Summertime....and "rearranging the furniture"

Evening Dance, gouache, 2.5" x 3.5"

Coral Downpour, gouache, 2.5" x 3.5"

Summer has finally come to Albuquerque. Well, at least the monsoons have finally come! Last night we had a good old-fashioned summer thunderstorm. Lightning, thunder, and a real gully-washer. True, the humidity is up high today and the swamp cooler isn't really very cool, but I'm still grateful for every drop of much needed rain.

I'm on hiatus from classes for now, which has given me time to do a few other projects and to paint a little here and there. It's nice to have a break, but I love to teach so I'm planning my classes. As of now, I'm still kicking around ideas and tinkering with some techniques to show you when we resume. Lately I've found myself thinking we need a few changes. I'm in the throes of rearranging things and to see what feels right. It's kind of like rearranging the furniture and recovering a couple of pillows--fresh and fun, but not so you bump your toes too badly when you walk through.

I'm planning to resume our class the second week in August, but I'll let you know when I have more details!

Meanwhile, hope you're painting! Think summer skies. This is most definitely the season for them. Have fun!

Deborah

July 14--How to Use Photoshop for Paintings

I'm going to refer you who are enrolled to this post, which has all the information about the class, and you might also look at the one after that for the results, too. 

Class is from 11:30 to 2:30. Bring your sack lunch. I'll have iced tea and coffee available. The lecture portion is approximately 2 hours, with Q&A follow-up. I'll send direction to my home in Taylor Ranch to those already enrolled.

See (some of) you on Thursday,

Deborah

PanPastel Workshop?

The demonstration painting from last week, done in PanPastels on gray Pastelmat.

I'm considering a two- or three- day workshop here in Albuquerque this fall/winter on HOW TO USE PANPASTELS.  I'd like to offer people a chance to see how to handle this wonderful addition to the medium of pastels, learn some interesting new techniques, and see how I do it. I'd most likely demonstrate several different subjects, so my students would also benefit from information about how to paint the landscape, and then have time at the easel to paint.

My idea is to offer the option of purchasing an introductory set of Pans and tools, and of course some Pastelmat paper, for those who are ready to go for it. 

I have a location in mind that's close to Interstate 25 and Paseo del Norte, which is fairly central and "freeway close". It has tables and chairs, good skylights (and additional lighting), a small kitchen area, plenty of parking, and is nice and quiet. Students would only have to supply a portable easel, although they could bring their Pans, too.

I'd just love to have the opportunity to show you why I love PanPastels so much! Your input is welcome... What do you think?