Knitting Needles, Mashed Potatoes and Searching for Lost Sheep

A few weeks ago, I participated in my first workshop in over 15 years.  It was no ordinary workshop, but a winter painting "Snow Camp."  Yes, designed for us crazy artists who actually love painting outside in the winter.  Despite the blizzard, it was a dreamy experience.

First Night:  The three Wisconsin painters....a long journey with lots of gear, but we made it!

 

The workshop was held in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, near Franconia.  Led by Stapleton Kearns, a fabulous New England artist full of talent and wit. 

Our fearless leader....artist Stapleton Kearns

Demo

A great environment for learning from a master

 

We met for breakfast as a group, followed by a demo from Stapleton, afternoon painting on site, then evening dinner/lecture.  Three full days of adventure which were slightly interrupted by fierce winds (record setting actually) and blizzard conditions.  Day one painting conditions were picture perfect, but things went downhill from there. 

My first day painting

During the evening hours, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Inn, followed by a lecture about artists including Seago, Gruppe and Hibbard.  The inn was such a perfect location for a small workshop as we were able to store our painting gear in the lower level.  Quaint, friendly and very New England. 

Evening Lectures

 

The resident furry friend

 

Old New England, slanted floors and all

 

Day two demo....notice we are just a little colder

The winds picked up overnight and conditions kept deteriorating throughout day two.  But that didn't stop us.  We ventured outside to another full afternoon of painting.  There were many easels that were swept away by the wind gusts, some cursing and lots of laughter that ended the day.   And maybe just a few cocktails.

Here's a photo of Michel's easel (yes he paints HUGE) and how he has weighted down his set up with a cinder block.  Even that didn't prevent his easel from tumbling.

Day three went from bad to worse - in terms of weather.  Most of us stayed inside to do indoor painting exercises, but a few ventured out in the blizzard conditions including my crazy Wisconsin friends Lynn and Lori. 

The three WI girls, Lynn, Lori & Pam

Our sweet Inn

 

So I was asked by a fellow artist ...what was my take away?  Let me bring you back to Knitting Needles, Mashed Potatoes and Lost Sheep.  Stapleton will hopefully write a book someday, he is full of colorful stories and experience.  The knitting needles refer to those areas of a painting (think winter shadows) that can look like long horizontal daggers, or too many trees all upright (same size).  Mashed potatoes are those areas of paintings that are simply overworked and looking all mushy.  Lost sheep are sweet creatures...but also refer to areas of paintings that don't connect with the overall harmony or are wandering off the painting, you need to find them and bring them back to the canvas.  At least these are my interpretations of his fun filled workshop. 

A windchill of -8 our last morning before we caught our flight, but the sun was out!

Our group that final morning....minus a few who had to leave because of the blizzard.  Our instructor Stapleton has coffee in hand.

At the Manchester NH airport, ready to head home and apply what we have learned. 

 

A parting note:  It was such a pleasure to connect with the other artists in the workshop during these three days.  We all became friends, shared ideas, concerns and dreams.  No matter where we live and work, the goal is common:  to create art that touches the soul.  That's our common language.