The John C Campbell Folk School

Mill House - our home away from home for our visit.

It's been about a month since I returned from the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, North Carolina.  I have thought about my time there almost daily which would mean that it definitely had an impact on me - and a very good one indeed.

This all started about two years ago when friends described their time at the Folk School and I became rather curious. What about this place that was established nearly 100 years ago, in a small town in the southwest section of North Carolina, would be so appealing to be put on my bucket list? The more that I read the more that I knew that I must attend. So, this year with my good friend, Kim in tow, we signed up for a drawing class.  We are both artists (Kim the one with heaps more experience) and felt that the basics of drawing would benefit our watercolor painting.

The newly constructed Black Smithing facility.

We spent 5 days immersed in a culture that neither of us had experienced before and eagerly approached it with our eyes wide open.  The accommodations were simple - including making our own beds upon arrival.  Our day started with "morning song" - fiddle and banjo music complete with a sing along.  Meals began with a blessing and were yummy and served family style - ending with us clearing our own plates. We closed every day with song or dance.  And then it started all over again.  The JCCFS is not a fancy organization but it is rich with good people and good spirit and an amazing culture.

And then there was our class that was led by Margaret Scanlan.  All artists are not teachers and all teachers are not artists.  Margaret is a seasoned teacher and accomplished artist - how fortunate for us.  She approached drawing in such a thoughtful and organized manner.  She asked us to use our right brain in a way that most of us were not accustomed to and the results that we got were down right impressive. At the end of the class we all felt a connection to each other and to Margaret and just wanted more.

Kim and I ended our time at the JCCFS with similar feelings to those we had in our youth when we left summer camp.  We were sad but yet excited to employ what he had learned from Margaret and also knew that our souls were richer because of our experiences at the Folk School.

We wrapped up our remaining time in North Carolina with a visit to Asheville and Blowing Rock.  There was plenty of time to visit lots of wonderful artists, to see the beautiful fall leaves, eat lots of great food and we even managed to do a little painting and drawing.  It was a trip of a lifetime and I cannot wait for a return visit to the John C Campbell Folk School.




 

A follwup up with Creating Fearlessly

As Hollyhock Studio is still in the "let's see if this is a good idea" stage I decided to look at the possibility of having a followup post workshop session.  I presented the idea to the group who attended Diane's Creating Fearlessly workshop and everyone thought it was a great idea.  So, today we met (minus a couple of our friends that were not able to be here) and we shared what we had been working on since we were together last in October.  It was very satisfying to see the work started in the workshop continuing to evolve.  There were even a few new pieces that were presented using the negative painting technique - which is NOT as easy as it looks.

Denise sent these two paintings to Diane for a critique.  Diane provided a thoughtful and extensive response that moved her work to a different level.  Denise was most happy with the suggestions and was very pleased with the outcome.  

We then spent the rest of our time together either creating new pieces or working on old ones.  During that time we drew inspiration from each other and coached one another too.  There was lively conversation about art and we even strayed away to other topics as well.  

At the end of the day we walked away with yet a bit more of what Diane had worked so well to instill in each of us.  I think she would be very happy as to the result of our time together. 

Creating Fearlessly - Post Workshop Review

It has just over a week since we wrapped up our workshop with guest artist Diane Chencharick who joined us from Michigan to demonstrate the importance of considering how fear may in fact affect our ability to progress as artists.  I am happy to report that overall this workshop was another success for Hollyhock Studio.

Diane chose to combine self evaluation through different energy patterns with art. This approach allowed everyone the opportunity to step back, take a look at what makes us tick as individuals and how it effects our art.  We all know that things are not always easy with most things in our life.  Diane moved us to new thinking about ourselves and stretched us as artists.

The painting technique that Diane is focusing on right now is negative painting.  It is certainly not the easiest technique to master but given some practice it is beautiful and complex. Simply stated negative painting involves painting around things to create levels and the illusion of a three-dimensional creation.  If you are interested in learning a bit more about negative painting click here to get a good intro and some step by step instructions to get you on your way.


Participants had lots of great comments about their experience over the three days:

"Diane was able let us do was we felt comfortable with but still used her basic techniques to provide the instruction."

"Your openness and gentle approach is effective in dissolving students' fears."

"I know that I will incorporate the techniques just learned into my paintings.  I have a renewed enthusiasm for painting."

"One of the most enjoyable workshops I've taken."  








Diane was on hand to give lots of individual attention.  Her years of experience in graphic design was very helpful in knowing when and how to make suggestions that might improve our paintings.  And if there was a goof she had lots of tips and tricks to take care of the problem.

Here are a few of the paintings that were presented during the final critique of the workshop.  It was terrific to hear the enthusiasm and comments about how each person was stretched in different ways.  At the end of any workshop that is the best compliment of the experience.

