2026 July Newsletter
From the Office of the President
This
month marked an exciting milestone for Golden Spike Decorative
Painters as we hosted our very first Zoom seminar featuring the
talented Lynne Andrews. Over three days, participants created a
beautiful patriotic Santa plate, a charming ornament, and a whimsical
Christmas tree on a sled. Along the way, we explored techniques
rooted in watercolor-style washes and Lynne’s unique floating
methods, producing projects that were both challenging and rewarding.
The
results were truly stunning. Whether you are a seasoned painter or
still developing your skills, it was inspiring to see each artist
bring their own creativity and personality to the projects. The
finished pieces showcased not only Lynne’s wonderful designs but also
the dedication and talent of our members.
As we celebrate the success of this seminar, I would like to take a
moment to share a little behind the scenes perspective about what it
takes to bring a seminar to life.
Many
members see the finished event, but the planning process begins a
year in advance. It starts with identifying and securing a teacher
whose teaching style and projects will appeal to our membership. From
there, schedules must be coordinated, projects selected, budgets
developed, and countless details managed.
Once
projects are chosen, surfaces must be sourced and ordered. In many
cases, a wood cutter must be located and coordinated to create custom
surfaces. Patterns must be prepared and distributed. Venues must be
secured. Advertising materials are created and shared. Registrations
are tracked. Surface packets are assembled and distributed. Questions
are answered. Problems are solved. Inevitably, unexpected issues
arise and require adjustments along the way.
What
may look effortless on seminar day is the result of many hours of
volunteer work by dedicated board members who care deeply about
providing quality educational opportunities for our painting
community.
I
also want to address a topic that occasionally arises regarding
seminar costs. Please know that GSDP does not make a profit from
seminars. Our goal is simply to break even, and even that does not
always happen. Over the past several years, the cost of nearly every
aspect of hosting a seminar has increased, including teacher fees,
travel expenses, lodging, meals, venue rentals, shipping, and
painting surfaces.
At
the same time, finding instructors willing and able to travel has
become increasingly difficult. Many teachers have reduced their
travel schedules or stopped traveling altogether. As a result, there
may be times when we need to pivot to virtual learning opportunities
such as Zoom seminars in order to continue bringing quality
instruction to our members.
While
Zoom seminars may look different from traditional in-person events,
they offer unique advantages. We can access talented teachers from
across the country, reduce travel-related costs, and continue
learning from artists we might never otherwise have the opportunity
to paint with.
One
of the challenges facing GSDP is finding members willing to step into
leadership roles. Earlier this year, the board asked for help, and we
are delighted that Laura Clegg stepped up to the plate and
volunteered to serve as our First Vice President.
Please
join me in welcoming Laura to the board. Laura brings extensive
painting experience, a wealth of creative knowledge, and remarkable
talents in both decorative painting and quilting. Her willingness to
serve and share her expertise will be a tremendous asset to our club,
and we are grateful for her commitment.
As
our club continues to grow and evolve, we also welcome additional
volunteers. There is always room for helping hands and fresh ideas.
Whether your strengths lie in organizing events, assisting with
seminars, welcoming new members, helping with communications, or
serving in a board position, your contributions make a difference.
The success of Golden Spike Decorative Painters has always been built
on members sharing their time, talents, and passion for the arts.
Most
importantly, our goal remains unchanged: to provide meaningful
educational experiences, foster creativity, and create opportunities
for artists to learn, grow, and connect with one another.
Thank
you to everyone who participated in our Lynne Andrews seminar and to
those who continue to support the club through your membership,
volunteer efforts, and enthusiasm. The board works hard behind the
scenes to make these opportunities possible, and your support helps
ensure that Golden Spike Decorative Painters continues to thrive.
Here’s
to many more creative adventures ahead!
LeeAnn
President, Golden Spike Decorative Painters
2026 Seminars and Paint-ins
July 18th (Saturday) – Rita Johnson – Watercolor Fans
August 15th (Saturday) – LeeAnn Washatka – Floral Bowl
September 19th (Saturday) – Laura Clegg – Glass Blocks
October 15th-17th (Thur-Sat) – Pat Lentine Seminar – Colored Pencils/Watercolors
November 21th (Saturday) – LeeAnn Washatka – Record Elf
December 5th (Saturday) – Christmas Party at Wingers
If you have suggestions for projects for 2026, please let the Board know,
Christmas Raffles
This year at our Christmas Party we will again be having a special raffle. It will be large wooden bucket filled with lots of goodies, including paper towels, graphite paper, tracing paper, JoSonja paint set, paint mediums, brushes, tools, and several Christmas patterns, some with the wood included and more.
