I was very excited to go back to Artfest this year. I looked forward to classes with Misty Mawn, Linda and Opie Obrien and Nina Bagley. I love learning about new tricks, techniques and materials. I probably should actually spend less time learning and more time just doing... that's for another post!
The first workshop was with Misty, she taught us lots of different painting techniques for backgrounds. Misty's style is quick and she kept us moving which I really liked. She's inspiring, kind and gracious.
In this class I met a Janne (above) who came all the way from Norway to attend Artfest! She does beautiful artwork and is also a costume designer for theater. After Artfest she came down to the Portland area and we spent a few days finding cute shops and visiting. I love making fast friends!
My next workshop was with Linda and Opie. I'm just realizing that I didn't take pictures of my own creations... will try to do that tomorrow. But, this is one of the other gals. Isn't it just too clever! In this class we learned how to make and set a copper bezel, patina copper and set items in concrete. The two of them have a sea of knowledge to share. I love the way they teach and how helpful they are.
My last workshop was with Nina Bagley. We transformed a cigar box into a keepsake box of sorts. It was amazing at how much different everyone's looked. I didn't come this workshop very prepared, I had to work very hard at getting any sort of focal point or depth. (I guess I should have looked at the supply list more than an hour before I was set to leave!) So typical of me!
I loved this one. Sorry I didn't catch her name to give her credit :(
Two of my roomies-Sarah and Adeola.
My friend and talented artist Sonya Paz who come up from San Francisco.
Another new friend with her cute journal she made in Pam Garrison's workshop.
My prized trade is this caricature that Cathy did. I swear I don't smile like that tho!
I left inspired, exhausted and thoughtful. Wondering where else God wants to take me and my art. I will keep my eyes and ears open to opportunites that are put in my path.
MT:
happy to say that I ran my last long run (20miles) yesterday. 3 weeks till the marathon. tapering begins. not sure if i'll meet my goal of 3:45 but i will give it my best.
I love this post! We had so much fun, great shots and wonderful memories!
Posted by: Sonya Paz | April 13, 2009 at 10:20 PM
WOW sounds like a fabulous time! Those creations are fabulous.
Posted by: melanie | April 14, 2009 at 06:05 AM
I love that caricature Cathy did of you! She even got your rockin' trademark pigtails. :-)
Posted by: Steve DeHaart | April 14, 2009 at 06:33 AM
I'm soooooo jealous! sitting here drooling all over myself admiring all the cool art...talk about sensory overload!
MT: I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you...keep training smart, and you'll conquer it no problem!
xo
Posted by: BabyLuxDesign | April 14, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Sounds like a great time! Thanks for the report!
Posted by: Snap | April 14, 2009 at 10:56 AM
I too love to learn and probably do more learning than doing! ;) I think half the fun though is meeting all the wonderful people along the journey. Glad you had a good time... love the cigar boxes!
Posted by: Michele Patrick | April 14, 2009 at 02:58 PM
looks like a great time!!!
Posted by: meleea | April 14, 2009 at 10:51 PM
cool cool cool... can't wait to see more of your artfest creaetions - so different than last year!
...any late night journaling parties or ice cream stops?
Posted by: april mccrumb | April 15, 2009 at 06:12 AM
Neat stuff! Looks like you had such a wonderful time and learned a lot!
You look really great! Must be all of the running!:) Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Myers | April 15, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Let me know when you have tapered to 6 miles and I will run with you. I have been doing 4 (hips are starting to hurt a little).
Posted by: Amy Hurt | April 15, 2009 at 07:17 PM
Hey, you really got it on camera how much fun it was. We look like we were having a blast. And we were!
Thanks so much for a great time together, both at Artfest, and at your home and your studio. I guess I´ll just have to come back to get my stamp :-)
Posted by: Janne Robberstad | April 17, 2009 at 01:24 AM
this looks awesome michelle!
i registered for silver bella! i still can't believe it. it's in NE. so that close to me. it should be something different from anything i have ever done. creative for an entire weekend!
oh my.
going to go check your art blox on etsy!
Posted by: meg duerksen | April 17, 2009 at 02:59 PM
wow, sounds and looks like a lot of fun!
Posted by: emma | April 19, 2009 at 08:14 AM