It's Spring- time for painting outdoors!

I am just getting into the Spirit of Spring after returning home from two months in Florida. How do they know it's spring? Well, I know because it is almost time for my return to WDW's Epcot Artists in the Gardens. The event this year will be March 27, 28 & 29. This will be my third year to get to paint on site in the World Showcase along with twelve or so other artists. This year I will be painting in Canada. I will be taking my watercolors along with mats and bags so the paintings will be ready to go home with someone! It is really fun to be assigned a different country each year. I have been in Italy and the U.K. Having the artists painting in the countries looks very European. We interact with the visitors and are treated to our meals and room. We will be staying in the Wilderness Lodge. I hope we have great weather this year and get lots of painting time. Starting the last week of March and into May, Epcot will be filled with beautiful flowers and garden spots. This is the place to come if you are a garden lover, and who isn't?

Coming up in April will be the Sketching Callaway workshop at another beautiful spot, Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. I taught the workshop last spring in May and we had a great time working in our sketching journals. This year I plan to add tips on drawing buildings or fences in perspective along with the flowers and landscape. Most gardens have some type of structure or rows of plants, so I think it will be helpful to demonstrate. The dates are Saturday and Sunday, April 25 & 26. Registration: education@callawaygardens.org or phone 706-663-5153. All supplies are provided.

It's Springtime, let's get out and paint!

Durinda

Floral Painting Workshop Coming July 31 & Aug 1!

I will be leading a two-day workshop in painting flowers at the Happy Painters Studio on Lookout Mountain. This is a class that I have been thinking about since teaching the Sketching Callaway workshop in April. I envision lots of flowers on a center table with artists circled around it. We will begin with sketching individual flowers to explore the structures. Next, we will work with composition, different techniques, and color with setups. Each artist will complete a larger painting in the medium of his/her choice.

The workshop will be 10 am - 2 pm on Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1. Artists will need to bring their painting supplies, supports (paper or canvas), and a sketchbook with sketching pencils. Cost is $100. The class will be limited to six. You can bring a lunch or order from the Mountain Cafe. Email me to register: Durinda@Durinda.com.

Let's Paint!

Durinda

Scenes from Callaway Workshop

Here are some of the participants in the Sketching Callaway workshop last weekend in beautiful Callaway Gardens. We started on Saturday drawing close-ups of leaves and flowers and then ventured into the Rhododendron Trail on Sunday to capture the plants in the landscape. The group was just wonderful to work with and so open to trying new things. We enjoyed having Katie Steinhoff, Interpretive Horticulturist, explain the gardens and plants in bloom for us. I hope that that everyone will continue to use a sketchbook to record their surroundings and feelings.

I am pleased to announce that I have been invited back to teach Perspective Drawing, a two day workshop on drawing buildings, fences, etc in the landscape. Dates are September 20 & 21, 2008. We will work on the mechanics of drawing and use sections in the Garden that contain structures. Registration will be with Callaway: education@callawaygardens.org.

I am also looking forward to teaching another Sketching Callaway workshop next April. I will post the info as soon as everything is worked out.

Just a reminder: The Spring Show at Happy Painter's Studio, Lookout Mountain, continues until May 30. Hours are Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 - 3:00 or by appointment. This is your chance to buy directly from the artists!

Also, coming up is the workshop in France! I am getting excited about the trip and all the sites and images we will see and paint while there. If you are thinking of painting outdoors this summer, see my past posts on oil and watercolor gear to pack.

Have a Marvelous Mother's Day Sunday!

Durinda

Sketching Callaway- May 3 & 4

Callaway Gardens has posted the 2008 workshops on their website. Sketching Callaway is my new workshop that will take place in the gardens May 3 & 4. We will be working in a sketchbook with pens and watercolor pencils. One of the education staff will work with us to identify the different plants in the area. My goal is to have everyone create a "Garden Journal" with notes, thoughts, and sketches.

The webpage is: www.callawaygardens.org/foundation/info/education.workshops.aspx

Their phone# is 706-663-5153

Or email: education@callawaygardens.org

If you are interested in the workshop, please register with the education department. As many of you know, I have been fortunate to paint in the gardens several times and belong to the Callaway Painters. It is a beautiful setting. Accommodations are available in the gardens and in Pine Mountain. You are sure to enjoy this opportunity!