Tickets will be on sale from now until the drawing at the party. The cost is $1.00 per ticket. You do NOT have to be present to win.
More Opportunities to Share
Bring a completed Project to show off during our monthly Paint-in. You will receive a raffle ticket (1 per Paint-in) to be eligible to win a special prize at the end of the year. The
project must have a completed date of 2026.
Even if you are not attending the regular class, bring any UFO (unfinished object) you might have and paint it during our regular Paint-in.
We would love to have you in our community and connected with creativity.
Patricia Reeder
If we have missed your birthday, please send your date of birth so we can acknowledging your special Day.
If you have changed your address, phone, or email in the last couple of years or so, please let us know that also so we can update our member information.
Watercolor Fans
Teacher: Rita Johnson
Cost: $7.50
Surface: Rita has the fans for sale for $3.00
Date: July 18th 10am – 2:30pm
Palette: Water color paints and brushes
Prep:
No prep needed
The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse (1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.
August
Floral BowlTeacher: LeeAnn Waskatka
Cost: $7.50
Surface: IKEA has the 11 inch bowl for sale for $25 or you may use any bowl.
Date: August 15th 10am – 2:30pm
Palette: DecoArt Americana
Grape Juice (Purple Iris) Antique Rose
Hauser Medium Green Black
Blue Harbor Matcha Green
Cadmium Yellow Purple Cow
Celery Green Raw Sienna
Coral Spice Pink (Tea Berry or Cactus Flower)
Country or Tomato Red Tangelo Orange
Deep Burgundy True Blue
Deep Midnight Blue Turquoise
Deep Ochre Warm White
Desert Turquoise
Some of the paints for this project are old/retired colors. If you do not have them, feel free to substitute with colors of your choice. Or you can click this link to DecoArt Color Conversion Charts. It will take you to DecoArt's site where you will find mixing instructions and color swatches on retired and hard to find colors. (This link is also available on our web site 'Links” page under Painting Tips and Tricks.)
Misc Supplies:
Transfer Paper Sealer
Identipen White Pen
Paint Adhesion (This is no longer available for retail purchase. LeeAnn has bottles available for $2.00 each).
Prep:
Sand your bowl, seal with sealer of your choice and use a fine grit sandpaper to go over bowl when dry. Be careful if your bowl is from IKEA then it is bamboo and the sealer will come up easier.
Add paint adhesion drops to Black paint, mix and paint the outside of your bowl. Paint the inside of the bowl 2 inches down in the inside. You can choose to have a feathery line or a straight line. Paint the rest of the inside of the bowl Celery Green and add the paint adhesion medium. Paint a second coat on the entire bowl with just paint. Transfer the pattern and note that the flowers have numbers, transfer the number on or just note the number.
Base coat the following:
Birds: Blue Harbor
Daisy Centers and Cherries: Raw Sienna
#1 Flowers: Turquoise
#2 Flowers: Deep Ochre
#3 Flowers: Tangelo
#4 Flowers: Warm white
#5 Flowers and Heart: Antique rose
#6 Flowers: Turquoise
#7 Flowers: Spice Pink
#8 Flowers: Purple Cow
Leaves: Base the large and medium leaves Hauser Medium Green
Strawberries and cherries: Base with Raw Sienna and when dry paint with Country Red.
The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse (1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.
October Pat Lentine Seminar
Teacher: Pat Lentine Seminar
Cost: $250
to $300 (due to the rising costs of airfare, hotels, etc. the final
price will not be known until closer to the seminar
date)
All
the projects are in Colored Pencils/Watercolors.
This Seminar will give you a chance to learn these new mediums.
Supplies: for the projects including pictures, patterns, instructions and colored pencils will be provided. Bring your own water color paints if you have them. If not, we will have paint to share.
Schedule: 'Penny' will be taught on Thursday, 'Cally' on Friday, and 'My B FF' on Saturday.
Date: October 15th -17th 10:00 am
Seminar: There is a $50 non-refundable deposit. The deposit must be received by August 15th to hold you spot in the class. We also need time to order the color pencils for those who are attending. They
will be yours to keep. The check should be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.
Any remaining seminar balance must be paid when you pickup your surfaces, pictures, patterns and instructions.
Lunches are included in the seminar price. (Please note that we are unable to accommodate individual dietary needs.) Bottled water will also be provided.
Contact LeeAnn (801 391-3556 ) if you have any questions about the seminar.
GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.
From the Office of the President
Christmas Raffles
Floral Bowl
