About Me

My photo
Aleksandra is a fine artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting from Arizona State University and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fashion Design from Phoenix College . She lives and works in Phoenix , Arizona. She moved form Bosnia and Herzegovina (Former Yugoslavia) in 1997 with her family. She taught drawing at the Jewish Family Services Center in Phoenix. At Paradise Valley Community College she teaches various art classes in the Continuing Education Division. Her work has been exhibited in both solo and group shows. She works in oil, acrylic, and watercolor. Color inspires her the most. Her motto: " Every man in creating the beautiful appearance of the dream world is a perfect artist." Friedrich Nietzsche

September 18, 2010

MCA 10x10 Benefit Show and Sale

 This is my first time participating in the  MCA's 10x10 Benefit show. I was asked to create a 10x10 painting. My inspiration came from a trip to a tea room with a couple of girlfriends. I used the picture of my friend texting under the table...sounds familiar? Anyway, with her permission, I named the piece "Tea Time Sexting".
Tea Time Sexting acrylic on canvas 10x10 2010

detail

Mesa Contemporary Arts' (MCA) is pleased to announce its Second Annual 10 x 10 Benefit Show & Sale, which will feature the work of over 100 artists from Arizona and beyond. Participating artists are asked to create an original work (2-D or 3-D) of art in keeping with the 10 x 10" theme.

The competed pieces will be on display at MCA from Oct 5-10,n 2010 and sold at the reception on Oct 10. Each piece will be available for $100. First come, first pick! Doors open at 2pm sharp!


All proceeds benefit MCA exhibitions and educational programs.

Reception & Sale: 

 (Oct 10, 2010)

2-4:30pm

City of Mesa Municipal Website
Box Office: 480-644-6500     Administration: 480-644-6501
One East Main Street Mesa, AZ 85201


- $10 per person at the door
- MCA Members (and one guest) get in free and 10% off their entire purchase*
- Catering by Creative Hands of Mesa
- Cash Bar


Original Artwork. Art Classes. Inspiration.
ALEKSANDRA BUHA Fine Art Studio

July 09, 2010

FUN with ATCs(Artist Trading Cards)!

Creating ATCs with Hand-made Stamps!
  In June 2010, I attended ATC meeting of local artists in Phoenix and loved it. I have been experimenting ever since. Using speedball easy carve I have been creating hand-made stamps with different designs.

Beauty print 3.5x 2.5 in 2010

print 3.5x 2.5 in 2010
print 3.5x 2.5 in 2010

print 3.5x 2.5 in 2010
 
print 3.5x 2.5 in 2010


Original Artwork. Art Classes. Inspiration. 
ALEKSANDRA BUHA Fine Art Studio

June 15, 2010

Prints and hand-made Stamps! (work in progress)

Trying out printmaking at home!


Tools and Materials


speedball lino block                                                        barren


speedball speedy cut                                                         soft brayer

carving tools (different sizes/ shapes)      scissors and markers

 water-soluble ink                                               mixing tray

and PAPER ( printmaking paper works best but feel free to experiment with different kinds of paper. You will be amazed at the results!

PRINTMAKING- Getting Started!
I printed my reference photo in black and white the same size as my block. I secured it a the top with a piece of tape. Then with a black marker sketched in the outline, coloring in the black parts of the drawing.

You can put as much or little detail as you would like but for a small piece like this one I am only working with bigger shapes ( face is the only area where there are more smaller lines to be cut out).
With your carving tool , you will be cutting into the white portion of your drawing. The raised surface will get ink and register the image.

if you want some texture in the background , leave some of the lines on the block . Otherwise, make sure that there are no raised surfaces on the white part of your block.

Next, squeeze a thin line of ink onto the mixing tray. Put your brayer in and move it around. Make sure that the whole roll is equally coated ( but do not put too much  ink as it will clog your other lines).

A warning to  the true printmakers, this is my home version of the printmaking process, so I am freely placing the paper onto the block. If you want it to be placed in the same spot each time then you need to make marks on your paper to guide you. I am estimating the placement and am not worried about it being perfectly straight ( later on I might!).
Applying steady pressure with your barren, but without moving the paper out of place , rub the image onto the paper. If your paper is smaller than the block , put an extra piece of paper in-between the two so as to keep the barren clean AT ALL TIMES!
Finished Print
 Gently pull the paper of the block and place it on a clean surface to dry. If there are white areas where ink should be .That means that you need more pressure applied at that spot. It takes practice to find the right amount of pressure.

