Still on the Planet

Buzzzzzzzzzzz, buzzzzzzzzzz, feel like such a busy lil' bee these days. Most of you know I'm reading for a three month Winter Sabbatical down Mexico way. And ever since I returned from the Lake Alpine Women's Retreat, getting prepared for this trip has been my focus. Don't get me wrong ... the thing that has kept me sane in all this transition - - is my journaling. Creating gets me back to who and what I REALLY am, removes me from all the chatter in my mind and the worrying that it can muster.

So I'll share a few of the entries I've been relishing during these busy times.

First page is an upgrade of one of the exercises from my Women's Journaling Retreat, illustrating that very emotional writing exercise. I'd "seen" the pirate, his ship and the doorway of light just after I'd gotten home and was re-reading my story. I'm really happy with how the darkness I wrote about evolves into the light. Love to hear what your interpretation of the story is before you read the text ...

Next image was from the Eden Vale Workshop ... I'd mentioned the second day which was so grey and monochromatic ... well, this was late in the early evening when the clouds had dissipated leaving brilliant sunshine and rich long, shadows. It was one of those moments that you just know all is well and life is good!

My next journal entry was from a sweet day hiking along one of our favorite trails of the Rogue River. Its an easy meander with lots of drop offs into the shallow river for Cody to go "dunk" in. This time of year offers glorious colors, the bushes go red, the trees drop golden carpets and, one thing we'd never experienced, was the wide spectrum of aromas coupled with all the mushrooms sprinkled everywhere. My sketch is from this wide turn in the river with the cleanest sand beach ... As we hiked further, more near the Takelma Gorge, we ran into a woman with her hands buried under cascading mushrooms that we later learned were "Coral". Roland found even more of the remains from this giant mushroom and we took it home. He ate it (after a well versed mushroom expert identified it, saying, "Its a little old but still edible and delicious!") - and - is still alive :) The smells too, were so diverse, one corner was warm, moist and musty then at the next corner was the sell of dry evergreen needles or a whiff of saffron or turmeric. My lil nose was just sooooooooooooooo entertained. A delightful way to bid adieu to the summer season.

The playful bouquet of flowers just had to be painted ... they were from a friend whom I met in one of my journaling classes. She'd lived and worked in Mexico ... so when I began talking to her about our upcoming trip to Lake Chapala, we became fast friends. Besides the fact that she is one of the most joyous, charming, and fascinating women I've ever met ... (yes, that YOU Cheryl!!!) She and a friend came over to well wish us before we take off for Mexico. This lil cluster of yellow, red, purple and green were "for the Chef" (who is my hubby). Twas a pleasant treat talking about the joys and differences of Mexico and what Roland and I had to look forward to.

As you can see ... I've yet to catch up with all the text ... but I'd missed talking with you all and just HAD to share these lil treats now resting inside my heart and journal. Well, actually I kind of feel they are one in the same. :)

Autumn Plein Air Painting Workshop

It's an new kind of Workshop that Silvia Trujillo and I have concocted, with an "Overview/Preview" talk two days before the class and then, the two day on site lesson. She instructs the oil and acrylic and I do the watercolor. Our end of summer version was a success at Lithia Springs Resort, so we jumped at the idea to do a late evening paint out as Autumn approaches.

We choose Eden Vale Winery(http://www.edenvalleyorchards.com/) not only because its got numerous delectable painting possibilities, but also because the management has been nothing but generous and helpful!

The first afternoon I arrive, the day is warm, sunny with clear vistas out back the tasting room. Everyone chooses their favorite vantage spot and begins sketching. I've selected a view including the Potting Shed and the vineyards with rolling hills in the background. I begin first with a pencil sketch and then sketch a smaller replica for doing my value study.

Here's a participant, busy at work with a strongly successful start accomplished by the evening. We did brief reviews as all work progressed and, after painting for nearly 5 hours, wearily but, satisfied, we packed up and headed home. A good day

with the paintbrush!

The second of the two day workshop dawned with grey, cloudy skies, but at least temperatures were in the 60s, so comfortable. We'd inquired with the management the day before, asking if we could come an hour later, from 2pm-6pm, hoping to catch some of the sunset. They'd agreed so we all arrived a little later that next day.

