Oriental Brush Painting Workshop

It is not too early to plan for the oriental brush painting workshop August 13-17, 2018. Travel tickets will be much cheaper if you plan early!!! Workshop is taught by International/National award winning artist, Darlene Kaplan For registration form

and info please go to www.darlenekaplan.com.

View My Art

You may view my art in person at Soft Brush Studio, Alexandria, VA and starting January 9th, 2018 at the Loft Gallery in Occoquan, VA.  chineseart@darlenekaplan.com or phone 703-922-4175.
Don't forget to ask about the weekly oriental brush painting classes and 5 Day Workshop.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
www.darlenekaplan.com for my on-line gallery.

Winter Session Oriental Brush Painting Classes

Sign up now for the Winter session in Soft Brush Studio for 6 weeks classes in oriental brush painting. Classes start Jan.3, 2018 Classes are taught by Darlene Kaplan International/National award winning artist and instructor.

www.darlenekaplan.com.  For schedule

Also the registration is open for the August 5 Day workshop.

email  chineseart@darlenekaplan.com

My art is “food for the soul”. I am an International/national award winning professional artist and instructor in the Northern VA area.  Creating a painting on rice paper using ink and Chinese mineral colors is the ultimate pleasure for me.  The style of art is called oriental brush painting which includes China, Japan, and Korea. Later this style of art moved across Europe then to USA.

I would consider myself a purest that sticks to the traditional methods using powdered permeant mineral colors that I mix with glue and water before grinding to a smooth consistency. The results are a very soft, serene, even a dreamy look that only natural minerals will produce on hand made acid free rice paper.

Some of my paintings will be very simple; showing elegant brush stroke of the grass orchid to the complicated soothing landscapes that your eyes can take a journey up into the mountains and off into the mist before returning home while others will be more complete with a colored background.

Nature is my inspiration. Whatever is blooming at the moment will be the subject that I will paint.  During the fall it will be the beautiful color of autumn leaves. During the winter will be snow on bamboo or pine. Nature always provides.

My goal is to engage you the viewer in a painting.  Lead you into the art so that your eyes can take a journey around and make discoveries.  Maybe it will be a hidden insect or bird?

When all is said and done; all I want to do is create art that is easy to live with and that makes you happy.

www.darlenekaplan.com

The Perfect Gift

Wouldn't it be nice to receive a useful gift?? Why not try oriental brush painting classes as a gift to that special person or for yourself at Soft Brush Studio!!! For information www.darlenekaplan.com

International Award Oriental Brush Painting

Thank you so much May Pan for the books and certificate. This made my day. This competition was International and was people's choice award. It was based on how many "likes" each artist received. Thank all of you that voted for me to come in 2nd place. www.darlenekaplan.com

Darlene's Blog: Fall Session, Oriental Brush Painting

Darlene's Blog: Fall Session, Oriental Brush Painting: My Fall oriental Brush Painting session starts first week in November, 2017. I will teach you how to hold the brush, different papers to use...

Fall Session, Oriental Brush Painting

My Fall oriental Brush Painting session starts first week in November, 2017. I will teach you how to hold the brush, different papers to use, but nature is your best teacher. You will learn how to "look" at flowers, trees, rocks, and more in a totally different way. Sometimes we look but don't see our subjects. You will be counting the legs on bugs that you never noticed before. Go to www.darlenekaplan.com for application or call 703-922-4175 for information. Classes are held in Soft Brush Studio, 4609
Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310. See you soon!!!

Darlene's Blog: Jewelry Party Fall Festival

Darlene's Blog: Jewelry Party Fall Festival: You ar e Invited to a Jewelry Party Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets, Rings Semi-Precious Stones and Precious Metals Hand Crafted Silver...

Darlene's Blog: Jewelry Party Fall Festival this Saturday the 21, 1-4 pm

Darlene's Blog: Jewelry Party Fall Festival: You are Invited to a Jewelry Party Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets, Rings Semi-Precious Stones and Precious Metals Hand Crafted Silver...

Jewelry Party Fall Festival

You are Invited to a Jewelry Party

Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets, Rings

Semi-Precious Stones and Precious Metals

Hand Crafted Silver Foil Beads, Turquoise, Coral,

Fine Silver, Onyx, Pearls,

Copper Beads, Amber, Lapis, Jade.

Handcrafted; One of a Kind Jewelry by Darlene Kaplan.

