Art is You and Me and We

I spent 5 days at the happiest place on earth.  No... not Disneyworld ... Art is You in Stamford, Connecticut!  No long lines, no overpriced food and souvenirs -- just wonderful, artistic souls, creating and playing together.

My first workshop was with Jodi Ohl, someone whose work I have long admired. 

We worked on portrait techniques, and created glorious mermaids and maidens.

I was in class with Kirsten Reed, and when we went to dinner afterwards, our ladies had to have their own seats at the table.

Michelle Ward's class, called "Recess," was a stretch for me.  I was challenged to have stillness and restraint in most of my canvas, so that the recessed areas would draw focus.  I don't think anyone would describe my art as restrained, but I enjoyed making the effort and still feel that the canvasses look like "me."

I was WAY out of my comfort zone in Nellie Wortman's class.  We bent wire and did a lot of hand sewing to create these hanging sculptures that hold a little electric candle luminary.   Nellie was a very generous teacher, offering advice, words of encouragement, tips and techniques, as well as her remarkable story.











My last class was a two day painting workshop with Tracy Verdugo called "Sacred Marks."  This was as much a spiritual experience as a painting experience, and I loved it.   My huge 36 x 36" canvas went through many stages:

I'm still not done with it.... I hope to finish it soon and will share it when I do!

Of course, the best thing about Art is You is reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.  And of course, rocking out to good music while making art makes it even better!

I'm so thrilled that I will be teaching at Art is You in October 2014.   Stay tuned for workshop details and more!

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

I'm linking to Paint Party Friday, where I hope to catch up with more old friends who I haven't visited in a long time...