When I knew I was coming to the US to teach, I started looking for some classes I could take too. Learning for me is vital as anything else I do. I had managed to secure two classes for myself in-between my own teaching schedule. Unfortunately, one fell away, much to my disappointment but the one that held was a day painting @ Jenny Doh's with some of my dear art friends... Chrissie, Kathy (KJ) and Kara. We planned it well in advance and we were super excited.
I was nervous, excited and I knew I was going to be out of my comfort zones but I was almost desperate for it. We decided to paint a big acrylic piece, a portrait.
Jenny asked Kitty if she could take some pictures of her so we could all paint her. I loved that we all painted the same reference and I love that we painted her. It just felt so right.
We decided to work with this image. I loved that hand and I knew right away, I wanted to paint it.
Step 1 - sizing up - It wasn't easy but I was enjoying
Step 2 - highlights first, middle and dark
Step 3 - trying not to freak out completely
I found this new approach rather intimidating.
I struggled with new techniques and a different way of painting, thinking and approaching the canvas. My whole body resisted and I was uncomfortable. I loved step 1 and 2 but by the time I reached step 3, I was feeling panicked. We stopped for lunch but I could hardly concentrate at lunch because I was a little freaked out, right. The truth was, I wasn't sure I was going to find my way back from the mess I was making. I was doing some deep sighing, a sign I'm struggling.
Hahaha... that being said, it felt good to be so uncomfortable. Jenny was fabulous and I loved her teaching methods and approach. It was good to be learning new things.
I was happy where I left off and I have brought her home to finish, but I haven't gone there yet. I know I will. For now she's up #inmystudio.
What an incredible day. I haven't felt this challenged for a long time and I'm so grateful for the time, the lessons and the togetherness of this day. Truly one of the highlights of my trip. As for my Kitty girl, she watched the whole day and loved seeing all the versions of herself start to emerge. It was an incredible experience for both of us.
Thank you ladies, for making this dream a reality.
The many faces of Kitty - each one holding elements of her and her character
I'll remember this day for a long time. My heart was overflowing.
Much Love, Jeanne-Marie