Weekend in Michoacán

I had a three day vacation in another state in Mexico, Michoacán. It is very different than Guanajato were I live. Michoacán is called the soul of Mexico and is very green. 
Once a year there is a huge artisan market in the city of Urapan where the state judges the crafts that are made by artisans from all parts of Michoacán, buys the products of the prize winners and then sell them in state run stores and museums. This encourages and supports the best artisans, and cooks, to create and compete. Can you image any state in the U.S. doing this?


Before the stalls are opened, there is a big parade where representatives from all the participating cites march and dance, wearing their unique, colorful clothing and carrying  their wares.


I didn't think I could use anything else in my house, but I couldn't resist bringing home some special treasures.

getting ready for Palm Sunday

all hand embroidered

note the ribbons in the hair

carving while in the parade

straw market

I love these black pots, but didn't buy one

We took a cooling break in the park

 Some of the treasures that I couldn't resist.

April workshop

Larry, Jacqueline, Phyllis

We finished the workshop for April today. It was certainly enjoyable for me and I think the participants did a great job.

Jeannie asked me if I would go to Bali to teach a workshop. That's where she lives. Wouldn't that be exciting!

demos for the advanced class

molding and building

Fresh leaves as a stencil, over collage

water transfer - 6 minutes; acetone transfer - 6 seconds and an image printed on very thin rice paper

lots of layer, scraping, chain impressions, dry brushing

lots of layers, circles made with torch and ink details

O.K. Now I really am finished - I think??

Not knowing when to leave a painting alone, I made some "adjustments" on this one. NO more! I will forget how much work and encaustic went into this in several weeks. Time to go back to abstracts.

These are just the flesh tone paint.

                                                                                              

November introductory workshop

I was delighted to have another group of enthusiastic artists attend this workshop. We start out as strangers, but after two days of working together, I feel we made new friends.

March 2010 workshop

"This is so much fun" "I am so excited"
"I love it"
These and other enthusiastic comments peppered the two day workshop. Of course I love to hear that others are enjoying the encaustic experience as much as I. Five of the six participants are from Canada. These classes give me the opportunity to meet wonderful people that I might otherwise never met.