I remember the first time I took a workshop. I signed up all alone, just me. The workshop was given by the Plein Air Painters of America in Bennington, Vermont in October in the 90's.
It involved me booking a flight, renting a car and staying alone at a B&B. At that time, those things were really big steps. I was a beginning painter.
But I really wanted to go see what a weeklong travel workshop would be like. Mostly I needed answers, and I wanted to become a better painter.
That leap of faith led to discoveries that were huge for me. Yes, I could get myself to and from the workshop, I survived (and thrived) and even enjoyed staying alone in a B&B. And yes, I could find another student to have dinner with. I made new friends from afar, saw all kinds of easels that I had never seen before. I tried all kinds of new ways of putting a painting together.
And mostly I found my art tribe. I was immersed in a sea of very special souls who understood how important making art is.
It was very exciting. And it was the beginning of a journey that has lasted over 30 years into Plein Air Painting. Granted, it does take a while to get the hang of all the equipment and supplies, but once you've conquered all those details, the dividends that a lifestyle of traveling and painting pays are priceless.
I've made lifelong friends, have a wonderful group of painters to go traveling with and it's been the best thing I've ever done is to - get out of my studio and go paint with others.
I have such fond memories of all these trips, all the classes I've taken and the classes I've given. All the fun times we've had. And I'm grateful for the joy I've found in learning how to paint outside en plein air.
I encourage you to find a class or an instructor that you are interested in and get yourself involved. Wade knee deep in paint and enjoy becoming a part of the beautiful landscape of plein air painting.
To answer the question - a workshops feel SO SO VERY GOOD!
I deserve a workshop, you deserve a workshop, we all deserve to treat ourselves to learning and becoming more connected.
Workshops nourish the soul, inform the mind and knit you into groups you may never have thought you'd be able to join. See my current Italy Trip.
I have loved every minute of my trips and travels, and hope you will also.
- Karen
A Painter's Point of View
Produced by Morton Arts Media
wHAT sTUDENTS ARE sAYING
"Wonderful! You made a dream come true for me!"
- Wilda T. _ Charleston, SC
"This was the fourth time I've attended of of Karen's destination workshops, and I always have a fabulous experience. So inspiring for beginners as well as experienced artists!" - Kathy L. - Columbia SC
"Everything was just right! In fact, more than just right. It was the experience of a lifetime. The food, the wine, the beauty of Italy...what's not to love?"
Debra B. - Charleston, SC
"So thankful I got to experience Karen's wonderful workshop in Italy! Working on location was inspiring. Painting in a poppy field, visiting surrounding towns and enjoying fabulous Italian meals made for a lifetime of memories!" - Jane J. - Florence, SC