The beauty of Art & Soul 2017 was that not only did I get to teach, I also got to LEARN! I signed up EARLY to be able to take classes from two teachers that I greatly admire: Jenny Doh and Jesse Reno. Both of these artists teach what I call process painting - the building up of layers and then pulling something out from it. Their styles and techniques are very different, though, and it was very valuable to me to take both classes. But CHALLENGING!!! I find process painting very fun but very difficult in the latter stages. It's hard to see your canvas go through some really ugly stages. My canvases were SO ugly sometimes that all I could do was laugh, and push on. It's also hard to let go of some of the marks that you like, but you know that if you don't do it you won't reach the maturity or the message or the potential that you believe is there. I have a long way to go, but it is good to begin.
My first canvas in Jenny's class went from this...
...to this. Still unfinished, but I like the energy as is.
My second canvas had humble beginnings...
...had some nice additions...
...some major changes...
...and ended here. It was a very emotional roller coaster ride, very expressive of feelings I was working through.
Jenny Doh is a fabulous teacher, very knowledgeable, discerning, and encouraging. I very much appreciated that when we asked for help, she drew from us our own thoughts, feelings, and concerns before making suggestions. I would love to learn more from her!
JesseReno was fantastic, too! He oozes with his own passion for painting and expressionism. His techniques are immediate and raw, and he brings out a sort of mysticism or spirituality replete with symbols that I enjoy. Humor-wise Jesse was on fire that weekend! It was a super fun class.
I feel so lucky - both classes were full of students who were so engaged and positive. What a great atmosphere for learning! Bravo, Art & Soul, for having such wonderful teachers!
Here's Jesse demonstrating how he blocks out parts he doesn't like to bring out the parts he does like.
I was lucky to get a "good grab" on my first painting, but then I didn't know where to go!
So I went a little crazy!
And then I pulled it back and ended it here. For now.
Painting number 2 went through some major changes, starting with this first grab, which I also liked a lot, but I needed to go somewhere.
So I climbed a tree for a different view. (See Wolfie's tail is now part of the tree, like a secret entrance?)
Turn the canvas sideways, save some of what you liked, add more, block out again...
And this is where I finished. It's not a fully matured painting, but a good example of how to use some of the technique's we learned.
Now to find the time to do more, more MORE!
xoxo, lulu