We all seemed attracted to and challenged by how to approach those dark clouds in the landscape. So we all worked in close proximity looking out over the vines. Once I got my sketch down, I did a brief demo of how I'd work the sky and blend it into the landscape.

I wet my paper from the sky area down to the tops of the grapevines. Then, combining Thalo Blue, a bit of Indigo and alternating dropping in some Brown Madder and Yellow Ochre, I used horizontal bands across the sky. The mixing a purple (Alizarine + Thalo Blue with some Yellow Ochre) and then some muted greens, I began to drop in the most distant mountains. The middle mountains and farthest trees on the right were what came last as the paper began to dry.

We all continued painting as the skies began to clear. It was a challenge bouncing back and forth from the grey muted colors and shadows that we originally started with and the present brilliant sun and sharp shadows that now were in front of us.

But it was a glorious way to close the day, packing up and closing up some meditative hours spent in nature. Ahh, the joys of Plein Air Painting!!

Settled Back In . . .

Yes, I have now, finally gotten settled back in and relishing my charmed life at home. I'm updating my journal . . . attempting to catch up all the incomplete pages from my "Women's Journaling Retreat" at Lake Alpine Resort (http://lakealpinewomensjournalingretreat2010.blogspot.com/) in California. Here's one I just HAD to re-do.

This was from a Mandala exercise and the image I received was of a hawk. He was very up close and direct, not necessarily confronting, but honest. Boy, have to tell you, on the spot, my mind could NOT conjure up the face of a hawk.

So, I did my best. I wrestled because I wanted a closer viewpoint, but ended up with this sad rendition of what looks like to me, a parrot with a "bad bead" day. I was further bother by my use of wax crayons, making the image speckled because of the cold press watercolor paper. ARGH! I just kept apologizing to the "Hawk Spirits" and as soon as I got home ... one of the first things I did was correct the vision of what I'd REALLY seen.

I did keep available for viewing the under drawing ... just to remind myself that I've not mastered the memory of a hawk and need pay more attention to creatures of nature. I hinged the left corner and then, using a thin ribbon, made 3 slits. One slit was in the edge of my new piece and the other two are in the journal page itself. Tying a knot under the new piece, then threading the ribbon thru the bottom up, affixed the ribbon to the movable piece. And then I could weave the ribbon down into the first slit of the journal page, coming back up thru the second, forming kind of a "tension" fastener.

The sweet lil Aspen leaf was from the hike my co-instructor, Jean Warren (http://www.jeanwarren.com/), and I took. It was our first full day at Lake Alpine and we'd wanted to drink in the lusciousness of the area. I knew of a mild hike (4 miles) that took us to Duck Lake. There were the gorgeous beauties of Aspen trees that had inspired this image many years ago. All of them had gained much circumference, just gaining power and beauty in my opinion. As we were leaving the meadow, I found this sole yellow Aspen leaf and, of course, had to revere it in my journal. I used "Mod-Podge" to seal it into the journal and preserve the leaf.

It's a perfect way to punctuate the ending of one of my journals . . . on to many more . . .

Return Home from Women's Journaling Retreat

How can I describe how it feels when your dream out pours right in front of your eyes? What words can I select to paint how watching the spirit of the Universe work, as it exceeds my wildest visions? That's what I'm going to try to do here for you.

I've gotten nestled back into my sweet home and reunited with my precious "boys" (you know, the furry and the un-furry one). Most of the bags are unpacked and most of the laundry done. But I can't help it . . . I keep traveling back to this scene mostly . . . the huge quiet only broken by chipmunks chattering, the heart swelling beauty of nature, and the gentle women spirits surrounding me, here on the rocks for our morning yoga.

Don't get me wrong, I dance around these visuals too. This scene, where we'd already created our group "Talking Stick" (see it in the window there) and were chattering over our catered "Welcome Dinner", makes me smile. Or the warm sun, autumn breeze and friendly mallard ducks at this beach site where Jean demo-ed, takes me right to my heart. Then too, there is gazing from our cabin porch to see the full moon hanging over the lake, that fills me with wonder.

So, there. It's just a nibbling of what happened, what we did and what we saw during this time . . . now feeling so sacred to me.

