Sanctuary

This is Katie.
Unofficial class mascot who attends with her human painter mom. 

I teach art classes in my own studio at Crossroads Art Center, in a classroom at For Art’s Sake Gallery (both in Richmond) and in various other venues that schedule my workshops. No matter where I’m teaching, I’d like to think of that space as a refuge. A place where students can come in to let go of their day and simply exist with the paint. Many of my students joke about it being the cheapest therapy they can buy. One new student today told me she loved being in the class, that it was so peaceful and sweet. Another class of students have painted together for so many years, they can’t imagine not attending their weekly class and genuinely worry about one another if one is absent. 
Don’t misunderstand - sometimes the classes can get a little rowdy. There may be singing and dancing to music, a sharing of jokes, photos, the latest episode of a favorite show and how the day has unfolded. And yes, there is disagreement, questioning, and frustration in class. That comes with the territory, but it needs to be about the art or the process, not a person or event, and I try to flip any negative reactions to a more positive approach. There is also much sharing; of supplies, advice and supportive encouragement. I love it when two students rush to the aid of third who needs a tube of burnt sienna. Or when they critique one another's work with care and respect. Or when one gladly demonstrates how to paint whiskers on a cat. 

Monday night students working

Eventually and overall, there is a quiet settling when everyone is painting and the only energy is good energy, focusing on creativity. 
Sanctuary. 
As it should be. 

Time for Me - Part I

white dog in progress - untitled
acrylic on canvas

A while back I applied for a residency that I so hoped I would get. It offered nearly a month of working time plus access to a technical team and lots of supplies. Since I teach as well as paint, it was ideal. Sponsored by a company whose products I use AND recommend, I had nothing to lose by applying. The application process itself was an eye -opener and I had to scramble to get images sized and labelled, my resume updated, and write about myself. (ugh) I was not accepted, but I wasn't hurt. It was a grand learning experience and based on the artists who were accepted, I had no chance whatsoever. But that's ok. 

After the rejection notice, I decided to make lemonade. With the cost of the residency in mind, I decided that for the rest of this year I would take as many workshops and classes as I could. For a change, I'd be the student. So far, it's been a great decision and has cost me less than the residency. 

For my first bit of me-time, I chose to spend 3 weeks away from home in another property we own, with only my dogs and art supplies in tow. Two of the finished paintings are seen in a previous post. My husband decided to come along for the first week, but I insisted I was not cooking, shopping or care-taking, other than what I'd normally do on my own. My mister was great about it all, so while I didn't paint consistently, I was able to get to the easel most every day. Once he departed I spent a good 6 hours or more painting each day and with no t.v. there, reading at night from 9 p.m. until whenever. I haven't been able to do that in the last 5 years. I'd forgotten how much I love just painting. Turning on the tunes, dancing and moving while working, dealing with composition and technical issues, mixing the colors, having aha moments. This was a little bit of heaven I've been missing for awhile. I liked, very much, what was emerging. 

pups in progress
acrylic on canvas - 30 x 40

Here I am with one of the paintings in progress. Doing my best Vanna impression next to it (except for the studio tee and shorts - she obviously dresses better than I,) you get a sense of the size. 

I'll get back to Time for Me- Part II soon.