Sunday, June 8, 2008

Misty Mawn & the Art Retreat...

It was with much anticipation that I awaited my class with Misty Mawn. For many years I have admired her work, visited her blog, even bought a piece for a friends birthday (mmm still dont own one myself.... yet!!!). See picture below of Misty and myself.
I most definately was not disappointed when I met the delightful Misty and took one of her classes (oh how I wish I could have taken them all). Misty is such a beautiful person, very quiet, unassuming and extremely talented. What a treat to be able to take a class with her and learn some of her techniques.
The first part of her class was spent watching Misty demonstrate her backgrounds and then going back to our desks to play around with her techniques. We layered paints, scraped some off, added some more, daubed some off, transfered images..... lots & lots of fun!
After we done a few backgrounds we then learnt how to paint our images!!! Firstly we chose images we wanted to use from magazines, photos, art books and placed them on our background. Misty then taught us her technique for painting these images... fantastic!!! I know I have a lot of practicing to do, but I loved playing around, trying to get shadowing, colour etc.
She has a rather solemn look upon her face this girl....but for my first attempt I was quite happy with her (I did have a bit of help from Misty too). She does have a funny looking orange blob near her mouth which I think I may have to take some artistic license with later (dont know what happened there).
I was not too happy with the mittened hands that I had chosen for this piece though (we live and learn). I have placed a little acorn in the hands to make it look like someone is holding them. I am still not sure if this piece is finished.... might need some words, an image or two....will look at it for a while and decide later.

Overall a wonderful class, thank you so much Misty, I learnt heaps and had so much fun in the process.

I have to finish off some pennants for a banner swap this afternoon... its a bit overcast and drizzly rain so a nice day to be inside with the fire and play with my fabrics.

15 comments:

jo said...

Wow, what a fantastic piece Jacky! You have done those flesh tones much, much better than I did! And I love that photo of you and Misty.
Jo Stables

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Oh Jacky, looks to me that you did a swell job at the workshop. I would probably freeze in Misty's presence. Have you started another yet?

Anonymous said...

Wowsers! Jacky.
your painting is AMAZING! I Love it ,the colours the background her face its stunning well done you !I'm sure you are very proud of it ,I know I would be .
love from sesga xx

Evidence of an Artistic Life said...

What fun-great painting!! I would love to do something like that!
chris p

A bird in the hand said...

The blob is part of the background. I think it looks just fine. Sounds like a super class, you lucky girl you!

Natalie B said...

Gorgeous Jacky!!! You've done such a fabulous job with this. There's no stopping you now!!

Dawnie said...

What a wonderful post and super to see what you created from the experience.Fantasic Jacky and very inspiring .Thanks so much for sharing the workshop.
hug
Dawnie T xxx

Jo Wholohan said...

well done jacky, this is most awesome my dear :))

Julie H said...

Beautiful Jacky! An amazing first attempt and lovely to see you with Misty.

Ro Bruhn said...

This looks great Jacky, I was in that class too and am now busy making backgrounds. I hope I can remember it all.

jo horswill said...

Great work Jacky, love your blog too...
some amazing work...Regards Jo

Jen Crossley said...

AWESOME Jacky I love what you did in Misty's class
jen

Anonymous said...

looks like you learned heaps or maybe not, just needed the push and muse! looks fab to me for sure :)

Dot said...

Love the photo of you and Misty my dear. And you did a brilliant job of your first painted face. It was a pleasure to be next to you in class as you created.

Deb said...

You have a lovely blog! Found you thru a few shared friends' links - the piece you did with Misty is wonderful. I am looking forward to taking one of her workshops in September. And I also love the Klimt dolls - they're so creative! Deb
http://vintagemoonstudio.typepad.com