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

Pulling In The Reins

Since I was 8 years old I’ve wanted to be an artist. When I told a step-parent my dream I was told find something else. At that moment the small seed of hope that lived within me was crushed. I wasn’t good enough.

In my mid-20’s I gathered courage and registered for classes at Pasadena City College. The same year my youngest son began 1st grade. I was studying illustration, painting and design. He studied crayons, paper and paste.
Within a few years I found watercolor. Unfortunately, my first class was discouraging. The teacher was more interested in socializing with her “favorites” and her only words to me were criticism. I didn’t try watercolor again for 3 years. When I found the right teacher my world opened up!!!  Her name was Verna Wells. I learned that the best teacher not only instructs but encourages and nurtures the seed with each student.

As my skills grew my paintings started to be recognized. I was asked to teach a weekly class and I’ve never looked back. That was more than 20 years ago. Teaching has become a mission of mine. I’ve tried to show every person who came through my door (a workshop) that they were valued and had something unique and wonderful to offer. The rewards have come in many forms: letters, notes, private conversations and cherished friendships. The most profound reward has come in knowing…I am enough. The seed that was crushed as a child is now a tree.

All living things on earth need time to rest, gather strength and rejuvenate. God created season’s for a reason. During the dormant months we may not see growth on the surface but beneath things are happening. I feel a need to push my roots deeper and grow stronger. Growth takes time and energy.
I have so many things I have yet to explore and my head it exploding with ideas…but I lack the time and energy to do it. If I desire something I need to make changes.

What I'm trying to tell you? I’m pulling in the reins. This year I have 15 workshops and next year I have 9. Somewhere between 6 and 8 will be the perfect number.  Do I want to stop teaching? No. Teaching is the core of who I am....I love it.  But, I plan on being more selective of when and where I teach and the number of workshops each year. Instead of running at full speed I am bringing my teaching schedule down to a gentle trot. I’m excited for what the future holds.

My current workshop schedule is on my website and all sessions have a wait list. I’ll be posting my 2020 workshop schedule in a month or so.

Gotta run for now. I need to pack for a flight. Tomorrow I’ll be doing a demonstration for the California Watercolor Society, followed by a 3-day workshop starting the following day.

Happy Painting!
Brenda

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

 

The Workshop Experience

Workshops are an investment. Participants set aside time, money, work schedules and family duties to attend. New ideas and techniques are explored. Skills are honed, materials explored, friends are made and creative energy fills the air. Workshops should be a wonderful and enriching experience for everyone who attends. 

I’ve been teaching workshops 25+ years and I've learned a lot along the way. Let me share my thoughts and experience with you.

Workshop Skill Level

(Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

Be honest with yourself about your skill level. You’ll avoid disappointments. It’s not possible for a teacher to bridge a lack of skill and experience in the short time we have together. Skill will be achieved by the amount of time you spend outside the workshop sketching and painting.

I do my best to give everyone equal time. Don’t expect a more experienced workshop participant to help you. They came to be immersed in the workshop experience, not to be your teacher. If you’re struggling speak to me privately. 

Socializing

Workshops are a social event for many - but not for all. Be courteous and keep talking to a minimum as well as volume. You have opportunities to visit with each other before, at breaks, lunch time and after class. If you're very sensitive to noise or talking, bring ear phones to block out noise or listen to your music. 

Come Prepared and Ready to Learn

Arrive on time and be mentally prepared. 

Turn off your cell phone in the classroom. If you must talk on the phone (family emergency…) take it outside. This includes lunch time.

......

Bring what you need but not your entire studio. 

Set up your watercolor palette with paint before the workshop.

Pre-cut your watercolor paper.

Photography, Video & Audio

All teachers have guidelines about photography in the classroom. Is it okay for you to photograph or video their demos? Photograph paintings that are for sale?  I allow students to photograph my demos, but not paintings I bring for sale. NO Video or Audio is allowed. I make my wishes known the first day of the workshop. It's a uncomfortable situation when I have to stop a demo to ask someone to stop taking a video.  Respect your instructors wishes and expect them to respect yours.

