Products of workshops

Long time no post.  I think that's how all my posts will have to open these days.... For a number of reasons.  A slow computer; which leads to frustration when I'm trying to do just about anything on it. I'm giving it a go tonight, hopefully with success.  The school year has been busier than usual which has led to minimal time for artmaking and blogging. 

However, I've had the chance to attend a few workshops and produce a few little pieces.  I took my AP studio art students to a Plein Air workshop which was sponsored by our local Park District.  The students spent a morning painting after time spent with local artists who shared their knowledge and experience of Plein Air painting with the group.  The afternoon was spent critiquing results.  It was a great day for the kids, I was happy with the work they did and I think they were too.  While they were painting I took an hour or so to paint, producing this:

Last week I attended a workshop for art educators called Walking the Path.  It was a chance for art teachers to spend time reconnecting with their creativity through yoga, journaling, introspection, creating art and interaction with one another.  For the art component we were given a slice of wood from a fallen tree, a myriad of art materials; including paint, pastels, glue, hammer, chisels, nails, wire, string, yarns, fabrics and much more.  From this we created a piece which reflected where we are on our path--art path, life path, educator path---at this point in time.  I produced this:

I began this post on Sunday, today is Wednesday.  I was only able to upload the first image and then the computer froze.  Urggg. But, I was able to upload the last two pics tonight.  I was hoping to post one more pic, but the computer isn't in the mood. Again.  harumph!  Oh, well, some other time : )