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In Other News .... A New Book! I've just made reservations for a trip to San Miguel de Allende, MX. After a season of much hard work and inspired by my own marketing for the 2019 Art Retreat for Women, I decided to treat myself to a 3-week getaway in early October. While I'll also be taking painting gear, my main aim is to write a book that's been trying to emerge for several years now. Having already made several false starts on The Work of Art (working title), I hesitate to state outright what  this will be; I will say, however, that I'm curious to learn what all I have to say about the subject. So, for now, I simply want to say thanks in advance to those of you who, for a long time, have been gently nudging me in this direction. And, please, feel free to crank the nudging up a notch or two.

2018 Art Retreat for Women Followup. Since I've already mentioned the Art Retreat for Women in San Miguel, I realize that, in the business of the season that ensued, I've not reported fully on the inaugural experience that took place this past April. But rather than me telling you how wonderful I thought it was, I want to quote feedback I received from several participants. If, after reading these reports you find yourself longing for a week in sunny Mexico with art-minded women, you can click on this link to find out more about the 2019 Art Retreat for Women ("Painting for Pleasure"). Please let me know if you're interested as soon as possible—only 5 spots remain! 

"Our accommodations at Casa de la Noche were beyond wonderful.  Magical, really. I loved my apartment, the Terrazo suite, with an iron gated terrace. Morning breakfasts in the lavender scented patio were a delicious start to days that were loosely ours to inhabit.  The structure of the week allowed personal and group time to flow. It takes a special leader to gather and weave the individual threads each group member brings to form a substantive framework that is both containing and yet porous.  Your bravery and example of honest and truthful 'showing up' opened the week with permission for all of us to do just that.  The truly touching closing ritual and festive last night meal and laughter at a long dining table was ample evidence of how quickly we had all connected to form a whole. A whole lot of ‘birds’ chattering and laughing away before flying off to distant nests." —MM

"I’m not a gambler at heart, but I  took the risk of doing something completely foreign by signing up for Ellie’s workshop.  I took her at her word that “novice painters” would be welcome.  When she announced she was not teaching techniques however I felt like I had not understood the advertisement and was disappointed.  When instead, she used the word “improvisational” I felt comfortable, with that I thought I could find the personal benefit I was looking for in my art medium. We spent a lot of time bonding with participants, and sharing feelings which typically go unspoken.  I don’t know how beneficial that was to each of our art, or whether we will continue to look inside and express more "heart", but I will keep my paintings as a wonderful visual reminder of the risk I took and what I learned about friends and family. I know when I came home I was energized and motivated to make art, and I’m doing it, and that is good."  —DS

"I had expected to be able to travel on my own (a bigger step than one would think) and just be and do art. My experience was more than I expected as I listened to others and realized the pain that art can solve. I'll remember most the heartfelt feelings of the group of women. I loved our evening dinner in the thunderstorm with the soulful music—it filled my soul! It was a great week and experience that warms my heart." —JM

"I enjoyed the workshop. It was good for me. It was different than I expected. In a good way. Learned about new tools to use in painting and painted on very large canvases for the first time. At times I felt as though I had no ideas for my work. At other times I felt like I did have ideas. When I look back I realize I learned I have a relationship with art. I’m a beginner and felt like rubber hit the road for me, that I was not ready to “break up” my relationship with art after a few months of not painting much. I liked the accommodations.  I loved the gatherings at breakfast and the breakfasts themselves to start the day. The highlight of the experience was being able to paint on a large canvas. Having group talks and support. Eating wonderful food. Feeling welcome as an American and a feeling of sharing the continent with Mexico. I appreciated the other women for their willingness to be open and their brilliance. It was a special group of women. I could relate very well to them with the life experiences of being female, experiencing loss and retirement. I felt accepted and respected."  —CW

 "The accommodations could not have been better.  I loved having a room to myself, not to mention having the whole Casa to ourselves!  Wonderful to be able to leave our work out.  It was the perfect setting.  You paced each day just right, giving us time to paint and time to explore the city.  The area has lots to offer and I always felt safe out by myself or in small groups.  I think what I’ll remember most...outside seeing you again and meeting Roo and that amazing hot air balloon ride...was how hard it was /is to just paint for the sake of painting.  Looking deeper, I have always had a goal in mind and to paint without having it represent anything is hard...should be simple, but I found that I don’t have much of an imagination!   It was wonderful to meet and get to know all of the women and I hope that we will all continue to stay in touch.  Thank you again for offering this escape."  —KS

"The retreat was just what I needed after a long Michigan winter. I signed at the last minute because I just could not take the cold and grey any longer. The altitude and lack of humidity worked to reduce my inflammation and I was pain free while I was in San Miguel. I was looking forward to being in a group as opposed to being on my own and trying to figure everything out myself. I think the sharing circle was good as an daily event. We got to know each other and could travel around the city together. I also liked the presentations that you did at night and the general discussion about art. The accommodations were wonderful. Except for food, we could have stayed there all the time. The staff was so accommodating and friendly. The breakfast was good. I had delicious and healthy meals throughout the City. The colors of the buildings were phenomenal and the Casa de la Noche courtyards and balconies were delightful and cozy. I saw something even more beautiful every time I walked through the site. I will remember its beauty. I appreciate the attention you paid to the details of our stay. Renting the whole site added to the cohesiveness of our group. The sharing circle was safe and gave us room to explore why we had come to Mexico. It was a very personal experience."  —HS

2019 Art Retreat for Women April 6 -13. This retreat could be for you! If you want to kick start your art-making, or simply want to get away from a cold, gray winter, please consider joining me and 11 others for a unique art/life adventure April 6-13. If it doesn't seem quite right for you but you know someone else who would benefit from this, please pass on this information. Click here to learn more!

I hope to hear from you soon!!!

Ellie