Robbie Laird Watermedia Class...awesome

Greetings
This is the first attempt to blog simply because I feel that there is something to shoot out to those who might be interested.

This painting was done in my class with Stan Goudey in my Saturday paint class in Julian to prep for my week in watercolor.  Stan is having a 2 day workshop with Jim Millard on Monday and Tuesday of this week that I am fortunate to attend as well, but that's another blog.

I am sitting in Reno air port reflecting on this past week.  I spent the last 7 days with a great group of artists lead by Robbie Laird. Robbie's work is her own and it is so moving. You experience her paintings. They will take you into to nature on paths you may have never traveled. Robbie is a wonderful teacher and everyone of us 18 students came away with new ways to see, paint and express www.robbielairdartstudio.com

The workshop took place in Lassen, Ca. Most of our time was spent in a great room with light and plenty of space. Robbie did demos for us and then turned us loose to paint. One of the days was a Plein Air day and we headed out for Domingo Springs. This particular location was chosen after learning that there was too much snow left on Lassen. The spot did not disappoint. Water, trees, blue sky, and sienna tones in the wet lands made for an exquisite pallet to express in our work. It  was hard work , for me, and after my struggles with new mediums and substrates I eeked out a couple pieces I could live with. One became one of my favs for the week after I took some time to step back and look with  fresh eyes. But my best effort came in painting of a trout for my Dad's birthday. I have always wanted to paint him a trout as he is a big fish guy. This magical place was the inspiration I needed to accomplish that goal.
When I get back home and most likely after the next workshop with Stan and Jim I will follow up with some photos of this weeks workshop and the coming one with Stan and Jim.
If I could sum the week up in just a few words It might go something like this....

I arrived in Lake Almanor with excited anticipation of learning something new, having some time with friends and meeting new art buddies. I left with all those things and more, thanks Robbie, Will and Mary.
Thank you art buddies and a great big thank you to Mother Nature for all her inspiration for us all.
Peace,
Coko