Skip's Autumn Painting Workshop, 2011

 

 

                 

Late October. The colors in the garden and woods are burnishing to amber and carnelian. The sky is like polished Persian turquoise. There is a chill in the afternoon breeze, wrapped in a wisp of woodsmoke. The artists are arriving from far and wide by the winding, shady drive of Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriottsville, Maryland for Skip's Autumn Painting Workshop.

Twenty-six painters commit a week to going deep and working hard. The rewards are discovering new levels of creativity and authenticity and a renewed excitement in making art. There may be some frustration and confusion as old habits are put to test. But the support and camaraderie of the fellow artists and Skip's own commitment and humor are good medicine for that.

Most of these painters have studied with Skip for years, some for decades. The sense of mutual admiration and respect adds a feeling of fond reunion to our October gathering. This is family, in the best sense. The new students have the advantage of coming into a "pack" that gets right down to work, and the work is already impressive!

It is also the best kind of workshop for Skip. His passion and lifetime of experience as an artist are taken full advantage of by these painters who embrace, in fact demand the inspiration and integrity he brings to his teaching.  It really is a Master Class, and it is exciting to watch it evolve each year. By the end of the week we are all exhilarated, exhausted, and excited to see where the work will continue to lead us. It is a  perfect way to go into the autumn season and prepare for a winter in the studio.

I realized that I had taken a paltry few photos during the week. I was so involved in the daily critiques and enjoying the company that I neglected to take pics. But the memories are vivid and continue to resonate, undimmed even by a freak snowstorm on Saturday.

Thank you all again for an amazing week! It was my pleasure and privilege to spend a week with good friends and great artists! Your courage and dedication are a continuing inspiration to me!
Namaste!