LITTLE OLD LADY IN PASADENA PART 2

I just returned last evening from an art experience that has me bursting at the seams.  I shared a bit in my last post.  The next day I took three classes that went from 9 to 8.  Hated the first class of the morning.  I go into every situation looking for what I can glean;  This time it was, "What Not To Do EVER Again".  The class description was deceiving; the instructor was late, unprepared, boring and a tad self-absorbed.  My creations promptly decorated the trash.  

Thank goodness, the next class more than made up for it.  Unlike the previous two classes, Ken Muenzenmayer had us all work on the same project.  We all had a great time learning and creating.  Being able to tell what it is I'm supposed to be painting is still definately my comfort zone.  Keep in mind that the paintings are only half done, but I am very pleased with what I started and can't wait to complete this sky painting. 

That evening I took a drawing class.  Then Saturday morning I took another class from Ken.  This time the subject was a waterscape.  I just loved the way each piece took on it's own personality.  Again, many of us left with enough info and technique to complete later. 

Don't you just love these?  Not even going to point out mine, but when it's finished I'll post. 

So, this was supposed to be my last workshop of the weekend.  Tim drove to Pasadena on Saturday to meet me and we planned to see a little of Pasadena together.  When I showed Tim all I had worked on (minus the "trash art"), so I asked if he'd like to take a Curious Cows workshop with Ken the next day.  Okay, Tim has never painted in his life, but being a good sport he said "Sure".  I just have to show you Tim's painting!  He was so stinkin proud of himself and we were so excited for him. 



Tim's Curious Cows with Ken Muenzenmayer

Seriously, people, Tim is not a painter, ever!  In fact, he's color blind.  He couldn't tell the purple from the blue.  So, as you can imagine, Ken's method of teaching produces miracles, don't you think?  Go check out Ken's website and workshop schedule.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I took a ton of work with me, even lugged a sewing machine, but got nada done.  The weather was ideal so I walked to and fro instead of cabbing it.  Needless to say, busy week ahead.  That's a good thing, since it is one year ago that our son Jonathan passed away.  Staying very busy.

LITTLE OLD LADY IN PASADENA

Painting with Bob Burridge

Yesterday I painted from 9 to 4 straight through.  No food; no potty breaks and I didn't even notice.  There was no stopping me from taking full advantage of the time I had.  You know from my last post that I am wanting to loosen up and have more fun with painting.  Bob Burridge is just the painter and instructor to help with that.    
The first thing to go is small brushes.  So I spent all day with only two large brushes,  (even though I did briefly use a smaller brush that the gal next to me smuggled in. Shhh.  Baby steps, okay?)   We started out doing one painting per minute based on one word (and big brushes), then rapidly moved  along until we finally had three beginning pieces.   Here's mine:

I kept thinking I have never had this much fun not knowing what the heck I was doing.  Today I have three different workshops until 8 pm so I've already had a talk with myself to please remember to eat and do other necessary things.  Wish me luck!

CRAZY FOR COLLAGE

Oh, how I LOVE contemporary art, collages and abstract paintings, yet am intimidated to try it myself.  Abstract intimidates me.  My brain rejects turning my art upside down to discover it looks better that way.  But on the other hand, I am absolutely drawn in to the look of fresh abandon and wonder what it might be like to paint outside the lines.  Well, the time has come to give it a try and by golly, I think I've come up with a plan to push me along. 

First and foremost:  Make quick decisions.  Don't hold high mass, over-analyze or second guess choices.  Allow no more than 10 minutes to choose the following: 1. Color scheme  2. Composition  3. Materials  4. Size



I timed myself.  I knew I wanted to incorporate a couple fabrics from my Botanika collection and the fabric I hand painted recently.  I looked up and saw this piece I made awhile back for Quilting Arts.  So, my main colors are going to be aqua and orange; got my materials and am thinking small.  Here's my inspiration:

To spark my inspiration I'm heading to Pasadena for a few days of fabulous art classes at the Learning and Art Expo.   

On another note, I confess I don't decorate for Halloween. There. The truth is out. No excuses.  However, the spiders are making up for my slacker ways.  The tiniest of spiders make the most decorations, don't they?

