Tall Tales from Kansas

this stuff requires practice

On the last day of virtual art retreat, feeling a little frisky, I decided to dive deep into the philosophy of "doing something hard you think you can't do".  An excellent mantra for the timid artist, especially during an art retreat. 

So, with the proper frame of mind notched in place, self-doubt in check, Annette (whose birthday is soon) was selected as the model for the first page. Great fun was had. Concentration was focused, laser sharp, except for when it wasn't.

Next up, a Kansas landscape in the black sketchbook. 

There was much to experiment with - in particular how much water to use on the gouache to maintain the opaque vibrance, but still juicy enough to swish around on the paper. There is more to learn there.  Sister painted brother Paul and cats and landscapes. Time went by so fast. Before you know it, day 3 was done. We are going to schedule another art retreat in February. This stuff requires practice. More of it. 

It's humbling to do things you aren't that great at, but at the same time enjoyable if that even makes sense. And, unlike knitting, quilting, and sewing you can start and finish a piece in a few hours. Or you can keep fiddling and overwork it if you want to. The thing about these sketchbooks is they are for fun. Every time sister and I get together to do these sessions, we flip though and show each other previous bits of work... hilarity ensues. It's good therapy. 

somehow very enjoyable

Sister, Pam, and I had such a good time playing around together during the annual art retreat in January, a decision was made for a repeat in February. We converged on ZOOM from our respective homes this past weekend, with a priority of having fun, and for me... doing things that seem impossibly hard, but somehow very enjoyable. 

Faithfully recorded, without explanation or excuses. Art in a pandemic can be life-saving. 

mouths, eyes, noses, all slip sliding around in unexpected ways

Tonight just a few more photos from art retreat. Continuing on a portrait theme. The joy I experience from drawing portraits is hard to explain. No matter if they look like the person or not. In my mind they do.

Each year there are always blind contour drawings. Literalism is so boring. Why draw exactly what a person looks like with the eye when the hand wants to go in another direction? 

Mouths, eyes, noses, all slip sliding around in unexpected ways. Coloring them is another thing I find extremely satisfactory.

Then there are the mini drawings of each of us on the zoom screen. Inclusion of background material required... as are waving hands. 

A self portrait using a big brush pen was also attempted.

The thing about art retreat is anything goes, there is no grading, no comparison, and lots of positive feedback for the courage to step outside your comfort zone and have fun. 

picking up where we left off

Art retreat #9 has gone exceedingly well. Pam said she thought it was because we committed to it for several hours each day for 4 consecutive days. So we can keep going. Building on the day before. Picking up where we left off in terms of playing around and telling stories, being inspired by each other. 

Zoom connections have been good. We decided today that in the future there should be both an "in-person" and a "virtual" art retreat each year. Good ideas coming out of making do. I vote YES!

P.S. Artists who post on instagram provide a limitless source of ideas for ways to have fun with art. 
Ohn Mar Win is one of my favorites. Butterflies above had to be tried after watching her do them!

jump full force, without looking, into playtime

"Normally", and I use that word very loosely, opening ceremonies of art retreat begins in Los Angeles. At the Huntington, or Arlington gardens, or walking in a neighborhood with exotic flowers and cactus. This year, since we are all joining from home, I did my version of the opening ceremony with a walk through Loose Park in KC. Where the roses were NOT blooming.

But it was in the 50's and sunny (on Wednesday) for which I was infinitely grateful. There was also a rosemary/vanilla latte from the Roasterie Cafe to spice things up a bit. 

As I noticed the shadows of the trees, I hummed the theme from Chariots of Fire to myself, and pretended like the ocean was at my feet and sea breeze in my hair.

There were ducks with incredible orange webbed feet commonly known as flippers, but in scholarly writing referred to as palmate. I don't know if that is singular or plural. 

Tonight, if we were in Palm Springs, we would be having to pack, clean, and worry about getting me to the airport on time in the morning. Not tonight though. No clean-up happening here. Just more drawing, showing, exclaiming loudly, and other assorted high jinx. 

