Mother Dreaming with Her Son

Mother Dreaming with Her Son Painting
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Acrylic on Canvas 18" x 24"
Original Painting Available on Etsy

"We are born of love, love is our mother."

-Rumi

This painting is part of a new series I am working on featuring parents with their children.  If you would like to potentially be part of this series email me inspiring photos.  You and your family might become part of this body of work!

Alchemy of Art Illustration Giveaway!

The Alchemy of Art: Stories for the Classroom

It is hard for me to believe but we are quickly approaching 

the one year anniversary of the publication of Alchemy of Art book! 

In celebration I will be giving away this original illustration from this book on August 11th:

"The Muses" Illustration by Hirschten
11" x 14" Watercolor on Paper

To enter to win this painting:

Write an amazon review for The Alchemy of Art book 

Then email me (ahirschten at gmail) to let me know your address. I will enter your name in the hat!

I have heard from many art teachers that their students love hearing the stories (most especially the two ghost stories.)  I gathered these tales to share in my own classroom and it is wonderful to hear that other teachers are finding it useful.  Thanks to everyone who has the heart to share classic stories with children.  We are fueling their hopes, dreams and imagination.

"Success is...

to laugh often and much,

to appreciate beauty,

to find the best in others,

to leave this world a bit better,

to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived."

-Emerson

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 29: Interview with Clay and Fiber Artist Cara Moczygemba

Also available in iTunes

Cara Moczygemba's piece "The Dressmaker's Daughter

Today's episode features an interview with clay and fiber artist Cara Moczygemba and a personal art story from Addie about jealousy.

Typical knitting schnanigans by Cara Moczygemba

Cara Moczygemba is a clay and fiber artist who holds a MFA in Fine Art from California State University, Long Beach. She currently works for AMACO (the American Art Clay Company) where she specializes in marketing, making sample pieces for advertising and producing how-to videos for clay artists.

Not only does she create dynamic clay sculptures depicting people in a rather surreal symbolic fashion but she also constantly knits bringing here work with her wherever she goes. Find out more about Cara's work at: http://caramox.blogspot.com/

On the Alchemy of Art podcast we interview artists from a wide variety of mediums about their creative process and art philosophy. Each episode includes folktales and true stories about artists to inspire you and keep yougoing. Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter,art teacher, author and public speaker. Find out more at www.azhirfineart.com

Flowers in the Evening

Flowers in the Evening Painting
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 16" x 20"
Original Painting Available Now on Etsy

"Each morning sees some task begun, each evening sees it close; 

Something attempted, something done, has earned a night's repose."

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Alchemy of Art Podcast, Episode 28: Interview with Illustrator and Synesthete Bianca Dudeck-Mandity

Find out more about Bianca Dudeck-Mandity at:  www.biancandm.com

Today's episode of the Alchemy of Art Podcast features an interview with contemporary illustrator and synesthete, Bianca Dudeck-Mandity and the story of Wassily Kandinsky.   Listen here:

Podcast also available on iTunes.

Here is a sample of Bianca's recent digital work:

Bound by Bianca Dudeck-Mandity
Digital Art, 2015

As always on the Alchemy of Art Podcast we asked some tough questions and Bianca answered with stunning clarity...

We talked about synesthesia and how it affects her perception and artwork. And we discussed the role art plays in the artist's life.

Bianca is big on confronting fears with artwork.  She said that the "best work comes out of emotional truth and vulnerability, even though it is frightening that is where the best work comes from."

Enjoy the show!

Peonies in May

Peonies in May
Copyright 2016 Hirschten
Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"
Painting available on Etsy

“And a bird overhead sang Follow,

And a bird to the right sang Here;

And the arch of the leaves was hollow,

And the meaning of May was clear.”

-Algernon Charles Swinburne