Encaustic Shout Out!

I just wanted to give a quick shout out to all of you ENCAUSTIC ENTHUSIASTS out there…

I have a couple of workshops coming up in the first part of next year, as well as a couple of free demonstrations at the Jerry's Artarama Raleigh, NC retail store, if you’d like to attend! I have listed all of the dates below:

Saturday, January 18^th 1pm-3pm – Encaustic Try Me Table at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC - Free

Saturday, January 25^th 10am – 4pm – Encaustic Painting – Make it Personal at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC - $120

Saturday, Sunday, February 22^nd, 23^rd 10am-4pm each day – Experimental Encaustic Collage at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC $260

Saturday, April 12^th 1pm-3pm - Encaustic Try Me Table at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC – Free

Saturday, April 19^th 10am – 4pm – The Wonders of Encaustic Painting at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC - $120

Saturday, June 7^th 1pm-3pm - Encaustic Try Me Table at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC - Free

Thursday, June 19^th 10am – 4pm Encaustic Painting – Pushing the Boundaries at Jerry’s Artarama/Raleigh, NC - $120

If you are interested in any of these presentations, please feel free to contact me at sharon_digiulio@yahoo.com for more information!

OR please visit my Web site: www.DiGiulioStudios.com and click on Workshops.

OR if these dates don’t work for you, I also offer private lessons in my home studio.

Please mark your calendars and plan on joining me for some great information!

See you there…

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, God knows I have so much to be thankful for. This year I started a new business, kind of reluctantly, but I started one! DiGiulio Project, LLC. It was not necessarily the thing I wanted to do NOW, but as life teaches me daily, it has its own agenda, and I must follow it whether I want to or not. And usually in the end, its what should transpire anyway, so just do it! Funny how the Universe has to constantly teach me things - or cram them in my ever questioning skull!

So after working for Jerry's Artarama for 13 years, I now still work for them sort of, as director of Art of the Carolinas. In addition to AOC, I now have a bit more "free time" to work on my own artwork, set Joe and myself up for workshops here and there around the country, and also come up with some new offerings through DiGiulio Studios. Lots of exciting stuff!

October and November were slam full of jam packed fun! Football, hockey, haunted houses, work, work and more work!
We took time out to go to Zach's haunted house in Wallace, NC. OMG! Way too much fun! Here are a couple of photos we took that night in Zombie Land...

 

Many late nights in the studio produced a long awaited showing of my baby doll presentation. I've had this idea in my head for a couple of years, but never really had the venue to show what I wanted to do. I had done one show back in 2007 at Riviera downtown, which is now Gravy. There I was able to show seven pieces of baby dolls and marionettes. Fortunately this year I was able to show the entire collection of artwork at World of Art Showcase downtown Raleigh at the Convention Center. Just hanging the show and stepping back was plenty of reward for me. My little "giddy" moment. It meant the world to me. Baby dolls, Barbie's and Marionettes, oh my! It was truly a very enjoyable experience for me. It was like being able to share my childhood with everyone. Great memories and very happy moments! Here are a couple of shots of the show.

 

That was Halloween weekend, Oct 31, November 1 and 2.

The next weekend was Art of the Carolinas! This year was year 13. I forget how much I put into the show and the planning for it until its all over and I crash. The older I get, the harder it gets. Seriously! The good part is I forget all the bad stuff and the constant push and pull of all the behind the scenes madness. Its a real challenge and all so worth it! I love when people come up to me and hug me and thank me for putting this show on. The funny part, is I feel the exact same way! I could not put this show on without the support of all the artists out there who come to share their passion with the rest of us! It really is such a wonderful four days. Everyone is there to learn, to teach, to discover, to share. Art magic at its finest! See, just another thing to be thankful for! And one thing that helps me so much is the football and hockey games. I get to go and root for my teams and yell and scream and whistle! Just another way to keep the balance...

 

Next on the agenda: Zach's 30th birthday. What??? Yep, that's right. My little preemie 3lb, 3oz. kid is now 30 years old and 6'3". Amazing, right? Who loves you baby? I certainly do! Enjoy life, make great choices and live your passion. Amen.

