Does anyone know artistic CPR? - Page 4

Patrick Gillooly · 04-18-2003, 08:47 PM

Elizabeth,

While looking on the site at Tips and Techniques, I chanced upon this thread, and boy, am I glad I did!

Just over a year ago, I stumbled across the S.O.G. and Art Renewal Center sites: to say I was delighted was an understatement! I haven't painted since high school 20 years ago, and only recently started my first oil painting. I'm just finishing the underlayer or "verdaccio"; a term I'd never have known if I hadn't found the site or the wonderful contributors on it.

Wracked with self doubts and insecurities, and too scared to post on site (I've been on every day but posted only five times) I mailed the likes of Michael, Marvin and Karin Wells, as I admired their work and their spirit of giving and guidance.

Expecting nothing major, I was speechless with the care, help, and positive attitude they showed towards me.

I have no formal training. I don't know much about laying out a palette. I haven't painted from life, but I'm passionate about my art.
So, in for a penny, in for a pound. If I wanted to be the best I could be, I'd need to listen and learn from the best. So I gathered my savings, placated my wife and kids, and booked up for Bill's course! You are NOT alone!

If I travel half the world, and only learn that the others on the course are as human, yet as enthusiastic as me, I'll be better for the experience. No matter the different levels of ability over the week, we're all there to listen and learn from a great artist and gentleman. It'll be hard work, but hey, we'll all have fun into the bargain!

As for thinking of eveyone in their underpants, don't worry about me. Being a true Scotsman, I'll be the one wearing the kilt!

Patrick

Michele Rushworth · 04-18-2003, 08:59 PM

Patrick, I'll be looking forward to meeting you at Bill's class, as will the rest of the SOG particpants, I'm sure.

I hope ye'll be wearing yer finest kilt an' sporrin. Will ye be bringin' yer pipes too, laddie?

(Sorry, couldn't help it. My Scots upbringing is showing.)

See you in "Scotts"-dale.

- Michele

Marvin Mattelson · 04-18-2003, 09:36 PM

I am but the high priest. Paxton, Bouguereau, Raeburn and Lawrence are the Gods we worship at the

Elizabeth Schott · 04-19-2003, 04:03 PM

Hummmmm, I am really giving this High Priest some thought!

But until then, Patrick thank you so much for your heartfelt post. It does make me feel better. It has also been reassuring to have correspondance with Carl who I am looking foreward to meeting with his army issued night goggles!

I wanted to make you feel much more at home, so here is a little photo of your new SOG friends, soon to be making your acquaintance in AZ.

Far left, our master, Tiger himself, Mr. Whitaker.
Starting at bottom clockwise: Linda, Chris, Michele (center), Me, Michael and some High Priest guy that you will need to travel to North Carolina to meet. (It would really be worth the trip. I hear he is one heck of a teacher too and not the monster he wants me to think he is going to be.)

Wow, one week from today!

Elizabeth Schott · 05-05-2003, 07:51 PM

If you would like to see photos from Bill's workshop, in addition to the thread in the workshop section, you can visit this link :

Whitaker Workshop photos

It will take you to a page at my site dedicated to this workshop only. Sorry no Marvin's or High Priest pictured!

Margaret Port · 05-06-2003, 08:37 AM

Thanks Beth, you're a star!

I've been waiting and waiting for someone to report on this workshop. I nearly got there but in the end the tyrannies of distance and dollars prevented it.

Maybe next year.

What an opportunity!

I'm looking forward to seeing all the new work which is going to flood the Forum.

Patt Legg · 05-06-2003, 06:20 PM

Beth, thanks for the wonderful shots of the workshop. I truly enjoyed them. I guess this means that your trusty camera will travel with you also to Marvin's workshop.

I will have to be on my best behavior and oh ----- I hope to paint my very best.

Due to the stress and anxiety I am already experiencing, I would like to know if that anxiety is lessened with you since this workshop with Bill. Please -- words of optimism only at this point.

Elizabeth Schott · 05-06-2003, 07:45 PM

Thanks Patt and Margaret.

I was very at ease during Bill

Jean Kelly · 05-06-2003, 07:56 PM

Hi Beth! If you remember, I told you that you would get through this just fine. Congrats on attending your first workshop. Now I want to see some great work come out of your brush!

Jean

Valerie Gudorf · 05-06-2003, 10:43 PM

Dear Beth,

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and photos of the William Whitaker workshop! Boy do I ever wish I had been able to attend. I would surely have been the least skilled among the participants, but still counted myself extremely lucky. Besides being an absolutely wonderful human being, Bill Whitaker is one of the gods in the Pantheon of Modern Classical Realists. I would have spent the entire week pinching myself out of amazement at my good fortune.

The opportunity to meet and get to know some of our forum luminaries to boot, would have perfected my joy. I too hope someday, in the not too distant future, to attend one of Bill's classes and work myself to the point of happy exhaustion. What an embarrassment of riches, that you get to participate in Marvin's upcoming workshop as well. Good for You! I'm looking forward to photos and narrative from his class also. Please....?