Pull the Plug or Continue

These are dark and troubling times for the human heart…we are a hurting nation and world. 

Before the horrid events of Wednesday I was formulating what was going to be my last blog post. Why? With the creation of Zoom, Facebook Live and other platforms people now have other ways to learn and be inspired. I wasn’t sure if you needed what I was sharing anymore and thought my blog had run its course. Since most people receive my posts via email I’m not getting the same kind of feedback on my blog in comments section. When an anonymous person (troll) wrote a personal attack in the comments. I thought, that's enough. 

Wednesday morning I was painting on location when the alert came over my phone… attack on the Capitol. I absolutely lost it. I started crying and I couldn’t stop. After an hour I still couldn’t regain my composure. I couldn’t paint so I packed up and went home. Everything built up inside came flowing out in tears that wouldn’t stop. After a day I ended up posting something on Facebook in an attempt to find hope. I said, “Hope deferred makes a heart sick…I don't have any answers I just know 2020 was a disaster and 2021 is off to a lousy start. Looking for hope in a sick world and society”.  I’m not alone in how I feel nor am I comfortable showing my vulnerable side to the world (trolls attack the weak underbelly). The pandemic has amplified the feeling of being alone. I struggled to reach out to say I hurt and need help to see a brighter day will come. More than ever we need each other. On that dark day Facebook became my lifeline with words of comfort, encouragement and a pep talk. We each have a gift. Some are: comforters, cheerleaders, listeners, prayer partner, a bakers, a writers…? We can’t be all things to all people but we can be something. 

So many people came through for me on that day and I’m extremely grateful. I’d like to highlight one comment in particular (though all touched my heart). 

Here’s what he wrote: 

“Never, ever let this happen. To allow the acts of some to influence your ability to want to make art. Art is the beauty of the world and it (the beauty) still exists. You suck it up cupcake and get back to work and post more. I did both yesterday and today. There are people out here in this electronic land that we are conversing on right now that depend on you and I to help them deal with stupidity. You have been given a gift by the good Lord. Use it for what it was intended. I love ya buddy. Go to work, now”. ~Tom 

I took Tom’s advice and got back to work. I finished the painting began that dreadful Wednesday morning…

I’ve also come to the understanding that my lessons (art and life lessons) on my blog does matter. I can’t be all things to all people but I can do this. 

Be well and creative, 

Brenda

Waiting

Who knew waiting would take soooooo long! For months we've been living in limbo complements of COVID-19. Waiting to see loved ones, waiting to work, waiting to get my hair cut. At first waiting sounded so easy.

The first month I had a few low down, miserable days. I lacked energy and focus. That unnerved me. Many artists' I've spoken to have expressed a very similar feeling. I was comforted in knowing I wasn't alone. I learned to be patient with myself and didn't force creativity. I still went to the studio every day and did something no matter how small. Little by little energy and focus returned. Being home for months has given me the opportunity to physically recharge and find new focus in my work. By not adding additional stress to my life I found a new rhythm and joy in the studio. And then the emails, messages and phone calls started coming. People asking, pleading and even telling me what I needed to do (to make confinement easier on them). I was overwhelmed with requests from individual and associations to teach on:, Zoom, Craftsy and Facebook Live. They'd say: It's easy. You can do it. We need you. You owe it to the art community. Gee whiz! That's a lot of pressure to put on somebody. Don't get me wrong. Teaching is one of the greatest joys in my life. But at this moment teaching online is not for me. I might feel differently down the road but right now, the answer is, no thank you.

Last year I taught 15 workshops in 10 months (nationwide and abroad). It was exciting, fast paced, rewarding and admittedly exhausting (at times). The last few months has given me time to recharge and focus. I've been painting more, walking a lot, writing, calling friends and family and cooking more (to my husbands delight). I've started painting outdoors again! I can't tell you how much this is done to lift my spirits. This week I painted the Lavender Fields of Highland Springs Ranch, Cherry Valley, CA.  It feels like a blessing and a privilege to be doing what I love. Masks are not required in the field but many people came close to watch me paint. I felt better wearing a mask.
 
In many ways it's been a busy time for me. I judged an international exhibition, wrote an article for Watercolor Artists' Magazine (June issue), participated in two major exhibitions: Transparent Watercolor Society of America and California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition, completed numerous larger paintings and even sold three pieces. I also have a really big project in the works! I can't give  details, but it involves instructional videos with Creative Catalyst Productions. Pre-release sign up and interview

What does my workshop and show schedule look like in the future? Good question! I update my WEBSITE regularly. Please know my Blog (this site) and Website are two completely different sources of information.

What am I waiting for? To be with those I care about: family, friends, fellow artists' and students. I long to share meals together, attend shows & receptions, teach workshops and travel. But until I feel it's safe for everyone to be gathering again, I'll be waiting.

Be well, Be safe, Be creative,
Brenda

Sketches and Memories of Belgium

In early June I traveled to Belgium. I was scheduled to teach two workshops with French Escapade…but first a little playtime! Two friends joined me in Brussels, Phyllis from California and Cris from Brazil. Our days in Brussels was lovely. Each day we ventured out to sight see and sketch. It rained a little but usually in early morning or during the night. The days were cool and pleasant. I was prepared for cooler weather and usually wore a light down jacket, scarf and sketching gloves. We had a wonderful time taking in the sights. We stayed at the ibis Hotel in Brussels. It was centrally located and a easy walk to the cathedrals, museums and sights.

