What an amazing summer it was, not only for the uncharacteristically warm weather, but for the connections I made during my residency at the waterfront. It was a summer of learning and partnership and I owe tremendous gratitude to the Turtle Girlz of the Painted Turtle for visualizing what was needed in the city and making it happen. The Baggage Building Art Centre continues to become a hub of artistic creation and presentation, a landmark for the public to enjoy art and all it has to offer.
I had the thrill of holding several workshops this summer, both for children and adults. Saturdays consisted of Art “After”noons, where children would experience the life and creative times of a variety of influential artists and eras. I am uploading some pictures to show their creative effort. It still amazes me to see the artist within the child emerge and take hold.
I also had the pleasure of holding adult oil painting workshops. The first occurred within doors, learning the basics to my own technique and employing (and enjoying!) the power of the sock. I, again, was in awe at the results. It is wonderful to have a student realize their own potential and know they can continue to cultivate it on their own. My personal bonus has been the lifelong friendships I acquired during our time together.
Our Plein Air workshop was postponed until early fall. This proved to be a happy turn of events, even though our first outdoor session was during a storm. We managed to huddle under the awning of the ice cream stand and paint the Sleeping Giant in the fog. The next session allowed us to juxtapose those tones with a beautiful sunset. There is something to being out in the air with a brush and a canvas that only those who give in to the effort can truly understand. That workshop reminded me of the power of nature and I will certainly be returning to the open air this spring.