Arleta Pech Watercolor Workshop

April 7-9, 2009 I had the opportunity to take a watercolor workshop from Arleta Pech. She was here to judge the AANC's National show, and also gave this incredible workshop.

I learned all about layering transparent watercolors. Even for moi, the acrylic painter, this made sense! Arleta has designed the coolest tool to be used with her limited palette that lets you preview what the colors on the palette will do depending on the order you paint them.

She gave us two separate templates for paintings, so we could focus on the painting rather than the drawing. Love that. And she has a multitude of DVD's, where you are given the template and guided through the process. very cool. Have to admit I came home with a few. :) This too was a wonderful class. She is a very open, fun loving person and I think we laughed as much as we painted.

Definitely worth the time to check out her website at: http://www.arletapech.com/

A Week in Wisconsin With Stephen Quiller

I had the opportunity of a lifetime last week. I was able to spend a full week at Richeson's in Wisconsin, taking Color Theory under Master Colorist Stephen Quiller. While a week of study with a master like Stephen is almost overwhelming in the knowledge that is imparted, I would willingly have stayed for two weeks. :) I have studied under many great artists, and this was by far one of the most fantastic classes I have taken. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity.

This is a small painting I did from one of Steve's demos. I worked both in Acrylic and watercolor during the week to try to absorb as many of the techniques he was demonstrating as possible. This included getting my first chance to play with gouache. I feel this class will benefit me for the rest of my life. It was so packed with information, And Stephen is such a wonderful instructor to take from that I would welcome the opportunity to take another class from him in the future.

Visit Stephen's website at the Quiller Gallery, in Creede Colorado. Tell him Cyd says hi.

Jack Richeson has created a top notch environment for classes. With great instructors, supplies, a wonderful staff, and we even got a tour of the manufacturing facility. I even got to see where my easel was made which was something of a treat.

As if that weren't enough, we were lucky enough to see The Small Works show on exhibit, one of the Richeson75. As well as many of the pieces in the Richeson Collection. I highly recommend the school to anyone that wants to enjoy a pleasant, relaxed environment to study. If I can work out the logistics, I would be thrilled to revisit...albeit hopefully NOT with broken ribs next time. :)

You can read more about their workshops at Jack Richeson &Co, Inc.