What fun to have friends who are creative, gifted, and downright smart.
Professional artists who are on your short list of favorites.
And even better, imagine yourself with those dear friends on a creative retreat where every day is packed with lessons from those pros, food that's as gorgeous as it tastes, and scenery to make your eyes bug out.
Here's the circle of artists who came to the retreat...
(click on a name to see her website!)
Barb Tourtillotte, a multifaceted watercolor artist who has been my travel buddy for ages and one of the people I most adore and admire. One peek at her website and you'll know who has been designing many of the products you see in the stores.
Susan Eaddy, the most gifted clay artist / illustrator imaginable. Susan has a heart of gold, and nimble fingers, too. Look for her book, Papa Fish's Lullabye, for children. Susan allowed me sneak peeks at two of the books she's working on. I can hardly wait to buy them!
Brenda Pinnick is one of the most widely recognized names in the crafting industry. One peek and you'll know why her images have sold like hotcakes. Brenda's a color maven and a dynamite cook, too.
Kristen Tourtillotte is one of photography's fastest rising stars. This young artist-with-her-camera knocks your socks off with her ability to capture feeling and a sense of her subjects' personality. Her specialty is weddings and I'm convinced that she can make anyone look great.
We started out at Pike Place Market, where there is eye candy everywhere you look...
I was not the only artist snapping photos wildly...
We finished up with seafood at Ivar's, where we ate outdoors and had new friends wanting to join us for a quick bite...
Tomorrow I'll begin to show you peeks at how we've spent the artful retreat, and share a few how-to's.
Because my home and studio served as home base the first evening we headed north under dramatic skies.
Home, sweet home.
The adventure begins.