Am I a dreamer, or isn't it true that we ALL are dreamers, capable of stretching our envelopes and watching our boldest imaginings become reality? What are your dreams . . . believe me . . . they CAN become a reality!!!

Just ask me.

Packing Prep

The evening before I leave for my "Women's Journaling Retreat" in the lovely Sierras. I'm dreaming of the wide spances of granite and glorious blue sky. I'm imagining five creative women loving the mountain air and each others company. The new ideas and perspectives shared enlarge and enlighten each of us. Who said there were only two instructors, Jean & I? I believe there are five teachers coming to this retreat!

I've been watching the weather. At first I was getting frightened when I saw the thunderstorms icon on the weather predictions and then, when I called Lake Alpine and the manager said the weather was, "cold, with a chance of snow". But now there are sunshiny icons with highs in the 60's and nights, invigorating at low 40's.

I'm packing from long underwear all the way to swimsuit. I'm prepared. I remember reading in some astrology column that a Virgo will have every thing in their purse that you could ever need, even Alka-Seltzer and band aids. Well, yep, I DO have those in my tiny purse . . . so you can guess I'm not missing anything in this packing assignment!

Then, there's the food. Since each participant is bringing their own breakfasts and lunches I have to plan for that and also, Jean and I are preparing two meals of the retreat too. I'm blessed in that my wonderful husband, the best chef in the house, is helping me prepare the toasted walnuts, quiche and helping (not controlling) my packing.

I've already prepared the Handbooks for all the weeks agenda. Writing out and finding illustrations for most of the exercises and ideas . . . I really DO love writing these up. Some people have suggested I write a book on my journaling . . . perhaps this in somehow preparation for just that.

Anyway, can't see how I could be any more prepared. Now I just finish the last minute things before 7am tomorrow and then, I'm off. The drive from here to Lake Alpine is just about 8 hours, so I'll take a couple breaks and turn up the music as the trip reaches its end. But by then, I will be floating on air . . . just being in the mountains again.

So wish this "mountain momma" a happy reunion with her element, safe travels and a successful, fun workshop. Cheers . . . off into the wild blue wonder . . .

Plein Air "Dip" before Anniversary

Oh my, I realized I have missed talking with all of you for weeks. A busy, exciting time is upon me ... birthdays, anniversaries, and preparing for my "Women's Lake Alpine Journaling Retreat" too.

Early in September my birthday arrives ... and my honey took me over to the coast camping on the Rogue River for a sweet get away ~ lovely mornin' view, eh? Sunshine, dinner out and sea air ... not a bad way to turn sixty. Yep, the big six-O!!! Doesn't feel that way tho :) On our way home, we stopped at the Jedediah Smith State Park where I worked up this lil' journal entry. Can life get any better?

The date 9-11 holds much meaning to the United States and what I chose to commemorate that date was a Plein Air Paintout initiated by the International Plein Air Painters (http://ipap.homestead.com/). Our group's site was at the Upper Duck Pond in Ashland's Lithia Park. I arrived around 9am and gave greetings to our small PAS-SO group, and traveled over to the other side of Lithia Creek. I love the way sun sprinkles across the rocks and the trees frame the entire scene. It took me several tries to get settled where I was comfy, had a good view and wouldn't fall into the creek. What attracted me to this crossing was the visual path of water, almost welcoming me to travel across the creek. I was emersed in painting when suddenly I heard russeling across the creek and in seconds, plotting right across the water opening were a doe and her two fawns. She froze, much like I did, but when I smiled and she sensed my tender feelings at seeing them ... she trotted briskly by with her twins in tow. No wonder I love painting in nature - what gifts we receive and are reminded to appreciate! Here's the start of a painting, where I had to stop cuz I had to find a bathroom :( But, for me it caught the essence of the morn.

I decided to take the most quick way back to the car - across the creek. So, carefully I selected a rock-hopping path, and with backpack on and chair in hand, I ventured across the creek. You'd have been very proud of my prowess and balance - - well - - until I slipped on a big rock and, yep, slurp, right into the water I went. Good thing I'm quick, so I saved most everything of wetness, save my right shoe and my butt. Kind of a funny and refreshing way to end the plein air day!

