Watercolor Workshop in Southern France!

Would you like to join me in Southern France? Enjoy daily sketching and painting adventures, culture, food, wine…and people of the Languedoc region while staying in the historic Montfaucon residence, the recently remodeled 800-year-old medieval building on the river Aude in downtown Limoux. The dates are June 23rd to Saturday July 7th, 2012.

My Teaching Approach
I encourage a build-up of sketches and painting ideas – not sitting all day in one spot. I move you along frequently, partially to show you lots of lovely locations, but also to stop you from overworking an image. Travel workshops are not as intensive as studio workshop courses. You are on vacation too, and it is important to relax, enjoy and see something of the country you are visiting, therefore painting sessions are daily, but always optional. You will have opportunity to paint as much or as little as you like. Our painting sessions are generally more structured in the mornings, with demonstrations, then time for you to sketch/paint, while I work with you, helping individually. Afternoons can be more relaxed. Every few days, I suggest a critique, to see what each other has been producing, ask advice and exchange techniques and ideas.I encourage all levels of ability and confidently teach complete beginners to professional artists – this way you can learn from each other, which creates a great stimulus for everyone.

Each morning after breakfast we will either set out to our painting destination or stay at Montfaucon or in Limoux for lessons and or studio work. We incorporate sight-seeing opportunities and historic sites into our daily outings whenever possible. In the evening there will be time to relax before we have dinner. Each Wednesday you will have the day free to do what you wish. There will not be transportation provided on that day and you will be on your own for the evening meal. We are happy to provide you with suggestions for things to do on your free day or if you would just like to relax around Montfaucon you are welcome to do so. The weather in June and July is usually very pleasant and warm. However, Limoux is situated in a micro-climate between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees, which can cause the weather to change very quickly. It is advisable to dress in layers and don’t forget your bathing suit for a visit to the seaside. Also make sure to bring a few nice outfits for dinner.

Workshop Package
* Pick up and delivery from Toulouse airport or Carcassone train station.
* Accomidations-All rooms are double occupancy. The rooms are very spacious with two separate beds for individuals and large king size beds for couples.
*14 breakfasts. The breakfasts are served at the hotel/residence.
*12 dinners. We have 3-5 dinners at Montfaucon, prepared by our chef, and the balance of the dinners at restaurants in the region. We will try to accommodate special diets if given sufficient notice.
*Overnight stay in the seaside village of Collioure.
*Anytime use of our professionally designed art studio, campstools and chairs for painting outside, easels, painting tables, water containers and bottles.
*Guide with knowledge and history of the area.
*Daily transportation to all of our painting sites, except Wednesdays.
*Admission to historic and cultural sites.
*Montfaucon is fully equipped with a computer/printer and fax/scanner for guest use, and with in-room internet access for those who bring their own computers. *Program Cost: $4100/person (airfare not included) Click for Brochure

Click here to see pictures of trip

If you would like to know more please contact me by email Swensonsart@gmail.com

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Searching for the Perfect Sketchbook

In 2008 I purchased my first Moleskine and took it home. In the pouch pocket I found a pamphlet that spoke of Europe and a history with Van Gogh, Picasso, Hemingway… I liked the idea of working in a sketchbook that had a history built on tradition. I was under the assumption it was made in Italy. Imagine my surprise when I took off the colored band and found very small type that said "Designed by Moleskine in Italy - Manufactured in China”.

First of all I use Moleskines because the book feels of quality, pages lay flat with stitch binding, cover is study (protects artwork inside), travel friendly…Some of my greatest travel adventures and sketches are contained in the pages of these books. For years I used the “sketchbook” for my travel journals. The pages are crème colored and slick, perfect for pen work but watercolor slides off. They only make the watercolor sketchbook in a landscape format. It is either too small or too big. I became determined to have the watercolor book in the normal format and size (8.25x 5.0 inches open to 8.25x 10.) which would fit into my travel purse. What I did was the unthinkable...I purchased the large watercolor sketchbook and took the band-saw to it. What I ended up with is the perfect sketchbook! I wish the company would make the book with watercolor paper and in the normal format (not landscape) and a decent size....but in the mean time, a girl must do what a girl must do...BZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
And by the way, the book I cut in half is the one I took to Italy last summer. So I can honestly say “Made in Italy”.

I am constantly searching for the perfect sketchbook to use as my travel journal. Recently I have been in contact with a new company and they are sending me a book to try. I won’t mention any names at this point but if I like it I’ll surely let you know.

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Sketching the Rose Parade Floats, again!

The Rose Parade has rolled down Colorado Blvd in Pasadena CA, the Stealth Bomber has flown over the Rose Bowl to kick off the football game (and also passed over my house). I don't think I will ever get used to seeing that plane or the rumble it creates when it flies over! All that is left is wonderful memories and sketches of the Rose Parade floats.