Lots of smiles remain after three days of great instruction, wonderful collaboration, tasty food and a new direction for our art.

This is just one of Diane's paintings that served as inspiration to invite her as a guest artist to Hollyhock Studio.  We are so happy that she joined us and will look forward to other workshops in the future.  

If you are want to know more about Diane and see more of her work you can check out her website.  http://www.deepwatergallery.com

It's a Painting Party

Hollyhock Studio is introducing a new workshop format.  Simply put. . .  It's a painting party! You organize your friends and we do the rest. So, do you have a special occasion on the horizon or perhaps you might have a group of friends who would like to hang out for the day? Hollyhock Studio is the perfect venue for such a get together.

There will be several options with this new workshop format and here is just one:

Making Art With Watercolor:

Experience level is not a concern because you help organize the content of the class.  This can be a fun way for everyone to get a first look at watercolor or for more advanced artists to get some new tips and tricks.  At the end of day it's all about being together and having a good time.  

• You choose your date and we provide quality instruction from 9am to 3pm.
• You can choose from a variety of watercolor subjects or topics.  
• You invite seven friends to join you and we do the rest. 
• Instruction provided by an exceptional local watercolorist who is also a gifted teacher.  
• All materials and supplies included.  Everyone can go home with a completed piece of art. You just show up with your friends for a great experience.  
• Enjoy yummy snacks and a delicious lunch.  A menu will be provided prior to the workshop and you can choose what works best for your group.  
• All of this fun and only $90 each - total $720.  

If you have another plan for your gathering please contact us to see what the possibilities might be. Prices will vary on customized parties.  

Contact Cathy at Hollyhock Studio to schedule your party or for more information.  
HollyhockStudio97520@gmail.com

Creating Fearlessly in Watercolor

Diane Chencharick, Artist/Instructor 

Meet & Greet Artist Reception 

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

5:30pm to 8:00pm

Picky Do’s and Beverages Provided

Workshop:  Three Days

Thursday October 8  –  
Saturday, October 10, 2015

9am to 3:30pm

Morning Snacks and Lunches Provided

TUITION:   $375 

ABOUT DIANE

Diane Chencharick has a long background in the arts. She enjoyed a successful career in advertising and design, with more than 30 years as a graphic designer, art director and creative director. She has mentored numerous artists, developing their creativity, honing their design skills and teaching effective use of contrast and color. Her unique classes and workshops also draw from her leadership skills, helping artists overcome self-limiting behaviors that keep them stuck in old patterns.

While watercolor continues to be her preferred medium, she often incorporates inks and acrylics in her work. She is known for her strong use of color and keen sense of design and has shown her award-winning work in galleries, as well as many exhibitions. She is an active member of Michigan Water Color Society and has served on its Board of Directors for more than 10 years.  For more information check out Diane’s website:  http://www.deepwatergallery.com

CREATING FEARLESSLY IN WATERCOLOR

We don’t often think of fear as the cause of the problems we face in our art, but fear can hold us back in multiple ways – from the tiny brush we use to make sure we stay in control… to the lack of contrast in our work … to staying too long in our comfort zone, trying to create without taking the risk of being creative.  Each day we will build self-awareness around the most common root fears that keep us stuck in old patterns, and do painting exercises to stimulate our growth. You’ll come away knowing how to “get out of your own way” and take your art to the next level.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS
This workshop is for intermediate and advanced watercolor artists who are bored, frustrated and want to do something about it.

CREATING FEARLESSLY IN WATERCOLOR - Class outline

PRE WORKSHOP

• Participants submit two watercolor samples as part of the application process.  The Artist/Instructor will review all participant artwork to get a better understanding of the ability levels and can make adjustments to the workshop curriculum if necessary.    
• Participants submit a list of their artistic strengths and weaknesses.
• Participants take a free Mini FEBI personality assessment (febiassessment.com).  This will be used during the first day of the workshop.
• A minimum of two activities that support the workshop curriculum (TBA).
• Produce and bring one underpainting using wet-into wet technique on half sheet of watercolor paper (optional). 

MEET & GREET ARTIST RECEPTION – Snacks & Beverages Provided

Provides students the opportunity to make connections prior to the workshop.

