, margarita, or whatever else he wants. He’s solid. He’s trustworthy. He’s generous and loyal to those he loves almost to a fault. He’ll make you mad. He’ll drive you crazy. But when push comes to shove he’s got your back if you’re one the ones lucky enough to be called family or friend.

The reason, though, at this particular moment I so love my husband is the mess in our house. It’s my mess. It’s art mess. Our house is not big. My easel is. Currently three rooms of our house hold canvases that may not, under any circumstances, be moved. There’s an easel in our “dining area” right next to his chair. There’s a reference drawing tacked (literally tacked) to the wall beside the window. However, my husband (whose hyperbolic diatribes regarding annoyances inflicted by the rest of humanity are almost legendary) doesn’t say a word about the art supplies taking over our house. He just turns scoots his chair over, looks at the painting, and complements my day’s work.

Behind every artist is someone willing to overlook some mess.

Waiting for Spring

Posted on January 28, 2016 by ErinHardinArt

It’s cold. Our flannel sheets make it hard to leave the bed. The air outside makes it hard to leave the house. This southern girl is spoiled. I know that Bostonians and Minnesota natives would laugh at me huddled here in my soft Black Crowes sweatshirt, hugging my coffee cup and longing to turn up the heat. Laugh away. I’m ready for spring.

Flipping through my journal this morning I found this watercolor I painted last summer of my little girl and me at the water’s edge. I can feel the warm sand between my toes and the setting sun on my back. For just a moment I am there, and I am reminded that spring will come again.

Upcoming Classes and Workshops

Posted on January 4, 2016 by ErinHardinArt

Erin Hardin- Winter Warmth Is your New Year’s resolution to learn a new skill? If so (and you’re in the Birmingham area) here’s your chance! I have a few classes and workshops coming up that may interest you.

“Luminous Oil Painting”

In this class we will focus on the classical technique of glazing which artists have used for centuries to achieve depth and luminosity. Come join me! You can register at https://www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/

Thursdays, 12-2

January 7-February 18

Thursdays 6-8

March 3-April 21

“This is Your Life- Watercolor Journaling”

Ever feel like days are slipping by without attention? Would you like a way to record moments and feelings- whether momentous or everyday? Consider watercolor journaling. Using a combination of simple drawing, watercolor, and journaling techniques, artist Erin Hardin will help you start a lovely keepsake of your life. Register at https://www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/arts

1 day workshop- March 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Real

Posted on December 15, 2015 by ErinHardinArt

“Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” -Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit

Let me tell you ’bout Katherine Stone

Posted on October 14, 2015 by ErinHardinArt

I show you my finished paintings. I show you my work in progress. I wax poetic at times about working through resistance and loving life. It’s easy for me to present myself to you as a fully formed artist with my own style. Which is true. But what is also true is that I steal. I glean ideas, techniques, tricks of the trade from other artists then I take those nuggets of information back to my studio and add them to my toolbox, mixing them with my own ideas, techniques, and tricks. I’ve had the opportunity to learn directly from some really amazing artists and I’d like to pay them tribute over the next few posts, starting with my most recent workshop experience.

I’ve had an art crush on Katherine Stone and David Gluck for a long time now. Their blog, Painting Stuff to Look Like Stuff, is both hilarious and informative and they’re both amazing realist oil painters. So, imagine my excitement when I found out that Kate (Yeah, I called her Kate. I know her now, so we’re on a first name basis) was teaching a week-long workshop an hour from my house! And not only that, Dave was going to be there for the first couple of days, as well!! Aaand I was able to get a spot in the workshop!!! Seriously exciting. Just ask my husband… you would have thought I was meeting Dolly Parton and Elvis.

What’s even more exciting, though, is that the workshop totally lived up to my expectations. Kate was every bit as knowledgeable, approachable, and likable as her blog suggests (the same attributes apply to Dave, however since this was Kate’s workshop, I’m focusing this blog post on her. I’m certain a workshop taught by Dave would be every bit as valuable, though, and I would love to have that opportunity in the future). Not only that, but she is also just a fantastic teacher. There are a great many people who are very good at what they do. There are not a great many people who are very good at teaching what they do. Kate, however, is one of those rare people. Her knowledge is vast but she is so generous with it and she presents it so clearly that you leave excited, not over-whelmed.

Perhaps the best thing about Kate’s teaching style is her ability to meet every one of her students where they are. She was able to give each student what he or she needed personally.

In short, check out their blog, Painting Stuff to Look Like Stuff. Find a way to take a workshop from one or both of them. And if you do meet them in person tell them I said, “hi.” 🙂

Here are some photos of my unfinished still-life from the workshop. I’m trying to decide if I’m going to finish it or leave it in various stages of completion and keep it as a reminder

Wish Her Luck!

Posted on August 18, 2015 by ErinHardinArt

My painting, “Love Letter to the Here and Now” has been accepted into the Meridian Museum of Art’s Bi-State Annual Art Competition. Last week I hand delivered the painting to the museum in downtown Meridian, MS. With a bit of nervousness and one last loving look I left my brainchild in the capable hands of the museum staff. Good luck, Little One!

Want to try something new?

Posted on August 10, 2015 by ErinHardinArt

Love to paint but want to try something new? Try painting on metal! To promote an upcoming class at Samford Academy of the Arts, as promised I’ll be posting pictures of paintings I’ve done on metal such as copper or aluminum. Here’s another one of my favorites:

New Beginnings, 20″x24″, Oil on aluminum

This painting won “Best In Show” a couple of years back at the Birmingham Art Association’s annual competition. The thing I love about painting on metal is the luminosity you can achieve. I often paint on traditional supports such as linen and canvas as well, however with metal you don’t have to compete with the texture of the fabric below. No matter how many layers of paint you add, the shine of the metal seems to glow through.

Painting on metal has its challenges as well. Which is why you should probably learn it from an experienced teacher. Like me! Check out this link for more info: http://www.samford.edu/academy-of-the-arts/ or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SamfordAcademyoftheArts

Class is Still Open!

Posted on August 6, 2015 by ErinHardinArt

Hey y’all- I’ve still got some spots left in my upcoming class at Samford Academy of the Arts. The class is Oil Painting on Metal (though I’m thinking I should have called it “Classical Oil Painting” or “Luminous Oil Painting” or “Really Realistic Oil Painting on Super Smooth Shiny Surfaces” or something catchy like that).

To promote the class I’m going to be posting some of my works done on metals such as copper, steel, and aluminum.

For example, this one entitled, “Bright Idea.”This 12″ x12″ oil painting on copper is one of my favorites. It’s also on the cover of Samford Academy of the Arts catalog.

Students have their choice of Tuesday mornings from 9-11 or Wednesday evenings from 6-8.

ErinHardinArt

Oil Painting and Keepin it Real(ish)

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