Truly, this has been a wonderful opportunity for me to draw, paint, get out of my head, and jump full force, without looking, into playtime. 

creative activities and discussions that will signal the opening of Art Retreat #9

Just because we are in a pandemic, and even though there will not be colorful cacti, persimmon toast at Superba, or amazing sunrises over the ocean, there is absolutely no reason we should not continue the tradition of Art Retreat! This is the proposal that Sister and Pam and I have discussed, voted on, and unanimously agreed to.  

 

So, beginning tonight, Friday, January 15th, we will gather on ZOOM, drinks in hand, from the comfort of our individual homes to engage in all manner of creative activities and discussions that will signal the opening of Art Retreat #9. 

One big benefit of a virtual art retreat is that we don't have to pack, there is no need to decide what journals to bring and which to leave, and there will be no internal struggle over bringing the watercolor, the gauche, or both. It is already established that the beds will be comfortable, there will be good coffee cups, and there will be no flights for me to miss. 

We are making do people. Because we still have each other. And that is something to celebrate! 

I took a wonderful picture with my mind

This birdhouse was hanging up at the Airbnb we stayed at when we went to the Ozarks. I coveted it. I still covet it. If one of you knows where I can get one just like it please let me know. Otherwise Chris is going to have to do his best to imitate it. It could be the perfect pandemic project for him this winter. Though he might have a different opinion.  

As for me, I will be knitting. Since I finished my sweater I am fantasizing about my next big project. Meanwhile there are lots of small, 1 skein projects, being worked on. 

This moon was setting the other day on a walk. I love a setting moon. It has nothing to do with projects. At this time. 

There are plenty of ideas for projects in the most recent issue of making. If you love yellow, check it out. 

If you like cold weather, we have had our first frost (and snow) here in Kansas. I kicked myself for not having the Nikon with me when I saw the lovely outline of crystals on the leaves on this morning. 

But I took a wonderful picture with my mind, and a passable photo with the iPhone and called it good. 

my quota of sunrises over the ocean

These are the last of the photos from art retreat #8 in Montecito, where there are so many beautiful spots to stroll.  Like Sheffield Reservoir below.  When you pass your hands over the shrubs they release all sorts of herbaceous aromas. 

The older I get the more I appreciate what I am surrounded by on a walk. 

Because the beaches seem extra special here in the Santa Barbara area. I am closing out the art retreat posts with this sunrise.  

It was cold when we got there. And dark.

Watching the sun come up never seems to get old. 

Why do I continue to be so amazed by it?

Oh that's right because of this.

And continuing to turn around as we walked back and seeing this.  

Next year we have agreed we must go back to Palm Springs for Art Retreat #9. Which by no means eliminates the option of returning to the beaches anytime in the coming year for an extra visit. Life is short and I haven't seen my quota of sunrises over the ocean yet. 

the golden pink light on the mountains

These towering eucalyptus trees, all by themselves, are reason enough to go to the Douglas Family Preserve in Santa Barbara. Giant sentries. The first clue that this is no ordinary spot.

I will save you from reading any further what I think. Instead I take you along with my eyes and leave the interpreting all to you.

The sun setting over the ocean is dramatic, the golden pink light on the mountains delicate on your walk away from the water.

Not to be missed. Perfect for an evening stroll. Just one more reason to love this part of California.

hats are hard

On Day 2 of Art Retreat, sister burst into our room at approximately 6:16 am and informed Pam and I that "sunrise is the absolute BEST time at the beach", and "we are pulling out in 15 minutes".

We rolled out of our teeny tiny (but very comfortable) twin beds and obediently followed. Nary a groan escaped our lips. Jackets and hats were donned, scarves tied, gloves grabbed. 

We sped through the streets, racing against time. It was us, the moon, the birds, and the rising sun.

We filled our eyes with all they could hold,

and then filled them some more. Every second of the sunrise changing the view.

Thusly inspired, we headed to breakfast, sketch pads in bags, ready to capture each other at the table, as is our routine each morning at art retreat. 

