Monday, March 10, 2008

a completely wonderful day


I spent the most glorious day yesterday with some very creative friends. Julie has been telling me and anyone else who will listen about Golden products forever. It's not that I didn't listen, it's just that I didn't have an opportunity to play with them until yesterday. Oh my goodness, really I had to raise up my arms and cheer right in the middle of the painting class. It's really that good. We took a class with Chris Cozen who is exactly the kind of teacher we all hope for when we pay for a class. First we painted some backgrounds. We used 3 different papers with the same paints to get an idea of the different effects you get with acrylic paper, watercolor paper, and canvas paper. My personal fave was the acrylic paper. Such a smooth and sturdy paper. It definitely has a future as some gothic arch bases. The paints were really incredible and gave a depth of color that I've never experienced with paint before. I have a bit of experience with painting, but this paint takes it to a whole new level. I forgot how much I love to paint. I really need a brush in my hand more often.




Then we used a part of the backgrounds to create a base for a paperweight. I have been playing a bit with collage, but really don't know what the heck I'm doing. I was so grateful to have Chris there to explain a bit of theory about composition. She is writing her next book on the subject. I now have a better understanding, but I have to take more classes from this teacher. I've already inquired into a class in June with her. The goodies in here under glass are layered on a piece of the canvas paper that I painted and include a postage stamp, some egg and nest images, a piece of an old ledger from Julie's stash, a dictionary word, and 2 coin charms.

After such a wonderful beginning to the day, I was on a creative high. We had lunch and did alot of treasure hunting and chatting. It was so fantastic to be in the company of like minded artistic women. I don't get that much here on my little mountain. It was good for my soul. Thanks Chris, Julie, Kim, Andrea, and Heather for such a beautiful day. I'm still smiling.

12 comments:

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

Tami, this paperweight is gorgeous! The colors you created along with the elements you've added make it an outstanding piece. WOW! Just beautiful!

Jennifer :)

Anonymous said...

That background belongs in a museum!!!!! I'm still in the afterglow too...thank you so much for joining us!!!! That was one of the best weekends ever!

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

Beautiful!!! LOVE your painting! Frame it! And your paperweight. such a treasure!

What a great day...

K Hutchinson said...

That background ROCKS! Chris is the best teacher ever! Your paper weight is AWESOME! I am still on a major high from the weekend! It sure is hard to be in reality land again ;)

Heather Grow said...

I love your paperweight. I love that you went to a class but still came out with a project that is YOUR style. That tells me that it was a good class.

I'm glad we got to hang out.

Thanh Vo said...

hehehe Im glad that you had a fun weekend with the ladies. It seems like Julie's converted you to join her cult. ;)

OldBagNewTricks said...

Tami, this sounds like an entirely magical day. How much better does it get than that. Your paperweight is lovely! I'm so glad you enjoyed such a good time.

Hooray,
Jenny

Beth Norman-Roberts said...

Awesome work. Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time. Aren't girlfriends the best? Your background, and paperweight turned out very well.

The Artful Eye said...

Tami- so glad we met and look forward to more fun outings. I checked into the Int. Quilt show Long Beach, looks like they are still gathering info.

I love your background paper it's a work of art as it is!!! and your paperweight is fantastic.

I'm not that thrilled with mine but you win some, you lose some, no big.

Heck I can tear off the back and start over.

Have a great week!

Far North said...

Oh must I act like a total adult and not be jealous??? Wow what a totally wonderful day...learning something new, with friends, a great teacher AND walking away with wonderful results in hand! No wonder you are all enjoying the glow! Thanks for sharing a moment of your great day.

Ethel Amutan said...

What gorgeous results from your wonderful crafting day! I'm so glad you've rediscovered your love for painting. Your paperweight is truly awesome, Tami!

Lesa said...

So happy for you! It does sound like a beautiful insprirational fun day by all! Love the paining - reminds me of a sunset in the woods. Entrancing choice of colors. Warm and uplifting. :)