As I write this I am now flying over Austin, Texas on my way back home to Greenville, South Carolina.
There was a flurry of teaching, jurying and chatting a lot about pastels and Larry the Light Beam at my workshop. I really do like teaching a portrait class again in person. We had 2 models, 17 attendees and me all pretty stuffed into a community room that was rented out by the Pastel Society of Central Texas. We had to move a ton of chairs and tables to set up and then lay down a tarp larger than the room to protect the carpet. It lead to some funny moments.
And something pretty cool always happens during a workshop like this… everyone works together and pitches in.
Then many times over those 6 days I heard that an artist needed a particular stick and someone else said, “Take mine.” Another attendee needed an easel and a voice piped up, “I have an extra in my truck.” I was having a coughing fit at one point (Austin Allergies?) and people were quick with peppermints, water and lozenges. My host was warm and funny and made amazing breakfasts. I spent a lot of my time laughing. I left feeling like a million bucks.
I don’t want to say is it just pastel artists that act with such kindness, because I believe it is artists in general, but it sure does restore my belief in humanity. It makes me want to share my knowledge and struggles. It makes me want to understand someone else’s.
In my normal fashion I am taking a hiatus from this blog from Thanksgiving until January. My kids are home and I am in a mindset of new work. I see many fuzzy socks, late hours getting dusty in the studio and chilly walks around Greenvilles’ waterfall in my near future this winter. And I am grateful, more than ever, to be a part of this artist community. And for you, my dear pastel peeps.
And I hope you reach out over the next few months. With your kindness and enthusiasm. I need it.
We all need it.
Be good to each other and paint. I’ll be back in January. Ill be traveling more in the New Year- teaching, writing and looking forward to meeting more pastel friends.
Happy Holidays and I’ll see you in the New Year.
I so enjoyed reading the comments about your time in Georgetown and the workshop with CTPS. Your workshop was such an inspiration and so full of wonderful facts about pastels, light and opera singers. I loved it and am totally excited to move on to the next level of pastel painting.
My sister in Arizona works with colored pencils and we spent an exciting hour over the phone this morning as I tried to relay some of the informative hints I got from you. She is now so excited and inspired that she is going to order some of your videos. Good news and fun all around.
Thank you for 3 wonderful days.
Sandra Slaughter
Such a touching blog. Thank you!
So glad the workshop went well! Hope your Thanksgiving was good with your family. Will look forward to your next blog!!!
Love you for just being you!!
Aww!!! 😀
Thank you so very much for recognizing my “Monumental” at CTPS show with a Second Place Award. I wish I could have met you in person. Work kept me away. This win will remain a positive memory forever.
Congrats!! Well deserved.
Have a wonderful Holiday season. You deserve it. See you in January.
Hugs! Have wonderful holidays. See ya soon!
I really enjoyed your blog! From a fellow South Caroline artist like yourself!
Ah! I didn’t realize you were here too! Hope we meet up one day.
Sounds like a great but tiring workshop. Looking forward to studying your video again and diving in! Enjoy your holiday
You too!
Love your blogs, Christine! You are an amazing teacher… those Texan artists were truly blessed to have you! You’ve taught me so much working with pastels, but I know I have much yet to learn. Hope to take another workshop with you in the future! Happy Holidays!
Thanks! We are close so see you soon!
I so enjoy your posts! Have a good rest and see you in the new year!
Thank you!
Thank you Christine for your beautiful blog. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and find all you need to rejuvenate and inspire you. I have your video workshops to keep me going over the holidays, I can’t wait to watch them all. I have already learned so much from watching 1 of 4 of them. You are a wonder. Wishing peace and joy to all to end this year, and renewed hopes and fresh beginnings to start the next.
😀
Glad you are settled in your new home! I look forward to reading your blog, even though I am working more in watercolor lately.
Have a happy and safe holiday season!
Happy Holidays to you and the kids! Enjoy your time together!
Happy Holidays to you as well!
Christine, I so enjoyed your workshop for CTPS! Yes, it was a little crowded, but sure made it easier for us to share our challenges, joys and supplies. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insights in pastels. Once home, I went back to a painting in progress and asked “Where is Larry?” and it helped me darken some areas to bring the star princess back into the forefront. You are an excellent teacher and I heard that said many times over our three days together. Enjoy your family time!
Yay! Larry is a friend.
This blog really made me happy reading it. Happy holidays.
😊😊. Happy Holidays back to you!
I hope your holidays are going well. I wanted to let you know what a difference you’ve made in my art work. I wasn’t sure about doing another workshop but sooo glad I did it. I just did a self portrait …couldn’t talk anyone in to modeling. I’m now ‘looking’ at subjects so differently. Thanks for improving me. I’m ready to share a dessert.
Aww! Thanks! So happy we got to work together. Ill share dessert anytime!