flying lessons

Delicious color! Super-talented artist Helen Shafer Garcia was teaching this week at the Art and Soul Retreat in Portland and I grabbed the opportunity to take her "Batik Flora and Fauna" workshop. The colorful, folk art quality of Helen's current work really resonated with me. The class combined watercolor painting and collage, and I was completely hooked!

Helen is an excellent teacher with a fun sense of humor and laid-back style.

There was a pile of inspirational material to choose from in class to get us started.

I almost had this finished by the end of class, which was satisfying. Can't wait to do more!

working on

I've been on a jewelry-making jag lately...getting a head start on some things for the PAC holiday show. Some of the soldered pendants I made a few months ago are now necklaces.

The findings and beads collected in the past year or so are coming together for earrings.

Did I mention that I am the "featured artist" for this month on the Portland Art Collective blog?
If you scroll down a bit there, you'll find my moment in the spotlight. :)

treasures...and oysters

It's been a good summer for treasure hunting...this last weekend in Astoria, Oregon and on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington was some of the best. Art buddies Paula and Jan joined me this time for a little relaxation and fun at the coast. Our first stop was in Astoria where we visited several shops and galleries. And there were cupcakes, oh yes! But I think our favorite place in town was Dots 'N Doodles art supply store; amazing goods and the shop owners are beyond great!
There were several spots out on Long Beach Peninsula to find vintage goodies, including Raven's Haven and Nahcotta Antiques and Collectibles.

The weather was brilliant...these gulls were catching a few rays on Willapa Bay near Oysterville.

We looked on as bags of newly harvested oysters were unloaded at the dock.

We all agreed that this trip was a perfect way to spend one of our last summer weekends.