greenpepperpressblog

Tag: workshop

  • in real life

    Taking a workshop is a unique experience – in whatever form it is presented.  I view the time you set aside for a class as *an appointment with creativity*.  You claim a portion of your precious time to devote solely to art and discovery.  Being in a classroom with other like-minded souls, be they friends, or not-yet-friends, can be intimidating, but it can also be a wonderfully fulfilling experience.  So much is learned in a group setting – we learn from each other as we work on projects, or try new things, and problem solve together.  I love standing in the role of teacher.  I love being the one who gets to witness your light-bulb-moments.  I love spilling my entire arsenal of tricks and techniques, to share all that I know, to assist students in finding new visions, stretch their boundaries, and feel confidence and satisfaction in their work. 

    In less than a month I will be making my annual trip to Wisconsin to teach at my most favorite workshop venue:  Valley Ridge Art Studio.  It is the only place I have committed to teach in the last few years.  I've said it before – it truly is a magical place.  Since they are taking a well-deserved sabbatical in 2011 it will my last real life gig for a while.  There really is nothing that compares to being physically present in an environment like this.  I get it that online workshops are increasingly popular.  I get it that online classes can be taken at your convenience, at your own pace, from wherever you are on the globe.  I hope to embark on this new platform for teaching sometime in the future.  But I'll say it again, there is nothing that compares to being physically present, and setting aside undivided attention for the purpose of moving forward on your artistic journey.

    There is still time, and some room, to join me in September.  Hope to see you there.

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    You can see class descriptions by following the sidebar links on the left, or visit Valley Ridge here and here.  

  • report card

    A+ for all the students!  I admit I was a bit disarmed by their quiet demeanor but it was early in the morning (7:30 a.m.).  There was hardly any feedback via expression when I first started talking.  But we got started with some easy exercises and before long they each found a groove and you could observe their claim on self-expression.  My only regret was that the day ended too soon!  I wish I was back there today, continuing the mission of sharing the enthusiasm for making cool stuff together.

     MWABPHS MWABPHS1

    I am grateful to Mrs. Lentini-Pombrio and Mrs. Amme for the invitation to be the class tour guide into Altered Books.  Check out how cool these art teachers are – back in March they were on a photo campaign.  This is a very small sampling of the photos collected around school that they presented on a massive set of boards….ART SAVES!  HCIT?

    MWPHSARTSAVES

     So many great comments have come in here, and by email, requesting the *handout* I mentioned for the class.  I think it's awesome there are so many artists who want to give it a try!  Give me a little time to wrap up some other deadlines (like getting the new rubber collection uploaded!!) and I will make it available.  I want to do it properly with downloadable text, images, and photographed samples so it may take me a while.  But I'm so psyched to do this.  I am HARDLY an expert, but I think I have put together a nice jumpstart into the artform and I'm more than happy to share it.  After it gets posted I was thinking it might be cool to take additional recommendations on page manipulations from YOU.  I could compile the tips into a part two.  Listen to me….I'm not even ready with part one yet.  *smacks head*

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  • report card

    A+ for all the students!  I admit I was a bit disarmed by their quiet demeanor but it was early in the morning (7:30 a.m.).  There was hardly any feedback via expression when I first started talking.  But we got started with some easy exercises and before long they each found a groove and you could observe their claim on self-expression.  My only regret was that the day ended too soon!  I wish I was back there today, continuing the mission of sharing the enthusiasm for making cool stuff together.

     MWABPHS MWABPHS1

    I am grateful to Mrs. Lentini-Pombrio and Mrs. Amme for the invitation to be the class tour guide into Altered Books.  Check out how cool these art teachers are – back in March they were on a photo campaign.  This is a very small sampling of the photos collected around school that they presented on a massive set of boards….ART SAVES!  HCIT?

    MWPHSARTSAVES

     So many great comments have come in here, and by email, requesting the *handout* I mentioned for the class.  I think it's awesome there are so many artists who want to give it a try!  Give me a little time to wrap up some other deadlines (like getting the new rubber collection uploaded!!) and I will make it available.  I want to do it properly with downloadable text, images, and photographed samples so it may take me a while.  But I'm so psyched to do this.  I am HARDLY an expert, but I think I have put together a nice jumpstart into the artform and I'm more than happy to share it.  After it gets posted I was thinking it might be cool to take additional recommendations on page manipulations from YOU.  I could compile the tips into a part two.  Listen to me….I'm not even ready with part one yet.  *smacks head*

    MWpagemasterTITLE
      

  • one hand tied…..

    I'm lucky it's my left hand that is out-of-commission.  I would be so bummed and restless if it was my right.  And thankfully I can still type….although it's slow-going fixing typos.  Oh, what happened exactly?  Not sure.  Self-diagnosis is a re-injury of the wrist, x-rays Tuesday.

