Sometimes we are forced to slow down due to health issues and it can turn into a real opportunity to make some decisions that jump-starts creativity. A four week online workshop with Carol Carter was the perfect solution to redirecting my focus on art while recovering from surgery. I chose to do the self-paced course. I am so grateful for everything that makes it possible for me to paint. Being able to evaluate where I am on my art journey and what things need improvement or different thinking to more forward was well worth the time spent.

Week 1: Study of Still Life in Watercolor, Choosing subjects:   Sunshine - Tea Cup in Light      Evaluation--I had set up and photographed  a still life of 3 perfume bottles in morning sunlight but felt lucky to work on the demo painting. I was very happy with my painting of the tea cup.

Week 2:  Essential Techniques, Setting up for a Still Life painting: Mystery - Candle and Cherries Evaluation--I had some difficulty in the reflections and layering of the candle and background.  I was able to correct the reflections underneath. I chose to paint my image of moonlight over Lincoln HS from the stands. I wasn’t happy with the moonlight and how the buildings didn’t show up. Carol’s critique: keep painting similar scenes.  

Week 3:  Composition, Dynamism in Still Life Sentimental Tutorial - Wedding Rings Evaluation–I remembered my France workshop with Carol when I had a happy accident with my yellow jersey winner painting. I had carefully taped over the entire face so I could apply the background washes.  When I pulled off the tape some of the blue wash leaked down onto his face. Thinking I had ruined the painting because it was staining–not according to Carol. Fast forward to the demo of the blue hand with wedding ring in the palm.  I photographed  my hand with the rings that were important in my life (high school graduation ring from my parents, my wedding ring I wore for 50 years and showed the backs of my new wedding ring and original band).  This painting means a lot to me.

Week 4:  Finishing Touches, Emotion and Symbolism in Art Abundance - Fruit and Fish Evaluation—The fish and fruit demo was really interesting to paint–background to foreground and we had to select each area to paint next as she did the demo.  I love her colors and the simplicity of each component.  I didn’t overwork this as much as I would have in the past. I decided to paint the one of our garden harvests.  I was very pleased with the actual progression as I painted the different vegetables but also the end result.  The most important lessons learned: Have FUN. Paint for yourself; keep the focal point in your thoughts as you paint the entire time, and only include items which lend themselves to supporting the focal point.

Now I felt warmed up enough to take the 2nd workshop with Carol when she came to OSA in September for 3 days.  Once again she challenged us to look at our subject as “cells" painting background to foreground. The focal point will be painted last and be set up to stand out from all the surrounding cells.  Day 1 Glass with Ice Cubes   Day 2 Red Water Lilies Day 3 Bumble Bee. Photos next month.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH - BLACKHISTORY365

On October 12, Joe, my husband, and I attended a conference in Bend, Oregon where a new path-breaking Pre-K-12 African American history curriculum, Black History 365, was presented to community leaders including local school district representatives.  Late last year Joe affiliated with this company to introduce and market the curriculum to school districts in the Western states.  The 1,248 page high school textbook is a comprehensive reference that already has been adopted by numerous school districts nation-wide. Its purpose is to help fill gaps and ensure balance in the teaching of American history and encouraging students to actively engage with their history and become independent, critical thinkers capable of reaching their own conclusions on various issues.  The creators and primary authors of this curriculum, Drs. Walter Milton and Joel Freemen, explained the origins and purpose of the project along with other members of their team.  

We broke into small groups to participate in the “Elephant Experience”, the approach used by students as part of their lessons to respectfully discuss difficult issues such as reparations, three-fifths of a human being, slave insurance, etc. We were given the topic: “Whether Confederate Statues and Monuments should be torn down”.  We were introduced to the “talking stick”, a device used to encourage participation in discussion and to emphasize careful listening to what others have to say.  The reports from the groups didn’t reach any final conclusions, but this approach served to clarify the various dimensions of this issue that had to be considered. Dr. Freeman and his wife have curate a collection of over 3,000 artifacts from African American history that has toured the country, and many are included in the textbook. I was able to share some of my African Art through several cards I brought.  My Tanzanian Elephant Stampede painting stimulated the most interest as it connected to the “elephant in the room” theme. It was based on a photo taken years ago by my globe-trotting Uncle who was also an educator. He would have been pleased to have his image associated with this project.   I felt hope that as public and independent school districts adopt this curriculum, not only will their students learn the objective facts of history, they will be encouraged to consider various perspectives and reach their own conclusions. .For more information, please contact Joe at [email protected] or go to the website: blackhistoryeducation.com.