It was the hat that really tripped me up on this one. Hats are hard. So are glasses, and hair, and noses and coats. Hard, but very fun.  

and wants nothing more than to walk and talk with me along the way

I love nothing more than diving right into all the marvels of California when I am visiting. The sky, sun, ocean, rocks (and treasures among them), and moist wonderful breezes that are gentle and do not bite.

Then, as soon as we arrive at our home-away-from-home, checking out the neighborhood.  

Architecture, pots, plants, gates, shadows, smells.  

And when I am really, really, really, lucky, on the first day, I may encounter a very soft pettable kitty living right down the road...

who thinks I am her very best friend and wants nothing more than to walk and talk with me along the way. 

they don't make toast like this in Kansas

For the last couple of years, on the eve of art retreat, Sister and I generally go to the Huntington gardens. It's a wonderful break from the winter landscape for me, filled with of all sorts of amazing specimens which I never tire of seeing.  

However, this year, after reading The Library Book we veered from that tradition and visited the Los Angeles Public Library on the day I flew in. It was an excellent choice. The murals, the architecture, the light fixtures, the green space, the elevators wallpapered with the old cards from the card catalog files! 

Did I mention there was a wonderful art exhibit up? Plus this collection of Ansel Adams photographs from a shoot he did for Fortune magazine in 1940. I had not previously seen his photographs of "regular city life". He donated them to the library in 1962 for the sum of $150.00 saying he didn't think they were very good.  

The painted ceilings and the murals in the children's section (that I didn't take any pictures of) were simply splendid. The paper mâché puppets, the teeny tiny tables and chairs, oh seriously... what a place to light the imagination of a child on fire.

The splendidness of a good field trip, even when you are a grown up lady person, can not be overstated.  

Especially when paired with a creamy rich latte, accompanied by a piece of brioche toast, spread with a layer of whipped ricotta, and topped with apple butter, sliced persimmons, and pomegranate seeds.  Oh. They don't make toast like this in Kansas. No siree they do not. 

where they can be stared at and meditated over

Re-entry into the cold that is Kansas, was softened by the unpacking of bits picked up California, recalling the sound of the ocean while looking at pictures, and putting all treasures on a plate on the table - where they can be stared at and meditated over.   

There was also picking out of zinnia seeds to be done, coffee to drink, plants to water, the Sunday paper to read, 

and a garland of colorful pom-poms to hang over the table. I tried to resist the purchase, "I have a pom pom maker and could make them myself" I told Pam... "but look how pretty these are" she said. And of course she was right. Plus, when I look at them I recall the fun of our shopping adventure together. 

As much as I love Art Retreat, I do also love to come back home. To the ordinary and familiar, and the luxury that was Chris having chili and cornbread ready for supper when I pulled into the garage from the airport. 

and they never ever ever get old

Here is a quick glimpse of the gloriousness that is a sunrise at the beach. Pink, golden, violet, blue, red + the soundtrack of the breaking surf + the call of the shore birds + the smell of the ocean. All for the cost of jumping out of bed early and racing to the beach in the semi-dark. This may be the most fabulous one ever.

I will admit to saying that regularly though. Which ever one I am experiencing is often the very best ever. And they never, ever, ever, get old.

Tall hot coffee recommended for on the way home for warming the hands as you exclaim over what you have just seen. Surely that helps foster imprinting these experiences into the long term memory bank.  

we follow the "better safe than sorry" policy

These are the 8 sketchbooks I have decided must be packed in my suitcase for Art Retreat #8.

While it likely seems excessive, we follow the "better safe than sorry" policy when it comes to the number of sketchbooks that are packed. 

I have also, finally, discovered the best way for a person who detests the packing part of going on a trip, is to start packing 5 days ahead of time and complete the task 2 days before departure. No last minute add-ins. No exceptions. 

Right before the suitcase is zipped up for the last time I have have Chris give me a pop quiz to be sure I have included those things I can't do without. Extremely helpful. Mostly in putting my mind at ease.  

