Think about the last decision you made.
What's your decision making MO ?
Are you impulsive ? or do you need to have all your facts in front of
you to see how to proceed ?
Most of us are a little of both, most of the time.
An American Artist Master's Workshop in September in Colorado Springs, with plein air Masters Richard Schmid and Kevin Macpherson to name a few, seemed almost 'decided for me'.
I was online when an email popped in my mailbox from American Artist. It stated that the registration was opening at 1:00 for the workshop - I looked at the time - 12:50 - I popped over to the website, which stated SORRY, registration not open yet...well, I checked back 3 or 4 times til 1:00 -I mean, it became like an ebay auction. At 1:01, I had gained access and began to read the jist of what the workshop was. Before I knew, I had submitted my registration and picked out all my sessions.
I sat back to digest what had just happened. Then I went back into the site to see exactly what I had signed up for. I noticed I had left one morning blank - I chose another session and a red flag popped up that the class was now full.
Ever hear the quote ?
“Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Once you really make a decision or pay attention to the synchronicity (there's that word again) you move in the direction of your strongest focus.- you're living in the moment. Make the decision today to do something for you.
I am thrilled to have this opportunity to watch these Modern Masters at work .
About Monhegan Island
The Island has been an artists colony for many years.I have been visiting the island since 1974. I first went there, like you're thinking of doing, for an artworkshop. I guess you could say it's been my longest love affair. You have to visit to understand. Once you do, it's like you've always been there. And when you leave, you feel a piece of you remains there.
Monhegan Island is Maine, but totally different - first, it's an island and island life is slow. Second, the island is very artist friendly. The serenity of the island extends to the encouragement of artists dotting the landscape daily. Everywhere you look, is a painting waiting to happen.
Famous Monhegan Artists
I have been lucky to have met a few of these artists and even become friends.
Lawrence C. Goldsmith was my mentor for over 30 years
I was even honored a few years ago with having the Monhegan Museum ask to acquire one of my paintings.
Who attends one of my workshops ?
There have been an 8 year old and an 80 year old.
People who've never picked up a paintbrush
And people who only paint in the studio
People looking to hone their painting skills
People looking for a different kind of vacation
People looking for a new direction in their life
People looking for a hobby after retirement
People applying it as a stress reliever
People looking to start a business
People trying to make a life decision
People who just like taking workshops
and people who have no idea why they're there...
Nothing defines you other than successful delivery of your own life's purpose
(found on twitter )by Doug Kirchmann
This week we lost two of our American Icons
When we experience an unsettling jolt such as this, it forces us to ask ourselves 'Am I living my life's purpose ?'
None of us has forever here.
We all mourn the extinguishing of the creative flame, and reflect on our own yearnings. If you think there will always be time, or that someday, you'll have time for yourself, sometimes it doesn't work that way. Life gets in the way. Asking for what you need, puts a positive focus on you, it's not at all selfish.
When you're fulfilled, you benefit those around you the most.
Why attend a workshop ?
In a workshop atmosphere, where you are around like minded individuals, it's easier to learn something new. It's a concentrated focus and you are able to retain and put to use the info offered.
When I taught at various art centers and places like the YWCA, classes typically lasted 3 hours and took place over a series of 6 weeks. Many people continued one class after another. The typical scenario is, arrive at class, get your painting out of storage, get your paints and materials set up, grab a cup of coffee and settle in to paint. Now, there's about 2.5 hours left.
The next phase was the 'let's see where was I' ? So colors begin getting mixed and the 'matching' phase starts. Hard to just jump in after a week away from a painting. You would get to paint for about 2 hours - make a little progress if you were lucky and begin to clean up and put away your painting to be revisited next week. Doesn't sound very exciting does it ?
A plein air painting workshop or any kind of workshop, should point you towards a goal.(*see below)
Studying is great but, at some point in the Arts - it's all in your hands.
I was lucky enough to have had the wonderful artist Lawrence C. Goldsmith,AWS, as a friend and mentor for over 30 years. It was an inspiration for me to just be able to paint alongside him. Did I end up painting like him ? - absolutely not. But, then, I gravitated toward him because I was already experimenting with the universal image.
I paint outdoors - I have since the mid seventies. It's where I get my inspiration. I'm never out there wondering what to paint.
Most people who paint, or want to learn to paint, or practice any of the Arts, do so initially to express themselves. To be an eternal student in some art class, will never allow this to happen because, it doesn't come from the Heart. --
My workshop participants are usually looking for a jump start, a direction or just a fun and satisfying experience.
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All workshops are scheduled at
http://artworkshops.homestead.comNEW for Summer 2010
Mini Sessions for Watercolor and Oil Painting
1 800 393-7270 for more info
Paypal available for your convenience.
No PP account required.
Plein Air Painter artworkshops
