What a grand adventure!! I just returned from a few days in California where Carol Ann and I worked with the amazing Susan Cornelis. We had a 2 day private class as Carol and I love the way Susan works with such lyrical lines and watercolor in her urban sketching. What a blast! Spending time with both women was wonderful; full of laughs and quiet work time, sharing our stories and approaches to various subject matter. Seeing Susan's studio and local haunts was so much fun and dealing with the water in all forms (rain, floods, ocean, hot tubs)was so different from my life in Denver. There is nothing like a completely new environment to clear the brain and bring in some new colors and a refreshed spirit. I can't wait to put some of our lessons into practice here at home. Huge thanks to both remarkable women!! 

Talk about a stretch! Craftsy invited me to be one of the artists in their 4 part series about self portraits and I was challenged in a way I have not been previously. First I had to take a good look at my process and insist that I stay true to my art journal expression rather than do a self portrait in a more traditional manner (mixed media or acrylic or watercolor, etc.). Next I had to take a good look at myself; hahahahahaha. I realized that if I could somehow keep the playful aspect of my work in tact then I might be able to convey an approach to self portrait work that is far from precious. Sure; turn the page! So off I went. 2 full days of shooting and the final result has been launched on Craftsy Unlimited. This format of a subscription service (like Netflix) is new for Craftsy and they are providing lots of free and unusual content for the members. If you get a chance and  are so inclined check it out; you can get a free trial to see some of their more art-full, unusual series that are not available thru the regular Craftsy offerings. And self portrait work? I learned so much and found wonderful fodder for long walks and journal pages. I'm planning on writing about it more in an upcoming newsletter. I hope you might consider creating your self portrait and sharing your experience.