Plein Air Workshop...

This past week I attended a plein air workshop led by artist Mark Mehaffey at Interlochen Center for the Arts.  It was a terrific workshop and I learned much from Mark's demonstrations, one-on-one instruction and casual conversations.  I am excited to put all this new knowledge to work out in the field and in my studio.  As I reflect on this experience I realize that I need to continue to put in what Mark terms "brush miles."  I realize that I am at a point where I have learned an incredible amount about watercolor painting, and I will continue to learn for the rest of my life.  But that knowledge and learning won't do me any good if I don't continue to paint.  So, no matter how crazy life gets I am determined to keep up the secret of painting--- "Hard Work."

Another quote from Mark this week, "The only rules in painting are the ones you make for yourself."  I really thought about this-- what rules am I adhering to that I should break or discard to move forward with my art?  What new rules should I try out or make?  Mark challenged me to make quick, loose, confident brush strokes in watercolor.  I found that the shorter painting 20-30 minutes were a lot more fresh free, and very fun to paint.  The ones I labored over more didn't really excite me.  As I continue to plein air paint I would like my paintings to be free and loose, and this is one of those instances where putting a time limit on the painting process really helps.   

I would highly recommend Mark Mehaffey as instructor to anyone interested in water media and/or plein air painting.  I might just take the workshop a second time!