Artfest-Day 1

After quite an adventurous turn at the airport (stranded overnight) I was grateful to have my time at Artfest. I was lucky enough to make it on standby with plenty of time to catch my ride with Brethren sisters Pinky and Viper, and we were on our way. Year two at Artfest was such a gift. The first year initiation of figuring it all out, meeting people, finding classes was all behind me. This year was about feeling more comfortable, and building upon last year's friendships. I just loved it.

My first day of classes was Lynne Perrella's Go For Baroque. We started with a base of Rosin paper that we then covered with gesso. Stenciled, stamped and scraped gesso. Once that was done, we added color with Portfolio brand water soluble pastels. Continued with painting, stamping and stenciling until ready to add the focal image. A giant xerox enlargement (xeroxes are some of my favorite images to work with) alongside a collaged scene at the bottom. It was a big size, but people really worked their pieces, and I was blown away by the variety of results. Lynne showed so many techniques that I hope to bring to my journal pages and other mixed media pieces. She really knows how to work an image and transform it. While I was working on my large piece I decided to work along in my journal as well. You can see the result above. Such a fun class!

Later that night was an "Iron Chef" style faceoff amongst the artists/teachers. They were divided into pairs, given the same supplies, and were let loose. It was so much fun to see how different the work was with the same supplies. Above you can see Stephanie Lee and Michael De Meng facing off in the 3d category. Misty Mawn blew me away in the 2d category. She works so fast and made such a gorgeous piece. All the art was raffled off, and the $ went to pay the crew and for a scholarship spot for next year. Loved it! You can also see me, Pinky, and Viper having a great time that night.

After that was one of my favorites, the bonfire and journaling jam. I just loved sharing journals and seeing what we are all up to! The top pic is of my friend Alex (you must check out her work, you won't be sorry) and her friend Margarida. More journalling with Amanda, Nikki, and Merrilee. Back soon with day 2!