    MWalteredbooks1
    MWalteredbooks2 
    My week has been spent preparing for an altered book class. I've been invited to teach a special full day workshop at the high school.  Loved revisiting this art form.  Fun to think about introducing it to students who have never heard of it.  They have no clue what coolness they are about to step into ;) I made a handout covering nearly twenty techiques so if we don't get to them all they can continue the work on their own.  Class is Monday.  I'll let you know how we do.

    Have a great weekend.

  • one hand tied…..

    I'm lucky it's my left hand that is out-of-commission.  I would be so bummed and restless if it was my right.  And thankfully I can still type….although it's slow-going fixing typos.  Oh, what happened exactly?  Not sure.  Self-diagnosis is a re-injury of the wrist, x-rays Tuesday.

    MWalteredbooks1
    MWalteredbooks2 
    My week has been spent preparing for an altered book class. I've been invited to teach a special full day workshop at the high school.  Loved revisiting this art form.  Fun to think about introducing it to students who have never heard of it.  They have no clue what coolness they are about to step into ;) I made a handout covering nearly twenty techiques so if we don't get to them all they can continue the work on their own.  Class is Monday.  I'll let you know how we do.

    Have a great weekend.

  • now and almost now

    A reminder that registration for workshops at Valley Ridge begins Monday, December 7th at 9:00 am Central Standard Time.  Classes filled quickly last year so if you are interested be ready at the keyboard!

    MWvr2010

    The two workshops I am offering:  Roll With It, and Parlor Tricks.

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    MWparlorbanner
    MWparlortricks5blog
      

    Out right now is Artists Cafe No. III from Stampington & Co.  They have revisited three of my articles from Somerset Studio, one is an interview I did of friend and favorite artist:  Julie Pearson. 

    Mwartistscafe3

    And in books – I'm pleased to announce I am in Lynne's book (in stock now at Amazon!) and Bee's book, due in February. 

    MWbooks2010

    And of course, I can't close without mentioning this: HIM's new single Heartkiller will be released December 8th (check itunes).  You can click over to their myspace for a listen tomorrow!   Album release date:  2/9/10
     

  • now and almost now

    A reminder that registration for workshops at Valley Ridge begins Monday, December 7th at 9:00 am Central Standard Time.  Classes filled quickly last year so if you are interested be ready at the keyboard!

    MWvr2010

    The two workshops I am offering:  Roll With It, and Parlor Tricks.

    MWrollbanner
    MWrollbanner3 
     

    MWparlorbanner
    MWparlortricks5blog
      

    Out right now is Artists Cafe No. III from Stampington & Co.  They have revisited three of my articles from Somerset Studio, one is an interview I did of friend and favorite artist:  Julie Pearson. 

    Mwartistscafe3

    And in books – I'm pleased to announce I am in Lynne's book (in stock now at Amazon!) and Bee's book, due in February. 

    MWbooks2010

    And of course, I can't close without mentioning this: HIM's new single Heartkiller will be released December 8th (check itunes).  You can click over to their myspace for a listen tomorrow!   Album release date:  2/9/10
     

  • i spy…..

    MWrollbanner

    MWrollbanner3
     

    MWparlorbanner

    MWparlortricks5blog 

    (for feed readers:  click through to see the graphics on this post)

    The 2010 schedule for Valley Ridge is now up!  Nearly 40 workshops to choose from.  Several artists make their debut at VR this season including my friends Judy Wilkenfeld and Laurie Mika.  You'll find me there in September.  I've posted new buttons in the left sidebar that take you to pages (with class descriptions) on my site for each workshop.  Click on the words to take you to the Valley Ridge site for more information and registration which begins December 7th. 

    MWvr2010

  • i spy…..

    MWrollbanner

    MWrollbanner3
     

    MWparlorbanner

    MWparlortricks5blog 

    (for feed readers:  click through to see the graphics on this post)

    The 2010 schedule for Valley Ridge is now up!  Nearly 40 workshops to choose from.  Several artists make their debut at VR this season including my friends Judy Wilkenfeld and Laurie Mika.  You'll find me there in September.  I've posted new buttons in the left sidebar that take you to pages (with class descriptions) on my site for each workshop.  Click on the words to take you to the Valley Ridge site for more information and registration which begins December 7th. 

    MWvr2010

  • i heart VRAS

    Valley Ridge Art Studio, near Madison, Wisconsin.  I've said it before, it's the most magical place to experience ~ a very special venue for art workshops.  The schedule for 2010 goes live on Monday.  Registration takes place December 7th, 9:00 am (central standard time).  Here's a brand new video to get you excited and motivated to come visit next year.  Lots of fabulous workshops from a stellar line-up of instructors!  We heart Kathy and Bill.  We heart VRAS!!

     

    Did you spy me, and my Mom?  Or yourself?  Can't you just visualize being there?!!

    Sneak peeks of my workshops coming soon 🙂