MAKING ART IN LAGUNA

Watercolor leaves

The leaves are falling from the trees. There is a chill in the air mornings and evenings. We've finally had some rain...and some wind. It is definitely feeling more wintry here in Laguna. 
As these weather changes occur I ponder the promised changes to my workshop schedule for the coming year. Some are simmering still like the warm soup on the stove in my kitchen. Others are firmly in place. 
Making Art in Laguna--the idea of it as well as the manifestations--is invigorating.  To see some of what is in store you may click on the link to the right of this post--Mixed Media Workshops. I hope you will be as excited about some of the offerings as I am.

THANKSGIVING

Winter sunset in Laguna

On this Thanksgiving Day 2016, amidst world turmoil, there are still so very many things for which I am thankful.
I daily live in gratitude that I have the freedom to create my art as I wish.
I am thankful for a loving and cherished family.
I rejoice in the many fruitful friendships that have come my way over the years.
I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, with daily sunsets and sunrises that surpass imagination and allow for greater dreaming.
And...I am grateful that these and more just keep on coming and that I am able to live with joy and happiness in my heart.
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all wherever you may be!!

AS THE CROW FLIES!

On the road again

Following our hearts, daughter Jenna and I have hit the road for ten days filled with adventure...no plan and no destination involved.  Thus far--a bit over halfway--we have hit on some great spots, some beautiful scenery, invigorating hikes, and more. This is the stuff of creativity. It keeps the juices flowing and opens eyes, heart and mind to the new and different along the way. Off we go again!

MIXING IT UP FOR SOME CHANGE

Time for some change!  As I ponder the future--at least the coming year of 2017--I think it is time to mix things up a bit for the Mixed Media Playtime. Lots of ideas are playing around in my brain and a few are starting to come to fruition. 

First, I am scheduling workshops in my space that will be taught by other artisans.  This way, we can have a variety of techniques that may not be my forte'. And sometimes it will just be to change things up some. So far what is promised is a junk mail book, some encaustic collage, and enameling on copper.  For each of these, students will go home with at least one project completed or nearly so.

I am also hoping to push myself to more project-oriented classes on occasion. I still like the idea of giving students a lot of mixed media techniques in one session, but realize some folks just don't roll that way.

All of this also means the same low price of $65 may not apply and sometimes there may be a materials list, but I have held the line on that price for a very long time, even while my own costs have gone up.  So, again, time for a change! 

I am always open to ideas and suggestions.  If there is something you are interested in learning, let me see if I can make it happen. 

Now to start scheduling.  I hope to post the schedule next month.

THANKS, AL!

Peaceful morning

I love teaching.  In fact, I have to say it is one of the top five things I love doing in my life. The joy that is seen on the faces of so many students--many of whom thought they were not creative at all--is pretty hard to match. 
Learning is right up near the top of my list also and I find that the two go hand in hand for me. In order to be a better teacher I must constantly also be learning.
So bring it on!--both teaching and learning.

And a special thank you to someone no longer with us who I have also found to ooze wisdom far beyond mathematical equations:

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.  Albert Einstein