Take an Art Retreat

Last fall I was invited to attend an art retreat. Living on Vancouver Island, surrounded by beauty, we often forget about the wonder that is in our own back yard. I jumped on the idea!

Being the organizing junky that I am, before going on the retreat, I made a list of intentions.
1) Have FUN
2) meet new artists
3) don't expect end results
4) Have FUN ...

I painted and sketched and wandered around nature. As a self-directed retreat, all we had to do was  show up for meals. Sitting in the sunny meadows being one with nature, and taking a trip to the mountain tops was absolutely glorious.

I became very aware of shapes and negative space. Something clicked in my brain, as I sketched like crazy, keeping the designs simple and loose.

In the evenings, I put some of my design ideas to canvas, keeping in mind simple design and negative spaces.

 

By Sunday morning, I had met all my objections and ready to return home.

Spending time with like-minded folks was inspiring. Some of the best conversations I had with the other artists was often over morning coffee.

I want to remind myself to take min-retreats, whether it's just a nice walk by the beach, or an afternoon in the garden. It's good for the creative soul.

Have you been on a retreat lately?


Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Artist Workshop

This past weekend Island Arts Magazine hosted another artists' workshop - Fundamentals of Plein Air Painting with instructor  Brian Buckrell.

 

Watching the instructor do a demo is always a great learning experience, as we can see how he (Brian) starts and works a painting. The group gathered around and watched as the piece magically came to life, asking questions about the process. 

The weather didn't cooperate for painting outdoors, but the group was eager to participate in the workshop indoors, working from images while wearing their "En Plein Air" hat.

Some of the points that Brian stressed over the course of the weekend were:
- pick a battle you can win
- start with a plan
- make lots of small starts

I think that this painting was a 'good start' for me.

Taking a workshop is a wonderful way to spend time with like-minded people often swapping stories, struggles, laughs and tips over coffee and lunch.

This is the third workshop of Brian's that I have attended, two of which we hosted. I always learn a thing or two and come back to my studio with more resolve. As one of our participants put it ...

"Your approach (Brian) is gentle, supportive, sharing and giving. You were accessible in your delivery and demeanour, non-judgmental in your silences. You make the time to spend with the class as well as individual time. That makes the spirit soar."

Thanks Brian.

For more information on upcoming workshops please check our website.

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Why I Love Workshops

I never tire of organizing and attending workshops. This past weekend was no exception.

Almost two years in the planning, it was our pleasure to host David Langevin for a painting workshop; his first on Vancouver Island.

Three days may sound like a long enough time, but the days just flew by. Friday we worked mostly on theory; properties of paint, etc. It's a good idea to have a clear understanding of your materials. Notes were made, great questions were asked and answered and many laughs made for a fun and informative day. We had time in the afternoon to practice glazes and veils.

Day two we worked on a painting using glazes and veils, as the old master Caravaggio painted. David says "Now take the glaze and brush it across the entire surface. Understand? Now you try."

Day 3 we tackled a grisaille painting; a method using different shades of grey. Once you have a strong value painting, you then add the colour.

We all enjoyed David's 'magic' as he went through his process of working on a painting. It  brought on great discussions, conversations and lots of laughter.

Starting with a detailed drawing on the canvas, he puts a warm glaze over the entire surface.

More glazes, more colour, more discussion - the painting quickly came to life.

Looking good now! Asked if it is finished, David says "Nope, not yet."

David is a master of the old masters. As David says "Only David Langevin and Caravaggio paint this way".

I love to organize workshops and bring in wonderful artists to learn from. We keep the class size limited to 12, which makes for an intimate and comfortable group. It's fun to spend the weekend with like-minded artists, a chance to meet new people and to sharpen one's painting skills.

Plus, if the mood moves me, I often make fresh cookies for our morning break.

Check out our website for upcoming workshops. See you at the next one.

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

What is Your Destiny

An impromptu hot dog and beer bar-b-q last evening with our friends, brought about an after dinner discussion; 'What is Destiny?"