There may or may not be any postings here during art retreat.  Photos will be available on Instagram. 

the gift of a well tended garden for all to enjoy

This is it. The last photos from the LA/PS art retreat. On the day we left, after packing up the car, but before hitting the 210 and heading east, we made a stop at Arlington Gardens.

Where there are ginormous specimens tucked into a quiet spot in the city,

and you can tie a message to a tree 

or sit and listen to the birds in the trees

while you marvel at the unusual specimens

and dream of the fountain of succulents you will plant when you are in your 80's.

There is also the labyrinth to walk.  With little pink jewels from the California Pepper tree underfoot, that release a lovely aroma when  crushed as you walk.  

More tables and chairs for drawing, resting, thinking, looking

with golden succulents nearby to behold 

and overhead century plants reaching up to the palms. 

And on and on and on.  

A little jewel in the city.  Reminds me of the Kaufman gardens by the plaza in Kansas City. Very different, yet with the intent of presenting the gift of a well tended garden, for all to enjoy.  

one of those bible classics where there are grasshopper plagues and the seas get parted

While we were in Palm Springs, we ventured south to the Indian Canyons for a stroll.  

I told sister I felt like I was on the set of an old Charlton Heston movie.  You know one of those bible classics where there are grasshopper plagues and seas get parted.  And babies go floating down the stream in baskets fashioned from palm fronds.  

The palms were immense, the cliffs were rocky, and the stream flowed noisily through it all.  We did not see any babies in baskets that needed rescuing.  

This is a GREAT spot to visit if you are coming to Palm Springs.  I am really glad we finally discovered it on Art Retreat No. 7.

There were great spots for picnics and tables for sketching which we will do next time for sure.  

 

We did the one mile Andreas Canyon trail but there are longer trails in Palm Canyon and Murray Canyon.

These trails are well maintained and very do-able for all skill levels. A whole other side of Palm Springs that we highly recommend you take advantage of when you go.  

to keep the fire burning

I am closing in on the tail end of the PS 2019 Art Retreat photos.  

As I look back at these, I realize it may be hard to understand the extreme enjoyment that comes from making ridiculous renderings of one another.  Unless you have been there.  Done that.  Then of course you do.  

Pam Garrison is a lettering WIZARD.  I adore this folded work of art she made for me.  

Speaking of gifts, get a load of the wrap sister got for me in Venice.

The most luxurious cashmere you can imagine, in the most pleasing palette of greens possible.  Oh, my. Soft, warm, and light like a feather. It is impossible not to feel very, very special in it. And yes, I do count myself incredibly lucky to have the BEST siblings in the entire world.

Yesterday Sister and I scheduled a FaceTime Sketchtime session. Something we hadn't done for awhile. A practice that is good (for me) to get back into the habit of doing when we return from Art Retreat. To keep the fire burning.  For as long as possible.  

holy buckets nature is amazing

Last year, Sister and I decided that Palm Spring Art retreat MUST always begin with the opening ceremonies at the Huntington in San Marino. It was an excellent idea and was continued this year.  

There is a Desert garden, a Japanese garden, a Chinese garden, a Rose Garden, a Camelia garden, and I could go on and on and on. Suffice it to say there is always something new to see.  

Heck I could see the same thing every time because it always looks different, depending on the time of day and weather conditions.  

It was particularly lovely in the rain this year.  

We were treated to a demonstration of how to safely navigate spines while eating eat cactus flowers by a garden resident.

Holy buckets nature is amazing.

Let me add astounding and wondrous to that description.

some teeth and nose practice sessions

Let me open this post with a shot of the stacks of books that we each worked in at Art Retreat #7. 


Let me also say that my stack of books, on the bottom, will not arrive in Palm Springs naked next year. They will have colorful covers. Mark my words. This task has been placed on a "to do for next year" list in my everyday journal. 