Next, it was my turn for some surprise planning. As I drive back and forth to Ashland to my Art Center Studio, I pass South Stage Cellars Vineyards. They are currently displaying Cheryl Garcia (http://www.greatmetalwork.com/), our local amazing Metal Scupltress' Giant Poppies. I'd been coveting them but knew their 12 foot presence as well as their price was not fitting to my budget. But I did mention to Cheryl I'd love to gift a singular, demure version of her magnificent florals to Roland for our Anniversary. We chatted via email and finally settled on a 27" singular blossom with a flourish of greenery. Cheryl, in her usual warm way offered to customize the base with our names and even included a very sweet loving statement, hidden under the base.

I picked up the adorable lil' poppy on my way home from Ashland on September 11th, yep, that's 9-11, and hide it in the back of the car. I waited til I was certain Roland was busy inside and I found a sunlit corner of the garage to display her "in wait". It was adorable when he saw her, he was on his way out to the store ... wouldn't even read the card, because he was sure he'd cry. Now our lil' poppy sits joyfully on our front porch - just beaming growth and happiness. Much like what our marriage has brought us.

Now I'm bustling around doing final preparation for the "Women's Journaling Retreat" at Lake Alpine. So I'd, literally, best get packin'.

Keep creating and feeling gratitude in our fascinating lives!

Our Wee Organic Harvest

A planned meeting for our Organic Community Garden provided us to reap some of what we've sewn. Don't worry, we didn't come with big boxes to fill up. We have 2 teeny 2 x 8 raised beds and, to be honest, we've not pampered them.

So following our meeting (grief, meetings are all alike, no matter if they are with artists or with gardeners, aren't they?) . . . anyway, we huddled around our lil plots, viewing our harvest. You've heard me comment on this year being a rather "weird" year for growing things. And we received some consolation in that none of the other, more seasoned (sorry for the pun) gardeners have had any better luck.

I do have to say, the whole Community Garden looks lovely. The flowers and greenery are flourishing. Yep, our flowers too (the Coreopsis and Marigolds to ward of insects) are so happy. But then, you turn to our sorry tomato plants, eggplant (hey, we have ONE blossom!) and pathetic basil. Our tomatoes have sunburned sides, diagnosed by our peers, as not having enough foliage to protect them. In fact, most of our garden was meekly leafed. I believe we need more Potassium for foliage . . . but it may be too late this year.

But we cheerfully brought home a dandy colander full of gorgeous color. If nothing else, I'll use this image for a fun still life sometime. Aren't Mother Nature's colors unbelievable? Roland dug out the basil plants and they are drying upside down in the garage for pesto etc. Our yellow tomatoes are sweetly delicious (we wondered if they contain any lycopene - since they are not red?) and we've not yet sampled our jalapenos. You'd laugh at our sole Pablano pepper - it's not even big enough to stuff. We left her on the plant - remaining hopeful :)

So it's been an adventure . . . isn't life just yummy with all these things to sample?

A Journal Vantagepoint followed by PleinAir Workshop

Now I hope you won't be bored, so I'll make this entry brief. I've finally caught up my journal and it, of course, had to contain images from that story of one of my sweetest days of recent. You know the one, August 15th (see previous post) with the title, "Breakfast with Fairies, then Tomato Harvest"? Well, here's my journal version of that . . . and

. . . the recent Plein Air Painting Workshop I did in concert with Silvia Trujillo is on the opposite page. This is one of my participants who has fallen into love with my favorite "Thalo Blue by Schmincke". She pushed to dark value in her piece pretty much just using that pigment ~ its juicy rich!

Then, there was this charming frog too, who entertained us sitting on this stone. He crawled up and basked in the sun, using his big toes to gently clean and polish his face. Just like we'd been invited into his home . . . well, guess that is where we were!

So, for now I'm caught up . . . but we know . . . life and visual journals never end . . .

Nights on the Town

Funny how the definition of this phrase changes when your focuses change. It used to be that a "night on the town" was wild, often blurry and barely remembered whereas now, it's beautifully in focus, sensitively felt and a memory I want to savor.

So my journal now gets to hold such fine reminiscences. One such evening, I'd made mention to my hubby, an intriguing sounding talk at the nearby Rogue Gallery in Medford. It was an African gentleman who's written and illustrated children's books. But what interested me more was that he'd done all his illustrations first in ceramic form, some in clay pots, some on flat tiles. We voted to go and hopped into the car an early evening and arrived in time at the gallery to tour the current show that was up. It was "Dancing with the Muse" and had some very fascinating pieces.

