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Monday, June 28, 2010

A week as Artist In Residence

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been back for more than a week already and still haven’t posted anything here.  I was privileged to be one of two Artists In Residence at the Terrace Inn at Bay View, a Methodist Chautauqua between Petoskey and Harbor Springs here in Michigan.  Artists, if you would like to know more and maybe participate contact Patti at the Inn.  She hosts a different artist every week during the season.

My week – I did a few plein air pieces which is something I haven’t done in a few years and I do want to get back to.  Here they are – by the 5th one I was almost satisfied with what I was getting.

back stair

the bay memorial garden on easel

the weathervane at boat house

memorial garden 2 

I also did some sketching.  I’m happier with those results.  Maybe I should think sketch when I do a plein air piece.

6 17 2 6 17 birch 6 19 more birch

6 17 garden

This year the weather wasn’t very cooperative, wet and cold the first 3 days so we took in some lectures.  Lou Seipel was the speaker for the week we were there and her topic was Bridges out of Poverty.  She was a very dynamic speaker and interesting.  Like everything else, communication is key to helping.  We can’t fix but we can learn how to help by learning to communicate.  If you’re interested, there is a website,  www.ahaprocess.com.

I also worked on some monoprint plates but haven’t printed them yet, when I do I’ll post them.   As I was looking through my file for the images from last week I saw the earrings I made with my friend Annie’s help.  I do slide off the  page now and then and these earrings are a testament to that… copper, etched with my designs and finished with heat and colored pencil…

dangle earrings

5 comments:

Dean H. said...

Glad to see that you have so much great creative activities going on in your life, Helen!
You produce so much wonderful and varied art. I found the sketches to be exceptionally well done. Loved the ink line work.

Cathy Gatland said...

How lovely Helen, to have been artist-in-residence, and you made good use of the time. I love the sketchbook pages with their loose airy feel and the plein air paintings are lovely, I think it does take time to relax into it, but you've achieved some beautiful pieces. I'll be back to look at your link, it sounds interesting!

Joan said...

Sounds like you had a busy time up there. I like the painting of the window, and the sketches!! I love the earrings too!!

baby crib said...

Those paintings are so lovely. How did you do that? It is hard to pain in a normal paper because it is so thin. You have a great talent.

aiman said...

hi helen!......you have grt watercolor skills!....i know its a difficult medium....have tried it myself....and whats interesting is that that many ppl who use watercolor have their own distinct style!....i love yours and i m givin u a follow!:)