 My grandson used to call these "Spider rugs", so we still do.  Spider rugs remind me of Fall, but that is the only indication that Fall is in my new yard.  Maybe this has something to do with it. 

.

Looks like Pink is my new November color.  I like it!

WINK WINK WINNER AND GOOSEBUMPS

First of all, thanks so much for the kind wishes for a speedy recovery.  Tim stocked me up with loads of mashed potatoes, my absolute favorite food.  He even found some Mash n Cheese mashed potatoes that were to die for...I almost overdosed.   But I wasn't healing and finally called the dentist.  He had me come in immediately and did awful things, folks.  Just awful, I say.   But I have to admit that today is much better, so I'm finally on the mend I hope.  However, I just lost a week that I need to get back right away.  Any ideas?

For me, getting a creative bug is a restless, unsettled feeling; like an itch I can't reach. It's an affliction I've had as long as I can remember. I pace. I stare. I dream.  When I finally know what I want to do, it turns into an obsession.  I'm getting the bug about giving this new place of ours some personality.  A couple weekends ago Tim and I were running errands and stopped at a furniture consignment store.  Walking down the isles I spot this old french chair.  It has stains on the fabric, but I want to redo it anyway.  So for less than $150, I consider it a steal.  Goosebumps.

As we were rounding the last isle, the entire wall was filled with SOLD items, all packed and stacked as tight as possible.  I spotted THE SOFA (sounds of a harp) stacked up on a pile.  My very tiny glimmer of hope was that I didn't see the usual SOLD sign that was attached to everything else.  The first person I talked to said it was sold.  Final.  Then I wanted to know how much it sold for.  I talked to a second person and followed her to the counter.  I somehow sensed a tiny hole in this SOLD, FINAL story when the manager got involved.  When I was younger I believed no meant no.  I have since learned that there are several layers between "No"  and  "Where would you like us to place this Mrs. Prass?".   This was one of those miraculous occasions.  Mr. Manager says to give him a few minutes and next thing I know I'm the proud owner of this french sofa.  My gut feeling is maybe this beauty was going to his house.  Just a guess.  $399 and a few hours later I was answering to,  "Where would you like us to place this Mrs. Prass?"  The fabric is in good condition and it was just meant to be in my livingroom, don't you agree? 

So while I'm doing a Show + Tell, I also snagged this chest for the entry hall just days before moving out here.  It was a steal and in perfect condition.  Eventually the mirror and lamps will get a makeover or a relocation, but this is a good start.  I so appreciate the storage.  Certainly won't be storing the mittens and scarves here (it will be 98 degrees today, but no humidity).  And the umbrella is just gathering dust for now. 

Now I can't wait to add my own touches, like punchy new pillows all over that schweet sofa.  Goosebumps.

Of course I made you read all this before I announce the Wink Wink Winner. 

Random Generator picked~

Suzy-Homemaker said:

I love this new line!! While it's a tough choice, I think the blue or green are calling my name right now.  I hope you're enjoying San Diego, keep up the beautiful work.

So Suzy-Homemaker, just send me an email with your final color choice and where to send Wink Wink. xoxo

CONCEPTION TO REALITY

Fall Quilt Market is right around the corner and, believe it or not, I just finally received the remainder of my Botanika Collection. Sigh. Due to a snafu, several of my fabrics sat in Indiana until this last Friday. It's hard to believe that I submitted my artwork for Botanika way back in August of 2010, and after a long separation, am now finally enjoying the full collection together in one place...my studio. As I stare at Garden Border and Wink Wink I am reminded of when the idea for these designs came about. I spent a couple weeks in San Diego (before we knew we'd end up living here). I started painting Garden Border and Mille Fleur from actual flowers from Balboa Gardens and worked on Wink Wink in the hotel room. A way too long process has finally come full circle. So, while my friends are preparing their newest fabrics for market, I am a full step behind. 



BEGINNING OF WINK WINK

WINK WINK PROGRESS

WINK WINK COMPLETE

So how about you celebrate with me?  Leave a comment about which colorway you like the best and you will be entered to win a yard of your choice.  I'll announce the winner next Monday. 

Now I'm on my way now to get three wisdom teeth pulled.  I tried to convince the dentist that I needed every tooth I have left, but he disagrees.   Wish me a very speedy recovery.  xo