So now we are at Thanksgiving! After cleaning, rearranging, making up beds and grocery store lists, preparing and getting ready to host a feast at our house - it is finally here! Some how, some way, everyone will have a nice warm place to sleep and lots of good food to eat, and lots of family surrounding them on this Thanksgiving. So ready for a great weekend of love, family and friendship. This is what I look forward to so much! Thank you one and all for making my life more meaningful by being in it. xoxo

 

Life

Life isn't about finding yourself.
Life is about creating yourself.
- George Bernard Shaw

I love this saying. I guess because it's so freeing. We can actually "be whatever we want to be". Exactly like the Cinderella song. You know the one..."in my own little corner, in my own little chair"...I used to think that was all a fairly tale, but when you think about it, you're thinking reality! In other words; dream those dreams, make those plans, test the waters, dive in and do what you love.
Tick tick...
Speaking of tick tick, Art of the Carolinas is right around the corner! If you have not signed up for workshops yet, there are still plenty available! Or just come to the show for the incredible bargains on all sorts of items: brushes, paint, canvas, paper, easels. You name it! LOTS OF SALES!!!
Come and check it out. FREE parking, FREE admission, FREE demonstrations, FREE stuff at some of the vendor booths! Workshops start Thursday, November 7th and the trade show is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 8-10. See you there!

Another thing coming up right around the corner is World of Art Showcase! Both Joe and I will be a part of this fabulous group of artists presenting art from all over the world. I am personally excited to be able to present some of my newest collection. Please take time to come and see the show. You will not be disappointed!

August 2013

It’s been an incredibly busy August for both Joe and me. Lots of workshops and painting, which is WONDERFUL! We have Back to School at the store and Art of the Carolinas planning for me. It seems that we are back to back on a roll and LOVING it!

We‘ve been to Dobson, NC with our friend and fellow instructor, Sterling Edwards. We had a great week long extravaganza with some wonderful folks, painting lots and lots of acrylic abstracts.

 

We returned from that trip and hosted a Play Date at DiGiulio Studios for the Carolinas Mixed Media Art Guild Gals. Way too much fun! Lots of sharing and creating!

CMMAG silliness at DiGiulio Studios:

 

Then I was off to Sanford, NC to teach a two day Collage Therapy workshop. Again, way too much fun moving and shaking and ripping and tearing and attaching into place...

Working in the beautiful Art Center space:

 

One of my demos:

 

Next, time to pack for Traverse City for a three day workshop. That’s where we are now. What a perfect time to be in northern Michigan!

One of Joe's morning demos:

 

It’s been wonderful here exploring and meeting new folks from around the state!

 

In Glen Arbor, MI for an afternoon lunch:

 Next we’re off to Petosky to see my childhood friend, Mary. I have not seen her in over 20 years and recently reconnected on Facebook.                                                                                

 My best friend Mary on Kite Day, 1971

 

 

What a fantastic summer so far!

Lots of sunshine, lots of rain, plenty of time with family and friends, and then we have studio time! Painting, renovating, listening to music, ironing and photographing, updating the web site, sorting through pictures. Organizing! Reflecting and rejoicing. Stretching and breathing. Walking and talking. Preparing and creating. Growing and nurturing. Teaching and learning. Laughing and reminiscing. Grilling and concocting. Uncovering forgotten projects and coming up with new ones! I feel very fortunate now and very thankful for this time in my life. It is a bit of a crossroads, so at times a little scary or unknown. But I am up for the challenge and hopeful that my path will lead me where I'm going...

So, with all of that said, here are a few random images of the last month or so:

 

 My container garden:



 

Some of the yummy goodness grown:

 

Some of my new collages:

 

 Random art fun in the studio:

 

 Me and my seester!

 

Beautiful fragrant gardenias at the farm:

View from the porch:

 

 My two favorite men on the planet:

 

Zach and his awesome girlfriend, Francheska:

 

 Beautiful magical sunset:

 

 Atlantic Beach

 

 The Labyrinth. One of the most spiritual things I've ever done in my life!

 

Building friendships and memories!

 

Until next time...

Art of the Carolinas 2013 - The Web site is READY!

www.ArtoftheCarolinas.com

WooHoo! Wow. It has been a crazy last couple of months for me. Gathering information from 36 instructors for 119 workshops - descriptions, supply lists and images, oh my! Oh, and then building the Web site too! But I must say, it looks pretty darn fabulous!
Ordering is now underway, so make sure you get in on your favorite instructors' offerings. Also, don't forget to make your hotel reservations. Just call the hotel: 919-872-2323 and let them know you are with Art of the Carolinas so you'll get our group rate.

