I am following up on a wonderful and incredible time we had at the July 7th 1011 workshop.
Five students spent 5 days painting and a day trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico to tour art galleries.
Each day there was a morning class and an afternoon class and we covered new and exciting topics in each class. There was several breakthroughs, a lot of stretching with new ideas. Everyone worked intheir style, yet we pushed them to embrace other ideas and stay within their style..
Ask Lauraine about using a two inch brush. We covered the subject, painting with diffrent perspective. We looked at abstract paintings and impressionist paintings and how they differ.
One of the highlights was the gourmet meals which Lori Melvin prepared for us. The table was set in a special art motiff for each meal. The meals were so good. We had a special tea time every day at 3PM.
One of the special events of the week was a mini concert by Harvy Schwartz and Dave McDonough. Harvey played the piano, Dave wrote words to the piece and I painted to the poetry and music.
The students included Lynne, Lauraine, Flo, Nancy and Jenny.
Flo in a surprised moment.
Nancy, painting morning into the night
Jenny exploded in the View from different perspective
Lauraine breaking into a new palette and two inch brush.
It’s almost time!I am making preparations for you. I promise you an extra ordinary Art Experience. The Whole of the Experience will inspire you to greater work.
As of this time, we have five students. It is a perfect cut-off point. I am planning fun lessons which will stretch you. They will be geared to everyone. For the professional, I’ll take you to greater depths and understanding of your art.For the beginner, I will take you slow, and for the intermediate, such as Lauraine, I am going to crank it up for you.
It is my understanding you will arrive on Wednesday the 6th of July. We will have a light dinner the night you arrive. We will be flexible to time.
My blogspot for details. http://ettysladeartworkshops.blog.com
As far as supplies, bring what you have, if you need extra paper, I have some here for sale.
I am not sure how you will arrive. If you come from Alb, Santa Fe, Espanola, Chama, we are about 27 miles from the NM/CO border.
North on Highway 84, ten miles south of Pagosa, you will be turning left on CR 335 – Lower Blanco. (On 84 when you cross over the green bridge, you will be driving about 2 more miles north, then turn on CR 335. There is a trailer park on the left, go about another mile.)
Turn left (west), go two miles, turn to left at double green gates, it reads Blanco Dove, Al Slade. You will drive down the crooked road to round house. This is where you will be staying and the workshops will be held.
If you are coming from Cortex, Durango, Pagosa Springs, go through Pagosa Springs on Highway 160 N. Turn South at the Y – Highway 84. Drive south 10 miles, turn R, go down dirt road 2 miles, turned left at Green gates which says Al Slade – Blanco Dove.
Besure to throw in swimming suit. Not that we will, but who knows. We have famous Springs in Pagosa Springs.
The weather is beautiful, about 75 during the day. The nights are cool, so bring jacket or sweater. We do not plan to paint outside, but in case, we go discovering, throw in a hat and tennis shoes.
I am looking forward to every minute of this week’s workshop.
About the Workshop and Details of each session follows -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BlancoDoveRetreatCenter
April 8, 2011
Dear Artist,
BlancoDoveRetreatCenter extends to you an invitation for a five day watercolor workshop for beginners, intermediates and professional. The date has been scheduled for July 7 through 11, 2011.
Betty Slade, artist, writer and teacher will be instructing this workshop. The theme is “Colors in Flowing Water” with the intent of drawing from your well, creativity through the Spirit. This workshop will encompass the whole artist in you.
We will be expecting your arrival on Wednesday the 6th of July, 2011. There will be a light snack and check-in time.Continental Breakfasts will be served each morning at and the teaching sessions will begin at . Lunch will be served and afternoon teaching sessions will begin at . Dinner will be served at with an open evening of discussion, interacting with Betty, critique, movies and fun.
We are setting a minimum of 6 and no more than 8 students participating in this week of learning and enjoyment. The total cost for the watercolor workshop is $600.00. It includes 6 nights lodging, meals on site and four days of workshops. One day has been set aside for a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico for visiting galleries and learning from the best international artists. Meals on trip will be paid for by individuals. Gas expense will be shared.
Please send your deposit of $300.00 by May 1st and the balance on the day of arrival. We do not take Master Card, but will accept check or cash. Make checks to BlancoDoveRetreatCenter. A map, supply list and further details will be sent to you at the time we receive your deposit.
Details of each session follows this introduction letter.
We are excited and looking forward to this week of fun and learning.
Happy Painting in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado,
Betty Slade helps her students find a creative spiritual voice in the arts while expressing in the medium of watercolors.Students are surprised to discover themselves and their gifts. They will experience art in a new and refreshing way. They will complete eight paintings and learn how to paint loose but controlled, using tricks and techniques.
There will be four days of watercolor lessons and a day trip to the galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In the evenings Betty will be interacting with the artists.
With 45 years of painting and teaching in oils, watercolors and acrylic, Betty makes the experience simple for beginners and profound for intermediate and professionals of the Arts.
Week’s Schedule
Lessons will include floral, landscape, still life, demonstrations and individual help. Everyone will work at his or her own pace, large or small, supply list will be included with map and other details.
Thursday Morning
Discovering you! “Prime the Pump” Color Wheel, how to push colors, Discover yourself as an impressionist, abstract or traditional painter. Painting a floral watercolor.
Thursday Afternoon
Introduction to “The Creative Spirit in the Art”.
“From Water to Wine” Workshop will be a Watercolor class expressed in a still life.
Evening – Dinner - Critique and discussion
Friday - Morning
The whole you – “Body, Soul and Spirit”
Understanding the mood of the painting. Assignment of two moods of same subject. In watercolor.
Friday - Afternoon
Transforming from material to spiritual, Learn about values, darks and light, abstracting lines.
Evening Dinner – Critique and discussion
Saturday Morning. Focus on composition, focal point in lines, hues & values. Changing hues to values.
Saturday Afternoon Demonstration of trees, rocks, water
Evening – Critique and discussion
Sunday Morning “Love to Completion”
Workshop – Learn when a painting is finished.
Sunday Afternoon Completing the week’s work
Monday Free Day – Option - Trip to galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Take sketch book and keep notes, lessons in what makes for a better painting.We will leave at 7am, arrive at 10am at galleries, depart from Santa Fe at 5pm, be home by 8pm. Meals on trip will be paid by individuals. Gas expense will be shared.
What to bring:
Light jacket, comfortable shoes, sketchbook, camera, 8 sheets (140# to 300#) and two watercolor blocks (16X20 or larger), palette, scrap paper, paints, brushes, paper towels, spray bottle.
Total Cost$600.00 each – Deposit - half down by May 1st balance on day of arrival. Check or cash only. Cost includes 5 day workshop, 8 lessons, 6 nights lodging, 5 continental breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners. (Any meals or expenses on day trip or off the property will be paid by individuals)
