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Monday, June 23, 2008

Watercolor Sketches




This past week I was fortunate to be Artist In Residence at the Terrace Inn which is located in Bayview, Michigan, a Methodist Chau·tau·qua just a bit north of Petoskey... a great area but the weather didn't cooperate this year.... it was cold and rainy until the last two days. However, the Terrace Inn was full of interesting guests and the food there is outstanding. If you're in the area do visit. They serve lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. While I was there I worked on some pourings but those aren't done... I also did some watercolor sketches which I may turn into note cards for next year.... I took lots of photos too.... so I can have some Bayview paintings when I go next year.

9 comments:

Joan said...

Helen, These are lovely sketches of the inn. Exactly what do you do when you are the "Artist in Residence" for the week?

Helen Percy Lystra said...

Hi Joan, it's always nice to hear someone say "lovely sketches..." What do I do when I'm the Artist in Residence... I paint. Actually, I'm there as an attraction for the guests. I paint on the grounds or in the lobby or at the beach... mostly in the lobby this year because it was so cold. I chat with the guests, explain what I'm doing or how I work... another artist/friend is there with me and we did decide that next year we need to have a sign near us telling folks it's ok to chat with us while we work because we found that many folks were reluctant to do that. We also hang out work in the lobby with price tags so folks may purchase if they like. The Inn does take a commission which is fine with us since we get to spend a week in a very nice place and do nothing but paint.

Joan said...

That sounds like such a fun way to spend a week, especially if you have another artist as company.It's probably great for the inn too.I'm sure people go home and tell other people about it, especially if they purchase something.

Maureen said...

Helen, your watercolour sketches are truly beautiful. How I envy your ability to use this medium so well.

girlgonethreadwild said...

Wow, your art just speaks to me! I've had quite a conversation with the clouds today, oh and the turtle below too!

Exquisite depictions of the MOST BEAUTIFUL parts of living!

Thanks for posting up our button, it looks mighty GOOD on your blog here. :)

Have the BEST day today, Monica :)

Shez said...

Welcome back, looks like you had another great stay there. Great sketches. What a fun way to do some painting and have a bit of a vacation too!! Way to go!!!

Judybec said...

Helen, What a fabulous way to spend a weeks vacation!!! Your watercolors are lovely--my favorite is the one on the bottom. question...did you approach the Inn with this arrangement or did they ask you? VERY cool!

Helen Percy Lystra said...

Yes Joan, at least I hope they do. Thank you Maureen, Monica, Sharron and Judy.

To answer your question Judy... They approached the art group I belong to so I responded to that request. They do judge the work before they'll accept an artist and they promote Michigan artists. It's sort of a win, win... we provide something interesting for the guests and they provide us a means to sell and a chance to paint in a great location. They do take a commission but it's not a big one.

Judybec said...

It sounds like such a fun thing for both artist and inn! Thanks for sharing-- it's fun to hear what situations artists get in to!!