Hi Everyone!
We are happy to announce the 13th Annual Art of the Carolinas! The show will be here in November, 2013. This year the dates are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 8, 9 and 10, 2013. Friday and Saturday the trade show hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday’s hours are 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The artist workshops begin on Thursday, November 7th and run through Sunday, November 10th. Once again the Hilton North Raleigh/Midtown will be “home” for four days of creativity! Be sure to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible, so you can ensure your accommodations for this artful event.
We have searched the world over to bring you the best art supplies at the best prices possible! Get ready for another invasion of trucks with skids and skids of all sorts of art supplies for your innovative endeavors! Jerry’s Artarama is proud to present this amazing show to you, our fabulous customers. It is because of you that we work so hard not only for this trade show, but throughout the year, offering great products, great service and great prices. This show is a wonderful opportunity to stock up for the year for yourself and also for your students.
Workshops! Wholesale Pricing! New Products! New Techniques! Free Product Demonstrations!
What more could an artist want?
Workshops: The workshops offered at Art of the Carolinas are presented by professional artists from all over the country. They show you tips and techniques and share the way they approach and complete a painting. All workshops are hands on, very informative and loads of fun! Lots of instructors and educators join us as students to learn something new to take back to their studios, classrooms and higher learning facilities. Preregister on our Web site: www.ArtoftheCarolinas.com.
Wholesale Pricing: Crazy rock bottom prices!
New Products: Our vendors bring in their new products to present for the first time, their best sellers, as well as any close-out items they may have. All are offered to you at the absolute best price possible. Bring your trucks, vans and U-Hauls and stock up!
New Techniques: We are constantly searching for the best of the best in instruction for your art making pleasure! Check out the outstanding selection of artists and workshops we have set up for you this year. You’ll definitely find something that will satisfy your artful cravings!
Free Product Demonstrations: Art of the Carolinas offers attendees a great opportunity to “try before you buy”. This is just our way of standing behind our products that we sell. We know once you use them, you’ll be totally satisfied! That is our guarantee. You will find demonstrations available in just about every booth – so please come by, ask questions, learn something new!
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I will be happy to help you!
See you at the show!

Sincerely,
Sharon L. DiGiulio
Director of Art of the Carolinas Operations

Hello June!

So nice to see you again. We, as usual, have been busy busy at DiGiulio Studios and just in general! So many projects and fun and work. I definitely took a moment and went out to Pope Farms in Knightdale to pick some luscious, juicy strawberries! Oh, they are SO GOOD! We ate a tub load, made some freezer jam - oh YUM! and just froze the rest.

 

 

Back to the studio - I have been doing these "loosening up" exercises in painting with my friends and just in general. It really is so much fun. Here is a peek at the latest ones I did...

 

I'll be working on a DVD using this process and also some other painting projects in the next couple of months with Burning Oak Studios. Exciting stuff! I'm just trying to get the time to get into the studio and just do that. You know how easily I get distracted! Speaking of which...I'm also experimenting with vinyl. Painting on it and sewing it. Just another project to keep me out of trouble.

 

We at DiGiulio Studios have started a new giveaway that you don't want to miss - Fabulous Final Friday Giveaways! The two of us thought this would be a great idea to give something back. We have been very fortunate to do what it is we love - CREATE ART! So, we figured this would be something fun to do... Each month we will offer something free to someone. All you have to do is post a comment on DiGiulio Studios Facebook page and that's it! At least one lucky winner will be chosen for a gift from DiGiulio Studios. This gift will be hand made or hand painted by either Joe or Sharon. You never know what it will be, but we'll post the selection along with the winner for each drawing. Once the recipient is chosen, we will contact you on Facebook and make arrangements for shipment or delivery. How simple is that? Tell your friends too.

This month, the lucky winner was Ophelia Staton. Here is the prize she won:

 

 

Thank you to everyone that participated. If you haven't done so already, "like" DiGiulio Studios on Facebook and you will get a notice on the upcoming final Fridays of each month. All you have to do is leave a comment and you're in the drawing!

Come and join the fun!

And speaking of fun...hope you are enjoying your wonderful days of June!

Here are some images of weekend fun time in the studio...

 

Take care.

DiGiulio Studios Workshops 2013

Hello there!
I just wanted to post an updated listing of all of the DiGiulio Workshops for you...
These are workshops that Joe and I will be teaching here in Raleigh, NC and across the country!
Please join us in some of these great places!
Joe will be teaching Abstract Acrylic Painting and Sharon will be teaching Acrylic Collage and Encaustic Collage.
If you have any questions, you can always call us or email us!
See you at one or more of these wonderful destinations!

 

DiGiulio Workshops 2013 at a Glance

May 9, 2013

Creative Collage Techniques – Sharon DiGiulio

1-Day Workshop (Thursday)

10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Jerry’s Artarama

3060 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Contact Stacy Stover, 919-876-6610

Raleigh.or@jerrysartarama.com

www.JerrysArtEvents.com
 

May 18, 19, 2013

Encaustic and Collage – Sharon DiGiulio

2-Day Workshop (Saturday and Sunday)
10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Jerry’s Artarama

3060 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Contact Stacy Stover, 919-876-6610

Raleigh.or@jerrysartarama.com
www.JerrysArtEvents.com 

June 17-21, 2013

Exploring Abstract Surface Textures in Acrylic – Joe DiGiulio

5-Day Workshop (Monday – Friday)

