Workshops and other adventures

You know what they say: April workshops bring May flowers. Something like that.

Carlo's "theater of operations"

This April I attended a floral painting workshop with Carlo Russo. The weather was pretty cold and miserable for April in Virginia, but the attendees were warm and friendly and the flowers were gorgeous. The class was held in Deb Keirce's home which she transforms into a workshop studio space for 8 - 10 artists. Deb hosts well-known, master artists' workshops throughout the year. I was drawn to Carlo Russo's class because his paintings are so beautiful.

For Carlo's demo he painted ranunculus which are pretty complex with their tightly layered petals. His process is to start with a loose wash to establish the composition.

painting demo by Carlo Russo

For four days we enjoyed a morning demo, hours of painting and constant discussion about all aspects of art.
 
Below is my set up and progress shots from the workshop. Carlo's wash was tidier, but mine still provided the "road map" needed to establish my composition. I had brought a silver creamer knowing I would paint blooms before they wilted and could finish the container at home, which I did.

 

Here's the final Rosy Nosegay -

Rosy Nosegay ©2017 Dorothy Lorenze

 

Flowers are sweet and tender - and tough to paint! The petals are translucent and delicate and, of course, they wilt. To gain a more practiced eye navigating these overlapping forms, I've been doing floral paintings since the workshop. These and a few others will be available at Who's Cooking in Croton Falls this month. To celebrate Spring ...if it ever gets here.

In other Spring news, I'm pleased to say that my painting Téte à Téte à Tootsies was awarded fourth place in American Women Artists 2017 Online juried exhibit.

©2017 Dorothy Lorenze

It was especially gratifying because the body of work for this show is so impressive! I am truly honored to be among such a fine group of artists. Also so thankful for the generous prize package from Gamblin Oils, Blick Art Supplies, Jack Richardson and AWA - Christmas in April! Here is a link to the award winners.

Trying new things

I truly believe that personal growth requires trying new things and getting outside of your comfort zone (except for sky diving, mountain climbing, roller coasters... high stuff: gotta draw the line). Workshops can feel like a daunting venture if the subject or technique is unfamiliar. It's so worth it. Spending several days with a group of folks focused only on art is an enriching immersion experience. And such a gift to oneself. Just to make sure "I'm worth it" I keep working at it when I get home. Floral paintings - I'm starting to feel more comfortable with them.

Locally, Todd Casey has a workshop coming up in Somers, May 20 & 21. Todd is a master at painting and teaching. He always has so much information to share. If you are interested, details are  here. Check in with him soon because space is limited.
This is an example of Todd's classical process.

©2017 Todd M. Casey

For my next new art adventure... I will be spending the month of June as Artist in Residence at Weir Farm in Wilton, CT.

Just me and my paint brushes. 

My plan is to work on interior scenes from Weir Farm. This National Park and historic site was the home of American Impressionist Julian Alden Weir and it's the only National Park dedicated to American painting. Imagine that! I'm used to painting nearly every day, but this will be truly focused time. Kind of a solitary, private workshop. I promise you'll be hearing more about it come June.

Meanwhile, enjoy the weather and go do something that enriches your soul ...or tickles your fancy.

Thanks for joining me on my art journey.