MSGodfreyArt: Fall 2015 Wrap-up

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Fall 2015 Wrap-up

As I look back at the last 3 months, I am about even with days spent in Blue River and days away from home. As much as the travel and workshops have been invigorating and inspiring, I am now looking forward to a number of solid at home days before Thanksgiving.

View of the Rogue River from
Horseshoe Bend Camp.

September brought one of our annual trips to the Rogue River with most of our favorite rafting friends. Much of the rest of that month was art related. As a Co-chair of the Western Federation of Watercolor Society's 2017 Exhibit to be held in Eugene, Oregon, there were several organizational meetings during the month. I also spent time and energy preparing for the Watercolor Society of Oregon's Fall convention in Hermiston, Oregon.

October: I feel so fortunate to be a part of this large organization where the creation and appreciation of art is nurtured. We also have a heck of a lot of fun!

WSO held a Murder Mystery dinner at the
Hermiston Convention.

The Last Hurrah

After the three day convention and exhibit, where my painting "The Last Hurrah" was accepted for the show, I took the week long workshop taught by the very talented transparent watercolor painter, Ratindra Das. One should never expect to do their best work at a workshop, so I am not disappointed that I came home with only one painting I am willing to post here.

Add caption

I liked the simplification and flatness
of this piece.

Ratindra Das is not only a great painter, but a generous
and dedicated teacher as well.

The week in Hermiston was an opportunity to get back in touch with transparent paints. Mr. Das is a master of that method of painting. I spent time outside of class with other class participants and Ratindra trying out the restaurants in the area. Again belonging to WSO is an enriching experience for a multitude of reasons, but developing friendships and meeting some great painters is among the best benefits.

Enjoying rafting on my friend Toni's birthday.

In the middle of the month, my friend Toni came up to Blue River for a visit. Luckily we were able to raft on her birthday. It will truly be the last rafting of the season, I'm sure. For one thing, our raft trailer was stolen right off our rig (our 4-Runner). We'll have to replace it before next summer. I hate events that make me more skeptical about the world we live in!

My sister, the actor!

Later in the month of October, I taught a workshop myself in Menucha on the Columbia River Gorge. I covered that event in my last post.

Breaking the Surface

In the last week of the month, I traveled to McMinnville, Oregon with my sister, Janice, to film her annual Haunting Video. This time it was filmed in a cemetery near where she lived years ago when her children were young. You can watch her video here on youtube.

All About That Vase

November: The month began with an artists' reception held at the Excelsior Restaurant and Inn where 3 other artist and I share hanging space. I was able to put up some of my newer work and enjoy the company of friends and family on a Sunday afternoon.

We just returned from a week's visit to Arizona, where we visited our younger daughter and her family. Among the highlights were birthday celebrations, a trip to Sedona, and a morning at Butterfly Wonderland. Mostly, it was wonderful to see Rachel, Josh and the grandkids. I'll end my post with a photo essay of our visit.