The WHY, WHAT, & HOW of Doing YOUR Art!
The WHY, WHAT, & HOW of Doing YOUR Art!
Open Studio Workshop
AUGUST 21-24, 2023
Do you desire to Do Your Art? A lot of people say they want to paint but when it comes down to it, aren't sure they have the talent to do so. Or they can't find the time. Sometimes, an wannabe artist overcomes those reasonable reasons only to confront a block about what to paint. Perhaps you've been inclined toward making realistic pictures but wonder what it would be like to paint abstractly, but don't know how to switch? Maybe you're stuck in an already-established art practice and your attempts to break out have failed. Or, as often happens, you're just confused enough to give the whole notion of doing your art a pass!
If any of the above applies to you, please consider this workshop! Ellie has worked in this format with complete novices who learned to make beautiful paintings and are now exhibiting and selling their work. If you want to paint, Ellie will inspire you to make the best of your efforts!
The Importance of Why, What, & How. While most painting workshops focus solely on technique, Ellie believes that "doing your art" must start with an awareness of these three important aspects. Her Open Studio Workshop is like a retreat in that it offers you a dedicated time and space and the guidance of a mature artist and experienced teacher to reflect on the Why, What and How of art-making. You'll discover that many obstacles can be overcome when you connect with the Why of art-making, the deeper meaning that your desire make art holds for you. Once you've become conscious of the Why it will inform the What and motivate you to learn How. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to address all three of these vital aspects!
Discover what YOUR art might be! In the Open Studio, Ellie will prompt you to use colors, shapes, motifs, and marks in such a way that even if you've believed you have no talent (as did Ellie for most of her life), chances are good that you can find a means for understanding and doing your art in the particular way that expresses the art impulse moving through you. If you're an emerging artist, these considerations will help you clarify your aims and direction. And, even if you think you only want to paint "for the fun of it," you might learn there's something more serious behind that desire. Bring a friend and find out!
The Open Studio Workshop is designed for all skill levels. Exercises are based on Ellie's intuitive assessment of individuals' needs and, one day, might involve a still life set-up with a suggestion for using color in a particular way; another day might focus on mark-making to unstructured music. Participants are also free to make requests! Daily sessions typically begin at 9:30 a.m and end at 4:00 p.m. with an hour break midday, but you will have access to the Studio from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 if you wish to extend your art-making and are free to take breaks when you want. Because it is an "open studio," you are also free to work independently as the spirit moves you.
Ellie will give demonstrations and examples of the different approaches she suggests. (She will demonstrate using oil-based pigments and encourages participants to paint with oil as they are more versatile and easier to use than acrylics and watercolor.) The group process will allow for support of the inevitable ups and downs of a serious art practice. You'll learn how to self-critique your work in a way that nurtures rather than thwarts your progress and you'll leave with a plan for continuing and deepening your practice. A materials/equipment list is provided and everyone will receive basic instruction/review for using oil paints.
Enjoy the Comforts of a Home-Based Studio. The Open Studio Workshop takes place in Ellie's home-based Studio & Gallery a block from downtown Frankfort, MI. (Airports: Traverse City and Manistee, MI.) Airbnb and hotel accommodations and restaurants are available within walking distance of Ellie's Studio. Workshop participation is limited to 10. If you have questions about whether this workshop is for you, please send Ellie an email. Click here for the Materials List. Scroll down to read testimonials from past Open Studio Workshops.
Payment Info. Cost of the 4-Day workshop is $475 ($425 if you pay in full now). A deposit payment of $125 will secure your place with the balance payment by check due by July 21, 2023. To register after July 21, you will need to pay the full amount ($475) at the time of registration by check. Please read the Cancellation Policy below.
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel for a refund of your deposit minus a $100 admin fee by July 21. If you cancel for any reason after July 21, no deposit refunds will be given. Depending on circumstances, your payment may be applied as a credit toward another workshop within one year.
Testimonials from Past Open Studio Workshops
Ellie has a captivating sense of the inner self interacting with the unknown in painting to capture what needs to be painted. Perhaps with my background in psychology and passion for art and architecture, I caught on instantly to what she was talking about and was tuned in to her words. Being within a community of artists it seemed all of what I might think of religion to be. Expressing what is human in group, producing beauty and fulfillment together. The workshop was truly a gift. C.W.
Thank you for the space you created for us and for the way you gave us a scaffolding with just enough support to feel safe while trying something scary, new and wonderful! I left feeling the exhilaration of having widened my horizon. The future looks more spacious. Thank you! H. M.
I certainly learned a lot ...not only about the process of making art but about what it means to be an artist. The demonstrations you do are invaluable and really helped me to understand the steps in how you paint. Initially I was worried that an all day workshop would be too long for me but the time just flew by. Thanks again for the great workshop ! J.H.
The workshop experience have me so very many gifts, I can't enumerate them, but here are some highlights: Your kind, comfortable hospitality - the whole-nourishment of the combined gallery, studio and lovely, expansive residence - truly rich in nourishment of all kinds. The small group process that no one can ever completely plan or control, but this time the "magic" happened and I'm hoping for some ongoing connections to continue art together. Very perceptive input from you about my work so that you gave me practical guidance I'll remember and apply. I loved the demonstrations! The rootedness in spirituality/our deeper selves, and the understanding that art and spirit belong to the same fabric. A new awakening of interest in oils, and the possibility of loving it! S.M. Mc
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the workshop. It was a great combination of inspirational discussions, followed by demonstrations which led us naturally into the painting process. I like that this process was followed each day, giving us consistency and a means to retain and practice what we learned. The groups size was nice – big enough for a variety of experience and styles, yet small enough for getting to know one another. The setting, your home, was perfect and created a warm and inviting space, large enough for us to spread out and find comfortable areas in which to paint. Roo was a great help. This workshop was the motivation I needed and has really provided me skills I didn’t have before. Thank you!! M.F.
I had a unique and exciting experience throughout your workshop. Dancing the dragon will begin my every painting going forward. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and beautiful home. I enjoyed every minute of, and everyone at your event. K.C.
Loved, loved, loved it. Your inspiring words makes me want to continue my painting with greater hope that I will relax and learn to love what I paint and if disappointed in a painting, I know it doesn't matter. I can try try again, or go on to something new and different. Thank you so much. and - Abstract painting - who knew????? I loved doing it. Will certainly continue exploring. C.N.
