Sunday, August 14, 2016

Postcards from the Lake: Art Camp

I can't remember how many years my friend Kate and I have headed north for a getaway we call "Art Camp." It's just the two of us and we work on our art projects for however long we are at the lake. Sometimes, a tutorial will be involved. Last year Kate taught me how to carve linoleum blocks and a few years ago, I showed her how to make a journal I'd learned about in a workshop.


But mostly, we sit at opposite ends of the table on the porch and do our own thing. This year she was working on her annual bird calendar, which is sold at some area galleries and the show we do with others at the holidays.

               




                              

I was focusing on my summer project -- practicing painting and drawing.


And work we did. For hours in the warm, northern Michigan air, taking breaks to 'go jump in the lake' or walk or read. Oh yes, and to enjoy wine, cheese, the fruit and veggies that are summer's bounty. (That's Rick's cheddar-jalapeno bread and boy, was it good!)

                   

We were joined one afternoon by three of our book club members, two of whom have moved up north, another who was visiting and headed back home.


We had planned on lunch (which was mighty delicious -- egg strata, salad and cherry pie, brought by Gretchen, for dessert.) And lots of talking!


But of course art was involved. Kitty prepped journal pages, Gretchen got motivated for some scrapbooking projects and Maura did her own art therapy, with a little watercolor that expressed a release of work tension!


There was Lizzie time, too. And Lizzie did the most amazing thing! She sat on our laps, and this never, ever happens. She sat voluntarily, actually jumped up on both of us, and settled in for a long cuddle.


I cannot tell you how elated I was! And I didn't want to move a muscle!


As the week drew to a close, we headed home. But I leave you with some of my work - and as usual, I share the good, the bad and the ugly. And you can decide which is which!


The Eiffel Tower is a favorite subject of mine. I've never really mastered it but this is the closest so far!


And Montmartre -- I've done this painting before in a smaller version. It's not quite right, but getting better!


Now, I an tell this is Rick. But it's not quite right, either. I don't have the face right. But I was very proud of the fingers.


Here are a couple of cat drawings. I'm very bad with cats -- but working on it. Both were done more or less from life -- mostly less, because as mentioned before, my model is only still when she sleeps.


I think she looks too much like a kitten in this one! A starving kitten!


Life at the lake.


It's oh, so good!

27 comments:

Joanne Huffman said...

Your Art Camp sounds like one of the most fun things ever! I am very impressed by your painting and drawing - you have an art focus I have been missing this year (hope to work on getting back into it).

Lynne said...

Sounds and looks wonderful . . .
I like the art camp idea . . .
And Jeanne . . . your art pieces are wonderful . . .
I loved each of them . . .
Your Eiffel Tower is wonderful . .
I liked your "Rick piece" . . . very good . . .
And the winding path scene . . . can't remember where . . . loved . . .
I'd like to know more about your friends calendar and your winter sale??

Valerie-Jael said...

Looks like you gals had a wonderful and very productive time at your lovely lake. Love the look of the food, and all the drawings and paintings you have made, really, really GREAT! Have fun, hugs, Valerie

Barb said...

Jeanie, such a wonderful, happy post! Friends, food, art, and laughter with a fond Lizzie for good measure.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Oh, I could be so jealous as this special time seems so very fun! Love all of your work but that Eiffel Tower is just gorgeous! Of course the one of Rick is wonderful too! Heck, I love them all! ;)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I would give ANYTHING to have art friends I could share art time with. You are so very lucky, and everyone seems to have had such a wonderful time. Laughs and smiles all around, I could tell.

I simply adore your Eiffel Tower. It is incredible. This is an amazing post.

La Table De Nana said...

Wow..what a fun time for you girls..and by the water? Idyllic.
I think the Eiffel tower..Montmartre and your dear husband are quite spot on!

Lovely!

BeachGypsy said...

Another fun and interesting post! Wow!--the Eiffel Tower one is absolutely GORGEOUS!! Love it. You have so much talent. I cant draw anything! ha ha LOL Have you been like this all your life or discovered it later on?

Mae Travels said...

Yes, you are mastering the Eiffel Tower. Your watercolors are beautiful!

mae

Joyful said...

sounds like an awesome week creating and being with friends. I love your landscape paintings.

My name is Erika. said...

Looks like lots of fun and good memories. Love the photos and the art. The lake sounds like the perfect place to be too. Hope you get to enjoy many more days like this before it gets too cold. Hugs erika

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Jeanie, there is something about the lake, the serenity of a garden, the state of peace that brings out the surprise in all of us. Your renderings are marvelous, and I always say that if all the troublemakers of the world (at all levels) would just take TIME to do something beautiful as such, or stop to listen to nature, maybe, just maybe, things would be better in the world. Gorgeous "postcard" from the lake.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Jeanie,
You have such a gift for creating. I always, always enjoy visiting you and seeing what inspiration lives in your heart!
Happy Monday,
Jemma

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

What a rich experience you had with a few of your many friends. An art week would be so therapeutic! Your paintings are a delight. What a summer we have had!

Victoria Zigler said...

Art camp sounds fun! Not to mention, you had the perfect setting to help your creativity blossom!

Arti said...

Another beautiful post. Have you ever considered conducting / operating your own art camp and offer classes in such an idyllic setting?

Red Rose Alley said...

Jeanie, what a talent it is to be able to draw and sketch like you do. The Eiffel Tower is very nice, and it definitely needs to be framed! What a wonderful time you had with your friends at the lake. They all sound like talented artists. And CHERRIES!!! Did you know that's my favorite fruit?

Let us enjoy the last of the summer days.

~Sheri

Cheryl said...

Whoa! your painting is fabulous! I am soooooooooooooo jealous!!! If I were you, I'd paint every single day... your good!

Valerie Cottage Making Mommy said...

I love reading about your lake days. Reminds me of a happy time in my life.

Valerie Cottage Making Mommy said...

I love reading about your lake days. Reminds me of a happy time in my life.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I love that you have an art camp each summer! What a great idea! I love all of your creations but my favorite is the Eiffel Tower drawing! It's gorgeous!!! Well done, Jeanie! And how wonderful that Lizzie graced you with some cuddles. Oscar isn't much of a cuddler either so when she jumps into my lap, I really savor it!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

The lake, art camp, book club, food, cat -- the only thing missing was ME! :D What fun! And I love your Eiffel Tower.

Optimistic Existentialist said...

Awwwww I love the photo of Lizzie :) adorable

Tamara said...

I love your watercokours of montmatre, the Eiffel tower and Rick. Such skill.

Esme said...

This sounds like so much fun. Your watercolors of the tower and Montmartre are great. Okay, the kitty is way better than I could do but I agree not your strongest talent. You have a wonderful talent for painting and enjoying life.

~*~Patty S said...

What a great time you all had!!!
Your photos always tell a story Jeanie.
AND your drawings/paintings are fabulous.
La Tour and Montmartre are perfect in my eyes.
Thank you for sharing some of the magic moments at the lake.
oxo

Tammie Lee said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
so nice to see your art. Fun fun fun. Plus summer memories.

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