This layout features MA's work on the bottom row (adore her portraits of Pam and I), that's my leaves/flowers and bouquet of flowers in the middle, MA drew Pam directly to the right of that, top row is all Pam (the bird spread!!!!!) except my yellow coffee cup along with the vase of zinnia's done earlier this summer.

Cactus was something I have wanted to try ever since seeing sister's gouache renditions of them.  There will be more of them done in the future.  Working with gouache is something I find myself liking more and more and more.  I might also engage in some teeth and nose practice sessions.  Or not.  

When you plan your very own Palm Springs art retreat, be sure you make it to Koffi's downtown location.  

They have this wonderful outdoor courtyard area in the back.

Perfect for people watching and latte sipping. (I recommend the honey vanilla latte).

Also, the geraniums are va-va-vibrant!  And the warm softness of the air feels wonderful on your skin.  Especially when you have three whole days spooling out in front of you for creating with your pals.  

then raced home to paint it all

Walking around the neighborhoods in Palm Springs is a feast for the eyes. 

So different from home.

In every way.

Inspiration abounds. 

Everywhere you turn.

Night AND day.

Day AND night.

It's hard to know where to look.

So we looked up and down.

And ALL around.

Then raced home to paint it all.  

time to explore, set the bar higher, and laugh

Today I realized that Mary Oliver died while we were in Palm Springs. Such a loss.  Thankfully she left us words that can continue to be pondered and marveled over (again and again).

Words like this nugget below that sums up why the tradition of Palm Springs Art Retreat continues.

"The most regretful people on earth are those who felt the call to creative work, who felt their own creative power restive and uprising, and gave to it neither power nor time."

Above are our journals laid out on the floor by the front door, where Pam and I felt the light was best, though Sister disagreed and tried to convince us (unsuccessfully) otherwise.  Those of you who know Pam and Mary Ann will easily be able to pick out whose pages are whose.  Bottom row from left to right: P, MA, MA. Middle row from left to right: MA, then mine. Top row left to right: MA, P, mine, P, mine.  Very tip top: P.

Favorite parts of creating with Pam and Sister include watching Pam use up paint and then make marks all around, seeing what emerges is bliss (above).  As is observing the lush rich color when Mary Ann gets out the gouache (below).

This is the time to just explore, set the bar higher, and laugh when the result is hilarious.

It is also time to jump up at dawn to watch the sun hit the mountains and appreciate a pool and hot tub in January when there is snow on the ground at home.

Stay tuned for episodes 2 and 3 to come.  Possibly 4. 

Andreas Canyon

Today in Palm Springs. 

deep philosophical discussions on a multitude of topics

Art Retreat continues.  Labyrinths, gardens, a courtyard oasis, a pool, and of course some painting.

Deep philosophical discussions on a multitude of topics continue as well.  Stuff like how to save the planet and the affect of space travel on the human body. 

A garden of impossible loveliness

Last year it was established that Art Retreat should begin at the Huntington Gardens.  In keeping with the bylaws we went as soon as I arrived in LA yesterday.

It was as if I had arrived on a magic carpet and gently floated down in a garden of impossible loveliness.  

...until sister or Pam comes up with another one

It is only 1:27pm and I have already accomplished the thing I had planned for today.  

Taking down the old calendar and putting up the new calendar.  That leaves the rest of the day open for whatever... which totally works for me.  I love these Paper Source calendars.  Not really for the actual calendar.  But more for the bright spot of color it brings to the space where it hangs.
 

Anyhoo, looking at the calendar reminded me of PSAR#6.  So I wanted to find a photo to use for PSAR#7.  Which is happening in 2 weeks!!!!  Anyway, this is what I came up with. I am not sure I love it but it will work until Sister or Pam comes up with another one. hint...hint...

they provide a map so you can be sure not to miss a single section

Two years ago, at Art Retreat #4, we discovered Sunnylands.  This year it was even more beautiful.  If that is possible.  Nine acres of gardens, laid out with paths circling through them, benches carefully (and frequently) placed for sitting, and a labyrinth for meditation.

If you are a lover of the desert landscape, this is a must see. 

