Saturday, August 3, 2013

Anime Madness

Anime Madness

Good news anime, manga and comic book fans.  Miss Laurie has gotten the green light (That means GO!) to hold the yet to be unnamed anime club at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. 
I am working on a date and time as we speak and as soon as I have that confirmed I will let you know.  I’m hoping to have it before school starts.
I will be making a special mailing list so if you want to be the anime club email list, please send me a quick email.  At some point, we may have a blog or something for just us.  Parents I would like your input on where your kids can go online.  (For example: Do you allow them to go on Facebook, deviantART, You Tube, blogs, etc.)  I want this club to be about the kids but I also want to help inform parents about anime/manga and comics and FIRMLY SUPPORT your decisions on what they are exposed to.
For our first event ever, we are having a BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES BLAST!  You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box.  What Miss Laurie is doing may just surprise you!  The plans are still in the works, but so far the Neko Art Lady is planning to have a pizza party along with games and hopefully prizes and much more. 

HELP NEEDED FROM PARENTS
1.     Parents I would like your input on where your kids can go online.  (For example: Do you allow them to go on Facebook, deviantART, You Tube, blogs, etc.)  I want this club to be about the kids but I also want to help inform parents about anime/manga and comics and FIRMLY SUPPORT your decisions on what they are exposed to.
2.     I am agoraphobic.  In my case it means I do not do well in large crowd situations and that is why I only teach small groups.  So for right now the club will be limited to my students.  I would like some parents who would be willing to help out when the club grows.  We would probably meet once or twice a month.  What you can do to help is be supportive and understanding.
3.     The club will be free to join, but some things will cost a small fee.  We are hoping to have some fund-raisers and things in the future.  For this event, I will require the students to bring $5 for pizza.  Also if you would be willing to donate drinks, cups, napkins and plates let me know.
4.     Prizes wanted.  I would like to have door prizes and prizes for the games.  If you have something you could donate that would be great.  Ideas include: gift cards, notebooks, pencils, art supplies, etc.   Please let me know.

HELP NEEDED FROM STUDENTS
1.     This club will be for you.  There is a club on campus for college age students and there is one at the high school, so I am looking to make a club for my age-range kids.  We might change the ages later, but we have to start somewhere.
2.     Ideas for shows for the Trivia bingo game.
3.     Be thinking of ideas for the club name and mascot (Not a game mascot, but a cute side kick chibi-type mascot).  There will be a contest and a NICE prize for the logo / mascot winner.
4.     I would like you to think about what you would like the club to be like.  I do want your input, but remember Miss Laurie will be the final authority.  For example: What ages, who should we invite, how many people, do we want officers, etc?
5.     Volunteers needed.  I think it would be great if some of my older students who are going into high school or college would be willing to come and help us out.  If you are interested let me know. I also would like someone who would like to be our secretary and take notes when we have a meeting so I don’t have to.  It’s an important job and I need someone I can count on.  (We can give you a cool title.)
6.     I am agoraphobic.  In my case it means I do not do well in large crowd situations and that is why I only teach small groups.  So for right now the club will be limited to my students.  I want us to be able to invite our friends and etc.  I’m hoping to get some parents and older students to help.  What you can do to help is be willing to listen and cooperate.  I really, really want to make this happen, but if it becomes too overwhelming I just won’t be able to. 
7.     Prizes wanted.  I would like to have door prizes and prizes for the games.  If you have something you could donate that would be great.  Do you have some small anime / comic book related items you don’t want anymore?  Please let me know.  For example:  I am donating some anime related postcards.

BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES BLAST
·         Date: coming soon
·         Where: JDCAC
·         Who: Anime, manga and comic book fans between the ages of 8 to 16.  You must have taken an art class with Miss Laurie at some point.
·         What: Anime goodness, Pizza Party
·         Cost: There will be a small fee to cover pizza ~$5.00
·         Required: You must wear something blue; be creative and think outside of the box.  What Miss Laurie is doing may just surprise you! 

·         Sponsor: The Neko Art Lady aka Miss Laurie


Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Arts UP - July 2013

July 2013

Brenden Designs’ Arts UP!


Welcome to this issue of Arts Up!  Arts Up! is a newsletter from Brenden Designs where you can get the scoop of what’s happening with my group classes and private art lessons, community events and more.