Judy Schroeder and I went through the procedures of making phone calls, getting permission, checking in, getting I.D. bracelets...but it was worth it!
We spent an entire day sketching. We visited two float locations.The first building was very challenging to say the least. The floats still had a masses amount of work to be done and the scaffolding obscured most views. I sat in an area I thought would be protected and still get a view. Volunteers were working above me and I constantly got showered with little pieces of greenery. The second location was much better. Most of the scaffolding was down and we had great views of the floats. My only error was sitting where walking tours came by every 10 minutes. Most of the people thought we were there as part of the tour. One of the tour guides starting pointing us out and said "here are the resident artists" Judy has kept a list of the questions we were asked.
What are you doing? Are you in a class? Why do you do this? Are you selling your sketches? Are you designing next years float?...All in all it was fun and I don't mind the questions.The theme for this years parade Rose Parade was "Just Imagine...".
I look forward to sketching the 124th Rose Parade next time it rolls into town!

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Sketching the Rose Parade Floats

In 2001 a friend and I tested our luck to see if we could get into the largest Rose Parade Float building barn. Mind you this was 2001 and only a few months earlier was 9/11. The level of security was very high! We knew we would have a hard time getting access on the main floor but we came prepared with patience, smiles, good cheer, and a massive amount of pleading, flirting, and begging. Eventually we were given I.D. bracelets and a long verbal list of don’ts. Once we got inside the building I could feel the energy and excitement as the Rose Parade was only 2 days away. People were gluing flowers, seeds, and spices, cutting stems off strawflowers, sticking vial with water into the float frame to hold roses, moving scaffolding... People looked like little specks climbing all over the floats. The P.A system was constantly calling a “Float Chief” to an area. Judging was going on.
The energy in the building was magical! Immediately we tucked into any space we could find. If we were in the way they’d ask us to leave. It wasn’t easy!!! There is so much going…I had to constantly duck, lean, and dodge someone or something! Sometimes it is very hard to even see the float through the scaffolding and people working.
And I loved every minute!!!!
I have had many fun experiences over the last 9 years. I was interviewed and ended up on the 5:00 O’clock news, people beg me to sketch their float, and I’ve done the illustration design for my towns float (South Pasadena). It was used by the float builder and was published in the souvenir magazine that was sold in local stores and along the parade route.
I can’t wait till tomorrow when I sketch the floats, again!

Happy New Year and Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Merry Christmas

Play with Your Food!

I was looking through my sketchbooks and realized I sketch food a lot. I was
trying to figure out why do I do this? A few things came to mind.


Shape Variety:
Man made to organic shapes. I have lots to select from…dishes, serving utensils, fruit, veggies…
Colors:
Plates can be decorative, fruits and vegetables can be very colorful to plain.
Readily available:
I prefer to sketch from life. I can simply go the kitchen and grab something.
Waiting Time: Make use of time sitting at a restaurant table waiting. Draw your cup of coffee, salt and pepper shakers, basket of bread, menu…
Delayed Gratification:
That’s right…don’t eat it, till you draw it. It will put a fire in your belly to hurry up.


The final thought that came to mind is this. As a child meal time was very strict and not much fun. Perhaps this is my way of playing with my food. So here and now I am giving you permission. Play with your food!
Happy Sketching! Brenda

Windstorm

In the early morning hours of December 1st we experienced what is called a “Windstorm”. It turned out to be the biggest windstorm to hit Southern California in 35 years. Only a few miles from my home was the epicenter. We had constant winds ranging from 40-60mph with gusts clocked at 97mph. All night long we saw burst of light fill the sky from transformers exploding and terrible sounds as my 107 year old house groaned and shook from the strain of the winds. The morning light revealed what looked like a tornado-trees on
houses and cars, broken windows, power lines down and debris everywhere.

High winds forced Pasadena officials to close public schools and declare a state of emergency. Most of the nearby communities are overwhelmed and can't remove all the debris from the streets. City workers cut up the trees just enough to push the debris to the side of the road. The private tree trimming companies can't keep up either, just not enough equipment. Almost every block has trees down and tons of broken branches, leaves, and houses and cars under massive trees. We had 4 crushed cars within a block of our house. We are very lucky to have power restored, as most people don't.

Sunday morning we attended worship at 9:15. As I expected there wasn't power there either. The inside of the sanctuary was dimly lit with candles, and the air was cool and crisp (around 48 degrees). The air may have been cool but the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The feeling in the room was that of joy and gratitude. We had all been through the storm together.

We are among the lucky ones who sustained no damage. We have much to be grateful for.

Brenda