Plein Air Workshop in Blue Ridge Georgia October 2015

'Autumn Lace'               8x10           plein air pastel               ©Karen Margulis
click here to purchase $125

Imagine driving  on peaceful country road. It winds it's way slowly alongside the river. You can smell the freshly mown hay and hear the gentle sounds of the river. As you round each bend the views get better. Soon you arrive. It is time to get settled in and take a deep breath of the sweet country air.

Imagine staying in this spot for three days. Painting. Learning. Laughing. Imagine being surrounded by other passionate artists. Artists of all abilities. Artists who just want to become better artists and who share the same passions as you. 

Come join us this October. Marsha Hamby Savage and I will be teaming up to teach a 3 day plein air workshop in Blue Ridge Georgia. The workshop will be held October 2,3,4. Friday , Saturday and Sunday. Marsha has a wonderful rustic cabin on the river where we will paint. We will also paint in some other wonderful spots....we know the secret spots!

Down a country road

I had my first plein air workshop experiences with Marsha and she taught me well! Now it is time to give back and work together pooling our teaching strengths and experience. You benefit from two great instructors!

Intrigued?  Let us know you are interested. The workshop is filling quickly and there are only a few spots left in the cabin. The cost of the 3 day workshop is $350 with cabin lodging or $300 without lodging. There are plenty of places to stay in the area. rent a cabin with friends and come join us!

To ask questions send us an email: Karen  Marsha

To register: visit our workshop page. You can use Paypal for your deposit or send us a check. Please email us so we can send you a contract and recommended supply list.

Plein air painting in Blue Ridge before the flowers are mowed down!

Marsha leading a group to a cool painting spot

Reflections on this Year's Texas Workshop

'A Special Part of Texas'                 9x12                pastel            ©Karen Margulis
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It was everything I imagined it would be and much more. I have always wanted to see the Texas Hill Country during the Bluebonnet season so when my friend Marsha Young invited me out to do a plein air workshop I couldn't resist. Marsha has a wonderful gallery in Dripping Springs Texas, Butterfly Gallery. She hosted the group and planned our plein air locations. She also arranged for our lunches each day. Her hard work and perfect weather ensured the workshop was a great success.

I was excited to meet my group of 12 artists. Many traveled to the workshop. Some from as far away as Minnesota! It was a great group which always makes a workshop fun. We painted hard and laughed and ate and hopefully learned a lot as well. I know that I was impressed with everyone's work!

'Texas Spring'          6x8        pastel
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Marsha had selected some great painting locations for the workshop. On the first day we painted in the studio. It was a good opportunity to demo and share my usual working techniques and plein air tips. It was a practice session and we were ready to paint the next morning at the wonderful Mt. Gainor Inn.  Here is a quick video  from our day at the Inn:

Our second plein air day began at Charro Ranch Park in Dripping Springs. This was a great place for some intimate landscape vignettes of trees and wildflowers. My paintings in this post are demos from this location.

We had lunch reservations at the famous Salt Lick restaurant and spent the afternoon painting in the gardens. Here is a quick story which sums up the wonder of this whole experience....Just as we were finishing our feedback session at the end of the day a man strolled up to the group and stopped. I was a bit worried that we had overstayed our welcome and were about to be shown the gate. But I was wrong. It was the owner of the Salt Lick. He wanted to thank us for painting on the property. He shared his story and his dream for artists to come paint. He welcomed us back anytime as well as extended an invitation to paint on their other local properties. It was Texas hospitality at it's finest!

I know I will be back again some day!

Demo at Charro Ranch Park

'The Path on the Left'             6x6             plein air pastel           ©Karen Margulis
purchase this painting here $65

 It has to be compact and light. Everything has to fit in my backpack. Over the years I have continuously downsized my plein air set up. I remember the days of dragging a rolling cart filled to the top with painting supplies. Set up took forever. I could never find what I wanted in the cart full of unnecessary stuff.  It was discouraging and plein air wasn't something I enjoyed.

Until I downsized! Now I have several different downsized plein air set-ups. I keep them always ready. The type of painting situation helps me decide which set up to bring.  Today I will share my Compact Travel Light Set Up.

'Blue Ridge Memories'          6x6       $65

Travel Light Kit: Heilman double sketchbook pastel box, Heilman easel attachment,  Oben AT3400 tripod

Everything fits in my Orvis backpack with room to spare. I will always carry this on the plane. I have room for extra travel needs such as my toiletries and iPad mini.  I use an Oben AT3400 tripod which folds up to 16". It will fit in the backpack but sometimes I put it in my checked bag if I want extra room in the backpack.

Heidi checks out my set-up. Here you can see the inside of the Orvis backpack. I love this pack because it sits so well without flopping over. I used it to weigh down my tripod using a mini bungee cord. It also has plenty of outside pockets.

