n e w s l e t t e r
South Hill Artists ✫ March 2026 Newsletter ✫ Issue 83
Our Next Workshop Will Be With Artist
Veronica Sauer!
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Artist Bio
Veronica Sauer creates fine art rooted in abstract realism—bold, expressive work that resonates with collectors seeking striking, statement-making pieces. Working with acrylics, large brushes, and palette knives, she layers shadow, light, and emotion into every canvas. Her subjects span iconic portraits, pets and wildlife, and abstract landscapes, all unified by a signature style that is both elevated and deeply personal.
Exhibited in galleries, corporate spaces, and public venues, Veronica's work
complements contemporary interiors while offering lasting emotional and collectible value. She is based in Seattle.
Artist Statement
I believe color speaks directly to emotion—an instinctive language that stirs memory,movement, and meaning. My work blends abstraction and realism, layering unexpected color into familiar subjects to recast them with vitality and presence. Whether painting iconic figures, natural landscapes, or design-inspired forms, I seek to make the unseen seen—giving depth and dimension to what might otherwise be overlooked.
Collectors often tell me my art stays with them. One put it this way: "Her art drops into your soul and you can't stop hugging it with your brain." That's exactly the impact I aim to create.
Examples of Veronica's Work
Finding Connection in Process
Creating Likeness
How to create Likeness - Show side-by-side of human portrait to highlight areas of
lights, darks, shapes and shadows.
Materials
• Two canvases. Can be metal, wood, linen board, etc..
• Brushes, big and small, thick and thin
• Pallet knives, spatulas squeegees
• Acrylic paint. Black and white, red, blue, yellow, and other as desired.
• Flotrol leveling medium
• Small plastic bottles/containers, plastic cover to mix paints
• Chalk - white and colored
• Painting tape
• Plastic latex gloves, paper towels, water container
• Pencils/sharpener
• Tray for catching moisture
• Photo or photocopy
• Hairdryer
My Process
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Present photo / subject for today’s painting.
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Show example of progression creating the likeness in a portrait (Jimi Hendrix)
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Under painting and orientation
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Cropping and scale of subject.
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Identify shapes, lights, darks, shadows
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Blocking shapes only, no details. This is where you choose. The number of values
needed (shadows, lights, mid tones, and highlights) to appear more 3-D.
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Taking measurements to exact scale, how to measure against photo template
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After 20% of total time painting, it should look 80% finished.
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Use palette knife, spatula or squeegee to frame subject
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Use chalk to keep scale. Stand back to view from a distance as most art is viewed
from a distance so the painter must see this perspective which also helps to maintain scale.
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Color bridging.
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These are the mid tones and highlights that occur after the initial lights and darks are blocked in. The under painting should help you determine which colors to choose.
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Variation in color, define some edges, add highlights, and refine.
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Refine and define features and highlights. For any 3-D impact, use perspective, blurring through color saturation.
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Let dry 2-3 days
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Add protective coating or varnish for finishing.
If We Have Time
Abstract 2nd Canvas Underpainting
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Orientation based on balance of shapes, colors, interest
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Use framing to isolate deepest connection to color, design
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Use chalk to highlight this area. This is identifying what you uniquely connect to and it gives you new opportunity in your creativity to explore.
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Step back and determine if you want to change other parts of the underpainting or if you want to use mark making, prints or collage, texture, mediums, etc to continue.
Workshop Meetings are Held the 1st Thursday of the Month Excluding:
July ✩ August ✩ December ✩ January
The First Presbyterian Church of Puyallup
412 West Pioneer Puyallup, WA 98371
Please send all correspondence, inquires and payments to the address below:
SHA - South Hill Artists
PO Box 731762
Puyallup, WA 98373-0019
p r e s i d e n t 's n o t e
A Warm Welcome to All SHA Members!
March 2026 - Spring Surprises and President’s Message
Dear South Hill Artists,
Spring surprises….With the advent of spring, just around the corner comes the surprise of new growth, leaves unfurling, blossoms emerging, and birds filling the air with joyful song. Spring is also the perfect time to try something new, revisit unfinished pieces, or simply spend more time observing the beauty unfolding around us. As artists, we have a unique way of responding to these seasonal shifts the changing light, new colors, and longer days awaken a wonderful sense of possibility and creative energy within us.
This season always feels like a gift. And this year, along with nature’s surprises, I received another unexpected gift— the many beautiful handmade cards, heartfelt notes, and
thoughtful letters from my dear South Hill artist friends. Each trip to the mailbox became a moment of delight. Sometimes there were two treasures waiting, sometimes even ten or more. I read and reread each one, truly savoring the reminder of how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such generous, creative,and caring people.
Thank you sincerely to every one of you who took the time to make me feel appreciated,
special, and loved. Your kindness warmed my heart more than I can express! Also, thank
you for being such an important part of our art community. I look forward to seeing how
this fresh season inspires each of you and to sharing another vibrant, creative spring
together.
Warmly,
Doreen Koch Allen
President, South Hill Artists - SHA
“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment.”
~ Georgia O’Keefe ~
Lovely Handmade Notecards!
Lovely Handmade Notecards!
Upcoming Events
We are now accepting reservations for Spring Art Escape
at the monthly SHA Demo meetings or by mail.
Retreat Dates: April 13 -17, 2026
Cost for: Double occupancy room - $465.00
Cost for: Single occupancy room - $535.00
Click on the link below for more information:
The registration deadline for Spring Art Escape, along
with the required $100 deposit, is March 5, 2026.
