Painting with Friends

It's not very often that a person or event completely changes the course of your life. 
I am so grateful that I signed up for a little painting workshop at my church 11 years ago this week.  
This beautiful person, Cheri,  said, "I want to teach you to see things in a different way."  
As I was working on that first painting, she came by and said, "You'll want to ugly up that blue sky; you need some ugly so that the beautiful will be even more beautiful."
Now, almost 400 paintings later, it's her voice in my head reminding me, 
"Squint way down and look at the shapes..." 
"Just be brave and put that paint on..." 
"Soften those edges until they're nearly gone..." 
"Stand back and look at it..." 
"Think about where your light source is..."
"See where the darkest dark meets the lightest light..."
"Put a little purple in it..."

For about 5 years I got to paint with her every week.
What a treat when I get to now.
I learn so much just by watching her work.

About 5 years ago, I asked a teacher down the hall if she'd want to come over and paint.
Julie and I have painted together every week since.
It makes you better to have a partner... for encouragement, help, ideas, and laughter.

What a wonderful, creative, productive weekend we had.

First an evening at Cheri's house in Oklahoma for a lesson.

Then on to Welcome Home Retreat in Texas for two and a half days of art. 

Thanks to Sheila who had the idea and made it a real place... a place where women can relax... can create... and can be inspired then inspire others.

I'm going to touch up and finish each one, but... hey, I'd say it was a pretty productive weekend!