The single-specimen beds are perfect and provide an opportunity for viewing in sun and shade. 

The views through to the snow topped mountains are pretty spectacular as well. 

Did I say there is no admission to wander through the gardens?  And they provide a map so you can be sure not to miss a single section.  You can race through it all in an hour if you must, or spend a few hours and then go sit in the cafe (outside) and think about all you have seen. 

walking, talking, and mess making

Tonight just a few more images from Palm Springs.  

Below are Pam's petals from random paint blobs and Mary Ann's rendition of Pam and I in the pool.  They are my favorites.

As you can see there was walking, talking, and mess making involved at Art Retreat #6.  In addition, world problems were solved, future plans were hatched, the health benefits to be derived from eating orange pith was debated, and masterpieces were made.  That's about all you can ask out of a 3 day art retreat. 

the opening ceremonies of art retreat

After I arrived in LA, but before we took off for Palm Springs, we visited the Huntington.

As in GARDENS.

Sister walks there all the time and it makes me insane with jealousy.   So many varieties of plants and flower and sounds.

Camelias left on benches by secret admirers. 

Mysterious banyan trees. 

Paths that stretch out ahead, so inviting.

Bonsai gardens. 

Japanese gardens.

Strange shooting succulents stretching skyward.

Sycamores at sunset.

This was a whirlwind 45 minute tour that was a perfect start to our art retreat.  I have instructed sister that we must do this every year. 

It can be the opening ceremonies of art retreat.  Good idea huh?

straining is not what an art trip should be about

Art retreat #6 was a rousing success.  Gouache, walking, watercolor, sketching, swimming, discussions of how this tradition will continue for another 30 years.  We did all that.  And more.

Did I say we saw Palm Springs cats? On roofs?

Our house was perfect.  Filled with light and sun, plus comfy beds, and an excellent pool/jacuzzi for synchronized water routines.  I am not kidding.  Sister painted Pam and I in the middle of one of our performances.    

There were lemon trees out back, and palm trees, and mountains, and cacti, and all sorts of things we don’t see in January in Kansas.

Instagram and books are great inspiration at art retreat.  I like to stretch my art muscles by trying things I see others do.  There is a fine line between stretching and straining.  Straining is not what an art trip should be about.  

Not for me anyway.  More photos to follow when there is time.  Alas, it is back to everyday life tomorrow.  

 

how to find the Orion Nebula without the aid of her Astro binoculars

When you wake up to this view first thing in the morning, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be a good day.  

If you can go on walks and see mass planting’s of barrel cacti, do yoga in the pool, and see mountain tops covered in snow, so much the better.

Leisurely evening strolls, followed by sketching and painting at the table as we gazed out at the pool rounded out the day.

Tonight Sister has promised to show me how to find the Orion Nebula without the aid of her Astro binoculars which were left at Moss Cottage when we fled in the wake of a possible gas leak.  

disaster scenario #2 was the cancelled flight

Last night I did some worrying and fretting, and downright catastraphizing.  Related to the weather.  And to my flight to Los Angeles today.  The talk of winter storm warnings, advisories, and school cancellations, dire predictions of sleet and ice.  Stuff like that generally leaves me unconcerned but not the night before I am leaving Kansas for Art Retreat #6.

In my mind I got caught up in a 47 car pile-up on the way to the airport.  Disaster scenario #2 was the cancelled flight with no way to get to Palm Springs and the Art Retreat proceeding without me.

Happily none of these things came to pass.  My flight only took off 50 minutes late after a thorough de-icing, and while I waited I got lots of knitting done.  

Tomorrow more adventures unfold.  Now we sleep.  Or try to.  If someone would stop talking to me.  

which of us will see a shooting star first

In exactly 6 sleeps I will be headed out of the cold.  Bound for balmy breezes, starry skies, cat visits, late night neighborhood strolls, cruising for photo ops, maybe a cafe con leche ....

