an artsy trip...

at the beginning of this month i flew to oregon to visit my friend Mel.  we've known each other for 2-1/2 years, meeting in Soul Restoration - the original, launched in January of 2011.  we clicked back then, and we continue to click. 

so when Mel invited me to come visit, i jumped at it.  i flew across country (upgraded to first class, dontcha know) and for the next five days we had SOOOO much fun.   Mel was the consummate hostess, and her 'One', Trent, was incredible.  They have 2 dogs, Bob (a girl) and Hank.  a few cats and a couple of horses.  and Mel has a studio that rivals... Brave Girl Camp.  LOL  i was like a kid in a candy store.

my mojo has been so tamped down, i didn't know if it was salvageable. 

it was. 

took a class at Karen O'Brien's studio - and learned to make this photo transfer wood person.  FUN.  loved Karen - excellent teacher.  if you get a chance to take a class with her, do it.  you can visit Karen's website here.

Mel showed me how to do a cool brushing/shading technique done by Sunny Carvalho, and that was SO cool to learn, and i got to 'meet' Sunny in the process.  Such a doll... so talented. you can visit Sunny's website here.

here are some photos of my trip.  (i also saw the redwoods and the california coast and took a jet boat ride) it wasn't all art, but that was the main focus!!

Me and Karen O'Brien

sunny carvalho's technique

Bob, Me, Hank

finally...

i painted.  i started a canvas... and i was actually IN the studio, at my worktable... painting.  first time since i moved in 2-1/2 months ago.

i haven't had the mojo... but it's slowly coming back.  and tomorrow morning at the butt crack of dawn i will be heading to Oregon to visit my friend Mel... she is just such a bright spot of love in my life, and i'm so blessed to call her my friend.  she is an artist and we will be flinging tons of paint... and i know my creative juices will be overflowing by the time i come home. 

here's a peek at what i'm working on - the idea is an eye with dragonfly eyelashes.   i like it so far.  using the caran d'ache watercolor crayons...