Encaustic Landscape (of sorts)

 Recent encaustic work that I completed while I was at Squam. 

It is so rare I demo and then actually complete a piece during class. 

But I like these.

That goes to show you I was really relaxed. 

And that's a good thing.

The Journey called Squam

This is the third year I have been privileged to teach at Squam.
SAW is a difficult event to explain. One, because it isn't really an 'event' per se; it is more of an experience, a journey.

Kelley, Susan, Sue, Kathy

I shared a large house with 12 other women, some I knew from my first year, others I met this year. To say they were all special sounds idiotically trite, but they really were. I felt a connection with each and every woman, this deep visceral thing that doesn't lend itself to words.
It is so odd to me how this group of incredibly diverse people migrate to Squam each year and how the right ones manage to find and connect with one another. Like I always find the exact person I need at the exact moment. I don't know how it happens really, I am convinced it's magic conjured up by Elizabeth and somehow dispersed through a wand??
I took very few photos this year, preferring to sap up the feelings instead. But now I wish I had more photos. I wish I could have captured a shot showing the spirit of friendship that developed in our house, a camaraderie so natural it was as if we had known each other forever.

Linda and Jacqueline

Mary's butt - the quote says Live fully, Laugh often, Leave a legacy.

But it wasn't just about my housemates. I saw other people too, my teaching peers, people of whom I am IN AWE, like how can I even be part of this inspiring group!?!?
Jen Lee, who I met my 1st year; she is an ancient spirit I am certain of that, uncanny wisdom in such a young body. And Misty, what a treat for me to see her a second time this year! And Flora. Ok, maybe I have just a wee little crush on Flora. Me and the rest of the world, that woman is on fire, simply radiating beauty in everything she does. Pixie, it was the first time I met her, another old soul - naturally I knew who she was, but was stunned when she knew who I was, geez, I am such a dork like that, all self confidence on the outside but a bundle of insecurities on the inside.
And Elizabeth, always the hostess with the mostess, what a legacy she has built. I soooooo admire that.

Ice block at the Art Faire

And my students, with their love of learning and willingness to try new techniques. Sadly, my photos of their work did not turn out, but suffice to say I was blown away by the work they produced, wow, wow, wow! They filled me up.

Another Star Pupil

You may recall that I taught in Chicago at the CREATE retreat in August. Oh was it ever fun, hope I get to do it again next year. Anyhow, I did a Circle Mania Class and Peggy Wilkinson was one of my students. She did great work in class, but then went home and made a CLOCK! Wowza, what a terrific idea. Needless to say, it is gorgeous, and look how amazing with her pieces from class. Great job, Peggy and thank you so much for allowing me to share your creations.

This is so gratifying to me you can not imagine. Oh be still my heart :)
Happy weekend, everyone. Let's all paint, how about it!?!?!?

Star Pupil

Since I have run away from home(joke), I apparently am not generating intelligent blog content at the moment. But! Lucky for me, one of my students from Art Unraveled has been working away......check out his post here.
Thanks, Don!!!
And keep making those color charts, what a great way to enhance your painting skills. For those of you wondering, there is a chapter in my book which includes the instructions much like the class I teach.

Where oh where is Mary Beth

Resting.....

reflecting and remembering;

thinking and musing.

But not too hard.

Sewing with Stencils

Some of you dear readers follow me over on Facebook and noticed my post about my stiff neck and shoulder.......from my hand sewing efforts no less.



Well, here it is. My second altered t-shirt using my stencils (the first debuts in the next issue of Pasticcio)
I first saw The Incredible Jenny Doh using one of my stencils on a scarf. Then I saw stencils used as applique patterns in the The Alabama Stitch book. So why not mine?
I think Pam Carriker's WING or Judy Wise's ROOSTER or Michelle Ward's CIRCLE RAY or Patricia Seggebruch Baldwin's BUBBLES would be amazing........and just think, you could paint the design too.
Ohohoh!!! I just remembered, has anyone else seen the new Martha Stewart paints at Michael's? The display said they would work on glass, ceramic, fabric, metal.....hmmmm, don't tell me I need to try yet another product?? Has anyone tried them yet?

Lookee Here - Podcast time

Oh me oh my, it is with a little ok, a lot of trepidation that I announce 

Ricë Freeman-Zachery has done a Podcast with me. 

I can't listen to it, seriously I can't. My voice drives me crazy for one thing. Plus I have already heard it, being there while it was recorded, ya know. 

Ricë is so fun I forgot we were recording. 

Consequently there were several times I was possibly a bit too animated for a podcast. 

Ahem.

Just saying. 

Seriously though, I adore Ricë. She is a wonderfully caring individual and I have such respect for all the contributions she makes in our little patch of the art world. Take a minute to check out the content on her Voodoo Cafe Blog or over at Create mixed Media. How does she do it all!?!?

And listen to my Podcast......if you must......oh geez, I think I was probably supposed to publicize this better......

Happy Weekend everyone.