I especially was impressed with what the new director had chosen to do to improve the display and presentation in the gallery. Not only did it look more professional, but it seemed to have grown in spaciousness with the changes. The display of our guest speaker, including his ceramic ware and his wide variety of children's books were a joyful collection. African art is so straight forward and playful, how could it not adapt to children's books perfectly. Bubba Wagua's presentation was more educational than I'd anticipated. He included tales of how and where he was raised, Africa, France and finally the U.S. in addition to history and geography of his village in Africa. Following the tender and funny stories he sweetly read from his books, the slide show he presented taught us that Timbuktu (what we Americans use to infer a "nowhere" land) really was, and still somewhat is, a bustling trade center between Egypt and the Mideast. I don't know if it was his intoxicating African accent or the magic of his stories, but I could have listened to him all night.

Now I'll divulge the wilder evening on the town. All summer we'd talked about adding more live music to our life and finally, come August 5th (hey, the summer isn't quite over) we did. We agreed to meet friends at the Eden Vale Winery (also the grounds of the lovely Voorhies Mansion) for their weekly free Thursday music night. This evening presented the powerful and award winning local blues singer, Karen Lovely. We arrived a tad early, and good thing, as the tables with sun shading canopies were all already taken. We positioned ourselves with a nice view of the stage and nested in to indulge in the Eden Vale food offerings. We shared a chicken salad and a salmon en croit. Both pleasant for a winery menu. Mid-meal Karen took the stage and began warming up the crowd. She's brassy, balls-ey with an incredibly beautiful "Janis Joplin/Bonnie Raitt" voice.

Because this was a family venue, there were numerous groups, some families, other groups celebrating birthdays etc. We were seated near the group celebrating a birthday and of course, the aunts and uncles brought their wee ones. Some were all over the dance floor but, there was one adorable lil' dancer who choose her dance floor right next to us. In her pretty, pink and white polka dot dress she swayed and twirled ~ sending smiles across the audience. I couldn't resist sketching her. I have to admit my friend actually did get me up on the dance floor too. Its been awhile since I bounced and swirled around a dance floor - - but honestly, it really did feel good.

And that's about as wild as it gets . . . sorry to disappoint those of you looking for a racy story. But my life is more filled with simple joys that happen on a daily basis. And I find that very satisfying :)

My Process at Plein Air Workshop, Start to Finish

Just to give you an idea of how I work in a Plein Air situation . . . I've show a sampling of the two pieces from the recent Plein Air Workshop at Lithia Springs Resort in Ashland.

The first image I chose was of this ivory gazebo. I am constantly attracted to high contrast . . . so you can see the dark background furnishing that perfect subject for me. I wanted to portray the gazebo in the focal area so it was going to catch sunshine and I moved a red rosebush (sorry gardeners, it's an artists privilege) over to the right corner of the steps. I'm thinking, "compliments against the green foliage" and use my wax crayons to sketch them into place. You also can see some of the white wax crayon indications on the edges of the aspen trees where they catch high lights and some dark purple wax crayon in the deep shadows at the base of the gazebo. These serve as great reminders of my original value study (which you can see the corner of in the top left)! The Aureolin Yellow includes my foreground area and bright yellow areas that I want to glow through other pigments that I will layer with. I've also added an imagined shadow in the foreground to lead you into the painting and create dark/light/dark progressions from bottom to top.

As I work on the piece, I add variation in shape and add dark value pigment colors in the shadows. I fill in details of the flowers and sharpen the architectural edges in the building. One of the final things I do is bounce around the entire painting adding color accents to help balance all the color over the entire piece. I mean, there really is no reason why there is red sprinkled in that aspen tree in the foreground . . . other than I like it there. Again, isn't it fun having the artists' prerogative?

Don't worry, I did not finish this on site the first day. I got to the initial stage above (working, perhaps 30 minutes after I had the drawing done) and then, took the piece home to spend about 3 - 3 1/2 more hours on it. Finally feeling it was complete.

