Beautiful Idyllwild, CA

After my last day of teaching, we found out there was a free concert in the park in town, so after dinner MaryRose and I grabbed a bottle of wine and few few folding chairs from the garage of our cabin and headed to the park.

We ran into Laura from class and sat down with her and eventually got up and danced under the pines.

While driving into town we passed this construction project and had to stop to read the sign.

I love this!

Pine cones!

The pinecones were huge up here in the mountains.

So many choices!

The rock formations on the drive to and from Idyllwild were fascinating, sharp and angular rock next to soft and rounded forms. This looks like the Venus of Villendorf on the side of the hill. Which seems totally fitting for this place.

Tweet

Art Quilts: Painting and Surface Design at Idyllwild Arts

Our studio for 3 days, amongst the boulders and pines. It was lovely, Idyllwild Arts is such a fabulous retreat venue!

Day 1 Color Theory

Day 2 Painting

a few people kept working on their paintings after class and brought finished paintings the next day.

Day 3  Mixed Media

What a wonderful 3 days!

Noel, Erin, Me Darcy, Laura, Jan, Sue & MaryRose

Tweet

Southern California here I come!

I have been really busy the last week preparing to spend the second half of July in Southern California, with a quick trip up to Northern California to see my mom between teaching at Idyllwild Arts and International Quilt Festival. My bags are quickly filling with lots of supplies, I just hope I have room for clothes!

I'm looking forward to making new friends in my classes and seeing some of my near and dear festival peeps!

There are still some spaces in the Idyllwild painting retreat, Art Quilts: Painting & Surface Techniques if you'd like a creative getaway in the scenic mountains of Southern California, next week!

This is going to be so fun! On the first day we are going to work on color. Through a series of color exercises, you will learn how to mix paint colors to create the colors you want, learn how colors interact and affect each other and know what color combinations will give your art the most impact.

On the second day we are going to learn about painting on fabric; how to avoid paint bleeding, how to paint backgrounds, use freezer paper resists, paint smooth gradations, work with transparent glazes to build up color and contrast and how to paint fine lines and details.

On the third and last day we will add mixed media techniques to fabric; collage with sheer paper imagery and tea bags, use paintsticks, colored pencils, rubber stamps and transfers.

It's going to be an information packed 3 days, sure to give you the tools you need to take on your next big painted quilt or mixed media textile project. Check out the details and register now.

Tweet

When was the last time you gave yourself three full days for relaxation and creativity?

I know I don't do it enough. It's been a rough couple years, I think we should treat ourselves to more time for artistic exploration and creativity, it's good for the soul!

Join me this July 19-21, that's just 2 months from now! for a 3 day painting retreat, Art Quilts: Painting & Surface Techniques at Idyllwild Arts in the scenic mountains of Southern, California.

This is going to be so fun! On the first day we are going to work on color. Through a series of color exercises, you will learn how to mix paint colors to create the colors you want, learn how colors interact and affect each other and know what color combinations will give your art the most impact.

On the second day we are going to learn about painting on fabric; how to avoid paint bleeding, how to paint backgrounds, use freezer paper resists, paint smooth gradations, work with transparent glazes to build up color and contrast and how to paint fine lines and details.

On our last day we will add mixed media techniques to fabric; collage with sheer paper imagery and tea bags, use paintsticks, colored pencils, rubber stamps and transfers.

It's going to be an information packed 3 days, sure to give you the tools you need to take on your next big painted quilt or mixed media textile project. Check out the details and register now.

Let's spend some creative time together! 

Tweet

3 Day Painting retreat at Idyllwild UPDATE

If you would like to join me for 3 days of painting in the mountains of southern California this July, the "Early Pay Discount" deadline has been extended! If you register and pay in full on or before this Friday, March 18, you will receive 10% off of your summer workshop tuition. (Note: If you miss this deadline, you can still save 5% by paying in full by April 15!)

To register, contact Diane Dennis by email or at 951-659-2171, ext. 2365

Check out all of the great programs offered by clicking here

Tweet

Happy St. Patricks Day!

My blog is wearing the green today by showing the backside of my new quilt. The faced binding is pinned and ready to be stitched down.

Knowing I would be traveling today, I made my annual corned beef and cabbage dinner last Friday, yum!  Now I am on my way to Ann Arbor, Michigan for a weekend of workshops and a lecture with the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild. I am so happy the weather is warming up into the 50's, it makes for much better traveling than having the possibility of snow!

Tweet

Take a walk on the wild side

I am so excited about getting booked to teach at Idyllwild Arts this July! I have seen blog posts by Lesley Riley and Jane LaFazio about teaching there and it looks like such an amazing place, not only for the beautiful facility, but also its incredible location. The town of Idyllwild is an art colony in the mountains above Palm Springs.

July 19-21,  I will be teaching a 3 day retreat called Art Quilts: Painting and Surface Design Techniques. I have always wanted to teach a workshop like this. The first day we will focus on color theory; learning how to mix colors, work with textile paints and choose color palettes to best express your unique vision. The next day we will focus on mastering fabric painting techniques; painting backgrounds, working with masks, blending gradations and glazing color. On our third day we will delve into mixed media techniques; incorporating paper imagery, transfers, colored pencils, paint sticks, tea bags and more. 


So tell me, what could be better than spending 3 days in a warm supportive atmosphere, amid a pine tree forest in the fresh mountain air? If this sounds fabulous to you too, sign up early and save up to 10% on the total cost of programs and housing.

I can feel the inspiration already, let's make some art together at Idyllwild Arts! Registration begins February 1st.

You can also request a catalog to be mailed to you by sending an email here.

Tweet