Yep.  It's time for that annual ritual called art retreat.  We are headed back to Palm Springs this year.  Where in addition to all the stuff I mentioned above, there will be sketching, painting, drawing, coloring, and who knows what else.  The only thing I know for sure is it will be loose, colorful, fun, somewhat chaotic, and involve a lot of talking, singing, and laughing. 

I get caught up in work, knitting, baking, gardening, sewing, quilting, reading, walking, and the like at home.  I NEED regular exposure to Sister and Pam to get my inner portrait maker fired up.  I am turning on my pilot light now.  Thinking about which brushes, pens, sketchbooks to pack.  Sighing in anticipation of that first dip into the hot tub, leaning back, and waiting to see which of us will see a shooting star first. 

P.S.  Thanks sister for making the poster!  I know you won't mind if I use it too. 

morning, noon, and night

In the event that you have not yet put Joshua Tree on your list of places to visit (preferably while you can still scramble around a little), I provide today a few more visuals to try and convince you. 

It's a wondrous place.  Morning, noon, and night.  When you visit, get a place with a good spot for sitting out at night to gaze up at the stars.  The night sky in Joshua Tree is  special.  It's soft, dark, velvety.  Just the opposite of the landscape during the daytime. 

no directions needed

Before I head out this weekend to my annual knitting retreat, I thought I would give you one last look at Winter Art retreat #5.  Where, in addition to an amazing national park, a great breakfast spot, a farmers market, and the perfect house for an art retreat... they also happened to have this.

This cluster, or maybe vortex?, of super charged creativity that pulled  us like a magnet to investigate.  Sister met the Art Queen when she was last in Joshua Tree.  We didn't actually get to meet her on this trip.  But we met her "stuff".  And the workings of some of her pals.  I think there are pals.  Maybe it's all her.  All I can say is it was definitely all me.  As in right up my alley. 

There is nothing better than stumbling upon a cache of unrestrained, full force, in your face (but not really), joyful creativity.  Ooooooh Eeeee.  This was fun.  Don't miss it if you go.  No directions needed. 

ANYONE can have a screaming good time at an art retreat

If you think all I did at art retreat was stare at Joshua tree's and admire cactus gardens, you would be mistaken.  Here is evidence of the "art" part of Winter Art Retreat #5.  Submitted NOT for your approval but just because.  Lets start out with two of my favorites.   Me in my pajamas and Pam with her glasses on her head. 

Followed by attempt #2 at a Joshua tree followed by Sister and then Pam with a big brush and one color. 

After Pam drew our house I felt compelled to have a go at it too.  Architectural angles can be so confusing. 

All this to show you that ANYONE can have a screaming good time at an art retreat no matter their abilities.  Not that I don't happen to love each and every masterpiece rendered in Joshua tree by moi. 

even if I did sit down on my bum unintentionally

The desert gardens surrounding our house in Joshua Tree were quirky, fun, interesting to explore.  So different from the Kansas garden. 

Lots of good chairs/swings/benches/hammocks for resting too. 

Behind this big cactus pot you can see a trail in the distance, winding around behind a small mountain.  Maybe a hill.  It felt like a small mountain when I was trying to figure out how to get up it.

I'll just say it was pretty glorious being able to walk out the patio and scramble up a mountain on a hike.  Even if I did sit down on my bum unintentionally one time.  Or maybe twice. 

so overcome by them I babbled something to Mary Ann about making one for her

Seeing a Joshua Tree has been on my list of things to do for about 10 years.  My friend Megan Wallace told me about the National Park and I got the idea in my head I needed to see it.   So when Sister suggested it as a location for Art Retreat, I jumped on it. 

We have been to many National Parks over the years.  This one seemed more accessible than many I have visited.   All levels of hiking available - and especially for art retreaters who just want to get a few hours in and then head home.  AND no long drive to reach the park from the town of Joshua Tree.  

Joshua trees sort of look like a cactus, but in fact are a member of the agave family.  They are so cool to look at and apparently were named by the Mormons who felt they looked like the prophet Joshua guiding them to the promised land.  My source for this information is Mary Ann Moss. 