Final payment for Art Escape is due by April 2, 2026. Payment can be made at the April 2 art workshop or mailed to the address below (postmarked by April 2). We accept cash or check as forms of payment.
Please send your payment to:
SHA
PO Box 731762
Puyallup, WA 98373-0019
South Hill Artists
One Day Session - 2026 Spring Art Escape!
South Hill Artists is excited to offer members the chance to attend our
2026 Spring Art Escape for just one day!
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - $125.00
Whether you’ve never visited Camp Arnold, WA - haven’t yet experienced
Art Escape, or your schedule only allows for a short visit, this is a great opportunity
to join us and discover what it’s all about!
South Hill Artists – 2026 Spring Art Escape
One Day Camp Registration Form
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Come spend the day creating at beautiful Camp Arnold - for a one-day Art Escape Retreat with South Hill Artists! Members are invited to enjoy time working on current projects, try something new, and experience the inspiration
and camaraderie of our creative community!
This one-day retreat is limited to six participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment must be received on or before April 2, 2026. No refunds.
Please download the attached registration form and mail it with your payment to the address below. An active SHA membership is required to attend Art Escape.
An annual SHA membership is $50.00.
SHA
PO Box 731762
Puyallup, WA 98373-0019
Have questions - Email sha.southhillartists@gmail.com to let us
know you plan to attend or with questions.
We hope to see you there!
SHA 2026 Art Retreat — Pricing Information & What’s Included
• $125.00 — One-day Art Escape pass (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)
• 2 Meals – Breakfast & Dinner (Served at 10:30 am & 4:30 pm)
• A shared workspace/ table – 2 artists per table
• Dedicated time to work on your current projects!
• A creative, fun, and supportive environment to spend the day creating art!
Have questions?
Email sha.southhillartists@gmail.com with any questions
or to let us know you plan to attend.
Classes & Exhibitions
Reclaimed Pages
Transform Board Books into Art Journals
Cole Adams
A Two - Day Mixed Media Workshop
Give discarded board books a second life as stunning handmade art journals! In this hands-on workshop, you'll transform a chunky children's board book into a one-of-a-kind
creative journal using gel plateprinting, collage, paint, and mixed media magic.
Day One: Print & Play Dive into gel plate printing to create layers of colorful, textured papers. We'llexplore multiple techniques—layering colors, using stencils and found objects, creating monoprints, andbuilding a library of gorgeous printed pages.
No two prints are ever the same, and happy accidents becomeyour favorite pages.
You'll leave Day One with dozens of custom papers ready to transform.
Day Two: Build Your Book Watch your board book come alive! We'll prep the pages (gesso, texture, and prime), then collage, paint, stencil, and embellish using your gel prints and mixed media. Add pockets fortucking in memories, create interactive elements, incorporate text and imagery, and design a cover thatmakes you want to pick it up daily. Your finished journal becomes a beautiful space for art, writing, collage,or whatever calls to you.
What's Included:
• All materials: board book, gel plate access, acrylic paints, collage papers, stencils, embellishments
• Instruction in gel plate printing and mixed media techniques
• A completely unique art journal to take home
• Two full days of creative exploration
Perfect for: Artists, journalers, mixed media enthusiasts, anyone who loves repurposing and getting theirhands messy. All levels welcome—beginners encouraged!
Limited to 12 participants for personalized attention and plenty of gel plate time.
Limited to 12 participants for personalized attention and plenty of gel plate time.
Because every discarded book deserves to become something beautiful again!
RSVP & Register
or
253.347.3036 (text or call)
@colewoohoo on YouTube, Instagram & Pinterest
Cole Adams is a storytelling artist. She paints with abandon in acrylics and watercolors. Cole has an associates art degree in Watercolor and stained glass.
Cole loves art journaling, painting, quilting,
sewing & home decor.
Member's Corner
Do you know of an art show, competition, workshop, class, art exhibit, or have art
supplies for sale that may interest other SHA Members?
To have information included in the newsletter, please email the details to sha.southhillartists@gmail.com by the 1st of the month.
Please Note:
The email address that sends the SHA newsletter is not monitored.
Please direct all emails and inquiries to:
SHA Membership Information
Membership to South Hill Artists - SHA offers individuals numerous opportunities to create, learn and gather in a supportive and creative atmosphere.
Throughout the year there are scheduled live workshops, where one can
paint and create alongside an experienced professional artist.
Twice per year SHA holds a weeklong art camp workshop in Eatonville, at an affordable cost to its members. Members will receive an email newsletter, announcements, an invitation to join the private SHA Facebook group,
and participate in various social events.
A paid SHA Membership entitles you to participate in all these activities, September through August. Payment of dues is required 30 days prior to participation in art exhibits and shows. SHA members are encouraged to volunteer and support SHA activities, events, and chartered objectives.
Membership dues are $50.00 for the 2025-2026 SHA year.
When joining SHA, please download and fill in the SHA Membership Form.
Send the completed form with your check to the address below.
Membership dues can also be paid at the monthly demo meeting. Current members need to renew their membership in the month of September every year. Also, please update your contact information when
joining or renewing your SHA membership.
Please Send Your Payment To:
Facebook Group
Our Facebook group is a private group for South Hill Artist members. We should think about using it more to share items that may be of interest to our members. Things to share could be books, artists you have learned about, new project ideas, photos of what you are doing, new art tools or supplies that others might not know about, etc. Think of ways you can contribute to our Facebook group!
Handmade Greeting Cards
SHA is also collecting handmade greeting cards to send to members
who may be going through a difficult time or facing illness.
If you’re able, please consider bringing a few card donations for SHA to have on hand.
