Refuse to Settle

My first workshop at Sidka with the lovely Dayna.  A 4 day workshop with Bill Parks had sparked my interest.

 The little cabin perched on a hill with views of the ocean. Tucked amidst many trees, it's  a quiet, magical location. It's also called a pole house because of the construction of poles throughout

    We became one with nature...evidence of many mice was found throughout; here is the second critter on his way to a final resting place outside the house. (your welcome Dayna:o)

The spirit of drawing included a few days of just black and white, working on contrast and values. I brought in many pods to consider.

We're serious artists, serious I say. But we need to break the tension every once in awhile....

One of the more studious moments, she's a rebel that one!

Refuse to Settle was a suggestion from Bill

A black and white sketch, this will be painted over soon...

 Bill was a sight to behold, sketching, painting, he knows his subjects well and really pushes beyond just making a pretty painting.

Black and white with a bit of color

A side view

Bill giving me feedback. There was no expectation of coming away with a finished piece. But more

of a push to create a problem on the canvas that we work through to challenge ourselves. I came away with a craving to do more of the big messy brushstroke paintings that I adore.

" Bones" My carved skeleton head is in the process of getting, a driftwood "bone" body. He'll be wearing a top hat, like the well dressed skleton that he is. See him in the window @ Guardino Gallery Oct. 25- Nov. 18. Click on the top right side of this page to get the details on facebook @ Day of the Dead pdx!