Original Artwork. Art Classes. Inspiration.
ALEKSANDRA BUHA Fine Art Studio

June 03, 2010

Sketches from Mexico!

 my setup and my inspiration- Puerto Penasco , Mexico June 2010


Sketching! What is that?I have somehow forgotten how much fun it can be to draw and do quick sketching without it having to turn into a painting. Guilty, I admit. The pleasure of Working with complete abandon. No need to worry about the end result. Enjoying the process thoroughly. Effortless transition into new ideas and designs...


 Fellow Beach Goers, watercolor with ink 2010             Flip-Flops and Juice on the Beach, 2010

Let's not forget how blessed I was to  draw and paint  while bathing in the warm sun surrounded by crashing waves and morning silence. What a nourishment for the soul! Here are some things I played with while listening to music ( or not).

 Self-portrait watercolor and ink on paper 2010           Self-Portrait with Sketchbook,  watercolor and  ink     

I worked with felt-tip pen and watercolors on a sketchbook ( 8x6in rough estimate) paper
( I do not think it was an artist quality sketchbook either, I just liked the pretty purple leather cover and the texture of the pages). I also used it to put down my thoughts. What some free time will do...actually let you express yourself...freely and painlessly...

Portrait, watercolor and ink on paper , 2010



Original Artwork. Art Classes. Inspiration. 
ALEKSANDRA BUHA Fine Art Studio

May 31, 2010

BRIO Fine Arts Center Presents 1-Day Workshop: Discover Color Combinations in Watercolor!

NEW: 1-Day Workshop: Discover Color Combinations in Watercolor!
Saturday, July 10 
9 am – 4 pm $125
WRK044 100710

Perfect for all levels!
In this one-day workshop, students will create their own color wheel and learn the basics of watercolor painting while experimenting with various color schemes to produce a small painting. Through demonstrations and one-on-one guidance, instructor Aleksandra Buha will help students understand the relationships between colors and how they influence each other.

Complementary, monochromatic, analogous and split-analogous color schemes will be discussed. Through various exercises, students will become more comfortable in picking the right color combinations to suit the mood of their paintings. Paper will be provided and is included in the cost of the class.


How to REGISTER?
 To register,  go online to : www.briofinearts.com
or call 480. 941.8310

BRIO Fine Arts Center
8340 E. Raintree C-6
(NE Corner of 83rd pl./Raintree- behind Ferguson)
Scottsdale ,AZ 85260
Original Artwork. Art Classes. Inspiration.
ALEKSANDRA BUHA Fine Art Studio

May 07, 2010

5x5 Paintings $45 ! Original Artwork on Canvas!

5x5 Paintings  $45 ! Original Artwork on Canvas!

(detail)

SUPPLIES
acrylic paint
brushes
canvas panels 5x5 inches
rags/towels
water container
 spray bottle

STEP-BY-STEP demonstration
Start by placing your canvas squares next to each other
and putting that first layer of color covering the whole
surface. Continue with the rest. I picked 8 canvases to
work on so the paintings create a grouping.

Mix a big batch of your starting color so you do
not run out half way through.

I chose red  as a very vibrant under painting  color
to work as a complement to the mostly blue/ green
of the cacti .
 You do not have to worry if the paint is not uniform.
It should cover the surface  but not obliterate it.
(detail)

Once your surface is dry,  use either a watercolor pencil
or a HB  to draw your image.
I prefer watercolor pencils since the lines
disappear once you wet them o rat least
soften up.
(detail)
I used I blue pencil to make sure I see the drawing.


I picked a light blue for the background.  With a
dark mixture, I pulled out the darkest part of
the flowers . This is a small surface so make sure
you do not have too much detail.
I am working with the same palette for all
the pieces so doing them simultaneously
allows you to proceed a faster rate.
At this stage,  pay attention to the big shapes.
This piece has  a lot of pink in it .
I used alizarin crimson +red light cad + white.

 Still working on the background.
Next, I mix a vibrant mixture of yellow+
Thalo blue ( a smidgen) + white.

 Once I start applying more paint , I do not
want to lose my red  layer of color , so I let
it show through.

