The object isnt to make art, its to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.

-Robert Henri

Greetings, You have just stepped foot inside a wonderful world of visual possibilities. I am bringing to the table many of the best and most unique aspects of what I have learned, and what I love, about photographic artwork. Ive taken care to design my offerings around techniques, and ways of approach that I believe you are unlikely to find elsewhere or online. Every topic is the distillation of my experience, packaged for you to take to nourish your own creative endeavors. After 27 years of exploring life through the lens, the gifts only multiply. I feel that to share what Ive learned, in addition to the images, is the most natural way of expressing my gratitude. So, come. Enjoy an inspiring day devoted to your art. Small group sessions insure each of you a very personal, focused learning opportunity. The studio is just a few minutes drive from the village of Ganges, and short walk from lake St. Mary. It is a bright, quiet, spacious cabin in the trees, perfect for relaxed, creative gatherings. It is my sincere pleasure to offer these workshops, and I believe this little studio, on this special island, just might be one of the loveliest places on the planet.

Amy Melious Spring 2013

Acrylic Photo Transfers

An all day play day in the studio! There are many ways to get images onto surfaces these days. Acrylic transfers are a fun, alternative technique that is part skill, part creativity, and part serendipity. Being a very hands-on method, no two will ever be alike. Working on variety of surfaces including wood, paper and fabrics, Ill show you my own particular method, learned from trial and err. After you get the hang of transferring images, you will also have the opportunity to take it as far as you like, into the territory of mixed media. The possibilities are endless. You will go home with hand made treasures, and an abundance of inspiration.

July 7 Sun. 10-5 $145

All materials are provided

The Art of Building a Body of Work

Learn the benefits of creating images in series, and how to go about it. Discover your strengths, and personal style, by learning how to identify bodies of work that may already exist in your collection of images. To become clear about the meaning and importance of a body of work is to have the power of a compass that will point your way to a strong portfolio, which will in turn help you be understood and appreciated by your audience. This workshop is a one day, jam packed info session. Take home handouts will help you begin putting all that you learn into practice right away. Workshop includes a private 1 hour follow-up consultation session.

July 14 Sun. 10-5 $125

Or: Private consultation only (no workshop): $50/hr

I have the world's largest collection of seashells. I keep it on all the beaches of the world... perhaps you've seen it. Steven Wright.

For Travellers: Capturing Experience

During this fun and inspiring info session you will have the opportunity to enjoy a little armchair travel, while downloading my invaluable tips and techniques for photographing trips. Whether youd like to tell a story with your pictures- photo essay style, create a moving memory book, or a body of artwork to display or publish, I will share practical advice that will help you come home with pictures that capture the essence of your experience. It doesnt matter if youre an amateur or professional, or how simple or elaborate your equipment is, to benefit from what Ive discovered on the road, with my camera, over the past 30 years. Put the handout youll receive on your next packing list!

June 2 Sun. 1-4 July 6 Sat. 1-4 $65

All the worlds a stage -Shakespeare

Hand Painting Digital Photographs

Learn to take your images to the next level, with the personal touch of your own hand. Hand-painting is an inspiring and fun collaboration between artist and image. With the first few simple strokes, an image takes on greater depth, and the heart of the author begins to emerge. In a relaxed, bright studio setting, over the course of two days, I will work with you, step by step, and side by side, guiding you through the process of applying texture and color to digital photographs, using acrylic paints, pastels and pencils. Working in both color and black & white prints, you will learn techniques such as accentuating lines, enhancing highlights, tinting large areas, and more. Tips for selecting optimal printing surfaces for your images, handling and presenting your finished artwork, and the option of using oil paints will be discussed. You dont need prior painting experience to have a great experience in this workshop.

July 25-26
$275 +hst

Thurs & Fri 10-4

All art materials are supplied.

You will be asked to bring work prints. Suggestions for selecting them will be given upon registration.
All levels welcome. 6 participants per class.

Photo: Shari Macdonald

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. H.W. Beecher

The Art of Personal History

In this two day immersion, we will create photo based artworks, using personal photos, letters, and other ephemera, that honor your personal history, explore relationships, or celebrate experiences. The process of creating these works is like having a beautiful conversation with the person, place or memory that you choose to spend time with. Well be using a combination of digital and hand techniques to assemble your stories, so some knowledge of Photoshop is necessary. You might find answers to questions you didnt know you had, or discover new questions. You may enjoy the blessing of laughter or tears. LIke following a trail of crumbs, your creations will likely lead you down a path of beautiful discovery. The treasures you take home, or choose to give away as a very special gift, are bound to have a place of honor wherever they are displayed.