10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Cloudcroft Art Workshops

PO Box 1202, Cloudcroft, NM 88317

Contact Linda Shiplett, 575-687-2453 or 915-490-5071

lindas@cloudcroftart.com

www.cloudcroftart.com

 

June 17-21, 2013

Five Days of Collage Therapy! - Sharon DiGiulio

5-Day Workshop (Monday – Friday)

10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Cloudcroft Art Workshops

PO Box 1202, Cloudcroft, NM 88317

Contact Linda Shiplett, 575-687-2453 or 915-490-5071

lindas@cloudcroftart.com

www.cloudcroftart.com

July 20, 21, 2013

Large Abstract Acrylics on Paper – Joe DiGiulio

2-Day Workshop (Saturday and Sunday)

10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Jerry’s Artarama

3060 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Contact Stacy Stover, 919-876-6610

Raleigh.or@jerrysartarama.com

www.JerrysArtEvents.com

 

August 5-9, 2013

Abstraction: The Power of Two – Sterling Edwards and Joe DiGiulio

5-Day Workshop (Monday – Friday) – Two Great Artists!

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day

Shelton Vineyards/Hampton Inn

150 Charlestown Drive, Dobson, NC 27017

Contact Sterling Edwards, 828-697-1333

sterling@sterlingedwards.com

www.SterlingEdwards.com

Or Sharon DiGiulio 919-906-9544

Sharon_DiGiulio@yahoo.com

www.DiGiulioStudios.com

  

August 23-25, 2013

Freedom of Abstraction – Joe DiGiulio

3-Day Workshop (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day

Artcenter Traverse City

5152 US 31 N, Williamsburg, MI 49690

Contact: 231-941-9488

 info@artcentertraversecity.com

www.artcentertraversecity.com

 

August 23-25, 2013

Encaustic Collage – Sharon DiGiulio

3-Day Workshop (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day

Artcenter Traverse City

5152 US 31 N, Williamsburg, MI 49690

Contact: 231-941-9488

info@artcentertraversecity.com

www.artcentertraversecity.com

 

September 28, 29, 2013

The Abstract Expressionist Process – Joe DiGiulio

 2-Day Workshop (Saturday and Sunday)

10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m. each day

Jerry’s Artarama

3060 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Contact Stacy Stover, 919-876-6610

 Raleigh.or@jerrysartarama.com

www.JerrysArtEvents.com

 

If you’d like to set up a workshop in your area, please feel free to contact us!

We also offer private lessons in our studio at your convenience!

 

Sharon DiGiulio  Sharon_DiGiulio@yahoo.com  919-906-9544

Joe DiGiulio  jdigiulio@aol.com  919-906-5140

 

 

Art of the Carolinas 2013

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 8, 9 and 10

Workshops begin on Thursday, November 7^th

www.ArtoftheCarolinas.com

Happy Birthday Cindy Lou!

I'm a little all over the place in May! Trying to catch up from April and be present in May...Just finished celebrating Marge's birthday yesterday in Greenville and now it's time to celebrate Cindy Lou's today! Happy Birthday Ladies!

Marge: May 2, Cindy Lou: May 5, Lynn: May 7, Katie: May 19

Cheers to you all ladies!

Happy May! I’ve been in the studio several times these past couple of weeks. Sort of doing lots of things: Cleaning up, sorting, and making collages, painting papers, experimenting, organizing - basically doing a little bit of everything. I’ve also been cleaning up my office. What I’ve found is that I have so much stuff and so many ideas, that I just need to CREATE! I’ve been writing things down in my journal, so I have plenty of ideas and directions; it’s just a matter of doing all of them. So, I must make a list and get busy. I’m also in a challenge to drop some of this extra weight I’ve been carrying around. So, that gives me extra motivation and reason: No excuses! Just do it!

 

 April was fun. Cindy and Doug came up for a visit, which means the whole family comes together to celebrate. That’s always a great thing; especially at the farm. You always get that “Ahhhhhh” feeling when you wake up at the farm, whether it’s Christmas morning or Spring or the middle of the Summer. It’s just a really refreshing feeling. We enjoyed a good solid week and two weekends of fun, friendship, food and relaxation! We even stole some time to head to the studio to create.

 

 

And here is a photo of my sweet Frankie...I will definitely miss you.

 

We celebrated Joe’s birthday on April 23^rd! Got him a beer making kit! I’m thinking that will keep him out of trouble for a while and put his cooking and baking skills to work for a good cause! Can’t wait to get going on that…I think it will be fun for me too…Happy Birthday Joe! May we have many more wonderful years together!

 

My friend Lisa cleaned out her studio and gifted me with a bag of inspiration! Here is one of the several collages I did with the new stash of stuff:

 

Here are some others underway…

                                                                            Thanks Lisa!

Well that's it for now...off to the studio!