Art Retreat Weekend - Part 2

Hi there, hope everyone is having a good weekend.  I'm back to tell you about the second day of classes at the art retreat!

On the second day, Christy Tomlinson was our teacher.  Christy's "She Art" class was my first online mixed media class, and it opened my eyes to a whole new way of creating!  As you know, I'm also a quilter, so mixed media was something completely different for me.  Quilting is so exact and precise, which I love, but mixed media is completely the opposite, it's messy and loose, and completely fun :)  And Christy's style is so inspiring!

When we walked into the art studio that morning, lovely gifts were waiting for us... seriously, how cute is this presentation?!?

Christy taught us how to draw girls.  Normally I'm kind of intimidated by drawing faces, but she made the process so easy.

First we tried charcoal...

Then a Stabilo pencil, which I LOVED.  You draw with it, then run a wet paintbrush along the lines and they smear some, resembling paint.  I'll definitely be creating with this tool again!

Then, once we were a little more comfortable with drawing faces, we created a full color girl on a canvas board. Christy showed us her process for adding shading with paint and markers - she is seriously so talented, we had so much fun!

Everyone did such a great job with their girls!  I love this group shot showing all the different personalities and personal interpretations.

Christy really is an amazing teacher, and I have to say, she's just as sweet in person as she is online :)  Have you heard about her upcoming Boot Series class this spring?  I just signed up and am definitely looking forward to learning more from her.

Our project on the final day was creating a simple mixed media background on heavy-weight paper.  It was great to have one more creative project to pour ourselves into before departing.

I'm so grateful for my time spent with these lovely ladies and hope we can keep in touch.  We started the weekend out as strangers, but our common love of art and creating brought us together and we became fast friends.  It truly was a special experience that I will always remember.  If you're a creative person who has never been to a retreat, I encourage you to give it a try, you're sure to find some kindred spirits along the way...

Thanks for stopping by!