Workshop ....

 

 

Workshop group photo....

 Last week I took a plein air painting workshop and the weather cooperated by turning very cold.  First day we met inside the KIA and heard from Steve then worked from photos.  On Friday we braved the 40 deg temps and set up outside at Ensata Gardens in Galesburg.  They grow and ship flowers and have a lovely old barn and Italienate house and a farmhouse on the property.  I set up to paint the homes front porch in the cold flat light with my pastels.  We worked from 9-5 and came back for two more days.  Sat. was much the same with lunch in a small café the best ever...warm soup, coffee and heat!!

 

I moved on to the barn that day and began to work on that painting.  Parts are nice but overall not a great job so I will work it some more here in the studio.  If nothing else it will be a learning experience.  Sunday was warm...60 whee hee....but much better. We went back to the café for the third time and had our critique, entertaining customers at the same time.  Later that day  I left the barn and turned to the long vista of treeline and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.

 

It was a great experience to meet the different artists at various points in their careers and skill levels.  Each of us took something away.  Several paint with the PAAWM group so I will be seeing them again as I join them this summer to paint around Michigan.   Steve is a font of knowledge about art and the art world and a fine painter as well.

 

Stephen Doherty in middle next to me.  Two missing artists.  Will post photo of the pastels once I get a chance to finish them up.  I'm adding Riley the dog to the porch and still trying to make the values work on the barn.  That flat light played havoc with my work!!  Can't blame it on the cold feet!!

A short trip..

Today was the second day of the plein air workshop with Stephen Doherty.  We stayed at the KIA yesterday but today and next are at a farm in Galesburg. It is in the 40's and my feet are freezing.  nice to be with these artists, some whom I know, and some new.  stephen is very knowledable and interesting.  I'll post some photos when work is done.

Begining ....

This is a new necklace I am attempting based on one Joanne made. No real directions!! It is free style and a challenge ! Many more beads and layers to go.

Travel Moms..

Moms Kris and Karen traveled to visit this Mom yesterday where our whole little family gathered to talk and eat and enjoy each other's company.  We missed my Mother, and Karen's Mother but were thankful to have those around the table.  With Mother gone I find myself thinking to call or visit to tell her some news that she would chuckle about or be proud of..honors, adventures, successes, the beauty outdoors, I miss her.   She would be so proud of her family, Dad too, and we all strive to continue to honor the values she taught so fiercely.

The grandchildren are growing up strong, smart and ready to take on the next phase...who knows where they will travel!!!!

Roses Roses

Yesterday I was surprised with a big boquet of roses from my son and his family and a nice
note as well.  Lovely and sweet and heartwarming....I am blessed with such a wonderful family!!

Later that afternoon I picked up the boys for Mitch's game.  It was a beautiful day to sit in bleachers and watch them play and chatting with Kris in between.  When Ethan was ready to go we came back to the lake and played disc dunk to practice for disc golf later this summer.  Such fun and E deemed it a "great game"...sure to be played a lot this summer.

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all of my friends who are mothers, grandmothers, and very special women.  You make the world a much better place for being a part of it!!!

Gathering the gear....

Those who know me won't be surprised that I have an open suitcase sitting here.  As I unpack from the latest trip and rummage in closets, I pull out things I know I'll need for Ireland. 

 Found the correct plug adapter but now  I need a triple plug to give me more places to charge.  Plugs are always an issue in rooms and with two of us and our many electronics, I need to be prepared.

My  shopping list is growing, inflatable hangar, 2 gal zip lock bags, and a new easel.  I packed my backpack, minus the stool, tripod, and paper and found it was REALLY heavy.  And I still needed another bag for the other things.  Way too much to lug around the Burren!!  So out goes the pochade box and tripod. Because I am using watercolor and hard pastels, I don't really need it, though it works nicely most of the time.   A light easel will work  instead and the stool becomes a table with the addition of gator board top. (I pack my paper between two gator boards and use a tracing paper tablet to store pastel paintings for travel home)      I will still need to lug a chair out there that the art center will loan out.  A bit of a pack horse feeling sets in the second week!!

Most of the art supplies will travel in my suitcase so the easel needs to fit inside.  I doubt if there is an elevator so don't want to lug anything larger than the 25" suitcase up stairs!!  At least they are probably not spiral this time.  A few pencils, pens, and a small sketchbook with 140# paper will go in my carry on bag just in case .....

Clothes will be whatever can fit in and around the art supplies...mostly black as it doesn't show dirt or wc paint and goes with everything..right!!   

George thinks I am nuts to work so far ahead but this planning usually pays off and makes for an easy life away when I have what is needed 90% of the time.