A Joy To Teach...Intuitive Painting is Magical

I have spent two weeks at the Monroe Art Guild this summer. It has been a joy to watch students open up and express themselves when they realize their work will not be judged or critiqued. They are able to allow their painting to unfold with grace, ease, and joy. The students look forward to getting started every day...they are relaxed and excited!

This reaction also brought to mind my first experience in an art class. I was so concerned with "doing it right" and "not making mistakes". I felt this way and heard others in the class respond, " I'm frozen...I'm afraid to make the first stroke". I think all of us were afraid of judgement or not being able to "correct" what we considered a mistake. I finally "loosened up" and got started, but it took many classes to really "let go" and get past my expectations.

I do think my new interest in intuitive painting is part of this response. It is magical...you "stay in the moment".
I have been studying with Flora Bowley and others ...they each have different styles and techniques...but, in the process, you will  find your own style. I have found it is a celebration...connecting the body, mind, and spirit...allowing unique expressions to emerge naturally and authentically. It is not so much the learned technique...but it is in the process...it is "heart-centered".

Come join me in the fall on this wonderful journey as we explore together this unique style of painting!

MAG Art Camp Mixed Media Collages

Here are some of the mixed-media collages from the Monroe Art Guild Art Camp...

Trinkets' Art Reception at MAG

Trinkets' Jewelry Making and Mixed Media Class culminated in an Art Reception on Friday.
Students were able to show off their work, have refreshments, and enjoy the show in the main gallery with featured artist, Donna England.

                              Lilly and mom looking at her collage,"Phantom of the Opera"

                                               Alyssa and Clara's dad enjoying the reception

                                             Broolynn was a great assistant

                                          Dee, Maggie, and Lily enjoying the punch

                            Bryan, the director of MAG, talking with a parent

Trinkets' Jewelry-Making and Mixed Media Class at Monroe Art Guild

We had a wonderful week at the Monroe Art Guild. The students made color boards, jewelry from Ugandan recycled paper beads, wool flower llama beads from Town & Country Farm, & mood-changing beads. They also designed collages around the theme of their favorite interest or hobby using pictures, ribbon, 3-D symbols...then completed a short bio telling about themselves and why they chose their subject.

                                           Students working on one of the jewelry projects

                                         Girls with their folders, jewelry, & collages

                                        Students' Color Boards...we worked with their favorite colors