            Featured in this issue:
v  Hello Again
v  Last Chance for Summer Classes
v  Group Art Classes – Fall 2013 Classes Announced
v  Private Art Lessons schedule reminder
v  Contact Information


Hello Again         Hello everyone.  It’s so hot and I hope you are staying cool.  I have been taking advantage of riding the Tiger Transit this summer since my parents paid for an Olli membership; it has been great being able to ride to the Jan Dempsey instead of melting in the heat.
         The Tiger Transit will stop running on July 31st so I will be available to teach classes for two more weeks. I may be available for limited private art sessions the first two weeks of August.  Then I will be going out of town for a while.  Fall classes and private art lessons will tentative start the second week of September; look for updates in September.
         I am announcing Fall classes so that you can start making plans.  I hope you are having a great Summer and that you will have a terrific transition into Fall.       
                                    Be blessed!                                    Miss Laurie and Veronica (the art kitty)


Last Chance for Summer Classes

         Last chance for Summer classes!  I have two more group classes left this summer and there are STILL OPENINGS! 

         What’s Left?
·         Shojo (Girls’/Romance) and Shonen (Boys’/Action) Anime class; ages: 10 to 15 years old; dates: 7/22 – 7/26; time: 3:30 to 5 pm; price: $55.00.
·         Fantasy/Faerie Drawing class; ages: 10 to 15 years old; dates: 7/29 – 8/2; time: 3:30 to 5 pm; price: $55.00.
·         Private Lesson Sessions; dates: 7/22 – 7/26 and 7/29 – 8/2; time: 5:15 to 6:15 pm; price: $13.00 per hour for one student plus supplies.


Group Art Classes – Fall 2013 Classes Announced

            Once again I’ll be offering Group Art Lessons at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center in Auburn, Alabama.  You can register for these classes by going by the Dean Road Recreational Center. 
Ø  Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center           (334) 501-2963
Ø  Registration Dates: August 5 to August 30, 2013
Ø  Register At: Dean Road Recreational Center                   (334) 501-2930
Ø  Class Term: September 3 to November 1, 2013
Ø  Who: children 6 to 15 years old   (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
    

            ~ CLASSES FOR FALL 2013 ~

Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons
·         Type of class:  private & semi-private art lessons
·         Description: Artist and educator, Laurie Brenden offers private and semi-private art lessons in addition to her group classes each quarter.  A private lesson is for one student.  Semi-private lessons are for two students; the students can be siblings, family members, friends, etc.  These lessons are available by appointment only and spaces are limited!  Please contact her directly for more information or to sign up for private art lessons.
·         Ages: 6 years to adult   
·         Class Term: September 16 to November 8, 2013
·         Day & Time; Dates: by appointment ONLY!                                                                                     ·         Class fee: Private -> $80.00 for lessons (6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 for supplies; Semi-Private -> $60.00 for lessons (6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 for supplies per student

            Anime Drawing: Fantasy Manga
·         Type of class: Drawing class
·         Class Description: Manga is a Japanese style of comics and there are many types of manga including “fantasy” manga.  Fantasy manga is filled with magical faeries, beautiful princesses, futuristic knights, awesome heroes, magical weapons and so much more!  Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime characters and unique style of drawing.  Skill Level, Intermediate: Prior drawing experience preferred. Small group instruction.  
·         Ages: 10 – 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
·         Day & Time: Mondays, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
·         Dates: September 16 to November 4, 2013 (8 weeks)
·         Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)

            Kids Can Paint: Abstract Art
·         Type of class: Painting/Mixed-media class
·         Class Description: Abstract art is imaginative artwork that is created with bold colors, shapes and lines.  In this class students will explore the artwork of six famous abstract artists, and then use these works as a springboard to explore art and creativity.  Each artist will have an “inspiration” piece based on their style, use of color, etc.  Students will be encouraged to explore their artistic style and create unique works of art.  Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction.  
·         Ages: 8 - 12 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
·         Day & Time: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
·         Dates: September 18 to November 6, 2013  (8 weeks)
·         Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)

                                                                       
            Teens Can Draw: Real Animals
·         Type of class: Drawing class
·         Class Description: Do your drawings look more like cartoons then realistic animals?  By using a step-by-step process, you will be able to create more realistic animal drawings.  First we will cover drawing animals in simple shapes, and then we will work on creating dimension with shading.  Finally as time allows, we will learn how to create different kinds of eyes and noses, create various types of fur, animal textures, etc.  Skill Level, Intermediate: Students need prior drawing experience. Small group instruction.  
·         Ages: 10 – 15 years old (Younger or older students are allowed with instructor’s permission.)
·         Day & Time: Fridays, 3:30 to 5:00 pm
·         Dates: September 20 to November 8, 2013 (8 weeks)
·         Class fee: $95.00 (includes supplies)


Private Art Lessons schedule reminder

         Please remember that I am happy to work around your busy school schedule.  I do not mind if I have to schedule around special days or if you have to skip a week for a vacations, holiday, special event, etc.         But once we agree to the dates you will be attending, I expect you here on those dates.  I plan my other activities and work around you.  It takes a lot of time and effort to schedule my day since I have to plan for transportation (which could include the bus, walking or a friend helping me), my online job and etc.  So it is not fair to me to not come to a private art lesson because of a play day, birthday party, vacation, etc and then expect me to make it up later.  I reserve a time for you and I expect you to be here.  If you do have to cancel, I will have to insist on 24-hours notice.  Make-ups will only be given if you have to miss for an emergency situation (extreme weather, illness, death, etc).  Please remember that any make-ups will only be given if I have time on my schedule and on a case-by-case basis.