July 18 & 19 Thurs & Fri 10-5 $295

The Origin of Expression: Photography as Meditation

We do not need to go find good images. The most impactful images come to us. Through the quiet practice of simply showing up, and paying careful attention, we discover that amazing images reveal themselves, and we are reminded of the infiniteness of their source. Topics of this one day workshop include: o The act of photography as a meditative practice. o Looking at our images with the eyes of a student, in order to discover what they are trying to teach us about ourselves. o Explore the relationship between what you receive, and what you have to give back to the world, through photographs.

July 12 Fri. 10-5 $125

If I knew where the good songs come from, Id go there more often. Leonard Cohen

Creative Digital Techniques: One on One

These sessions are one answer to a question I get asked often, in reference to my altered images: How do you do that? Last years very first series of one on ones were a great success. Feedback was that the sessions aided each photographer in their desire to indulge their imagination, and create work that was more polished, and truer to their visions. Each participant receives a total of 6 hours of personal training in the creative Photoshop techniques, tailored specifically to each photographers starting place, artistic goals, and learning style. The important difference between most other wonderful image developing tools out there and Photoshop, is that it is 100% customizable, making it possible to create truly unique images. Its like cooking from scratch, offering the benefits of the process, as well as results that meet your taste exactly. This very concentrated learning opportunity is like a short bridge between where you are now, and where you might like to go next, with your work. The 6 hours will be divided up into two or three sessions, according to personal preference and experience level. Practice tasks will be assigned to follow each session, and detailed notes will be provided afterwards to use as an ongoing resource. A complimentary 1 hour follow up for Q&A is included. Schedule:

By arrangement: Between June 1 - August 1, 2013

*Limited number of sessions available.

$395 +hst
All levels welcome.

Sessions will take place at my Salt Spring studio, unless other arrangements are requested. For sessions in other locations, or off island, additional fees may apply. Skype sessions are also available.
There is at the back of every artists mind something like a pattern ond a type of architectureIt is a thing like the landscape of his dreams; the sort of world he would like to make or in which he would like to wander, the strange flora and fauna, his own secret planet- G.K. Chesterton

Amy Melious has been practicing the art of photography and hand-painting as a full
time livelihood for over twenty five years. She is known for uniquely combining, digital, traditional, and hand processes resulting in evocative images, rich with depth, texture, and emotion. Amys work is published worldwide. In addition to her artwork and teaching activities, Amys photographic career has included portraiture, travel and documentary work, hand made stationery wholesaling, licensing, custom darkroom printing and commercial photography, food photography, and graphic design. She resides on Salt Spring Island.

Contact:
Tel:

250-537-6120
Art blog:

www.amymelious.blogspot.com
Email:

amylmelious@gmail.com
Website:

www.grainofsand.com
P.O. Box 764 Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W3 Canada

Photo courtesy of Salt Springs amazing Shari Macdonald.

SIGN UP
Due to the limited class sizes, advance registration and payment is required

REGISTRATION BY PHONE is preferred:

(250) 537-6120

After registering, you will receive confirmation by email (or paper mail by request), including a receipt, directions, and additional information with instructions for preparing. If you do not receive the confirmation, please contact me. Your spot is not officially reserved until registration is confirmed. Fees include all materials, organic coffee, teas & delicious light snacks. Payment methods: Visa/MC, or check or cash. Please note that 5% gst tax will apply. To pay by check, please use address below. To pay by cash, please phone or email to arrange a studio visit. Cancellation policy: Rainchecks will be given, in lieu of refunds, for registrations cancelled. However, In the event that extreme circumstances or weather should force the cancellation of a workshop, all registered participants will be fully refunded. *My sincere apologies that the studio is not wheelchair accessible. Accommodations info: Salt Spring Visitor Center: Phone 250537-5252 or 1-866-216-2936 I am also happy to provide recommendations upon request. Ferries: Salt Spring Island is accessible only by ferry, private boats, or small floatplanes. BC Ferries: www.bcferries.com 1-888-223-3779 Mailing address: Amy Melious P.O. Box 764 Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2W3 Canada

To Register for the workshop in SPAIN: Call Cindy Horton at Travel Concepts, Vancouver 604-926-8511 or 1800-661-7176

SUMMER 2013 SCHEDULE: SALT SPRING ISLAND

June 2 July 6 July 7 July 12 July 14
Sun 1pm-4pm Thurs 1pm-4pm Sun 10am-5pm Fri 10am-5pm Sun 10am-5pm Th-Fri/10-5 Th-Fri/10-4

For Travellers For Travellers

$65 $65

Acrylic Transfers $145 Origin of Experience $125 Body of Work $125 Art of Personal History $295 Hand Painting $275

July 18 & 19 July 25 & 26

June 1 August 1:
By Arrangement:

Creative Photoshop: 6hrs Private Training $275 Private instruction or consultation by the hour or day. Min $50/hr. to $125/hr.

October 7-15

Join me in SPAIN! $3390

More details: www.flavourofspain.net