Monday, May 13, 2013

Far Away Places

For the third May in a row I traveled to Connecticut for one of my favorite activities......taking a workshop with the fabulous Lynne Perrella.  This year was better than ever, for two reasons:  co-teaching with Lynne was Michelle Ward, and I was able to share the experience with three of my favorite peeps, Cheryl, Pat, and Teri.  Oh, I should have said there were three reaons this year was the best:  Cheryl drove, so we car-less city folk didn't have to do the Metro-North -(with a train change)-to-Wassaic-then-get-a-cab-to-the-hotel-with-two-tons-of-art-supplies routine.

The theme was Far Away Places, and we spent many hours in the weeks preceding the workshop deciding on our places, doing research, and gathering images and supplies. 

Of course I brought my camera; I even brought extra batteries.  Did I take any photos?  Not a one.  With my table full of materials and my hands full of paint and gesso, pulling out the camera was the last thing on my mind.  Luckily, Michelle posted a few nice snaps on her blog.  Check it out.  It also has pictures of both Lynne's and Michelle's sample pieces, a beautiful photo of Lynne and Michelle, and a group shot, which I have swiped here:



 
 
The workshop was held, as usual, at the lovely Interlaken Resort and Conference Center in Lakeville,  where they treat us very well, providing breakfast, lunch, day-long beverages and afternoon snacks.  Here are a few photos of the grounds taken at past workshops:


 




 
 
Actually, the grounds were even more beautiful and full of flowers this year.
 
I decided on Russia as my far away place.  My grandparents came from there, and though their experiences both pre and post revolution were not exactly a day at the beach, it is where they came from, and I wanted to include that in my work.
 
On day one we did a project with Michelle.  She showed us how to make cuts in folded paper to create windows and shapes that either pop out or recede.  I loved it!  Here is that piece (all photos taken at home):
When folded, it looks like a book, and this would be the cover:

 
 
The cover with the windows opened:
 
The back cover:
 


 
The piece opened and standing:
 
Opened and lying flat:
 
Details:

 
The back:



 
 

On the second day, we did a long banner with Lynne.  While Michelle largely uses paint as her color source, Lynne is all about the Portfolio water soluble oil pastels.  I love them too. 
 








 
 
Day three was a project with Lynne and Michelle.  First they each demonstrated the way they approach making a grid design, and then we set out to do our own version.  My grid was made up of two inch squares of various papers, many left over from the previous days.  Although much of the grid wound up being covered by the focal image and stenciling, enough of it is evident and makes an interesting base for what came afterwards.
 
 
 
We were told that Lynne and Michelle are already talking about what they want to do next year.  Sign me up!

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

18 comments:

teri said...

That banner is magnificent. Truly a masterpiece. I had such a great time with you girls. My sides still hurt from laughing so much.

Lori said...

Wow, absolutely fantastic! And, it looks so....Russian! lol...really, really cool!

Socrates said...

Spectacular work, Eileen! Their work seemed to realize integrate and merge. I love your theme. Very beautiful work.

jacquie said...

This is awesome. I love the colors you chose. I love the different techniques. It is all just lovely. Beautiful! Jacquie

jacquie said...

Wow! Just Spectacular! What beautiful art! I just love it. Jacquie

Monica said...

Great choice,Russia and your work reallyintegrates the Russianartstyle.

Elena said...

As always, your work is wonderful! I know how much Lynn inspires you. I am definitely doing this with you guys next year.

bockel24 said...

Beautiful projects - how lucky you are to be able to take a workshop like this!

Dorothy said...

How fun! It is all so beautiful and the art is stunning!!

Debby said...

Beautiful work! You are lucky to be able to take such classes. Wish Lynn and Michelle would come to the midwest.

Anonymous said...

Oh WOW ma'am...what an AWESOME special piece you created!!!! And the pictures of the place you were are GORGEOUS!!! What a picturesque place!!!! No doubt you had a WONDERFUL time!!!!!!

Carol said...

Gorgeous, each page is fabulous. Love the colors & details. What fun!!!

Patzee said...

Inspite of my many distractions, Eileen was able to create three cohesive pieces! Did you check out the custom stamps she made of Russian architecture? Totally amazing watching each piece develop! I loved working alongside Teri, Eileen, and Cheryl! Great workshop!

Marjie Kemper said...

Oh you sure had fun, Eileen! Love all those projects and the layers of stenciling... fantabulous!

Art By Wanda said...

It's so awesome that you get to do this!!! Your projects are fab!!!

Nancy D. said...

Love your pieces!...looks like it was lots of fun!

michelle ward said...

Hey Eileen, love revisiting your work here even though it is 100 times more fabulous in person. Loved your Russian theme and I covet those carved stamps. It was such a pleasure to see you again, and see you in the context of your pals. You made that end of the room a fun place to hang. It was a fabulous weekend - thank you so much for joining us.

Mary-Beth said...

Fabulous pieces Eileen! I envy you that workshop!! WOW!