Saturday, October 27, 2018

A Sketching Expedition

I told you about the wonderful workshop I had in Waukesha WI, now I want to take a minute to share a few sketches from an experiment I will definitely repeat, my Drawing Expedition 2018.

cool cafe in Waukesha

so nice to stay at Nancy's house and be greeted by her dogs...


I decided, as I was planning details for my workshop, that I would extend my trip further east, visit family and friends and spend time along the way in places I'd never been, drawing in my sketchbook.

It was so fulfilling I won't hesitate to do it again.



I'd never spent time in Michigan and I discovered Marshall, a town you should visit.




Who doesn't want to go to a Magic Museum?


Ashtabula was only a stop on I 90 in Ohio for years, you should see the drawbridge there.



And sometimes a rainy day at a laundromat can enrich your day.



I'm so grateful I have a passion for sketching the things I see as I live this life. It's even better when I can share them with you.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Faces Appear at Lost Art Fiber and Textile Studio

I'm back refreshed from my two week Drawing Expedition back east and I wanted to share the beginnings of that adventure in Waukesha, Wisconsin. This town is on the way to Milwaukee and about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Madison. Nancy Wilson, owner of Lost Art Fiber and Textile Studio hosted both the workshop and myself at her home outside of town. The two dogs, Rosie and Henry were an added bonus.

Our hostess Nancy with Michele on the left and Sue on the right


as always, I like to dye most of the yarn for our workshop


This was a risk taking bunch of weavers. I have an approach in my teaching that is quite open ended and can be unnerving for those who fear venturing into uncharted territory. This group took the challenge and even when they found themselves at those scary crossroads (how do I start the eyes??!!, did I weave enough lips??) it didn't take much to push them into a decision.

Michele tries a 3/4 pose



Sherry creates a woman with style and class



Dawn tackles glasses and white hair...and to think she was nervous about weaving people
and Emily is a rug hooker who had never tried tapestry before...


What I love about these workshops is the individuality; we can't help but create different personalities. Naming our new friends became an earnest occupation among the group. On the last day these new people had a life of their own and almost wove themselves.




I'm so proud.

Thanks Nancy, a great space to hold a workshop!