The following day, my vision was of this more complex pond/bridge scene. I'd planned for sun to play lots of different darks and lights for me - - but, remember, it was a cloudy day. So I set to accent the color rather than the value. You notice in both 'starts', I tend to get basic planes determined with yellow, then blue (of course, saving exaggerated whites) and then, move into exaggerating the darks. I have to say, that is what starts getting me excited (remember, I'm a contrast junkie!). And I usually just start bounding around adding bold colors. But in the case of the a demo, I stop to work with the other participants and really don't get much farther. I just have to get back into that 'zone' of reacting back and forth between the painting and my palette and the magic takes over again.

But you can see, I've not ventured there - yet - with my second day's painting. I believe I will take it in to the Ashland Studio for our upcoming Ashland First Friday Artwalk, September 3rd, and work it there, right before your very eyes. So, come watch if you like. Otherwise, I'll post it here, once she's done.


And now, go out and give the out-of-doors a visit for your plein air experience. Remember, it can be just as much about being in the beauty and marvel of nature as it is about creating a painting. Enjoy the experience . . .

The Plein Air Workshop

At first, I approached this weekend with some trepidation . . . not because of the new students nor the spontaneous on-site painting, but because of the 100 degree plus temperatures that had been predicted for these two days. But the five of us, four watercolor participants and myself, showed up with brushes in hand anyway.

First, we toured the lovely, cool (at that time) grounds projecting where we'd comfortably locate and what we'd like for subject matter. As best we could we considered where and how the sun would move during the day so as not to get placed in direct sun! I'd chosen the shade of the buildings, looking across at the contrast-y white gazebo against the lush shadowed greens (you know I'm a fan of strong contrast!) for my demo. I got the basic yellows and blues, to separate the foreground and background, then started going very dark (can't help myself).

The remainder of the day was traveling around from each working artist to artist. Each of them worked diligently and I'd make suggestions, but mostly compliments. These artists were all invested in their work and some launching into Plein Air for their first time. And they did a darn good job! I was honored, in that one of them was even a watercolor instructor . . . I wondered what could I teach him . . . but I just have learned to trust the Universe with her wisdom in the out comings of all (well, almost all) things.

We all worked til just around 12:30pm, when we'd agreed to stop and meet for lunch and a short sharing. Just at the moment one of the resorts sprinklers turned on and spattered two of my participants. That certainly put an end to their painting sessions and we dabbed them off and got settled into a dry spot for the gentle critique/sharing.

Most everyone realized something positive and individual about their perspective and what they brought to their painting. Some were gutsy with color, some were meek and sensitive with delicate washes and others were bold with new pigments. All brave souls who ventured into new experiences and still had some time to put in to complete their pieces . . . but successful in their efforts! And you know, we didn't even notice the day starting to heat up til around 1:30. We'd beat the heat, at least for Saturday!

Next morning, Sunday, Mother Nature had blessed us with cloud cover, keeping the morn near chilly. I was grateful and optimistic for the day ahead. With a smaller group than the previous day, the group was more intimate and located within each others site. This time, I wanted to let the artists get settled into their chosen positions and start their sketches. This way I could assist with suggestions and/or ideas early on. Once they a "beginning" down, I called them over for my brief demo. I'd chosen the canna flowers in front of the white bridge crossing the pond.

This more quiet day, blanketed by cooling clouds seemed to magnify the nature around us. Or was it we were more attuned to it the second day. Around the pond we watched the miracle of these water lilies, puckered tightly in a bud when we first got settled, opening moment by moment wide into these magnificent blossoms!!

Later in the day, as some blue sky began to poke out thru the clouds, we noticed this giant frog! First he was hiding in the reeds, but later, provided us picturesque shots. Like this one next to the lily pads and the real tender sight of him later, opening up his padded little toes to rub his face like he was smoothing his cheek. He was fascinating! Have I told you about my fondness for frogs? Well, perhaps that's another post.

Because we were such a small, intimate group, we decided there was no need for a critique. We'd pretty much spent the day watching one another's progress already. So, casually we munched our lunches and then gathered up our workings.

It was rather sadly sweet to end the weekend, having felt like we'd woven this sweet little painters community in just these few hours.

It set me to pondering what it would be like to live in an artists community like so many artist legendaries have . . . now wouldn't THAT be magical? Think about it . . .