The 6th painting is on its way

detail

I approached this painting as if I were painting an abstract; using color as shapes.  At this point, I like what is happening.; big brushes and lots of color. Why use a restricted palette when the world is full of color?

Birthday, House warming and 10th anniversary of my move to SMA

my self portrait

Cynthia

My daughter, Cynthia Hamilton, hosted a wonderful party for me to celebrate my 80th birthday, my 10th anniversary of my move to San Miguel de Allende and a house warming for both of us, since we are now house mates.

She worked for weeks planning and days making the huge variety of food. Thank you Cynthia.

In San Miguel almost all my friends are artists

more food was on the way

animated conversations

table set up without all the food

hiding behind the masks

good food, good conversation

making masks in the studio

Rest and meditation

We are almost settled after the big move and I have been home 6 days. We had our first guests yesterday and it helped to make the house seem like our home.

My retreat was perfect and much needed. Being right on the ocean helped the meditations and relaxation.

The studio is ready, but I am not. I am planning art events, but still working on the details.

In the meditation garden of the SRF retreat and hermitage in Encinitas, CA

View from the gardens

rested and ready for the next adventure

all about the workshops

Check out my workshop blog for details about the classes.
ezshwan.blogspot.com

The studio is ready for students

We are still unpacking and organizing, but after several days of work placing and replacing tables, storage boxes and hot palettes, the studio is ready for students. There is plenty of light and room for 8 people.

The before photo

Stacks were placed and bolted into the wall

Everything in place, including the anti-fatigue mats

opposite side with a demo table

I can easily find what ever is needed

Light, air and a view

Everything is ready. Students sign up!

I haven't posted in quite a while, because I was on a fabulous vacation in Guatemala for 2 weeks. I am still working on putting the photos together, but in the meantime here is one shot taken of me saying farewell to Lake Atitlán. The reason I have been so busy since I got back last week is because I am getting ready for my annual open house.

This is like being at Grandma's house!

I had 3 of the most delightful people in my workshop Monday and Tuesday. I had planned an advanced technique class, and then at the last minute, after I had gathered all the materials, the class became an introductory one. Since there were only 3 people, everyone got what was almost a private class and by the second day, they had experimented with several techniques beyond the intro level. Gary, a photographer, exclaimed, "This is like being at Grandma's!" You have everything we want just for the asking. I loved his comment and told him I would share it.

We joked a bit about being with Grandma (me) and Flora said, "No you are more like a mother, very caring, thoughtful and directly to the point. I have spent a lot of money since I have been in San Miguel, but this class was the most worthwhile." I said, "I have considered stopping teaching", and she said "You must never stop teaching. You have too much to share." My heart was filled to over flowing.

An encaustic demo

Encaustic Arts Magazine

I wrote an article for the new winter edition of the online, free magazine, Encasutic Arts Magazine. Check it out. There are photos and links as well as articles by other artists working in encasutic:
http://www.eainm.com/encaustic-arts-magazine/

Today we finished the two day Introduction to encaustic. I love it when everyone takes the technique and makes it their own. To see some of the finished pieces, check out my workshop blog. Everyone is planning on returning for an advanced technique class. We begin on Thursday with 3 new participants and 2 from this class


    ezshwan.blogspot.com

lunch break on the terrace

Explaining oil glazes

It's the middle of day 2 and everyone is engrossed in their work

It can be a long day, so it good to take a break from work to check out others work

Using the torch is sometimes a challenge, so I am helping with some fushing

First encaustic group show in Mexico

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.