FINISHED PIECES
I finally have the finished pieces to share with you.
 Joy of Spring acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45

(detail)

Joy of Spring I acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45 

Joy of Spring II acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45 
detail

Joy of Spring III acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45 

Joy of Spring IV acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45 

 Joy of Spring V acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45

Joy of Spring VI acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45


(detail)

Joy of Spring VII acrylic on canvas 5x5in 2010 $45

Original Artwork. Art Classes. Inspiration. 
ALEKSANDRA BUHA Fine Art Studio

NON-CREDIT CLASSES at PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

To get a complete listing of all SPRING 2011 classes in the Continuing Education at PVCC click here

PEN AND INK with Watercolor

Explore and apply different texturing techniques (contour lines, parallel lines, hating, crosshatching, dots and stippling) to your work and use them separately or combined to produce countless effects in pen and ink with watercolor.

Improve your skills through various demonstrations and exercises. You will create value charts and bars for future reference. Students will also receive one on one instruction throughout the course.
For supply list contact the instructor at :

a underscore buha at yahoo dot com
Instructor: Aleksandra Buha.

Subject: Cont_ed Course# 100-10150
#58148 Feb 5 – Apr
2 1-4pm
Fee:$129 8 Saturdays UHILLS Q151
No class March 19.

#58864 Mar 31- May 5 3:30-6pm
Fee: $109 6 Thursdays BLKMTN 109

PAINTING FROM PHOTOGRAPHS

Individual and unique styles will be encouraged for the beginner and intermediate artist, as you learn about oil and acrylic media and how to use either of them to create paintings from your personal photos or favorite pictures. Manipulate, enlarge, crop and combine images to create dynamic compositions.

For supply list contact the instructor at:

a underscore buha at yahoo dot com


Instructor: Aleksandra Buha
Subject: Cont_ed Course #100-10134

#58124 Feb 5 - Apr 9 9am-12pm
Fee: $129 8 Saturdays UHILLS Q151

No class February 26 and March 19.

#58125 Feb 2 - Mar 23 2 - 5pm
Fee: $119 7 Wednesdays BLKMTN 109

No class March 16.

NEW! STILL LIFE PAINTING

Learn how to arrange and sketch basic geometric and turn them into fruits, flowers and other traditional still life arrangements. We will explore composition, laying out and planning, rhythm, color schemes and much more through various exercises.

Bring your own still life components or paint from the classroom set-up. All painting levels welcome. Students will also receive one on one instruction throughout the course.

For supply list contact the instructor at :

a underscore buha at yahoo dot com
Instructor: Aleksandra Buha

Subject: Cont_ed Course# 100-10257


#58122 Apr 16- May 7 1-4pm
Fee: $99 4 Saturdays UHILLS Q151

INTRODUCTION TO OIL PAINTING

If you ever wanted to learn how to paint with oils, this class is for you. We will discuss the brushes, paints, painting mediums, palettes, supports and other important basics.

There will be demonstrations of various techniques such as dry brush, painting on toned ground, all prima painting, working with painting knives and glazing with an overview of color basics (value, hue, saturation and temperature) and elements of composition.

For supply list contact the instructor at :

a underscore buha at yahoo dot com
Instructor: Aleksandra Buha
Subject: Cont_ed Course #100-10157


#56716 Jan 31- Mar 21 6:30-9:30pm
Fee: $119 6 Mondays UHILLS Q151

No class February 21, March 14.

#58126 Feb 2 – Mar 23 6-9pm
Fee: $119 7 Wednesdays BLKMTN 109
No class March 16.

INTERMEDIATE OIL PAINTING

This class is designed for students who wish to expand their painting capabilities. We will be covering composition, value and color. Brushwork and knife techniques will be demonstrated and discussed. This is designed to get you moving beyond the “comfort zone” in your painting.

We will also work from still life set-ups in the classroom. Students will also receive one on one instruction throughout the course. Critiques will be given.

For supply list contact the instructor at :

a underscore buha at yahoo dot com

Instructor: Aleksandra Buha
Subject: Cont_ed Course #100-10259


#58127 Mar 28- May 2 6:30-9:30pm
Fee: $109 6 Mondays UHILLS Q151

#58128 Mar 30 – May 4 6-9pm
Fee: $109 6 Wednesdays BLKMTN 109

CLASS LOCATION(S):

Paradise Valley Community Collage (PVCC)

18401 N. 32nd street

Phoenix, AZ 85032

For map click here.

PVCC at Black Mountain Campus

34250 N. 60th St.

Scottsdale, AZ 85266

For a map click here.

Buy My Art/ Prints at Imagekind!

Aleksandra's Artwork- Flash FREE Slide Show!

Art Prints