It came time for my workshops. We met up with Jackie Grandchamps and Valerie Sals, the owners of French Escapade and our guides. After a 90 minute drive we arrived at our destination, our home away from home. We were 20 minutes from the historic center of Brugge (or Bruges). After 4 days in a busy city I was delighted to be in the country side with it’s green pastures, sheep, cattle, horses, chicken and one noisy peacock! What is a peacock doing in Belgium?

The day we visited the windmill in Damme everything was perfect. The day saw bright and sunny but not too hot. I had a cool breeze on my back and the windmill blades were rotating against the blue sky with large billowing clouds. I'm always on the look-out for interesting shadows. Imagine my delight when I saw the blade of the windmill wrapping the tower. It begged to be painted!

Belgium is very green and with that comes wet weather. I came prepared with a lightweight raincoat, umbrella and rain boots. Little did I know how quickly things would change. By the end of the week 

Europe was in the grips of a heatwave. The hot air came from the Sahara. Belgium, Germany and France were hit hard with severe heat warnings…ugh. I had plenty of clothes for cold rainy days but very little for the sweltering heat. 
Time to buy new hats!

I created a YouTube video titled, Sketchbook Tour: Belgium. Sketches of Brussels, Damme, Brugge, De Haan... Inside you'll see the lessons I taught and my commentary. At the end I show the supplies I used (sketchbooks, palette, paint, pens, ink...).If you have a problem viewing the video on my blog click here to see it on my YouTube Channel. VIDEO HERE

Since I've been home I did this small piece called “The Lace Maker of Brugge”. I enjoyed watching this woman sitting in her doorway making bobbin lace. In the upper left-hand corner you can see the lace I purchased from her. It took her more than 15 hours! She is obviously an older woman but her hands were young, pretty and agile.
I will carry memories of Belgium in my heart.  So many people worked to make this workshop special: French Escapade and our  hosts at the hotel...especially Monique! A BIG thank you to my students for sharing my love of travel and sketching on location.

Happy Sketching!
Brenda



First Workshop Group June 12-19


Second Workshop Group June 19-26

Sketchbook Tour of Tuscany

I arrived in Florence four days before my workshop. I used the time to get over jet lag, explore, sketch, sightsee and shop. My favorite way to discover a city is on foot....walking. I like to sketch, sit in cafe with a cappuccino, shop in enjoy gelato. It's easy for me to walk all day and not feel tired. I'm often surprised to see how far I've walked by the end of the day. Six to eight miles is the average.  I enjoy finding unexpected views when I wander.  I want to FEEL the city...to smell, hear, see and absorb everything. 

I left my sketchbag in the hotel room to travel lighter. It's easy to tuck in small spaces and go unnoticed when only sketching with a pen and the sketchbook. Florence was surprisingly hot and humid. The idea of sketching inside a church or museum was appealing.  Especially during the hottest time of the day. Inside was cool with lots of places to sit.

The amazing French Escapade 
Guides and Owners

Three days later I met up with the people in my first workshop and my tour guides. The workshop was hosted by French Escapade. We traveled by van to our home location. We drove in a long road with the vineyard on one side and an olive grove on the other. The air was filled with fresh smells and it was beautiful! Gone was the hustle and bustle of the city.
We sketched hill towns, small villages,  Tuscan countryside and historic cities. Each day was rich with history, beauty and culture. The evenings were filled with good food, lively conversations, shared stories and lots of laughter. It was fun to watch friendships develop.  I had an interesting mix of women from different countries: Norway, England, Australia, Guatemala, Canada and the US.

To see my finished sketches and hear my thoughts behind the images click on the video here.

There's nothing like an extended time to focus on nothing but creativity! No house cleaning, grocery shopping, appointments, yard work, bills to pay, errands or cooking. When my only concern is sketching and teaching my mind is free to reach deeper areas of creativity.

The first time I visited Italy I didn't sketch at all. I know that's hard to believe! But that was many years ago. I was traveling with 5 family members. No matter how well intending people are, it's no fun to sketch when people are waiting for you to get done. Since that first trip I have taught eight workshops in Tuscany, three in France, one in Spain and next year Belgium. Not bad for bad for a small-town girl!

Next year I have workshops all across the US and two in Belgium. To see my schedule and workshop locations please visit: Workshops 2019

Happy Sketching! Brenda

 

Plein Air Magazine

Plein Air Magazine Dec-Jan issue

My sketchbag

I am excited to share I am  featured in the current edition of Plein Air Magazine!
A few months ago I was contacted by the editor Steve Doherty and asked if I would like to share how I work on location with watercolor? Of course, my answer was YES! After a few email back and forth we arranged a time for the phone interview. A week later I received the draft of the article. I made additional comments, and sent digital images of my sketches from Praque, Germany, France and Italy.

A selection of my many sketchbooks

A few days ago I received the printed version of the magazine. It is top rate: high quality paper, good color... Steve is also a painter so he has a good approach to writing that is clear, informative and interesting. When I read the article I felt he kept my "voice" in it. Not a bunch of that gibberish you often see.

What a treat it is to share my watercolor sketches and illustrated travel journals. In the printed version of Plein Air Magazine I have four pages, but the digital version is expanded to have two additional pages of my sketches. If you are interested in a copy you can purchase it at Barnes & Nobles, or subscribe to the Plein Air Magazine.

Happy Sketching!
Brenda