WHERE:  4609 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

WHEN: October 21 (Saturday) 1-4PM

Shop and save in time for the Holidays

Bring your friends

Please park on Craft Road, follow the sidewalk to Back entrance.

chineseart@darlenekaplan.com

Darlene Kaplan

4609 Franconia Rd

Alexandria, VA 22310

703-922-4175

http://www.darlenekaplan.com

Demonstration Oriental Brush Painting

Here is the image of the oriental brush painting that I started as a demonstration in the Bentley Library in Alexandria, VA on Saturday. This was during the Fall Festival.  Enjoy  www.darlenekaplan.com

People's Choice Award

Just wanted to thank everyone that attended the Green Spring Gardens Park art exhibition of Springfield Art Guild Members. Thank you all the votes that I got and was awarded "Peoples Choice Award" for my oriental brush painting "Tranquil Evening". That really means so much to me. www.darlenekaplan.com

International Award winning artist Darlene Kaplan, 2017

So happy to be awarded the Council Special Award for one of my oriental brush paintings titled "Many Shrimp". Here is my piece of art exhibited in the AnShan City China Exhibition 2017. Just keep in mind that it is not mounted. It will be mounted in a scroll for the exhibition. www.darlenekaplan.com

Art Exhibition

You are invited to a Juried Group Art Exhibition at Green Spring Garden Park, Alexandria, VA.

Reception is Sunday, September 17, from 1-3 pm.

I am lucky enough to have 3 oriental brush paintings juried into the exhibition. www.darlenekaplan.com

Thursday oriental brush painting class

Anyone interested in taking a 6 weeks session of oriental brush painting classes on Thursday nights from 7-9 pm??? I need two more people for that class.

www.darlenekaplan.com

New Oriental Brush Paintings

OK, now that summer is almost over and 3 workshops are finished it is time to get back to work entering more art competitions and promoting my art business.    www.darlenekaplan.com 

New Web Site

Everyone is invited to check out my new web site at www.darlenekaplan.com   Let me know how you like it.  Don't forget to check out the Gallery and Shop!!
Have a great weekend.

Working on unfinished Chinese paintings

Today is the day to finish some of the oriental brush paintings that I started in the last two weeks. Some are from Henry Wo's workshop and some are from the one that I taught in Soft Brush Studio, Alexandria, VA.  Sooooo many painting now. I have reached the 2,000 mark and still growing!!!! Love every second of it!!!   

                 

http://www.darlenekaplan.com

Fall Session Oriental Brush Paintings

August has been a very busy month taking and teaching oriental brush painting workshops.  Now it is time to get back to my regular class schedule  Oriental brush painting Fall session starts September 6- October 12, 2017.
Space is very limited. If you want to give this art a try please go to www.darlenekaplan.com and check out the class schedule.  You will love it

  Location is Soft Brush Studio, Alexandria, VA

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Workshops oriental brush paintings

I have just attended a 5 day workshop with Henry Wo. It was fantastic to watch him demonstrate each subject that he taught. Starting Monday I will teach a 6 day workshop in oriental brush painting in Alexandria, VA. I think that my brain will be fried by the end of next week. www.darlenekaplan.com

Darlene's Blog: Oriental Brush Painting Classes

Darlene's Blog: Oriental Brush Painting Classes: Just ending this 6 weeks session of oriental brush painting classes this week. Next 6 week session will begin on September 6-October 13, 2...

Oriental Brush Painting Classes

Just ending this 6 weeks session of oriental brush painting classes this week.

Next 6 week session will begin on September 6-October 13, 2017.  If interested I go to www.darlenekaplan.com or email me at chineseart@darlenekaplan.com
Classes taught by Darlene Kaplan; International award winning professional artist in Soft Brush Studio, Alexandria, VA

Workshop by Darlene Kaplan

I am so grateful and happy to announce that my Oriental Brush Painting workshop in Soft Brush Studio, Alexandria, VA. for August 14-19th has filled. I have very dedicated students that give it 100% and it is so gratifying as an instructor. www.darlenekaplan.com

China Exhibition

Happy to announce that I have a painting of Shrimp in the 2017 ICCPS International Exhibition in China at the Anshan City Public Cultural Center Province, China in October 2017.  More information to follow.
www.darlenekaplan.com

Oriental Brush Painting Workshop

Good news. I only have one spot left to fill in my oriental brush painting workshop for August 14-19.  6 Full days of painting!!! At the end of the workshop will be a presentation award ceremony for all the students that complete the course.  All friends and loved ones are invited.
Location is Rose Hill of VA.  For complete info please go to www.darlenekaplan.com.

703-922-4175

Oriental brush painting classes

There is only three more weeks left in this session of oriental brush painting classes. This is a great time of year for painting with so many flowers in bloom. 
 The next session will start June 21st if anyone wants to give this style of art a try.www.darlenekaplan.com

Good new is that I opened a new class day on Wednesdays and it is almost full.