There are also different kinds of cactus and amazing rock formations. Perfect for climbing.  If you are into that sort of thing.  And your knees will hold up. 

When we left the park we stopped at The Crossroads Cafe for breakfast.   Interesting people, unique menu items, excellent coffee.

I can recommend the poached eggs accompanied by black beans and grilled polenta topped with feta cheese on the side.  Sigh.  Then, as if it couldn't get any better, when we walked out, there was a farmers market going on.  Complete with cute kids, friendly vendors, beautiful baskets, and a cowboy or two. 

After purchasing a few necessary items, we headed back to Art Retreat headquarters, where the collected specimens were laid out for painting and Pam showed me the Christmas quilts she made for her family.  Oh.  They were special.  Pam has a gift for combining colors and patterns in a way that is uniquely her own. 

I was so overcome by them I babbled something to Mary Ann about making one for her next year for Christmas.   Which I suppose could happen. 

singing along with Blue Swede to "hooked on a feeling"

Today I am unpacking, making coffee, doing laundry, going to the library, working on my quilt, and downloading photos.  Recalling, the last 4 glorious days of Winter Art Retreat #5.

While I was waiting for Sister to get out of school on Thursday I hung out at her house and looked through her stuff.  I copied a picture on the back of a journal and then drew the lamp in her living room.  In between petting cats of course.

On the way out of town on Friday morning we made a slight detour to Cafe Tropical on Sunset.  No trip to LA is complete without a stop for cafe con leche and a slice of cheese and guava pie.  It is always the same.  Completely delicious.  A taste that can not be obtained any place else on the planet. 

Then it was time to hit the road. 

 

We drove over mountains and through valleys all the way to Joshua Tree.  

This was headquarters for Art Retreat #5.  Nestled in the side of a mountain.  Surrounded by desert. Security provided by a large dog that patrolled at regular intervals.  Leaving tracks that could have been mistaken for a bear.  Or a coyote.  Or a mountain lion. 

There was a large table with a spectacular view of the mountains.  A great spot for communal art making, bruschetta eating, singing along with Blue Swede to "hooked on a feeling", discussing the latest Sasquatch alert, and the anarchist political views of Edward Abbey.  All the normal stuff you do at an art retreat. 

There was also a great hot tub with views of the starry, starry, skies and an outside fire spot for sitting and telling ghost stories (despite protestations by Pam).  Like the one about Frank and his brother Joe who got stranded on the side of a country road, and got separated, and ran into a nest of baby squirrels, and were picked up by a giant owl, and ultimately escaped.     

hi jinks are high on the list of priorities

 It is likely I will be off the grid while at the 5th Annual Winter Art Retreat.  We are going to Joshua Tree this year and might get caught up on an 18 hour hike through the desert, or be trapped outside in the hot tub - surrounded by coyotes.  Who can say?  Below are a few random shots from last year's retreat in Palm Springs. 

In addition to making art, hi jinks are high on the list of priorities during our time together.  Rambunctious behavior that can lead to all sorts of outcomes.  I will do my best to upload to Instagram. 

if I can't have fun with this

Inside my new art supply suitcase I have packed the following items:  4 sketchbooks of varying sizes and paper weight, 1 everyday journal, 1 mini car/field sketchbook, 9 pens, 1 pencil, 5 paint brushes, 1 water brush for the mini sketchbook, my full watercolor palette, the mini watercolor palette, 4 markers, and paper towels. 

 If I can't have fun with this, then there simply ain't no fun to be had.   The end.

too excited to contain myself any longer

Today I did this.   

Because last night I bought my plane ticket.  I hope Sister and Pam don't mind that I changed the name of our annual event to "Winter Art Retreat".  This year we are forgoing the hip poolside retreat in Palm Springs for the quiet beauty and peacefulness of Joshua Tree.    Stargazing, hot-tubbing, trail walking, wine drinking, portrait making, and story telling will all remain on the agenda.  Along with anything else we dream up between now and then.