Contact Information

Laurie Brenden, Teaching Artist
Brenden Designs
e-mail:            brendendesigns@charter.net
web:               
http://brendendesigns.com/
cell/text:         (334) 704-3343
Twitter:          
http://twitter.com/brendendesigns
Blog:                http://brendendesigns.blogspot.com/



Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Brenden Designs' Summer 2013 Group Classes

Brenden Designs’ Classes for Summer 2013

New classes titles appear in red bold type!

- AGES: 6 & up –
Private Art Lessons / Semi-private Art Lessons
·         Class Description: Artist and educator, Laurie Brenden offers private and semi-private art lessons in addition to her group classes each quarter.  A private lesson is for one student.  Semi-private lessons are for two students; the students can be siblings, family members, friends, etc.  These lessons are available by appointment only and spaces are limited!  Please contact the instructor directly for more information or to sign up for private art lessons.
·         Day & Time:  Contact the instructor to arrange.
·         Class Fee: Private lessons: $13.00 per hour (for 6, 1 hour sessions) plus $15.00-30.00 materials fee; Semi-private lessons: $10.00 per hour per student (for 6, 1 hour sessions) plus $15.00-30.00 materials fee


- AGES: 8 to 12 –
Basic Drawing
·         Type of Class:  Drawing
·         Class Description:  Anyone can draw!  Lean how to draw with pencils by taking this course.  In this class you will learn basic drawing techniques.  We will be covering line, shape and form.  Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed. This class is HIGLY recommended before taking other drawing classes. Small group instruction.  All supplies are included.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day &Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:30 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 5/28 to 5/31
·         Class Fee: $45.00 (includes all supplies)

Kids Can Draw: Pets
·         Type of Class:  Drawing
·         Class Description:  Everyone loves their pets!  Learn to draw household animals including: cats, dogs, guinea pigs, parakeets, mice and more.  Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed. Small group instruction.  All supplies will be included.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day &Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:30 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 6/3 to 6/7
·         Class Fee: $55.00 (includes all supplies)

Kids Can Draw: Cartoon Animals
·         Type of Class:   Drawing
·         Class Description:   Would you like to know how to draw cool cartoon animals?  Included will be elephants, birds, bears, lions and more. Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed.  Small group instruction.  All supplies will be included.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day & Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:30 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 6/17 to 6/21
·         Class Fee: $55.00 (includes all supplies)

Anime Drawing: Manga Monsters
·         Type of Class:   Drawing
·         Class Description:   Welcome to the wacky and wonderful world of manga monsters.  We will learn how to draw cool monsters full of personality.  Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime/manga characters and unique style of drawing. Skill Level, Basic: No prior experience needed.  Small group instruction.  All supplies will be included.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day & Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:30 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 6/24 to 6/28
·         Class Fee: $55.00 (includes all supplies)


- AGES: 10 to 15 –
Teens Can Draw: Real Horses
·         Type of Class:  Drawing
·         Class Description:  Learn how to draw realistic horses step-by-step.   Skill Level, Intermediate:  Student needs prior drawing experience. (Taking the Basic Drawing course is a prerequisite if the student has never taken a drawing class.)  Small group instruction.  All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day & Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:00 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 7/8 to 7/12
·         Class Fee: $65.00 (+$10.00 if you would like your own book)

Teens Can Draw: Real Cats and Dogs
·         Type of Class:  Drawing
·         Class Description:  Learn how to draw realistic dogs or cats step-by-step.   Skill Level, Intermediate:  Student needs prior drawing experience. (Taking the Basic Drawing course is a prerequisite if the student has never taken a drawing class.)  Small group instruction.  All supplies are included. For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day & Time:  Monday through Friday; 1 to 3:00 pm
·         Dates: 7/15 to 7/19
·         Class Fee: $65.00 (+$10.00 if you would like your own book)

Anime Drawing: Shojo Wonderland
·         Type of Class:   Drawing
·         Class Description:   Draw fanciful shojo-style people and creatures.  In this class we will learn how to draw the wonderful and wistful fantasy characters of shojo.  These include: elves, mermaids, faeries and angels.  Each student will be encouraged to develop his or her own anime/manga characters and unique style of drawing. Skill Level, Intermediate: Student needs prior drawing experience.  Small group instruction.  All supplies will be included.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day & Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:30 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 7/22 to 7/26
·         Class Fee: $55.00 (includes all supplies)


Fantasy Drawing: Faeries
·         Type of Class:   Drawing
·         Class Description:   Learn how to draw lovely faeries in their natural environment. Included in this course will be instruction on how to draw faeries, flowers and other natural elements.  Skill Level, Intermediate: Student needs prior drawing experience.  Small group instruction.  All supplies will be included.  For more information, please contact the instructor.
·         Day & Time:  Monday through Friday; 3:30 to 5 pm
·         Dates: 7/29 to 8/2
·         Class Fee: $55.00 (includes all supplies)


Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction

How to stay in the loop

Staying in the loop with Miss Laurie & Brenden Designs is easy.