2017 Landscape winner

Happy to say that 2 of my oriental brush paintings were juried into the 2017 Landscape Exhibition for Light Space & Time online art exhibit receiving an award for each painting. Enjoy www.darlenekaplan.com

Oriental brush painting workshop

Just returned home from a fabulous one day oriental brush painting workshop.  Everyone was fantastic and so eager to learn this style of art. When 30 people sign up then that is the maximum compliment they can show me.  Here is an image of some of the students, many left before I could round them up for a group photo.  www.darlenekaplan.com

Workshop tomorrow in Oriental Brush Painting

I am off to do a one day workshop tomorrow in Alexandria, VA of about 30 people. They requested Japanese Koi as one of their subjects.www.darlenekaplan.com

Awarded one of the Best Painting & Drawing Teachers in Washington, DC area

Thank you Expertise. https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

This just made my weekend!!! I just received notice that a company "Expertise" has chosen 9 local artist in the category of Best Painting & Drawing Teachers in Washington, DC area. I am honored to say that I was choosen #4 out of the 9. They looked at 132 artist.

www.darlenekaplan.com

new website

Just updated my website. Let me know if you like it.  www.darlenekaplan.com

Oriental Brush Painting classes

Want to try something new this Spring?? In addition to the Thursday night and Friday classes; I am starting a new class in oriental brush painting on Wednesdays from 11 am till 1pm starting April 26th at 4609 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA. I have about 3 openings if you are interested.  www.darlenekaplan.com to download the registration form.  Classes fill quickly.  703-922-4175

 

Wednesday Day Class Added for Wednesdays

NEW Day CLASS in oriental brush painting added for Wednesdays 11 AM - 1 PM.

 My oriental brush painting class on Friday's from 1-3 pm are overflowing, which is good news. I am so happy that more and more people want to learn this art style.

Therefore, I am opening a new class day which will be Wednesdays from 11 am till 1 pm starting April 26th.  Anyone interested please visit my web site for details at www.darlenekaplan.com

Oriental Brush Painting Class

Last Saturday was the class at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria, VA of my oriental brush painting class that I taught with the assistance of Cynthia Bates who is one of my students. The class was very well attended at around 25 students. Here is a photo of Koi that we I was teaching. They all did a fantastic job. Enjoy. www.darlenekaplan.com

Teaching Japanese Koi

I will be teaching an oriental brush painting class at 10:00 am this Saturday at Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria, VA. Have a request to teach Japanese Koi. What better subject could I paint during the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC??? www.darlenekaplan.com

How Soft Brush Studio was named

People often ask me how and why I named my oriental brush painting studio.  Well, here goes!!
From my martial arts study I was advised by my first martial arts instructor to change my medium from oils to the Chinese style of art.  Being the loyal student I complied.

My husband and I became part owners in a martial arts studio where I was one of the instructors after I received the rank of Black Belt.

In 1997 a reporter from the Washington Post asked for an interview which I granted. The gentleman wrote an article about the merging of two careers from martial arts to oriental art painting.  The article was on the front page of both the Fairfax Journal and the Alexandria Journal. At the time I didn't have a name for my art studio.

If you go to www.darlenekaplan.com and click on Press pg 1 you will see both articles.  The Alexandria Journal is at the bottom of the page with the article.  The title was, "Black Belt & Soft Brush".  I took part of the headline and named my studio "Soft Brush Studio"

Darlene's Art

My oriental brush paintings are featured today on facebook by Xanadu Gallery. Here is the linkhttps://www.facebook.com/XanaduGallery  Enjoy

workshop in oriental brush painting

Oriental Brush Painting Workshop August 14-19, 2017 for all skill levels. Space is limited with room for only 3 more students if anyone is interested.

At the end of the workshop you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. Please visit www.darlenekaplan.com for details and registration.

Oriental Art Workshop

Next week I am seriously advertising for my oriental art workshop for August 14-19, 2017. Alexandria, VA

I only have space for 5 students left to fill. Great response so far. If you are interested please go to www.darlenekaplan.com click on the workshop link for an application and get it to me ASAP so that I can reserve your space.

West Meets East exhibition

Darlene Kaplan is

one of the artist represented  in this exhibition of Oriental Paintings & Calligraphy by Western Artist. CCACC Art Gallery Gaithersburg, MD.

New Oriental Brush Painting session

Next 6 weeks session in oriental brush painting classes start March 2-April 7.  To register please go to www.darlenekaplan.com.

Classes are taught by International/National award winning artist, Darlene Kaplan in Soft Brush Studio at 4609 Franconia Rd, Alexandria, VA 22310

Art Exhibition SAG

Everyone Invited

Springfield Art Guild Members The 2017 Franconia

Government Center Show and Raffle

Franconia Government Center . 6121 Franconia Road . Alexandria, VA . 22310

Art Show, Free Event & Free Parking

• What: The 2017 Franconia Government Center Art Show

• When: Show is January 14 to February 25th ; Reception date January 28 – Time 11am-1 PM

• Where: 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310

• Why: Service to community, exposure of our artwork, Peoples' Choice Awards

Hope to see you there

www.darlenekaplan.com