• Artist Introduction – including artistic philosophy and growth process
• Participant Introductions
• Workshop Overview and presentation of past work

DAY 1 – Morning Snacks / Beverages & Lunch Provided

• An introduction to the 4 energy patterns: Driver, Organizer, Collaborator Visionary
• Review of FEBI results. How the patterns relate to your own STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES; what makes you unique
• Developing weaker energy patterns and why it’s important for your art
• Fear Discussion: I am a pretender/unauthentic

Demonstration and Class Exercises:

• Review of good design principles
• Underpainting(s) using wet-into-wet technique
• Underpainting(s) using textures and strong contrast

DAY 2 – Morning Snacks / Beverages & Lunch Provide

Fear Discussion– I am not good enough; I am not smart enough

     

Demonstration and Class Exercises:

• Looking at underpaintings from different directions
• Figuring out what your work needs
• Adding to underpaintings from previous day
• Negative painting and layering with textures and solids

DAY 3 – Morning Snacks / Beverages & Lunch Provided

Fear Discussion – I am not lovable

Demonstration and Class Exercises:

• Resolving problems: Adding blacks and whites, changing shapes, creating balance, acetate transfers, using colored pencils and cropping

CRITIQUE – At the conclusion of each day

Artist/Instructor work and student work; what we like and don’t like – what we’ve learned

POST WORKSHOP
The workshop experience culminates with a post workshop session, which gives the participants opportunities to apply some of the newly found techniques - a minimum of two activities that support the workshop curriculum (TBA).

INTERESTED PARTICIPANTS

If you have questions send an email to Cathy Nicholson – HollyhockStudio97520@gmail.com.  If you would like to register for the workshop please email a note of interest, including attachments with (2) samples of your recent watercolor work.  After receipt of the note of interest and artwork a registration form will be emailed.  Act quickly, if you are interested, as there are only 8 spots for this one-of-a-kind workshop experience.

Reporting on Light and Loose

The Light and Loose workshop with Pamela Harnois was a huge success.  If you set aside that it was held during one of the hottest four days on record in Southern Oregon we all managed to stay cool, enthralled with the instruction and excited with what each of us walked away with.  The group, without exception, felt that their watercolor was pushed in a new direction and were inspired with several new watercolor tricks to include in our art bags.



The feedback from the group was very favorable with comments that included. . .  

"Cathy is professional and made it a priority to provide a workshop that was a meaningful experience for all attendees."

" The workshop met all of my expectations and more - well organized and very enjoyable."

"Hollyhock Studio is a beautiful intimate setting for relaxed and personalized instruction."

Pamela demonstrates light and loose poppies.

Another demo of loose roses.

Participants are pictured working on daily exercises.  There were lots of great comments about the accessibility of Pamela. Some of the participants said. . . 

"I loved the way she gave each of us personal attention and help."

"I especially liked the added benefit of you walking around during guided practice to give us your input and assistance when we were learning new techniques."

Here are some samples of what was accomplished in the workshop.  Many participants commented on the dramatic change in the looseness that they were able to achieve with their own painting styles.  

Happy faces after three days of painting "Light and Loose".

Pamela will be returning to Southern Oregon spring of 2016 when she will be teaching another Light and Loose workshop and a new workshop with details to be announced later. 

Light and Loose Watercolor

Pamela Harnois, 

Artist & Instructor

                 

June 24 - 27, 2015 

Tuition:  $325

Artist Bio/statement

Pamela Harnois is an American artist and designer influenced by both American retro design and the California impressionist movement. After graduating with a degree in fine art and design from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, she moved to Boston, Chicago and now Los Angeles, California where she makes her home. Her professional design work has been as a design manager and creative director for Fortune 500 companies and advertising/design firms. Throughout her career, she has continued to draw, paint and teach, creating a body of work that is diverse and eclectic in subject matter. She is an exhibiting artist at the Ten Women Gallery on Montana Ave, Santa Monica as well as in regional art shows and exhibitions, and does watercolor demonstrations, private lessons and workshops throughout Southern California. She is a member of the American Watercolor Society and the National Watercolor Society.

Website: www.pamelaharnois.com   

Blog: www.pamelaharnois.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PamelaHarnoisArtist

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7KuksuuuqI

Workshop DESCRIPTION

Learn how to achieve consistent results by controlling the only medium that moves itself – watercolor.  In this three day workshop, we will focus on learning how to 'loosen up,' working light and loose in watercolor to capture the expressive beauty of light and dark tones in flowers. Professional watercolorist Pamela Harnois will provide you with practical watercolor instruction, techniques and tips. She will take you through the essential techniques and concepts of watercolor flower paintings. You’ll learn watercolor techniques to perfect your style of painting while keeping form, line and shadow in executing splendid compositions and much more. For those of you wanting to learn more about watercolor -- this is the perfect workshop you!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

How to approach watercolor while painting; flowers will be used as an example. Techniques will include painting with a variety of washes, understanding new techniques, building on what you already know, and practicing positive and negative shape painting. Review light and dark color tones. Step by step and one to one instruction. Lots of fun too!

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS WORKSHOP

Anyone with some experience in sketching and a solid understanding of watercolor. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced watercolor painters.