Dominique Hurley Archives - Page 7 of 8 - Dominique Hurley

Cross-Province Art & Inspiration Workshop Tour

August 23, 2014/in Events

Part 1: ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOPS IN FRENCH

I love stories of the new normal and this post starts off with one.

Last week, as Orinda and I were heading out for a walk to pick up garbage off the street and feed the ducks in Bowring Park, I pointed to the thinning heals and toes in my wool socks and said “I love these lama wool socks. I need to go back to the Port au Port peninsula soon to get myself another pair.” Then we went on our walk. That’s all. I’d put the message out there in the Universe and let it go. It turns out I was mistaken about the kind of wool though. I knew they weren’t regular wool as I react to those, but since I wanted to provide you with a link, I was just reminded that they’re actually alpaca wool socks from the Alpaca farm & craft shop on the west coast of the island. I bought them during my 26-day road trip across the island in 2011. Anyhow, back to my story. That afternoon, as I was happily painting in my studio, I received a call from the Fédération des francophone de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador (Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador). They offered me a contract to teach painting workshops in French across the province – and yes, including on the Port-au-Port peninsula. Yay! I’ll be getting a new pair of alpaca socks! And if you speak French, you’ll get the opportunity to participate in a free painting workshop.

Les mains dans l’art (Literal translation: Hands in the Arts)

This is a brand new program for which the Résau culturel francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, part of the Francophone Federation has received a Canadian Heritage – Official Languages grant. They chose me for this test run, but the goal is to involve several artists over a period of several years to:

promote and expand the reach of traditional visual arts and fine crafts across the province
express the rich French heritage and teach arts-specific vocabulary and expressions recognized throughout the Francophonie
to help discover francophone visual artists and craftspeople, their work, mediums, and the techniques that they use
to offer French schools and communities high quality training in their native language (developed around the learning outcomes of the NL Department of Education)
to offer an opportunity for participants to create their own artistic works

Locations:

These fun acrylic painting workshops will be offered free of charge to 2 groups of participants in 5 locations across the province. During the day, I’ll be teaching workshops within the school system. In the evenings, I’ll be teaching in community centers. These workshops will be open to both Francophones and Francophiles.

Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with where I’m living, it’s a huge province that not only includes the very large island of Newfoundland, but also Labrador on the mainland. I’m thrilled that this program will take me to Labrador for the first time in my life.

Workshops within the schools and in French community centers will be offered in:

St. John’s
La Grand’Terre on the Port au Port peninsula
Notre Dame du Cap on the Port au Port peninsula
Happy Valley Goose Bay in Labrador
Labrador City

(I will post links to registration and more information as soon as they are available. At this point, I will be on the Port au Port peninsula October 9-11, in Labrador City October 14 and in Goose Bay October 16)

I’ll admit to my ignorance. I knew it took about 10 hours to drive from St. John’s, where I live, to the French peninsula on the west coast of Newfoundland, but when I asked about renting a car in Goose Bay to drive to Labrador City, so that I could see more of the province, I found out that simply wouldn’t be wise. First, there’s a distance of 530 km between them, partly on gravel roads I’m told (about 7.5 hours drive if lucky). Second, the average snow fall in October is of 15 inches (39cm). Alas, I’ll be flying…

Stay Tuned:

We’re planning to offer these workshops in late September in St. John’s and in October for the other 4 locations. I’ll likely do these ones back to back to keep more of the budget for art supplies. As soon as we have more information about the program and details about registration, I’ll let you know.

P.S. They’ve got the website up – if you’re a francophone or francophile wanting to participate in my free workshop in Port-au-Port, Labrador City, Goose Bay, or St. John’s, click here.

My French Background:

I thought I’d include this for those of you who are curious, since most of you know my English self.

In our Ottawa backyard

I was born in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, a country with two official languages: French & English. Although the city is in Ontario, it borders Québec, Canada’s French province. The capital region actually includes both sides of the Ottawa River, and so federal government offices, museums, and parks, for example, are found in both provinces. Because of all this, there are lots of bilingual folks in Ottawa.

Painting demonstration in 1990: Canadian Museum of Civilization (Gatineau, QB)

My mother is from Québec and my father, who is originally from Ontario, also spent a great part of his childhood in Québec. For me, therefore, it was French at home and at school, but often English in the playgrounds and out in the community. It was the same when we moved to Canadian Air Force bases in Germany for 5 years when I was 5, but then there was German in the mix too. Basically though, I grew up with both French and English on equal footing. When I attended the bilingual University of Ottawa, for example, I took some of my courses in French and some in English, depending on which were taught by the better teachers – a great system! As of 1992, however, when I started traveling the world to teach English as a Second Language, I almost completely stopped speaking French, for lack of opportunity. In fact, when I would visit my family, it became challenging to have a conversation entirely in French – often plugging in English words mid-sentence (not an uncommon phenomenon in bilingual families and a habit I had begun decades before). Luckily, when I moved to Newfoundland & Labrador, I started reaching out to the Francophone community. I participated in some of their events, added myself to their directory of artists, and was featured in their newspaper. That interview was truly what helped me regain my comfort with my own mother tongue, especially when it came to speaking about spirituality and art. Also, when I was studying in Vienna last year, the managing director of the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art is from France, and so it has become quite normal again for me to communicate in my native language. It’s true what they say: “If you don’t use it, you lose it”. The opportunity to teach these workshops in French across the province, therefore, is a very welcomed one on many levels. I’m very much looking forward to it.

Part 2: BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT RETREATS

2 Retreats brought to you by Lucy O’Driscoll.

1) November in Salmonier

This autumn will be dotted with opportunities for travel. Not only will I be teaching art across the province, I’ll be leading 2 workshops during the November 7-9 Body, Mind and Spirit Retreat in Salmonier, about an hour outside of St. John’s. The first will be Developing Your Intuition and the second Simplify Your Life. I’ll be one of many workshop leaders at this weekend retreat. Other leaders include Brent Bashara, Dorothy Corrigan, Stefanie Finn, Barb Lambe, Alison Normore, Tina Olivera, Meranda Squires, and Nora Squires. Your registration fee of $290 (tax incl) covers 2 nights accommodations, 6 meals, 4 workshops with professional facilitators, and evening programs.

For more information and to download the registration package for the November retreat, click on this link: Nov 2014 Retreat.

2) October in Grand Falls

Although I won’t be teaching at this one, there’s also an October 3-5 Body Mind and Spirit retreat weekend in Grand Falls, Central Newfoundland. For more information and the full registration package for this one, click here: October Gr. Falls 2014

If you feel moved, don’t hesitate and register now. I’ve been to two of these retreats before, both as participant and leader, and they are truly wonderful weekends.

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One Month Later… A New Chapter

July 25, 2014/in Inspiration, Newfoundland & Labrador

Bless us all – it’s been a month since my last post. No, this is not a confession. It’s really a celebration. What an amazing month it’s been. Although I thought about my blog a few times, I had no inclination to write, so I didn’t. I didn’t judge it, but simply accepted it for the break that it was. Since many of you were used to almost daily postings, however, I’ve started getting emails asking how I am. So here’s a summary – I wouldn’t say a short one…. I’m still me, but believe me, it’s much briefer than if I had been writing about each of these things all along. I’m glad I’m finally taking the time to share. If I haven’t answered your questions, feel free to post them in the comments and I’ll respond next time.

So here’s the gist of where I’m at – literally and figuratively.

After leaving Vienna, I spent a week with my family in Ottawa. I hadn’t seen my parents and siblings since Christmas, so time with them was wonderful. I’m glad I planned my travels this way. Ottawa is also a great place to spend Canada Day, but at 40 degrees Celcius, I was quite happy to watch the celebrations on TV … I survived the heat of Bali, but don’t know if I could have handled the crowds on Parliament Hill in that sweltering heat & humidity.
I moved back to St-John’s, Newfoundland on July 2nd. My friend Ted picked me up at the airport and drove me to my new home, where my new housemate Orinda greeted us with a a big hug and a delicious cod dinner. Ted and I then went over to my friends Kim & Darryl’s house, where I met their new baby and picked up the 9 boxes/suitcases I had in storage there. Two days later, I had emptied all my boxes and had done 10 loads of laundry, which I hung out on the clothesline to dry – a novelty for someone who has lived in apartments most of her adult life. After living with the contents of 2 suitcases for a year, however, I felt like I simply had too much stuff. It’s led to my playing a dress-up game; I haven’t worn the same outfit once in 3 weeks… We’ll see how long I can keep that up. Hard to imagine I gave, sold, or threw out a lot of my stuff before leaving for Europe… I’m not missing anything, but am open to a comfortable bike like the one I borrowed from my friends in the Czech Republic a few times.
After having corresponded with my new housemate Orinda for a month or so by email before my return to NL, it was like we were old friends. In fact, after only 2 days together, it felt like we had been living together for months (in a good way). I’ve already described how we were guided to each other (see point 3 in previous post). I can see why – this is wonderful for both of us. I’m quite a loner/introvert and need a lot of time on my own – but I also love sharing time with like-minded friends. Being here with Orinda is a very good thing. At first, I thought I was “taking” so much and not “giving” much- but she’s expressed how much my presence was adding to her life, so there you have it. Our ways of being with each other are very complimentary. I’m so used to living alone (even with roommates), so this is quite different. I’m enjoying it. As some of you know, my creativity doesn’t extend to the kitchen. Organic healthy food is a priority in my budget, but I often cook the same thing and it’s not so exciting anymore. Anyhow, Orinda loves to cook, and I love to eat. Great combo! And when I cook, she also enjoys it. Perfect! We’re keeping the lines of communication open though- not staying fixed in any role or way of being – it will evolve and change as we do. No expectations. This is just so different than with my previous 3 sets of roommates here and in Vienna, where we had completely separate lives, and I could go days without even seeing them and then, when we did see each other, conversations would stay very superficial. Orinda and I are so much alike – we definitely speak the same language and are both committed to learning to being more unconditionally loving. Indeed, our spiritual paths are quite similar. You can imagine our conversations – deep, open, honest, and interesting. Love it! Then, when I’ve had too much social time in a day and I need to recharge my introvert batteries, I simply retreat to my room for a movie, and all continues to be well. By the time I meet the next man in my life, should that be meant to be, I’ll be much better equipped – i.e. better at loving unconditionally. Until then, I will continue to be single and happy, this time with a God-sent housemate in a beautiful home.
The photos my friend Cheryl sent me of the house while I was still in Vienna didn’t lie. I had asked her to be my eyes and energy-meter. The first line of her report was “This is perfect for you!”. She was right. Orinda’s home is absolutely lovely – inside and out. I really like my room upstairs with the slanted ceilings and lots of natural light (see the photo of my desk with mementos of Vienna, Bali, and Italy as well as treasures from my life before that). I’m thrilled about having a private little shower room in the finished basement (next to my spacious studio). The kitchen (with dishwasher!) is spacious and has everything I could possibly need. There are also lots of comfortable couches to lie and read on, surrounded by lots of beautiful things. I do get some exercise from going up and down stairs a lot… That’s the inside. Outside, the house is surrounded by nature, including a small river in the back yard. I love spending time on the deck or lying on cushions in the grass and taking it all in (correcting essays or reading a Byron Katie book). After 3 weeks, the Queen Anne’s lace and rhododendron are no longer in bloom, but sweet smelling honeysuckle vines embrace the deck and fence and the day lilies are coming out too. I look out the back window and all I see is green. There’s a highway hidden in the trees nearer to the Southside Hills, the equivalent of several blocks away, but I’m slowly getting used to the sound of traffic. I was oversensitive to it on both sides of the house when I first moved in. I now understand that any suffering around that is a result of my resistance to the idea of noise. Now, I sleep with the windows closed and I keep remembering my favourite movie, August Rush, and how everything can be music if I choose to perceive it that way. So that’s the house. Basically, I love living here! Every day, I walk around and find a new place to be and breathe in with gratitude. What a great space with such lovely energy. Yesterday, Orinda and I gave the whole house a smudge (spiritual cleansing) with sacred palo santo smoke. It releases stale energies in the corners and anything else that doesn’t serve this new chapter in our lives and our Highest Good. Basically, it’s about consciously loving the space and putting our intentions and attention into that. The house and property feel even more nourishing because of it. I usually do it right after I move into a new place, but that felt like perfect timing.
Although a bad chest cold slowed me down considerably for a bit over a week, I still managed to say hello to a few friends and to the ocean. I went hiking up Signal Hill with Chery & Ted and their 2 dogs. There were still icebergs around at that time. I also went to sit on the pebble beach at Beachy Cove with Eva, a friend of Orinda’s who went swimming in the cold water while I sat and soaked in the view and some healthy vitamins for a while. Last weekend, Kim and I went hiking near Flatrock, where we saw some whales, old war bunkers and radar station, and I breathed in the sweet smells of Newfoundland forests. My friend Janice came over a couple of times with her son Alex and we went for a long walk to Bowring Park, a huge park near where I’m living. There’s a trail close by that leads to it and the park is filled with trails. Next, my friend Leslie and I went to MoMondays together, and I got to hear her speak during the pre-show to this monthly North American-wide motivational/inspirational event. She’s being strongly guided to spread love and beauty through various projects – it’s truly inspiring. yet about it, but stay tuned. I also got to say hello to some of my other friends at MoMondays, including fellow artist Lori Reddy, but we’ll be spending more time together Monday. I look forward to catching up. I haven’t seen all my buddies yet, but my days have been rather full – lots of doing, but also lots of simply being in the moment, grateful for all that is.
Part of why I’ve been busy is that I started full-time work at Memorial University 2 days after I got back. I’m now finished 3 weeks of a 5-week English as a Second Language teaching contract with a delightful group of 19 students, mostly from Quebec. I teach the most advanced group, and they’ve been both motivated and cooperative – a teacher’s dream. I spent a lot of time back in Vienna and here in Canada adjusting my curriculum and materials to improve on what I offered during the previous 3 summers that I taught in this government-subsidized program. I’m very happy with what we’re accomplishing together this year. After being a full time student myself for a year, I’ve gained a new perspective on both teaching and being a student. Thankfully, my partial loss of voice after 2 days in class (due to the chest cold) didn’t slow us down much. The teaching has been great and as an added bonus, this contract will help cover a part of the costs of stocking up my studio again.
Ah yes, the studio! In addition to Orinda’s wonderful company and the ways we’re sharing the space, I’m really enjoying setting up my studio. In preparation for my arrival, Orinda was inspired to go through a major de-cluttering of the house, and the huge room in the walk-in basement that used to be her storage room has now become my studio. She used to have 15 people gather in that room for Course of Miracles meetings – that gives you an idea of the size… and the energy. In the past week, I filled my “canvas closet” with 52 of my favourite Apollon canvases that I bought at Art Cansel. As a bonus for shopping local, the owner let me choose any canvas for free. Nice! My friend Leslie helped me get them home – can you believe they all fit in her Honda Fit hatchback? Appropriately named… I also just got the bulk of my Golden Artist Colors paint & medium order from Urchin Art Materials and Papery. I had had such a good experience in the past placing a special order with Shannon at that shop as compared to a very disappointing experience shopping online via a big Toronto store, so I was glad to shop local again. She gave me an extra discount on top of the regular quantity discount for the repeat investment. She’s even doing some detective work to find a few things on my wish list and will be throwing those in at no extra cost. Wow! Now that’s service! Although Shannon offered to deliver my order, Orinda drove me right there and my organizer self spent a couple of happy hours that night placing everything on the shelving that had been waiting for me in my new studio. I also took a bus trip to Michael’s Arts & Craft Store to pick up a bunch of my regular 3-D paints there… fun! They had a 50% off canvas sale on and so I couldn’t resist bringing a 4′ x 4′ canvas home on the bus – just to see if I could do it… it would have never fit in Orinda’s car. It took a while with the regular delays and transfer, but I got it home with no problem. I’ll be painting soon! Very soon.
Taking the bus to school has been the biggest change and challenge from the way I usually like to live. Public transportation here isn’t like in Vienna, that’s for sure. In the past few decades, I had chosen to live 30-60 minutes from school/work, so that I could get my exercise. When I have a destination to walk to, I simply do it. The university is now 1.5 hours away on foot on city streets, so I haven’t even tried it. When I lived in the Battery (at the foot of Signal Hill), it used to take me about an hour, but most of it was along nature trails. That isn’t the case now. So I’m taking the bus. Had I not felt so guided to living here, that may have been a deal breaker, but it’s really not such a big deal. I’m patient at bus stops, but I just have to motivate myself to go for a walk for the sake of walking, and I haven’t been too good at that so far. Grant it, I was sick for over a week and chose to sleep instead. I did choose to walk Rennie’s River Trail from school to my old grocery store (40 minutes) and take the bus from there a couple of times. That was nice. I wasn’t there though when a moose was using the trail last week. I also missed one on campus 2 days ago in the pond next to my students’ residence… I’m not totally sedentary though – at least I’m walking 10-15 minutes uphill to my bus stop every morning, but then I sometimes stand there 40 minutes if a bus doesn’t show up. It hasn’t been earlier than 10 minutes late, even at 7am near the beginning of its run. What will it be in the winter?… maybe I won’t teach for that term. We’ll see.
Note: For the first time this morning, I decided to take the 8am bus to school instead of the 7 or 7:30 am bus, so I could work on this blog a bit. By that time though, the sky was pouring down in buckets. No worries. I have good rain boots, pants and a Gortex jacket – my first summer here, it was like this every day for the first 4 weeks, plus it was so cold I needed my hat and gloves for the hour’s walk to school. Just as I was getting ready to go, however,I heard Orinda calling and she insisted on driving me to school with a delightful “How could I stay in bed sleeping knowing you’re out there in that. I have a car. That’s what it’s made for!”. What a blessing! After my independent self resisted for a couple of minutes, I just let go and accepted the generous gift – one of many life (and Orinda) has offered me. Nice!
I’m definitely open to part-time teaching contracts to get my bank account back up to my comfort zone after a year overseas. Plus it gets me out of the house and around people. Once I get my art business back on its feet, I’m sure finances will pick up. I’m not worried. I am curious though – every time I get an email inviting participation in a Christmas Craft Fair or other business opportunity, my intuitive guidance tells me to relax and not jump into anything. This is strange since I have an equally strong left brain that wants to push ahead and get going on the business / marketing, even if I haven’t started painting yet. Something is brewing. Months ago, I expressed my dream to be able to take a year to simply paint and see what evolves from integrating what I learned overseas with my own intuitive energy-based artistic style/voice – no pressure for sales, exhibitions, etc. Maybe that is what’s in store for me. I did buy a lottery ticket, but didn’t win. That same day, however, after my first bus ride home from school, I found a $20 bill among the stones next to the sidewalk. Have you seen the film “The Grand Seduction”? It’s based in Newfoundland, and I saw it in the movie theater in Ottawa. The main character, a doctor that the small out-port town is trying to seduce to stay so that they can fulfill the requirements to build a factory, keeps finding $5 bills that were planted there for him to find. I keep looking, but I only found the one so far. Still, I’m staying and very grateful to be here. I did take that as a sign that I am indeed abundant and have nothing to worry about – I may not have won the lottery (yet), but the Universe is supporting me in many other ways. I’ll let my right brain/intuition lead as I’ve learned to trust; indeed, I’m keeping my antenna up to see what my next out-of-the-box miracle might be. No expectations – just going with the flow and seeing where that takes me.

That’s what my life has been like in the past month. My year overseas was amazing AND I’m happy being home to embrace the mystery of what this new chapter will hold. Fun!

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Video: Meet the Heart of the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art

June 20, 2014/in Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts

As part of the year-end activities at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art, we all participated in the creation of a 9-minute video that captures the heart & spirit of this amazing school. As you will no doubt see, its very first year in existence was a beautiful gathering of beautiful people for the creation of beautiful art in a beautiful city.

There are now only 5 days left to my Silent Auction – 10 paintings must find homes here in Europe before I head back to Canada. It ends at 6pm on June 24th. Open daily 11am – 6pm.

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Graduation Exhibition – Vienna Academy of Visionary Art

June 16, 2014/in Events, Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts

Well there you have it folks! I’ve graduated from the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art! My wonderful chapter of overseas art education is almost over. During the past 10 months, I’ve successfully completed two full-time trimesters at the Academy and other classes, workshops, and artist-in-residence experiences in Bali, Italy and here in Vienna. Wow! What a great year indeed! Thanks again to all those who invested in my dream (through art sales, crowdfunding, donations, etc.), making it possible for me to follow my Spirit Calls.

INNER WORLDS: GRADUATION EXHIBITION

It’s not quite over yet though. Our graduation exhibition runs until June 28th (open daily 11am – 6pm). There’s so much beautiful work from all my classmates. My Silent Auction runs until June 24th at 6pm (in Vienna only).

Exhibition Opening:

We had the opening on Friday – so much work to prepare and so gratifying to share. I was happily interacting at the Pay What You Want tables and being a part of the graduation speeches/video presentation that I forgot to take any pictures during the evening. Sorry… You’ll have to believe me that we had quite the party. Music, dancing, healthy food, live painting, and lots of interesting and touching conversations. Of course there was also lots of stunning artwork to see from students and teachers. The wall of large pieces opposite mine is filled with amazing paintings that the students will continue to work on next year – works in progress that show some of the stages of the Mischtechnik. I got a few bids on my work, but it wasn’t a big art buying crowd that night (although we all did well at the Pay What You Want tables (which still have work on them). I can only hope that word will spread about the exhibition and the silent auction so that we can all continue to fulfill our purpose on this earth.

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Free Your Expression Workshop Conclusion:

It’s been a big week. The rest of Amanda Sage’s workshop was great – more raw food, more painting, more learning. I really like how my stylized figures are evolving . All the little paintings I created during the week, including this one you haven’t seen yet, were quickly grabbed at the PWYC table – a good feeling indeed.

We ended the workshop with a closing clrcle – half paintings, half painters. Each got a chance to share about their experience and process and received feedback and/or thanks. What a lovely group. I’m glad that many of the participants stayed in town for our Opening

Celebration Breakfast:

I’ll admit, I’m very tired today. I was at school helping to set up until 11:30pm on Friday and got home at 1:30am on Saturday after the opening. On Sunday morning, I got up early to meet with my new friends Helmut and Regine (whom I met in Italy and who came to Vienna to be a part of my graduation celebration). How sweet and wonderful it was to have them here. We met at a café near Schönbrunn Palace for breakfast. I don’t usually like breakfast foods in restaurants, but I sure liked what I chose on Sunday: rhubarb strudel and an exotic fruit sundae with lemon and mango ice cream, exotic fruits, nuts, and whipped cream. I needed the sugar to wake me up and give me the energy to manage the exhibition from 11am – 5pm. Different students and our managing director will be running the exhibition until its end, so please come visit!

What’s Next?

I’m glad to report that after an intensive year of workshops, I’m very much looking forward to time alone in my own studio to integrate everything I’ve learned and to see where that takes me. I’ll be moving back to Canada into the home of a like-minded spirit who lives by a river surrounded by greenery in St. John’s Newfoundland. It has ample space for me to paint in. Yay! The more I think about this new space I’ve manifested, the more excited I get. I’m so grateful for this chapter that is coming to a close, but equally excited about the new chapter ahead. Let’s see where continuing to live in the new normal takes me next.

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Great Ending to A Great Week – Quantum Creativity and More

June 3, 2014/in My Travels, Paintings

Well I’ve left Italy, but the adventure continues as I’m spending a couple of days near Salzburg before returning to Vienna. In case you don’t recognize the name, that’s the location for the movie The Sound of Music, which I must have seen 30 times in my life. Interestingly, my hostess here has never heard of it.

Ananda Tidbits:

I’m very grateful for my week at Ananda near Assisi. I’ve got a few more pictures to share from my time there before I switch countries on you… plus a few interesting tidbits that never made it in the previous 4 posts I wrote about my week.

* I liked the doorknobs at Ananda. The button isn’t to lock the door, but acts the same way as when we turn the knob in Canada. You have to push the button to open and close the door. The knob doesn’t turn.

* If you see a sink in Italy that has no taps, it doesn’t mean it’s an automatic motion detection faucet. Look on the floor for a pedal – still great against germs though…

* At first, I was surprised by the very thin bath towels that look and feel more like cotton tablecloths than towels. They’re highly effective, though, and sure would make traveling lighter than regular towels. Something to remember..

* Even if Ananda was full for the long weekend, I ended up having a room with 3 beds to myself until my last night. Perfect as I get up earlier than most and go to sleep earlier too!

* On my last night, Dana brought me to Assisi, and after a pizza dinner, I went to half the musical called Chiara di Dio (about the life and death of Saint Clare). After I had already bought my ticket, our waiter told us about a special free concert at the Basilica. Dana had already seen my show twice, so she was glad to hear of another opportunity. She went to that spectacular concert and met me back at my theatre at the intermission. The sign at the door of my show had advertised it as a one-hour show, but it turned out to be a special 2-hour performance that would have ended much too late for both of us (having started at 9:30pm), so I only got to see half. Still, I’m glad. We both enjoyed our evenings, and were thrilled to get back home to bed. I quietly entered my room, where my new roommate was soundly sleeping. I left the next morning to blog and do yoga before she woke up. Interesting sharing a room with a mystery person. Oh, almost forgot – it was so cool walking back to our parking through tunnels built around old Roman ruins that had to be integrated into the design by law.

Quantum Creativity:

Starting Friday, I participated in the Quantum Creativity workshop at the Academy of Art, Creativity and Consciousness. Dana basically made links between spirituality (concepts of oneness and consciousness / matter explained by monks of centuries past) and quantum physics (that I had been introduced to years ago in the wonderful movies called “What the Bleep Do We (K)now” and “Down the Rabbit Hole”). She then brought those together in the realm of creativity.

It was a great weekend. Part was theory, part was sound and movement, part was artistic exploration and expression, and part was sharing. We were only two, plus an Italian translator for my wonderful classmate, Maria Gracie. When no translator was around, however, we managed fine with Italian, French and sign language. She was a truly delightful classmate.

There were some magical moments in the workshop, culminating in the formation of an embodied mantra inspired by our collection of art. The bit of poetry below came out of that shared exercise. I put some of my affirmations together. Each line was inspired by either one of my artistic pieces or one of Maria Grazia. After looking at one of my pieces, she contributed the line on sweet serenity that I used as my title. This poem will give you an idea of what Dana succeeded in opening up in us through the gifts of her program.

Sweet Serenity

I am
Joyfully dancing through this journey of life,
Spinning around and around.
Letting go of all that doesn’t serve me on this delightful path.
I am
The dance of the angels –
Pure joy, pure expression, pure life.
I am fire, always regenerating.
Circles of light spiral within the ocean of my being.
I am
God unfolding within – all that came before and all that is.

As above so below
Flying high
Going with the flow

I am
Rainbows of gold – pure essence as was, is, and ever will be.
I am
A magical seed of love,
A drop from the heavens,
Surrounded and supported always,
I am
One with all that is Light.

In peace I live.
With equanimity I feel.
In Light I grow and expand.
Sweet serenity is embracing me.
I am.

Goodbye for now Ananda – Italy

After another beautiful service on Sunday, followed by a huge feast, Helmut easily fit my roll of canvas in his car, which has a special little hole for skis – perfect for my paintings (see previous post for the full story on my painting project this past week as artist in residence). We had a beautiful 9-hour ride towards Salzburg, engaged in conversation about life and unconditional love the whole way (with the occasional expressions of awe as we drove through the Alps at sundown!) I can’t believe it was nine hours – felt more like two. I may not be able to do small talk, but the deeper stuff, no trouble. Manifesting this ride for me and my painting was a true blessing. Although I didn’t see Venice (which so many back home thought I was moving to and not Vienna), I know we were really really close. The water was mere centimeters away on the GPS. We had to make good time, though, as Helmut had a business meeting the next day in Munich. I’m not complaining. My adventure is far from over.

We arrived at Regine’s house in Ainring, Germany at midnight. It’s about 15 minutes from Salzburg, Austria. She had been at Ananda the week before and invited me to come and visit for a few days before I took the train back to Vienna. Great idea! I was asleep within 10 minutes and slept very well. I knew I would be spending at least a day with Regine, so I didn’t feel the need or desire to stay up any later to socialize.

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The Artist in Residence Experience – Italy

June 1, 2014/in My Travels, Paintings

I remember thinking over the years that “artist in residence” opportunities out there weren’t particularly suited to my painting process. Instead of painting, I would want to spend all my time experiencing the new location with and without my camera. In fact, I’ve always been more comfortable with the logistics of painting in my own space, since my painting style doesn’t usually involve exterior references. My mostly abstract work comes from an internal connection to Source after invoking my team of guides and angels to help me be fully present with both the universal energy and all my artistic materials at hand. I was never really drawn, therefore, to artist in residence programs.

As you already know, however, I had booked this trip to Assisi in Italy to attend a workshop with Rassouli, an artist I’ve admired for years. When it was cancelled, I decided to go anyway. I already had my plane ticket, had been strongly guided to go in the first place, and Dana Lynne Andersen, the Creative Director at the Academy of Arts, Creativity and Consciousness, invited me to come paint for a week before her workshop on Quantum Creativity. Well, I’m happy to say that being here made a huge difference in my creative process. Whereas I used to think my art wasn’t influenced by my physical surroundings once I got in my zone, my entire experience at both the Ananda Center and the Academy across the street definitely influenced my painting – the seen and unseen.

Dana Lynne Andersen

Art for Self-Realization:

I’ve already shown you the many foundation of layers of this week’s project in a previous post. At that point, I had no idea where this huge painting was going. I prayed for guidance and listened. The images started infiltrating my mind during yoga, meditation, meals, walks, etc. I’m also reading a book this week by Kriyananda (the founder of the Ananda communities) called “Art as Hidden Message – A Guide to Self Realization”. I resonate deeply with much of what he’s written – about the role of art in both creative expression and appreciation. He elaborates on how art is a meditation, a language, an expression of energy and a tool for self-realization. To clarify, he’s talking about art that encourages expansion and connection – my kind of art. He explains that if the artist is already in such a state, the art that he/she will create will reflect that and draw those to it that resonate on the same level or aspire to grow into it. Needless to say therefore, that as my soul expanded this week due to my surroundings, so did my art.

Indeed, being here has definitely affected my inner state. Beauty in its many forms has lifted my soul. The focused intentions and shared aspirations of those who are attracted to this community fill the space with love. The joy that is invoked through the various practices awakens my every cell. I feel nourished here on many levels, including from the abundance of healthy food designed to enhance body, mind, and soul. All this is coupled with the sacred energy so palpable in Assisi, home of many saints.

The Design:

The sketch I made early one morning, therefore, was filled with my experience here.

The most evident is the effect of gazing upon the bella vista of the Umbrian hills so many times a day – from the dining room, from my bedroom, on my walks to the studio. Their undulating curves and atmospheric conditions (the shades of paleness as they recede) have sung their song on my canvas. If you’re familiar with my art, I don’t usually paint landscapes, except for symbolic trees. So the hills were definitely new.

Dominique Hurley_ Italy_Ananda_DLH_5371b

I’ve also been in awe of the sunsets here, even when masked by clouds. In fact, the weather in general has penetrated my work – both the sunny skies and daily showers. Can you see the drips in the background and on the left? The rainbow I saw one day at breakfast influenced my choice of colours – each mountain being primarily one colour of the spectrum. Those are the most obvious references. There are more though.

The graphic style of the painting was partially influenced by the stained glass windows ever so present in the plenitude of Catholic churches in this part of the world. The figure that came to me very much captures the bliss I felt during the first stages of the painting. Remember my dancing slideshow? More than that, it captures for me the Saint Francis energy– my strong love and appreciation for nature and especially for all the birds here. I have been strongly moved by their songs, especially when meditating at Ananda or during the vespers at San Damiano last Sunday. So although many wouldn’t see the connection between Saint Francis and my woman dancing with the birds while turning to the sun in gratitude, it’s there. She represents the essence of love, kindness, compassion and connection within the heart and soul of all beings – perhaps it’s also Saint Clare.

I’m sure there are other subconscious references (like moving up the chakra colours and the various states and stages of specific consciousness described in our Quantum Creativity workshop this morning), but this is enough to show that both the location and the vibration of those within my environment this week have definitely had an effect on my work. Shanti, Amen.

A Supported Process:

So was the entire process blissful? No. I am who I am, and so old patterns came along with me on this trip. When my painting came to its awkward teenager phase, it became hard for me to love it … or myself (like mental hiccups – not a prolonged state). I had been so happy with it before as it was growing and filled with possibility. But after covering the hills up with the rainbow colours and stepping back, my heart sank and my words followed. Luckily, Dana – who I am so glad was almost always in the space– was very helpful. Not only did she offer poetic and philosophical insights on my process and its results, such as “The destination is dissolving through the path of the journey (when I started shaping a world on top of my background), but she also gently guided me out of my occasional negative self-talk. In fact, she often offered alternative ways of framing my experience. For example, yesterday afternoon she reminded me that there is no better or worse, there’s only change. How true. Sometimes that change asks for further changes, and sometimes not. It’s about authentic expression and coming from a heart space of love and joy. Anything else creates obstacles for both my Self and my art. Dana is very perceptive, insightful, and helping people unleash their creativity is both her and her academy’s purpose. Through her several programs and certification courses, she helps them awaken higher states of consciousness and create from their center – from the inside out. Her philosophy is so in line with my own – that in itself was very refreshing. I can be a very open, loving, trusting being when I paint, but I can definitely let the doubt and self-criticism creep in “Oh why did I do that? It was so much better before! It’s ruined!…”

Fortunately, the morning after my awkward teenager came into being, our yoga was followed by a purification ceremony very similar to what I had experienced in the shamanic world. The temple was quite full that day as many from the community had come for the Thursday 2.5-hour meditation. I was partaking in a shorter session of yoga/meditation/chanting downstairs. After that, however, we joined the others. We wrote down a negative pattern we were ready to let go of on a piece of paper, asked God for help in releasing it, invited a channel to help us do so by opening ourselves to the Grace of God (he/she placed a finger on our heart chakra and conducted energy through a blessing of the masters – sort of like communion). We then burned the paper while bowing in thanks. Beautiful – I knew exactly what I was meant to let go of. After all, I had invoked God, the spirits of the place, and my celestial committee to work through me on this painting, and so judgment emanating from my lack of faith could only impede the co-creative process. The blessing ended with the statement that we were free. I could feel it – much lighter. Having returned to a state of non-attachment and trust, it was much easier to feel (not through drama, but through calm intuitive knowing) what was being called for next with every layer. The experience became much more joyful then and my process felt very supported – on many levels.

When you consider that it took 5 days to create this huge painting (and a lifetime to bring me to this point of course), I’m absolutely thrilled with the results.

Getting it Home

By the way, I never worried about what I was going to do with it once it was done. Again, the experience of creating it was the most important thing for me. I’d even considered leaving it behind since bringing it on the plane would incur significant additional costs. Total non-attachment. I’d surrendered to all possibilities and felt no need to control the details (believe me, that’s not always how it is being a super organizer with a very strong left brain). Early on in the week, however, a solution was presented to me that felt perfect. One of the guests, Helmut, prolonged his stay and is now leaving today after Sunday service to drive to a business meeting in Munich, Germany passing by Salzburg in Austria. I’ll be joining him for a drive through Italy (yay! road trip! Plus I enjoy his company, so it will be great) and am welcomed to stay at a previous guest’s house near Salzburg for a night, so I can spend time visiting that famous and scenic city. Truth be told, I had been singing “The hills are alive with the sound of music” since arriving in Umbria and even thought, in the week before, that it would be nice to visit the beautiful filming location of that movie before my return to Canada. I just didn’t know how to make that happen with less than a month before my departure and so much to do). Regine was here at Ananda when I arrived, but left earlier this week. My new plan feels quite magical and Helmut’s BMW has a special feature that allows for skis to go from the trunk to the front – perfect for my long roll of canvas! From Salzburg, I can easily take the train to Vienna and there’s no extra charge for the rolled up painting. I also avoid having to take the train or bus back to Rome. I may be forfeiting my return plane ticket, but there won’t be any additional costs. Again, wonderful manifestation.

Another One?

So – would I recommend the artist in residence program here? Absolutely. The whole set up both at the studio and at Ananda were in line with my personal, artistic and spiritual aspirations. The setting is so conducive to creativity (see previous post). How could I not create something that resonates with my soul’s calling. I would definitely come again if the opportunity presented itself. I may even end up going to the Awakening Arts Center Dana is opening in Portland, Oregon as part of the Ananda Center at Laurelwood. I’m open to the possibilities.

Thanks to all those I met here at Ananda for contributing to this work of art. You’ve made a difference!

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Breathing, Stretching, Creating & Eating in Italy

May 29, 2014/in My Travels, Paintings

I’m taking a break to chat with you while letting a layer of paint dry. The flames of the pellet stove beside me are keeping me warm while the symphony of rain on the tin roof and thunder all around stirs my soul. Lunch is in an hour and by then Dana and I may have a dry walk back to The Refuge at Ananda Ashram from the Academy of Art, Creativity and Consciousness, 3 minutes down the road (or 20 if you take your camera with you for a detour through the woods).

All I can say is that what I’m living here is what I could see myself living on an ongoing basis. Up at 5am, shower, yoga/ meditation in the temple from 6-8:30am (various choices), delicious breakfasts in silence while looking at the vista of Umbrian hills and valleys, painting all day with breaks for lunches, suppers, reading, blogging or photo editing, gorgeous sunsets from the dining room or my balcony, quiet evenings by myself (was alone in my “shared room” for 3 night now) or in community (spiritual cinema, prayer, etc.). I am so grateful to be here.

Now for some details.

YOGA:

I was very lucky on Monday as I was the only one to show up for 6am yoga. The teacher therefore taught the class in English. Yogananda’s energization practice was, according to him, his unique contribution to yoga. As it was different than any of the yoga styles I’d experienced before, getting English instruction was definitely beneficial. I followed that up with another class at 7am that included energization, meditation and chanting. The ashram had arranged to have a translator there for me. What service! She stood behind me the whole time and, in her soothing voice, translated everything and corrected my postures if she spotted something off. The teacher, by the way, could be the twin to my friend Jackie in Saskatoon – from the hair style, facial features, smile, body style, to the fact that she’s a yoga teacher too. I felt right at home. Maria, the translator, came back again on Tuesday to help a few of us out. By Wednesday, I understood the series of exercises better and class was in English anyway. After yoga, I only stayed for the first 45 minutes of silent meditation (although my mind could have used more quietude… not a master at meditation yet). I may do the full hour and a half on Friday. Tomorrow, I’ll do the 7am mixed session again to give me time to write/edit photos first.

MEALS:

After 2.5 hours of yoga, however, I am super hungry and eat more than I ever would if I were having my usual 5am breakfast. On Monday morning, I tasted peanut butter for the first time (except in cookies or satay sauce). I know… I’m strange. I’ve never tasted coffee either. I’m just not a typical North American. Anyhow, this was a huge bowl of obviously homemade stuff and it was warm. The bread looked good too even if I’ve never been a bread fan either (lucky thing as I try to eat gluten free). Anyhow, I liked it, but wouldn’t choose it every day. On Tuesday morning, I was surprised to find chocolate cake along with the porridge and fixings… not sure which yogic principle that follows, but it was great. I was starved, but it waited for me an extra 15 minutes as I ran outside after bringing my plate to my table. I simply had to chase the rainbow that appeared in the sky. I got it with my iPhone (can you see it?), but by the time I ran to my room to get my good camera, it had faded.

There’s always a variety of vegan and vegetarian choices at every meal, including plain steamed veggies and rice for those on special diets. There’s usually a salad buffet and a hot food station: risotto, cauliflower purée, pasta, soya meat stew, bruschetta, various soups, etc. Breakfast is in silence for the first half hour before a brief reading, lunch starts with a blessing and can be quite plentiful and social. Dinner is in silence and lighter in nature. It’s all healthy and prepared for me – such a blessing!

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE / ACADEMY OF ARTS, CREATIVITY & CONSCIOUSNESS:

I love it! I could stop there, but I promised details. When I first walked into the Awakening Arts Center on Monday, I discovered something about my relationship with my camera. The gallery part of the space was so beautiful aesthetically and energetically that it overwhelmed me in its offerings. I almost immediately turned to my camera to help me navigate the space. It helps me to zone in and appreciate the details – to slow down and see and feel as I move along. This is a different way that this beloved tool helps me be fully present in the here and now. When I mentioned that to someone in the community, he offered some interesting insights from his own teacher/swami. He offered that tools and techniques are good, but our goal is to eventually not need them anymore. I wouldn’t want my camera to become a crutch, but for now it’s a blessing. Eventually, I’ll be able to achieve the same equanimity and presence in a space that once would have overwhelmed me without tools. I enjoyed the conversation. I also enjoyed my tour around the gallery – my favourite pieces were the digital works on metal by Dana Lynne Andersen, who runs the place. So many, however, appealed to both my eyes and my heart.

After about half an hour in the gallery, I realized that the space behind the frosted glass doors was not Dana’s apartment, but the studio space. What a great space it is. Since Dana loves painted floors, it is very freeing to have complete freedom to splatter them with paint without worrying about making a mess. I’m so used to being careful… no need here. Yay!

Dana had prepared a big canvas for me to play on. After I swept the floor, I used my pendulum to clear an uncomfortable spot I had felt in my designated area. I then called in my heavenly helpers and blessed the space and canvas with palo santo smudge and cat love. Stella was quite adamant about being part of the creative team. My heart smiles every time I see her.

Working this large on an unstretched canvas is totally new for me. Some really cool things happened before it all became one colour on the first day as I overdid the pouring, lifting and folding with warm colours. No worries – it was only the first layer and all part of the process. I quickly had to remind myself that I had asked to be a channel to God, my guiding spirits and angels and so it wasn’t my place to judge. Instead, I got back into a space of total trust. After decades of painting intuitively, I’ve learned the value of stepping out of the way. Where the paint was puddling, Dana suggested putting plastic on top so that by the time it dried, tearing it off would create ridges of texture while uncovering previous layers of colour. I saw what it did on one of her paintings, but I’ll need to press down more next time to push the paint out to the edges. New trick – cool!

On Tuesday, I got in there with the cool colours and started mark-making. I love this stage – it’s all about colour and layers – no thinking, no planning, no knowing where it may go from there. I find that stage so much easier in painting than in life, but I’m getting there with that too. Layer upon layer, dancing, standing back and listening for what is being called for next – very enjoyable! It’s a wonderful way of painting and having the canvas up on the wall makes it easy to have my whole body involved, not just my wrists and hands.

Part of the pleasure of working/ playing here, in addition to the space and energy – is that Dana and her daughter Rachel have been wonderful hosts and assistants. From afternoon snacks of gluten-free toasts with almond butter and jelly to freshly squeezed orange juice, I am served like a queen (and you know how I like that). Also, if I need anything or want help, they’re glad to jump in. The whole philosophy here is about love and awakening to our higher consciousness. I can feel it in many facets of my experience. The 250 Euros I’m spending as a fee for being artist in residence for the week is going to supplies and so I’ve got access to all sorts of paints. Fantastic! There’s a great feeling of abundance here. The sun even came out just in time for my lunchtime walk to the dining room and the rain only began again as I was walking back up the driveway to the studio. Cooperation all around!

Time to stare at my canvas again to see what it would like. It feels like a very happy piece – my favourite kind. Let see where it goes from here… this is just the foundation layer. I’m open to inspiration and I know it’s on its way. It’s inevitable in a place like this!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Oh – and while waiting for another layer of paint to dry, I wanted to create one photo that captured the feeling of elation from this stage of the painting process. Instead, I present you this slideshow (viewable only on the website, not in email subscriptions, so click on the blue post title at the top of your email to view post online).

I’m having a wonderful time – what a blessing indeed!

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Graduation Exhibiton at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art (June 14-28)

May 24, 2014/in Events, Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts

You are all invited to the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art’s Graduation Exhibition titled “Inner Worlds“. I know many of my readers are nowhere near Austria, but if you happen to be or know someone who is, here is all the information.

Dominique Hurley

INNER WORLDS

From June 14th until 28^th, 2014
Monday – Sunday from 11:00am – 6:00pm
Free Entrance

Opening on Saturday June 14^th 2014 at 6:30pm

The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art
2^nd Floor of the Palais Palffy
Josefsplatz 6, 1010, Vienna

Website
Facebook

SPECIAL: there will be Pay-What-You-Want tables of student sketches, etc. and most of my pieces will be offered on Silent Auction with “buy now” prices, or the option to bid above the minimum bids (ends June 24 at 6pm). I trust that each painting will find its right home while I am compensated for both my work and talent. This feels like a win-win as I return to Canada on June 26th.

Elizabeth Banker

PRESS RELEASE – May 2014

SEE THE GERMAN PRESS RELEASE BY CLICKING HERE.

INNER WORLDS

The Graduate Exhibition of the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art

Julianna Richey

In celebration of its inaugural year, The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art opens its door to the public for INNER WORLDS, its year-end Graduate Exhibition. A must-see for any art enthusiast, the in-house exhibition commences with the Opening Ceremony at 6:30 pm on Saturday, June 14^th and runs until June 28^th 2014 at the Palais Palffy on Josefsplatz.

This year’s group of international students (mostly from Canada and the U.S.A) have out-done themselves, exploring phantastic and sacred themes in their works while celebrating the Academy’s ideals of beauty, craftsmanship and style. Together, these meticulously rendered paintings by Elizabeth Banker, Martin Cash, Kevin Campeau, Dominique Hurley, Rachel Lubeck, Julianna Richey and Hadley Seymore form a stunning example of a new, Idealist art – an exhibition not to be missed, with many of the original works priced for sale. The Opening will include Live Painting and Collaboration by the exhibiting artists.

Martin Cash

For three trimesters, these emerging artists have explored Old Masters drawing and painting techniques through classical academic methods. Guided by an international faculty of well-known Visionary artists, they have explored three distinct traditions: The Humanist Style within the ‘Western’ Canon of Classical Greek & Renaissance Art, The Hieratic Style within the ‘Eastern’ Canon of Ancient, Islamic & Hindu-Buddhist Art, and the newly emerging Visionary Style, which carefully combines the best elements of the Humanist & Hieratic traditions. Coming from Australia, America, London, Paris and Vienna, members of the academy’s faculty will also be on hand to exhibit their works: Timea Tallian, David Heskin, Aloria Weaver, Daniel Mirante, Kuba Ambrose, Vera Atlantia, Amanda Sage, and Laurence Caruana. The result is a masterful collection of paintings where each work manifests the artist’s unique vision while also pursuing the Academy’s ideal of “AD SACRUM” ~ Toward the Sacred.

Hadley Seymore

Located in the Palais Palffy – home of The Phantasten Museum, Viva Art Gallery, and Professor Ernst Fuchs Studio – The Vienna Academy of Visionary Art opened its doors in September 2013. With English as its primary language of instruction, this international private school was founded by The Visionary Guild, a circle of recognized Visionary artists who had learned the “Mischtechnik” (an egg tempera and oil glazing technique) with Professor Ernst Fuchs – and who are now transmitting their knowledge of this special technique to a new generation of talented artists. The Academy offers a Three-year Programme, as well as Single Trimester studies, week-long Intensives and bi-weekly Life Drawing classes open to the public. Their classical curriculum focuses primarily on Historical Techniques of Painting and Approaches to the Figure, Colour and Composition within both Eastern and Western cultural traditions. By learning the sacred styles of different cultures, the students are able to create original compositions based on their own ideas, visions, and designs.

Kevin Campeau

As Guest Lecturers, local Viennese artists such as De Es, Michael Fuchs, Peter Gric and Otto Rapp have revealed a distinctly Austrian dimension to the students’ European experience of art-making in a cultural capital. Now in its seventh year, the academy’s special summer programme in Italy – The Visions in the Mischtechnik Seminar – has further enhanced the students’ classical knowledge of art and technique.

After the culmination of this exciting inaugural year, the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art will again open its doors on September 21^stwith an Opening Party, before classes recommence for the Fall Trimester with instructors Laurence Caruana, Autumn Skye Morrison and Daniel Mirante. With no entrance examinations, the academy is open to all lovers of the newly-emerging trend in world culture called Visionary Art.

Rachel Lubek

Dominique Hurley

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Contact:
Florence Ménard
Managing Director
Email : [email protected]
Tel : ++ 43 (0) 660 377 98 71

***

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Bye Bye Drawing Psycho-Baggage

May 16, 2014/in Vienna Academy of Visionary Arts

Eureka! After 6 months of full time studies at the Vienna Academy of Visionary Art and a month’s art/travel experience in Bali, I’m thrilled to report that I’m actually enjoying our live drawing sessions. I can honestly say that I’m no longer feeling any emotional baggage around drawing. I’m not saying I’m a master drawer – far from it! But I’m having fun and accepting the results of the practice. Each task is simply an exploration – of myself, of the materials, of the model, of the exercise in drawing. Now that’s a far cry from what drawing had been my whole life, so it’s definitely noteworthy. Yay!

In the past 2 weeks, I’ve attended four 2-hour sessions. You can’t really recognize my style from one to the next, but you can recognize that I’m drawing human beings. Yay again!

On my first day back from Bali, our model didn’t show up, and so I suggested we each take turns modeling (thus the clothes). It was great and helped us appreciate a model’s work much more so. We only held our poses for a short time.

Instead of sitting down with a small drawing pad and pencils like I used to do after a long day’s work, I’ve been standing at an easel with vine charcoal and large-scaled paper. The results are much freer.

This was the most fun – I went in straight away with a marker and tried zentangling again. Loved that! Loved it very much!

Not only am I enjoying my life drawing sessions at school, I’m bartering for them: I’ve been helping out with a few tasks in preparation for our year-end exhibition. Bonus! I look forward to 2 more sessions next week before my week in Italy.

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Come Walk Downtown With Me – Brno & Vienna

May 15, 2014/in My Travels, Vienna - Life and Tourism

After a great weekend in the Czech Republic with friends, it was time to return to Vienna. I had a live drawing class at 4pm on Monday, and so I had bought an online ticket for the 11:30am bus back. After breakfast and saying goodbye to my hosts, I headed for Brno to walk around for a couple of hours. There were occasional showers, but it was much sunnier and warmer than the day before. I was grateful for that. I was also grateful for the invention of carry-ons with wheels!

I wandered the downtown streets past familiar sites – from my last few visits and twenty some years before.

Thousands were lined up in Liberty Square for what I understood to be free skin-cancer diagnostics and sunscreen samples by Daylong. They took groups of 20 at a time in a big tent – not sure what they did, and although I was curious, I didn’t have time to wait.

The farmer’s market was relocated in a park just outside the downtown core due to construction in the Market Square.

For the first time this year, I ended up walking past the two big theaters. I remember going to operas and ballets there in the 90s for about 50 cents. Bus loads from Vienna used to come up for that. I wonder how much they are these days.

Although I felt very comfortable walking around Brno, I much preferred my time outside the city in the smaller towns – always have.

After another bus ride, movie, and glances at the moving scenery, I arrived in Vienna at 1:20pm, basically 2 hours before the start of class. I knew that if I went home to drop off my suitcase, there would be a risk that I wouldn’t make it out again. So instead, I walked around downtown Vienna for another 2 hours. It was fun playing tourist with the throngs of other people doing the same. Here are more pictures – enjoy your walk along. I’m glad you’re here.