One of my fall workshops in Taos, NM was Abstracts that Glow. Sometimes when artists come to a workshop they come with ideas on how the workshop should run and what should be taught. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t. Doing something we really don’t like to do but is essential in order to produce great design makes one feel like they are going backward in their learning. I call doing what is good for you even though you don’t want it…… learning to eat your broccoli.
This class learned to eat their broccoli and they were happy they did. Their paintings turned out great and they left the workshop knowing they were better artists with confidence in their design ability. Each student worked hard, some shed tears,all laughed a lot and many shared their artistic fears.
This class was filled with many talented artists but one stood out. She was 90 years old and had never painted abstracts. Her expertise fell into the category of flowers and teapots. She was an absolute inspiration for us all. The abstract she produced is the first one below.
Once the students got into their rhythm they all produced paintings that shouted YES!!!!! Smiles told the story and I felt like the mother hen that had just produced the best brood ever.
