Hi there! Hope everyone got through Monday! Wow, what a whirlwind with Lifebook 2016 opening plus my blog hop with Let's Face it! Geez! I have really filled up my 2016 teaching schedule and you know what? I like it like that! :)

However, I never got the chance to fill you in on how my weekend away at Katie Kendrick's amazing workshop went...

Well, it was...as expected - transformative, revealing, emotional, joyous and powerful. Yeah, it was that good!

Here is a pic of one of Katie's work in progress...

Katie has an exquisite energy that resonated through all in attendance. She truly provided a grounded, meditative and safe place for us to unfurl, explore and simply be present with our creations. Her instruction and deep intention for us was to "Empty ourselves of everything." She handed out slips of paper with these words boldly typed. I taped mine to my easel as a reminder.

This class was focused on intuitive, expressive work on larger scale canvases. Larger than most of us were comfortable working on (including me)!

My large canvas stared at me blankly and I stared back. I hesitated but with Katie's gentle guiding the class moved into action as we began making marks with graphite or charcoal using our non-dominate hand. Random marks, whatever felt right or not right...it didn't matter. Just keep moving! She said more than once "Keep your brain in your hand!" I loved this and reminded myself of this when my critical mind would interrupt the flow.

Before long images began to form...I followed them...without judgement or expectation.

Ancient faces, native and wild, feathers, orbs, tangled tree roots...these gradually came to life on the canvas. I stayed present as best I could...allowing the creativity to just be. Pure and unchained by my own insecurities. It was really an amazing experience. My soul had been waiting for this opportunity.

Here is the finished piece. I still don't completely understand what part of me created this...but I have a deep attachment to it. I named it "The Feathered Ones". This piece was done using charcoal and acrylic paint.

Now, I could have packed up my stuff and gone home a happy camper but the first day was only half done! Yes, I worked rather fast! I couldn't help it.

So, I picked up a large piece of heavy paper and began the process again...

This lovely lady and her three deer arrived rather quickly. Their shapes almost forming from each other. This one I have called "Awinita". I used charcoal, ink and acrylic paint.

Exhausted by the time I had finished her and thankful as Day One came to a blissful close.

Bright and early the next day we began our grounding meditation, followed by more creative exercises. I had one last large canvas that needed tending to! I was determined to create one more finished piece!

This one was a rather emotional, it went through several twists and turns. Most of which, surprised and even alarmed me.

Finally arriving at a place where I felt it was complete...I entitled it "The King's Son". Done with charcoal, ink, acrylic paint and collage.

I gotta tell you that when I somehow morphed the male figure into a big black bird I was a little freaked out. The woman standing next to me asked me if I was ok...I think I must have looked shocked...or something. I hadn't expected that, yet I knew it was exactly right.

Here are some details from the piece.

Okay...so I know that was kinda a long post but I just had to share this incredible experience with you. If you ever get the chance to take a class with Katie do it! Be ready to really challenge yourself and connect deeply with your Art!

Have a beautiful Tuesday!

xo,