Morning Set Up
Give me time in the morning to prepare for the day. I come in early in to set up for the day, not to socialize. I'm often asked, “Can I have just a minute?” I'm happy to answer your questions during the day but the morning is devoted to preparing for the day.  Give me time to set up and I will give you an entire day of undivided attention and instruction.

Lunch
I enjoy eating lunch and socializing with workshop participants. It's fun to learn about you, hear your stories, experience, thoughts, families...

Lunch time isn't a good time to ask me to review your portfolios, sketchbooks or view paintings on your phone. It's time to eat and recharge.

In closing I’d like to say, Workshops should be a magical experience. Come prepared and with realistic expectations of me. I'll do my best to guide, encourage and instill my knowledge. 

Happy Painting!

Brenda

Who Do You Think You Are?

Who do you think you are? What is it about those words that makes me feel defiant and dig in my heels? The only time I heard these words was when someone wanted me to feel small and insignificant. When I was a child I knew what I wanted to be, it was all so clear…an artist. Unfortunately I believed what a parental figure said…“That's much too hard! Find something else.”

Today I am living the dream I gave up as a child. God's plans are greater than what someone else thought of me.  At the age of 28 it took all my courage to go after my dreams. I started taking art classes at the city college. What would happen if I found out what she said was right? I would be crushed. The desire to be creative was stronger than my inner fears. I just wanted (needed) to be creative.  The more I painted and the harder I studied things began to change. Doors were opened and opportunities were offered. I simply stepped through those doors.

My boss (myself) is constantly pushing me to do more, more, more. I struggle for balance in my life with family, faith, time to recharge, play and grow in my art. As we know everything has its drawbacks…the bitter and the sweet. Recently I had to tell my boss to back off. Some doors that open I don’t have to walk through. I need to be purposeful. What does that mean? It means I am doing more things that enrich my life: building relationships, spending time with those I admire, visiting more museums, digging deeper in my own work…and traveling less to teach. I’m still teaching lots of workshops (13 next year) but I won’t be nearly as tired from constant time changes or losing so many days flying across the country.  Does this mean I want to stop teaching? No way! 

One of the greatest joys of being a painter, sketch artist and teacher is the people I have met along the way (especially women). My life has been changed by their kindness, love and encouragement. I’ve found my story isn’t that different from theirs. Each of us have obstacles to overcome. Life is about creating ourselves. We’re a work in progress till we take our last breath.  

Be the person you were intended to be... 
Who do you think you are?

Hugs, Brenda

P.S.Would you like to join me in a workshop next year? click Workshop

Life Began at the End of My Comfort Zone

I love these moments when I am awe struck with how my life has turned out. This wasn't my plan (not that I had one) and yet somehow it was “the plan”. My life is a far cry from where it was. Every morning when I get up I am filled with gratitude. I realize my life could've easily gone in a different direction.

I left home at 16. I went to summer school and night school so I could  graduate high school early. In the afternoons I worked in a coffee shop.  I had no interest in college. In my

16 years old

early 20’s I was divorced, a single mom and worked at a grocery store. During the day I was a checker and two nights a week I worked the graveyard shift, stocking shelves. Most weeks I was sleep deprived and exhausted. Life wasn't easy…but I was grateful to have a job that paid my bills, a roof over our heads, food and health insurance.

….and then my world got turned upside down. The store I was working at was set to go out on strike. I knew I couldn't outlast it. There is no way I could survive and support my children without a steady income. I was so afraid. Then early one morning I got a call. It was my Dad. I had to make some hard choices. I made decisions that changed my life. Was I scared? You bet ya! 

I moved from Ventura to Pasadena, started a new job and began a new life. I found out…Life began at the end of my comfort zone. I met the man of my life, Mike. Within five months we were married. Two years later I rediscovered my love of art.  I took all the art classes I could at Pasadena Community College, joined art associations, attended watercolor workshops, painted, painted, painted, entered shows, took awards…and requests to teach started coming in. Within a short time I had two books on watercolor published. 

