Art-filled August

                                                                   Photo by Lara Blair


Art-filled August~

Where to begin? It has been a whirlwind month, filled with Art, travel, teaching, and friends (new and dear).

Ignite the Heart (even more arty goodness if you follow the link) with Lara and Elida and a jolly group of lovely ladies in Sunriver was a wonderful, fantastic, super fun intro to photography, collage, and my first attempt at plein air painting (well, really, painting in general) at Smith Rock! These two women make a powerhouse team, filled with good-vibe energy, serious teaching ability, and they're just too adorable for words! I'm very happy I was able to join in on this amazing retreat.

Among other things......like being tutored in Photoshop by the amazing Allison and creating artwork for my new Poppy stencil (yes! I was able to successfully use an electronic device..... more on this later); meeting with the members of the Women's Artist Group of Bend to discuss web design (you'll see improvements right here on Gather & Make from the tips I received in this meeting in the coming months); meeting up with fellow stitchers for our monthly sit-n-sew.......I was very excited to teach a two-day hand stitching class in Gig Harbor, Washington.

                                                                Kathie, Holiday, and myself at Gig Harbor.

If you are looking for a warm, welcoming, fun, energetic art tribe that travels; is taught to create in all sorts of art mediums; and is lead by a wonderful, caring, knowledgeable, easygoing leader who takes care of ALL the details seamlessly, look no further than Kathie Vezzani with Bellissima Art Escapes.

Oh, my goodness does she make you feel well cared for, even pampered! Her food is fresh, healthy, and delicious. She thinks of everything and has it at the ready, even before the thought starts to form in your mind. Feeling a little thirsty? She already has the lemon water ready: Need extra supplies? They're at hand on the work bench. Have a question? She has her Ipad out and is Googling for the answer. A little peckish? Gorgeous lunch is being served.

A whole new world has opened up for me. Have a look at her website, and it will certainly whet your appetite for art, travel, food, and camaraderie.

I had the most delightful time teaching my two-day hand stitching class at Kathie's home in Gig Harbor. All the ladies eagerly jumped right in with cutting, painting, and stitching their projects. Some are already more than half way through to completion! I hope to see all these splendid women again someday, either with more stitching endeavors or possibly even an art adventure of a totally different kind.

Last, but not least....because the month of August is not yet complete....was a very relaxing and most enjoyable trip to Hawaii. What better way to be retrieved from the airport than by a dear friend, in a vintage VW Vanagon, bestowing a fragrant Hawaiian lei? There is none!

We did a lot of beaching......

hunting seaglass........

chasing rainbows.........

eating.....

but mostly, just r-e-l-a-x-i-n-g.

                                                                    ~~*~~Aloha~~~*~~