marla at rest...

Today was day 2 of the Marla Baggetta workshop that i have been planning for the past few months. Finally i was able to relax and be present - the first day was a bit daunting.....so many details to attend to, and so many that of course i hadn't thought of!

The workshop is everything i had hoped for! Marla is so generous with her vast knowledge and experience. We've done all sorts of exercises - trying to help us understand colour theory, value systems, composition etc. Tricky stuff, but so fascinating! I think we are all having a fabulous time.

The food is wonderful, lots of good chats......and being able to share each others paintings as we all struggle along to do what Marla of course makes look so effortless! The truth is that after 20 years or of painting it is a lot less stressful. it's like making pots, folks watch me throw a mug in less than 1 minute and if they have tried to do this they know it is very difficult, but i can make it look effortless because after all the mugs i've made, there is a certain ease with which i can approach the work. Marla is able to trust her knowledge and experience, and can be totally in the present moment of painting. Whereas us poor beginners, we're still trying to understand the difference between the various values, and so many other aspects!!! But it is all so exciting and fun.

i had a few lovely moments today when i just looked around the room and watched as the others did their dance with pastels.....and there was this artist i've admired for a while now, right there...doing her dance! Totally amazing!

there are a couple of other shot here on my blipfolio.