As a creative being, which I believe we all are in one way or another .... what is YOUR destiny? Have you always wanted to write a book, learn how to sing, play an instrument, paint, be a master gardener ..... these are all rooted deep in your soul and need to come out in order to complete your destiny.

Our friend Lyn has been writing poetry for years and shoving them away in a box in her bedroom. Finally at the age of 81, with the kind help and patience of Jeff, she was able to publish "Soul Songs" a book of poetry. It was wonderful and very emotional to listen to a poetry reading she did in front of her friends at their Christmas party last year.

Several years ago I had a deep yearning to move to Vancouver Island to immerse myself into the arts. It was a tough decision as I would be leaving my family and friends and everything familiar to me. But  I kept thinking "If not now - when?" When those thoughts come to mind, embrace them, as that is your soul telling you that this is the right path to take.

As long as the decisions come from your heart .... it will lead you to your destiny.

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Just call me the Juggler!

Instead of 'graphic designer' I should be called 'the juggler'. Today alone I am designing an ad for Sask. Tourism, trying to help in securing a billboard location for a design on Hwy. # 1 and redesigning a menu for a friend of mine. This morning I gave the final approval for the Travel Guide. (not to mention I am suppose to get my tax stuff together for a scheduled meeting tomorrow.)

One step at a time and everything gets done. Just like the tortoise.

Now what to do about the taxes? Oh Jeff!!!

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Artist Anonymous - 7 Symptoms

You know who I'm talking about!

1. You can't go a day or two without painting otherwise you start to twitch.
   
2. When you get down to your last canvas you have a panic attack.
   
3. You'll drive down to Victoria and back to save a couple of dollars at Opus.
   
4. You'll take your kids piggy-bank money and buy more paints.
   
5. You sign up for workshop after workshop...but it's never enough.
6. You make your spouse move his 'stuff' out of the garage so you can turn it into a studio.
7. You get excited when you see the Island Arts Magazine!
   

Sound familiar? If you have any of the above symptoms, then you are truly an art-addict!

There is no cure. So best to just dig in and enjoy the ride!

Till Next Time...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

We do Whatever it Takes

Because of the Island Arts Magazine I get out and about quite a bit. I talk to many artists, I go to a many art shows and art venues and visit artists studios. What I am finding is that most artists have a strong spirit and will do what it takes to make a living doing what they love.

Some are opening art galleries while others have opened coffee shops with art for sale. Some are making DVDs and marketing their work that way and giving up the conventional gallery exhibitions. Others are organizing workshops - while some are getting out of organizing workshops and spending more time painting and marketing their own art.

Whatever it takes. Try different tactics and see what works. Somethings may only work for a short time. That's O.K. You have to know when it is time to move on and try another avenue.

Some artists are marketing their works out of province and others even go out of country with great success.

I find it very interesting and I love hearing about the new directions. One things remains true - that is the love of art and the creative process.

We do whatever it takes in order to keep our passion alive!

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan

Be Careful what you Wish For

Driving around last week, while on deliveries, I had a lot of time to do some thinking. Ever since my early teens I had dreamt of being an artist and living on a tropical island. My parents bought me my first oil colour paints. I still remember them saying, "Make sure this is what you want, as they are VERY expensive."

Moving off to Edmonton in the late 70's after graduation, I started my art career by taking night classes at the University of Edmonton. I dreamt of being an artist.

Moving back to Sask. in the 80's I became a free-lance artist. I approached different businesses and asked if they would like me to paint murals on their outside walls. One of my clients was a funky denim store. Payment was by means of some cash, some cloths. I dreamt of some day being an artist.

Off to Toronto in the late 80's I started a graphic design company. I worked with artists and art galleries helping them with their marketing.

Back to Sask. in the year 2000 I bought a house and started a magazine. I turned part of the house into a studio where I could have art shows and openings. The shows were a big success with paintings flying off the walls.

All the while I dreamt of living on an island and being an artist.

Now here I am, living on Vancouver Island, painting, and running an art magazine. Guess what? My dream has come true. I am living on an island and living the life of an artist.

Be careful what you wish for!

Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan