New Painting: “Sky Dancer”

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Sky Dancer - Dominique Hurley

New Painting:

Here’s one of the little paintings I created this weekend.

“Sky Dancer” – 9″ x 12″ – acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required) – SOLD

Working the thick layers of fluid acrylics by blowing through a straw felt like infusing life into painting.  Movement, energy, abundance, and gratitude.

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* Guide To Intuitive Painting / ** Guide de la peinture intuitive

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*Would you like to learn the intuitive painting process? It’s all here.  Give it a try and have fun!

It is with great pleasure that I provide this summary of the “Les mains dans l’art” (Hands On Art) workshop that I taught across the province of Newfoundland & Labrador thanks to the Réseau Culturel de la Fédération Francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador (FFTNL) and Heritage Canada. My hope is that it will not only serve as a reminder for all the teachers and participants, so that they can continue their multi-layered journey into the magical world of acrylic paint, but also inspire some of you to try out this avenue of intuitive creative expression. Ready to paint?

01_Port au Port_1522074_1512135659031968_8194920878061840375_n** Voulez-vous apprendre à peinturer d’une façon intuitive?  Allez-y! Amusez-vous!


C’est avec grand plaisir que j’offre ici ce résumé de l’atelier “Les Mains dans l’art” que j’ai facilité à travers la province, grâce au Réseau Culturel de la Fédération francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador (FFTNL) et de Patrimoine Canada. J’espère qu’il servira autant comme rappel pour mes étudiants et leurs enseignants que comme inspiration et guide pour ceux d’entre vous qui veulent essayer cette voie d’expression créative intuitive. Êtes-vous prêts?

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* BACKGROUND / ** CONTEXTE:

* I have been painting in this style with acrylics since the 1980s, but this step-by-step teaching methodology was inspired by the teachings of the old Masters (as taught to me at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art) and by fellow artist Flora Bowley.

** Quoique je peins dans ce genre depuis les années 1980s, cette méthodologie pédagogique, étape-par-étape, a été inspirée à la fois par les enseignements des Maîtres anciens (tel qu’enseigné au Vienna Academy of Visionary Art) et de l’artiste Flora Bowley.

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* MATERIALS NEEDED / ** MATÉRIEL NÉCESSAIRE:

  • * acrylic paints in warm and cool colours as well as black & white
  • variety of paintbrushes & sponge-brushes
  • palette paper
  • canvas boards or stretched canvas
  • water containers (2 per person)
  • variety of mark-making tools (possibilities are endless: comb, toothbrush, bottle caps, old dead pens, special brushes, stencils, sea sponges, nets, bubble wrap, leaves, stamps, spray bottle, spatula, etc.)
  • plastic tablecloths (can be bought in rolls – if so, scissors)
  • painting shirt or apron (very messy process 🙂 )
  • rolls of paper towels or rags
  • hairdryers (or more time)
  • music
  • colour wheel to teach basic colour theory
  • sample canvas for each step (if teaching a group)
  • an open mind, an open heart, no expectations
  • ** peintures acryliques en couleurs chaudes et froides ainsi que noir & blanc
  • variété de pinceaux, pinceaux éponges, et brosses
  • palette en papier
  • cartons ou châssis entoilés
  • bocaux d’eau (2 par)
  • variété d’outils pour faire des marques expressives (les possibilités sont infinies: peigne, brosse à dent, capuchon de bouteille, stylo, pinceaux spécialisés, éponge de mer, filet, film à bulle, feuilles d’arbres, étampes, vaporisateur, spatules/couteaux, etc.)
  • nappes en plastique (peuvent êtres achetées en rouleau – si oui, ciseaux)
  • tablier ou chemise pour la peinture (processus très salissant! 🙂  )
  • serviettes en papier ou guenilles
  • musique
  • séchoirs à cheveux
  • cercle chromatique pour enseigner la théorie des couleurs
  • un esprit ouvert, un coeur ouvert, la libération des attentes

* Note: The FFTNL has prepared a French vocabulary list for the arts (with English translations) that you can find here.

* Notez:  La FFTNL à préparé un petit lexique des arts que vous pouvez trouver ici.

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* THE STEPS /** LES ÉTAPES:

* This workshop is about both technique and creative exploration – a process of letting go in a non-judgmental space of experimentation. There are no mistakes here. Everything is a step towards what will be.  I have divided these instructions into easy steps for the development of your own unique acrylic universe. You’ll be transforming your canvas with every layer, which in turn will inspire what to do next. Once you’re comfortable with the steps and principles, you can change the order, skip steps, etc.  Welcome to the world of intuitive painting!

** Cet atelier est à la fois techniques de peinture acrylique et exploration créative – un processus de libération dans un espace de non-jugement et d’expérimentation. Il n’y a pas d’erreur ici. Tout est un pas de plus vers ce qui sera. Les instructions sont divisées en étapes faciles pour le développement de votre propre univers acrylique. Votre toile se transformera avec chaque couche, qui par la suite inspirera la prochaine étape. Une fois comfortable avec les étapes et les principes, vous pouvez changer l’ordre, sauter des étapes, etc. Bienvenue au monde de la peinture intuitive!

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* Step 1: WARM COLOURS
Use warm colours to create a base coat in any manner you like and with any tools you like (blindfolded, with hands, dry brush, wet on wet, etc.). I gave my groups only 5 minutes to use all their warm colours and try all their starter tools to help loosen them up.

**1ière Étape : COULEURS CHAUDES
Utilisez des couleurs chaudes pour créer une couche de base de n’importe quelle manière et avec les outils que vous aimez (les yeux bandés , pinceaux sec, les mains, avec un vaporisateur d’eau, etc.).  Je n’ai donné à mes groupes que 5 minutes pour aider à les réchauffer: toutes les couleurs chaudes avec tous leurs premiers outils.

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* Step 2  : COOL COLOURS
Once the first layer is completely dry, use cool colours to create as many kinds of marks and designs on top. Be creative in finding natural or man-made mark-making tools (sponge, comb, leaves, various paintbrushes, bottle caps, stamps, etc.). I gave students 10-20 seconds to play with each toy before passing it to their neighbour on the right.

** 2ième Étape: COULEURS FROIDES
Une fois la première couche est complètement sèche, utilisez des couleurs froides pour créer autant de types de marques expressives et de motifs par dessus les couleurs chaudes. Soyez créatif pour trouver des outils naturels ou artificiels (éponge, peigne, feuilles d’arbre, différents pinceaux, capuchon de bouteille, des estampes, etc.).  Mes étudiants n’ont eu que 10-20 secondes par outil avant de le passer à leur voisin de droite.

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* Repeat Steps 1-2 as often as you like. Wait until each layer is completely dry, or you will create muddy colours.

** Répétez les étapes 1-2 autant de fois que vous le souhaitez. Attendez que chaque couche soit complètement sèche, sinon, le résultat sera des couleurs boueuses.

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* Step 3:  : CONTRAST
Use white and black (side by side for increased visual intensity) to add more marks or designs if you want to stay abstract, or to start building your subject if one is already calling you. If you prefer a more realistic look, you can use all shades of white, grey,  and black to build a three dimensional effect on your figures or in your landscapes, etc.

** 3ième Étape: CONTRASTE
Utiliser du blanc et du noir (côte à côte pour un plus grand contraste) pour ajouter plus de marques expressives ou motifs si vous voulez rester abstrait, ou commencer à développer votre sujet si vous en avez déjà une idée. Si vous préférez une peinture plus réaliste, utilisez toutes les nuances de blanc, de gris, et de noir pour peindre une image plus dimensionnelle.

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* Step 4: GLAZE OR WASH
(Note : Depending on time, I sometimes explained Step 4 before Step 3 during my workshop tour)

Add a unifying glaze by using a tiny bit of one colour and a small puddle of water or acrylic glazing liquid (more stable, but longer to dry). Test on a corner to see if the colour is too thin or too intense. Think: do you want your overall look to be warm or cool? As the glaze/wash is transparent, it will render some colours underneath more neutral (cool ones if you’re using a warm glaze or warm one if you’re using a cool glaze).

** 4ième Étape : GLACIS OU LAVIS
(Notez : Lors de ma tournée provinciale, surtout en fonction du temps , j’ai parfois expliqué l’étape 4 avant l’étape 3)

Ajouter un lavis ou glacis pour harmoniser les couleurs. Utilisez un tout petit peu d’une couleur et beaucoup d’eau ou de medium à glacis acrylique (plus stable, mais plus lent à sécher) . Essayez sur un coin pour voir si la couleur est trop faible ou trop intense. Pensez: voulez-vous que votre toile finale soit chaude ou froide? Comme le lavis est transparent, il va rendre certaines couleurs plus neutres (les froides si vous utilisez un glacis de couleur chaude ou les chaudes un si vous utilisez un glacis de couleur froide).

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* Step 5  : KEEP ON LAYERING 
Keep layering with black & white and colour.  Apply various glazes on specific sections (tiny bit of colour and water or acrylic glazing liquid) or straight paint, especially on the whites. Any colour you add on top of white will be brighter, more vibrant. So whether going for glazes or full-on paint, it’s better to put white underneath if you want the colours to pop.

Repeat any step as you feel moved to. Spend time looking at your canvas. Explore and develop what is already taking shape there. You might even want to use this as a background for a collage – use all you have ever learned and go from there.

** 5ième Étape: CONTINUEZ LES COUCHES
Continuez avec le blanc, le noir, et les couleurs.  Appliquez des glacis de maintes couleurs sur des sections spécifiques  (tout petit peu de couleur avec de l’eau ou medium de glacis acrylique) ou de la peinture pure, surtout sur les blancs. Toute couleur que vous ajouterez par dessus le blanc sera plus radiante et intense. Donc, il est préférable que l’évolution de votre toile se fasse avec maintes couches de blanc avec soit glacis sur des sections spécifiques ou couleurs pures.

Répétez toutes les étapes aussi souvent que vous le souhaitez.  Passez du temps à regarder votre toile.  Explorez et developpez ce qui se dessine déjà.  Ceci pourrait aussi être un arrière plan pour un collage ou autre technique – tout ce que vous avez déjà appris.

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* ENJOY!
Play and have fun! There are no mistakes, just learning. The beauty with acrylic paint is that you can keep adding layer after layer until you are perfectly happy with what you’ve created. It dries quickly. Be gentle with yourself, knowing that each layer is part of the evolution. It is not rare for me to think a painting was more appealing 5 layers back … I just keep on going, embracing the mystery and listening to both my heart and my painting. Where you go with this will be totally up to you – find your own unique voice and enjoy the process!

P.S.  If you want to dive deeper, Flora Bowley has a wonderful online intuitive painting course I’m affiliated with. Click here to learn more.
Flora Bowley

** AMUSEZ-VOUS!

Jouez et amusez-vous! Il n’y a pas d’erreur, que de l’apprentissage. La beauté de la peinture acrylique est que vous pouvez continuer à ajouter couche après couche jusqu’à ce que vous soyez parfaitement satisfait avec ce que vous avez créé. Soyez gentils avec vous-même, et rappelez-vous que chaque couche fait partie de l’évolution. Il m’arrive de penser qu’une peinture était plus attrayante 5 couches auparavant … je continue à accueillir le mystère et j’écoute à la fois à mon cœur et ma peinture. Je vous invite à développer votre propre voix artistique en explorant et en ajoutant à ce processus, tout en vous amusant!

***5_Exemples 3

* EXAMPLES:
Here are examples of some of my finished paintings created with this multi-layered technique. The « before » shots are of backgrounds created by multiple repetitions of all the steps, not necessarily in this order. The « after » shots are what happened once I « heard » what the painting wanted to become (something that sometimes doesn’t happen until 10-15 layers in). It’s about trusting the flow and enjoying yourself. You’ll find you will feel freer about jumping around and mixing steps the more experienced you become, the more comfortable with mixing colours you are, and the bigger your canvas. This is only the beginning!

** EXEMPLES:
Voici quelques exemples de mes œuvres créés avec cette technique. Les photos “avant” sont d’arrière-plans crées suivant les étapes 1-5, pas nécessairement dans cet ordre. Les photos “après” sont le résultat final lorsque j’ai compris ce que la toile voulait devenir (ce qui parfois ne se produit pas jusqu’à 10-15 couches plus tard). Il s’agit de faire confiance au processus et de s’amuser. Vous pourrez être plus libre de sauter des étapes et de les mélanger lorsque vous gagnerez en expérience, vous serez à l’aise avec les couleurs, et votre toile sera plus grande. Ce n’est qu’un début!  4_example 2 3_exemples 6_textures 1_pas à pas 1 2_pas à pas 2

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* WORKSHOP TOUR:
To see the full blog post from each location, click on the group name.

** LA TOURNÉE:
Pour voir l’article descriptif complet pour chaque emplacement de ma tournée, cliquez sur le nom du groupe.

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1) L’ÉCOLE SAINTE-ANNE:  Grand’Terre (Mainland), Péninsule Port-au-Port Peninsula (Terre-Neuve / Newfoundland)

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2) L’ÉCOLE NOTRE-DAME-DU-CAP:  Cap Saint-Georges, Péninsule Port-au-Port Peninsula (Terre-Neuve / Newfoundland)

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3) L’ASSOCIATION RÉGIONALE DE LA CÔTE OUEST (ARCO): Grand’Terre (Mainland), Péninsule de Port-au-Port Peninsula (Terre-Neuve / Newfoundland)

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4) L’ASSOCIATION FRANCOPHONE DU LABRADOR (AFL): Labrador City/Wabush (Labrador)

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5) CENTRE ÉDUCATIF L’ENVOL: Labrador City / Wabush (Labrador)

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6) L’ÉCOLE BORÉALE: Happy Valley – Goose Bay (Labrador)

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7) L’ÉCOLE DES GRANDS-VENTS, Saint Jean / St. John’s (Terre-Neuve / Newfoundland)

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8) FESTIVAL DU VENT– Saint Jean / St. John’s (Terre-Neuve / Newfoundland)

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School Painting Workshop in St. John’s

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Leslie Quennehen_Grands Vents_Saint Jean_DLH_0106In the next few days, I’ll be writing a bilingual post that summarizes my workshop teaching process for those interested in trying it out for themselves or with their classes/groups. Get your paints ready – it doesn’t have to be a high energy performance like I do it!  If very well organized and each step is timed almost to the minute, it can be done with a group in 3 hours (after the room is set up). I also did it with a very small group in 2 hours, but there was no waiting time for the dryers or sinks. Having said that, I’ve done it for a full weekend too.  In that case, students got a lot more of the important free time to repeat any of the steps they felt moved to once the basic 4 steps are completed and worked on several canvases at a time. The possibilities – and layers – are endless!

Last School – St. John’s :

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Leslie Quennehen_Grands Vents_Saint Jean_DLH_0068I was at l’École des Grands-Vents at 7:30am this morning to set up for my last school workshop of the “Les Mains dans l’art” program.  On my own, it takes about an hour to get the room and all the supplies ready.  It really helps set the mood, and it’s a lot more effective if we can get rolling right away when they arrive. It’s high energy from the get-go, and I’m lucky if I get a washroom break in the following 3 hours, even if the children get a recess.

We had a big group today – 12 grade 6 students and their substitute teacher, M. Gilles.  There was a lot of energy, but also a lot of cooperation.  Alas, the bathrooms were a mess by the end, but the school custodian wasn’t phased. He simply repeated “It’s my job” every time I apologized. I had another helper too today. Leslie, who was also a part of the west coast leg of this workshop tour, joined us for the morning to take pictures, so that was great.

It’s always gratifying after the the first little while when students stop asking “Is it OK to …”.  By the end, I could tell that they all understood that there are no mistakes, and that if they keep focusing on what they like or enjoy, they’ll create a piece they’re happy with – one that is uniquely their own – even if it takes more than the 5 layers we had time to complete in class. It may have taken more time for some than others to let loose and let go, but again, by the end, everyone was taking creative risks, exploring, having fun, letting go of expectations, etc.  Great job! I’m so proud of all of the leaps of faith I witnessed today.

If you could see their faces (which I don’t show in school photos on the Internet), you’d see that they were a happy and energetic bunch! For Step 2, with cool colours, they only had 10 seconds with each toy/tool before passing it to the right. They had so many to play with, I didn’t want them to obliterate their warm colours. I’m sure all that fun energy comes across in both their paintings and these photos – I’ll let the photos tell the rest of the story (a couple of the spooky Hallowe’en type).

Note: There is one more free French community workshop left here in St. John’s on November 22nd as part of the Festival des Vents. Stay tuned for details. Registration will be limited to 15.  No experience required – Truly! –  just an open mind and a heart open to play.

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Moody Newfoundland

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DLH_9998I’m not sure if my mood is reflecting the weather or the weather my mood today. Just minutes ago, at 10:30 in the morning, the sky turned nearly completely black and then dumped a whole lot of water on us. After less than 5 minutes, it was over.  Impressive. I’m glad it’s another home day of painting and writing for me here in this dry and wonderful house that doesn’t sway in high winds like the 200-year old complex I lived in before (although water swishing in the toilet on its own made for a great blog post at the time).

DLH_0026I wonder if this is still the leftovers of hurricane Gonzalo or simply normal Newfoundland weather.  Yesterday, after a night of high winds and rain, the sun came out and it felt like summer, so Eva, Orinda, and I headed to Beachy Cove.  I was due for a break from painting and sun was calling. Eva, an avid swimmer, wanted to get into the ocean one last time before winter.  By the time we got there, the sun had disappeared and so had Bell Island across from Beachy Cove.  The ocean was quite dramatic too, but Eva felt it was safe in this protected cove. At one point, the drizzle was blowing sideways and we got quite chilly standing on the shore. That didn’t stop Eva, however.  She felt invigorated by her short swim.  As she said, the air is really warm once you get out of the cold Atlantic ocean. We made our way back up to the car while she enjoyed her cup of hot water.  That’s when the sun came back with full force and so did Bell Island.

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We then drove a bit further to see Saint-Phillips- Portugal Cove, where Orinda grew up before returning home.

I love this island, with all its moods.  This morning, while putting the finishing touches on a painting,  I’m watching a 3-part mini series on Newfoundland called “Vanished in the Mist” that I borrowed from the library. It’s really well done if you’re interested in the rich and rocky history of this island. It’s reminding me of the 53 historical novels I read in 2011-12 that helped me bond with and understand this land and its people in a very deep and special way.

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As for my moodiness, don’t you worry.  I’m very aware that I am the sky and my moods are simply like dark clouds moving through.  They’re already on their way out.

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3 New Paintings

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IMG_8530I got back from my cross-province workshop tour on Friday.  I have 2 “Les Mains dans l’art” workshops left here in St. John’s, one on Wednesday morning at l’École des Grands-Vents and the other, open to the public for free, in late November during the Festival des vents.  If you’re familiar with French, you’ll notice that both these names includes a reference to Newfoundland’s winds.  Well, I’m glad to report that Hurricane Gonzalo didn’t hit us hard, at least not where I live.  During the heavy rains and wind of the last 2 days, I was in my beloved studio painting in preparation for some upcoming group exhibitions.  The river in the backyard was half way up the hill when I woke up this morning, but it’s on its way back down again, and we’ve since had sunshine and unseasonal warm weather.

FALLAANL2014The 3 paintings for next weekend’s Art Association of Newfoundland & Labrador Fall Exhibit and Sale were finished before I left for my workshop tour.  I just hadn’t photographed them yet.  If you’re in St. John’s, I hope you’ll join me and the many other artists displaying at the Arts & Culture Centre October 24 (6-9pm reception), 25 and 26.  Free admission.  I’ll definitely be there on Friday evening.  Please share this information. Thanks.

Here are the 3 new paintings I’ll have on display/ for sale during that exhibition (or before if you can’t wait).

1.  “Seabird” – 12″ x 12″ – SOLD, acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required).
This beauty’s hair is flying in the NL winds, lifting her into a state of freedom and elation as she turns her eyes upwards to the skies, one with all that is.

2. “Mirage” – 24″ x 36″ , acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required). – SOLD
The subtle energies emerging from the background simply asked for me to bring this tree to life.  This is quite a new look for my work, even if it’s easy to recognize it’s mine.  I can see the influence of my time studying in Vienna with this one.

3.  “I AM” – 24″ x 36″  , acrylics & tar gel on gallery-wrapped canvas (no framing required).- SOLD
You might recognize this imagery from 2 other pieces I’ve worked on this season: “Exaltation” and “The Astral Drum“.  I felt called to explore the theme and imagery even further as it continues to emanate from my soul, but this time in 3-D, using clear tar gel for texture, leaving the background layers visible while the Universe keeps evolving.

 

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Workshop Tour Day 9: Colourful Happy Valley

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Dominique Hurley_Labrador_HVGB Churchill River_DLH_9933I woke up at 3am with a bright computer screen inches from my face on the bedside table at my hotel in Goose Bay.  Last I remember, there were only 5 or so photos left to upload to this blog – less than 2 minutes of waiting time – but I guess my body simply decided it was time to sleep after such a colourful day.

Les Mains dans l’art:  L’École Boréale  – Happy Valley, Labrador

Dominique Hurley_Labrador_École Boréale_DLH_9727I left my hotel at 6am in case the road crews had already started work on the stretch of road between Goose Bay and Happy-Valley.  That, and I needed to hunt for breakfast as it’s not served in my hotel. Luckily, I found a Tim Horton’s on the way. Of course I had to Dominique Hurley_Labrador_École Boréale_DLH_9588test whether sugar on an empty stomach still gave me an immediate headache, something I tend to forget.  What can I say? I associate Tim Horton’s with Boston Cream Doughnuts…  I was OK after I followed that up with some healthier choices.  I was at the school a little before 7am, when Jean-Pierre, the director opened up. It takes me about an hour to set up the room, and I like to have it all done by the time the participants arrive.

We had a great morning – 3 hours here with 8 participants, including Mme Nancy, the teacher, and Dominic, one of the parents.  We also had a ninth, Mme Joanna, who assisted one of the children and a few others who dropped in to witness the fun.  You’ll see a couple of faces in this gallery, as the parents were there to give me permission.  That third hour is great as it gives the students time to go through the warm, cool, glaze, and contrast layers before spending time listening to their hearts and their artwork to repeat any of the steps with any of the tools.  Once again, we were all thrilled with the results, and Mme Nancy intends to repeat the process with future classes.  Wonderful!  I’m also happy to report that Oscar, the cutest bunny ever, is still very much white after our very messy morning in his proximity.  Thanks to all for yet another memorable experience!

Dome Mountain:

Dominique Hurley_Labrador_HVGB Churchill River_DLH_9684After returning to my hotel for lunch and to spread out my brushes to dry, I met Marie-Ève, the school secretary and pre-school teacher, and we drove our separate cars up to Dome Mountain.  I could see why she opted for that instead of trying to draw me a map.  What an adventure of twists and turns through the military base (major flashbacks from my childhood on Canadian bases in Germany) and up dirt roads up the mountain.  I’m glad to report I didn’t leave the floor of my snazzy little red Cube anywhere and that my tires survived the million potholes. I can see why this is a popular playground for all terrain vehicles in the summer and ski-doos in the winter.  Once at the top, you get a great panoramic view of the whole region (although the thick haze didn’t make for great photography).Still, it was a thrill being up there and the adventure ride had me grinning yet again.

I didn’t read about this look-out on any tourist site – I felt very lucky.  I didn’t stay long after my guide left for her appointment, but took a long time getting back down – avoiding potholes, taking pictures, and playing the “find your way back” game.

I was meeting Isabelle at the school at 3pm – she works for the French school board in St. John’s, and we’ve been following each other since Port-au-Port. We headed nearby to where the director had explained was the only access to Churchill River in town.  Yay! I was going to get my sunset over water.  I knew there had to be water nearby. He explained that access to it in town was restricted for strategic military reasons when the base was built here in the valley.  I had read about this trail that passes behind Warr’s Pharmacy.  That’s where we parked, and Isabelle went for a jog along the path that passed behind houses along the shore for a few kilometers while I took pictures.

We then drove to a nearby boat launch before she went back to her hotel to work, and I kept scouting for spots to set up for sunset.

I’m just amazed at all the sand here after the pebble and stone beaches of Newofundland.  At one point, I drove down a long sandy road and onto a huge beach where all-terrain vehicles obviously have their fun.  It was magic hour for the light. Heaven!

I left before sunset though because I didn’t want to have to drive out of there in the dark.  Instead, I went back to the beach at the end of the walking trail and enjoyed the show. Now it’s your turn.

I head home to St. John’s in a couple of hours. Today, Day 10, marks the end of my travels. I loved being on the road, and I’m ready to go home.  The program isn’t finished though.  I teach in the school in St. John’s next Wednesday morning.  After that, there will be a community workshop open to the public during the Festival du Vent, on Saturday, November 22nd.  I’ll give you more details about registration as soon as I get them.  Thanks for traveling and playing with me everyone!

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Workshop Tour Day 7: Hike, Drive, Teach & Sleep

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I took a lot less photos today, so I won’t be going to bed at midnight again. Yay! Today, I left the camera in the car and went for a 25-minute power walk around Tanya Lake (vs. yesterday’s 2.5-hour photo walk around it).  It’s amazing how familiar the trail was – I even recognized specific blades of grass, etc. from my intense focus the day before.  Then, I hopped in the car and drove to Wabush (the adjoining town 10 minutes away) and went to take a look at Jean Lake. I was greeted at the gate by a spruce grouse right next to the road… but the camera was in the trunk….  There’s a 5km hiking trail around the lake, but I didn’t want to risk being late for school (a good habit I’ve kept from childhood 🙂  ) and was chicken about doing it alone (there are bears in Labrador you know!), so I took a few pictures and headed back to Labrador City past some great Hallowe’en displays.

Les Mains dans l’art: 

Dominique Hurley_Labrador City_l'Envol_DLH_9381Le Centre éducative L’ENVOL is quite a big school.  If I remember what the director told me, most of their students are in grades 4 and below. Today, I taught three grade 7-8 students. Although some from that class were absent, we made as big and fun a mess as any other workshop group. On top of that, the results, as you’ll see, were just as unique and creative.  We also only had 2 hours here instead of 3, but less line-ups at the sink and hairdryer station sped things up a bit.

Dominique Hurley_Labrador City_l'Envol_DLH_9392I’m thrilled that the visual arts teacher also participated today. With all the leftover supplies, he plans to pass along this new style of painting to the younger students. In fact, that’s what’s great about the layering process I’ve been teaching on this trip.  You can keep on building on top of it and in the end, simplify the concept so that the multiple layers of colour and texture become a fascinatingly deep backdrop to whatever world you decide to create on top – be it abstract, landscape, portraiture, collage, or other genres. In fact, you can take this initial intuitive process and integrate it to what you already know and love in order to make it your own.  Jason seemed to find the experience fulfilling, especially because it was such a different approach than his own. This school is very lucky. Jason’s education is in the arts, his work is stunning, and they have a fully equipped visual arts room. I was like a kid in a candy shop looking around while waiting for my little crew to arrive!  So much inspiration and lots of fun projects. Bravo!