My website has lots of information about my classes, community events and links to other places.  I will be adding more content including projects you can do at home.  Unfortunately I can no longer afford to pay for a website, so some content is being moved to other sites.  (These include my blog and You Tube). 


Need to get in contact with me?  The quickest way is to call or text me on my cell phone.  I have moved to an unlimited plan so you can call or text me anytime.  If you don’t need an answer immediately, you can e-mail me.


I updated my computer so I lost most of my e-mail contacts.  That’s why I’m moved to a blog to let you know what’s new in my world.  By subscribing to my blog you can stay up to date on upcoming classes, change your e-mail address whenever you want, plus get cool tips and tricks.


Like Facebook or Twitter?  Join me on there as well.




Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction

Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction

Summer 2013 Private & Semi-Private Art Lessons

Registration is now open! If you are interested in taking Private Art Lessons with me during the Summer term, please let me know ASAP! Remember that returning students will have first priority; students who have been with me the longest get placed first. Then if I have any room I will place other returning students and new students.
I have already been fielding a lot of calls from new people who are interested in private & semi-private lessons, so if you are interested let me know as soon as you can! You can either call or e-mail me.

Description: Artist and educator, Laurie Brenden offers private and semi-private art lessons in addition to her group classes each quarter. A private lesson is for one student. Semi-private lessons are for two students; the students can be siblings, family members, friends, etc. These lessons are available by appointment only and spaces are limited! Please contact her directly for more information or to sign up for private art lessons.
 Where: The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (334) 501-2963
 Registration Dates: NOW 
 How to Register: Call me
 Class Term: May 28 to August 9, 2013

If you would like to register for the Summer term I will need the following information:
o When you would like to start.
o When you would like to come.  During the summer the schedule is more flexible and some people come for a five days in a row, or three days a week, or whatever works best for you.
o The top 3 times and days that work best for you. (I can’t guarantee that you will get in on of your first choices.)
o What medium & unit you (or your child) is interested in.
o Remember during the summer there are a lot of camps and special events going on at the JDCAC, so times and spots go quickly!

Cost:
Private lessons run $13.00 per hour plus supplies.  Semi-private lessons run $10.00 per hour per student.  Supplies for Private and Semi private lessons run between $15.00 to $30.00 per student (depending on the unit and media).

Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Winter 2013


Happy 2013!
I hope you all had a happy holiday.  I have only been back in town a few days and have been busy going to see doctors and having some tests run.  I have a pituitary problem so this is something I have to have checked yearly.  My parents were sick over the holidays so I went down with my cousin earlier than expected and came back later.  Luckily I didn’t get it.  For those of you wondering how Veronica is doing, she is doing better and seems to be responding well to her new food routine and insulin therapy.  I hope that you will be blessed in the new year.
 

Anime Mondays
I’ve had a request to try to get a group of anime/comic book students together on Monday afternoons again.  I have a slot set aside from 4:30 to 6 pm on Mondays starting on January 14th.  This class would run for six weeks in a row (not including MLK, Jr Day when the JDCAC is closed).  I am trying to get at least 4 students in the class so if you are interested please let me know ASAP!
 
Important information:
  • Type of class: Anime/Comic drawing
  • Age group: 10 – 15 years old (others with permission)
  • Level of class: Beginner (some drawing experience) to Intermediate
  • Dates/Time of Class: Monday, Jan 14 to Monday, Feb 25, 2013 from 4:30 to 6 pm.  Class runs 6 weeks.  We would not meet (Jan 21st).
  • Cost of class: $65.00 (includes supplies)
 
 
PAL lesson slots available
I have some private and semi-private art lesson slots available on Monday and Friday afternoons. 
A private lesson is for one student.  Semi-private lessons are for two students; the students can be siblings, family members, friends, etc.  These lessons are available by appointment only and spaces are limited!  Please contact the instructor directly for more information or to sign up for private art lessons.
  • Day & Time:  Contact the instructor to arrange.
  • Class Fee: Private lessons: $80.00 (for 6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 materials fee; Semi-private lessons: $60.00 per student (for 6, 1 hour sessions) plus $20.00 materials fee


Brenden Designs - Custom art work, mural painting, and art instruction