Painting in Provence

I teach in ways I wish others would've taught me. I teach with my head, heart and hands. I think creative people learn differently. We see and interpret information differently, which means we also absorb information different too. Coming from the school of hard knocks I teach with a lot of compassion. It comes from being there: feeling vulnerable, inadequate, under educated…I realize we all come from different places in life and we bring that to the classroom. I walk into every workshop feeling entrusted and blessed with the opportunity. 

Here’s a little peek into my two workshops last month in Provence. 

If the videos don't load click on the link to Week #1 or Week #2 below

What's up next? Spain 2017!

Brenda

Week #1                                                               Week #2

  

the STUDIO

Recently I hinted big changes were coming in my life and I'd let you know more when it was time. Now I can tell you. Last September I was in New Mexico for two weeks. I felt inspired, energized and happy being surrounded by beautiful colors, texture and art. When I returned home I knew something needed to change. I needed a larger space to work away from home. I'd exhausted every corner in my home/studio. The space now felt claustrophobic. I began the search for a new studio space immediately. 

November I signed a lease, December 3rd I had keys, 30 minutes later with my husband in charge of tear down and rebuild...it was full speed ahead!!! If I told you everything he can accomplish in a short time frame you wouldn't believe me. With a crew of two guys the rebuild was finished on Christmas Eve! While the guys were busy with construction I spent my time getting all the paper work in place (business license, city planner, insurance, fire inspection...), planning for Christmas, searching for STUDIO furniture, and spending time with my Dad. The month was an emotional roller coaster. One foot was in joy and on foot in grief (Dad is dying from cancer).

New Year's Eve was moving day. Twenty-five years of painting and teaching materials is a lot of stuff! I had everything packed and ready and it still took three guys six hours to move it all. I spent the next week putting everything in it's place. I love organizing stuff!

I'm so excited about the STUDIO and all it holds for the future. It's a creative space to work, play and be with like minded people. I can't wait to welcome friends and share the joy of being in a creative space filled with light, beauty and inspiration. I even made a sitting area called the nook. I love this little area so much I painted it.

In the near future I plan to host workshops and they will be limited to 7 people. I'll be able to spend more one-on-one time with my students. How sweet is that!   

Did I mention the STUDIO is a 10 minute walk from home and there's a coffee house down stairs? I know, I know...it's almost too good to be true!

Happy Painting!

Brenda

Wish I Had Your Talent

Filled sketchbooks on top shelves

In the last 22 years I have filled dozens upon dozens of sketchbooks. At last count I've filled 60 plus books. I've worked hard at perfecting my craft. My sketchbooks mean more to me than any painting I’ve ever done. I am not afraid to try new mediums, techniques, subjects and I can see tangible growth in my work. Within the covers of these books I can see my life. Here is where I am free to express myself with words and images. The pages contain the ups and downs of my life. I treasure these books.

Lighthouse Sketch 1992

Next week Danny Gregory and a film crew will be at my house to film my klass for Sketchbook Skool (the spelling isn't a typo). Danny thought it would be helpful to have students see some of my earliest sketchbooks. I had to go deep into the closet to pull out one of my first watercolor sketchbooks but I found one from 22 years ago. YIKES...this is a humbling experience! What a powerful reminder of how far I've come. I can honestly say to anyone who says "wish I had you talent or gift" ... I wasn't very talented or gifted 22 years ago.  It is also very clear how much I improved when I found a teacher who nurtured and encouraged me. Their teaching influence is very notable. I didn't make this journey alone...I was guided and nurtured along the way by teachers I admired and trusted. During their years of instruction I can see my greatest growth. I owe them a debt of gratitude! 

Lighthouse Sketch 2013

The first page of a new sketchbook feels a little unnerving and the last page feels a little sad...like the end of a friendship. With each new sketchbook I wonder where it will lead me, and what lessons I will learn along the way. 

I can hardly wait to share my sketchbooks, experience and knowledge. 

Happy Sketching!
Brenda