Well, it’s 5pm, I’ve had my dinner. and would almost say I’m ready for bed… I think it’s a TV night.  I’m not inspired to go back out in this pouring rain and am quite tired today.  I fly out tomorrow at 11:45 am, so if the weather is good, I may hike up to Crystal Falls in the morning. We’ll see.

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Workshop Tour Day 6: Marvellous Monday!

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Dominique Hurley_Labrador City_Tanya Lake_DLH_9012

I knew that I was probably going to skip lunch, so I had a huge breakfast in the hotel restaurant this morning, including toutons, a NL specialty of pan fried dough smothered in molasses (I had a choice of having them deep fried, but opted for the healthier choice 🙂  – a far cry from my usual Vega smoothie).  I then headed out in the drizzle for a 2.5-hour walk around Tanya Lake at the edge of town.  Folks say it takes 30 minutes to walk the trail around it, but they obviously aren’t lugging a camera and tripod.  Here’s why it took so long for me.

Association francophone du Labrador:

1522074_1512135659031968_8194920878061840375_nAt the end of the trail, I was rushing to get back to the car, so that I could get to the Association francophone du Labrador by 11:30am.  I had arranged to be there early to set up before the 9 participants arrived.  As expected and hoped for, we had a lot of fun and the results were amazing, yet again.  I am thoroughly impressed with the creative process I witnessed here.  I witnessed courage, risk-taking, letting go, relaxing, confidence building, and a whole lot of colour. I even got a few ideas!  I tell you, teachers learn as much from their students as students learn from teachers! I’m so glad I remembered to take pictures, as I no longer have Leslie with me.  Enjoy!

The sun was bright at 4:30pm after class, so I drove above Labrador City for a while to get a better feel for the place.  There are truly lakes all around! I thought about going hiking, but I was too tired and hungry and my sponge brushes were calling to be laid out to dry before tomorrow’s class.  It was a nice drive and the light was gorgeous.  What a marvelous Monday!

Dominique Hurley_Labrador City_Atelier AFL_DLH_9357

 

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Workshop Tour Day 5: En Route to Labrador City

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IMG_8484I spent most of my day Thanksgiving Sunday far above this gorgeous planet with my head in the clouds 🙂  Indeed, I had plenty of sitting time in airports and on planes to reflect on all that I am grateful for.  So much! I especially loved doing that up in the air, closer to the Heavens.  Less interference.

Day 5 was a travel day – from Deer Lake on the island of Newfoundland to Goose Bay in Labrador on the mainland, and a few hours later, from Goose Bay to Labrador City, with a brief stop in Churchill Falls. You’ll see from the photos that this is really a land of lakes.  There definitely aren’t as many colours here as on the island, but the floors of white lichen between the pine trees were captivating.  No snow yet. The lakes seemed laced with orange patterns – fascinating! When I arrived at Wabush airport (5 minutes drive from my hotel in Labrador City), it was cold and rainy. I knew I was in a smaller place when the car rental agent just handed me the keys and directed me to the parking lot with a “Just press this button and she’ll beep at you. You’ll know which one it is.”  I got to my room in the Two Seasons Inn at about 5pm and after putting my feet in hot water (that last plane was cold), I ordered a pizza and watched a movie on TV.  The restaurant was closed for the holiday and the place was hauntingly quiet. I didn’t mind at all.  It was just what I needed.

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving Monday – may it be filled with an abundance of tiny, small, medium, large and huge things to be grateful for.  I’ll be heading into nature this morning and teaching a community workshop this afternoon.  Perfect!  Of course, you’ll hear all about it in the next post.

 

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