I just returned from an art retreat in the Santa Cruz hills outside of Los Gatos, CA. I wasn't sure what to expect, since I never have done this before, but I knew I was ready for the experience. I went with an open mind, and just a little bit of bravery, since I am usually hugely reticent to room with a stranger. It was rather like camp in that way. I was assigned to a cottage where 6 ladies stayed two to a room. One of the ladies in our cottage is an artist I had "met" online last fall through a Facebook group connected to an online art class we both took. It was great to connect with her.
In all, there were about 100 folks at the 4 day retreat, all women except one lone man, one of the instructors. We were wined and dined and celebrated. All our earthly needs were cared for while we spent 3 solid days painting all day. My instructor was the beautiful and inspiring Katie Kendrick, also a Washingtonian. Our days were a symbiotic balance of her demonstrations and our freedom to create. There were 18 in my class full of eager and talented women. I felt privileged to be a part of it and came away with sweet friends and more drive to create.
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| My classroom.. full of light, life and lovely people |
On the second evening there was an art sale amongst the attendees and I sold 6 of my prints. Pleasantly surprised!
Some of the art work I did at AAJ:
This one was inspired by a painting by Judy Wise, a painter from Oregon.
The next two were inspired by Maria Pace Wynters artwork . (Since these 3 paintings are too close to the original artists paintings, they will not be for sale! I learn a lot by studying the art of others that I admire.)
I am thinking I may still rework some of these. I am not loving realistic eyes with such painterly faces.
My teacher, Katie Kendrick, preparing for a lesson... her gorgeous work in the background.
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| A demonstration of paper printing by Katie. |
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| Sunny, sunny bloomin California! |
Prayer Flags hangin in the sun.
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| Jesse Reno, amazing artist and AAJ instructor, with my painting class seat mate and new friend Jana. (Jesse is the guy) |
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| Chapel on The Presentation Center property where our retreat was |
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| The Presentation Center property...SUN!!!! |
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| Wine country.... Oh, so beautiful |
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| Sugar pine cones... found by the roadside in CA |
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The Pacific Ocean.... my sister and
I went home via the ocean up through Crescent City. |
There's nothing like a retreat to revive the spirit and inspire you to greater heights. I am thinking of treating myself to one a year.
Looks like a fabulous time...fun, refreshing, inspiring...and sunny!!
ReplyDeleteThe middle one inspired by Wynter....I like the color blocks/girl, especially......Also, I don't mind the combination of realistic eyes with painterly faces effect. Keep up the good work ~ What a fine time you had, no doubt!
ReplyDeleteAll of the pictures look like it was an amazing trip. And I love your art. I like the eyes too, they look so soulful! But if they are calling you to re-work them then go for it!
ReplyDeleteOh the memories! I haven't been to a retreat in many years but I remember the wonderful feeling of being there! I loved looking at your photos and especially seeing the artwork you did! I am just starting to play and practice with a more "painterly" look myself. It's kind of hard to get used to and to enjoy the free loose end result. I am so picky and perfectionistic that it's really stretching me beyond my boundaries to just enjoy the brushstrokes and not worry if the edges are all blended out or not. I spent a lot of time here this morning just enjoying the color and brushstrokes of your work!!!
ReplyDeleteHuGGs!
Debi