This is all of my gear. I am using a Heilman double sketchbook pastel box. I put the metal ease attachment into a small stuff sack to keep it protected. I have my backing board with bankers clips. This is actually a hard plastic board which will hold paper. It is called an Artworks Book from Easel Butler.  I have a pouch for baby wipes, a zippered pouch for miscellaneous supplies such as tape, watercolor set, alcohol, fixative. I also have 2 black portfolio folders by Itoya. I use these to store my paper and the finished paintings.

Here is the Heilman box open. I have an assortment of Terry Ludwig pastels on the left and Girault pastels on the right. I do vary the selection depending on my location.  I don't preselect my pastels before I start painting since my palette is already limited!

Here is the entire set up. I was asked about the stability of this set up. I did notice some shaking but I am a fairly aggressive plein air painter so I did hold onto the board to steady it some. If I was a kind and gentle painter it wouldn't be as noticeable. It really didn't bother me. I am trading size and weight for complete stability and to me it is well worth it!

Next week I am taking this set up with me to teach a plein air workshop in Dripping Springs Texas. This will be the ultimate test so I will report back with my thoughts.

If you'd like to see this set up in action watch my plein air demo video on YouTube click HERE

Resources:

Heilman Designs
Easel Butler Artworks Book
Itoya Original Art Portfolios
Orvis

Wednesday Night Pastel Class....Underpainting

Wednesday night pastel classes are so much fun! In this class we talked about manipulating wet underpaintings and we used bird nests as our subject matter. I had photos and several real nests to paint from. Everyone did a unique and beautiful nest painting and those wet underpainting helped everyone stay painterly! Join us this Fall for class on Wednesdays either 10-12 or 7-9 pm.

Monotypes with Pastel Mini Workshops in February 2011

Are you looking to energize your art? Would you like to experiment with new ways to use pastel? Try Monotypes...the liberating medium that combines painting with printmaking. In this four hour workshop I will introduce you to a variety of techniques for creating monotypes. We will learn how to combine our prints with pastels as Degas did for many of his works. No experience needed... just bring your sense of adventure for a fun afternoon of creating. You should bring your pastels but all printmaking supplies will be provided.
When: Saturday February 26 1:00-5:00 OR
Sunday, February 27 1:00-5:00
Where: My home studio in Marietta, Georgia
Cost: $45 plus $10 materials fee
Please email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com for more information or to register for the workshop

Pastel Back to Basics Class Session I Review

The focus for the last four classes was 'The Planning of a Painting'. We spent two classes just planning the painting and the third week we actually painted but the catch was we had to paint larger than 16x20. This is my finished demo painting 18x24. The first photo shows what we did during the first week. We planned the composition and did value studies for the painting. I have developed a planning worksheet to make this process easier.

Monochromatic Value Study

After we did our value studies in a thumb nail version we painted a small monochromatic study. The idea was to concentrate only on the values and not to worry about color at this point. That would be the next class!

Color Studies for Larger Painting

The second week of class we focused on color. We did small color studies each one using a different color scheme. It was fun to explore the way color changed the mood and feeling of the painting.

Week Four .... Painting from our Imagination

After spending three weeks with our image, we were ready to be finished with it. I emphasized that the planning of a painting doesn't usually take 3 weeks! I usually spend anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour on a painting plan....but by breaking down the steps we now could see just how easy it can be. For the last class of the session, we were now ready to have some fun. So I asked everyone to put their reference photo away and paint our scene from our imaginations. I did this as the demo but I ended up making some changes after class. I decided to turn the yellow flowers into daisies! I really enjoyed this session and look forward to the next 4 weeks when we will explore Underpaintings!

Photos from the Wildflower Workshop

Thank you to all of my fantastic students for a fun weekend of learning and painting. I enjoyed meeting new students and seeing my regulars! Everyone did some great work and I hope learned more about painting meadows and wildflowers with pastels. I am currently working on the class and workshop schedule for Fall. Please let me know if you wish to be notified of the new schedule. kemstudios@yahoo.com

Wildflowers of Summer...Wildflowers in Pastels Workshop

'Pick Me a Bouquet' 18x24 pastel

Wildflowers in Pastel Workshop ... June 12 or 13
Just in time for Summer, I am offering a workshop on painting wildflowers with pastels.

About the Workshop
Pastels are the perfect medium to capture the delicate beauty and vibrant colors of wildflowers and the landscape around them. I will offer demonstrations, exercises and individual help at the easel during the four hour workshop. Our emphasis for this workshop is to learn ways of seeing color in wildflowers and their surroundings and how to choose the pastels to help paint these colors.
I will also share techniques for achieving the loose painterly quality to wildflowers and how to make them look like they belong in the landscape. We will learn ways to paint both a field or meadow and a more intimate view of wildflowers. There will then be plenty of time for you to apply these ideas and techniques to your own painting.
Whether you are experienced with pastels or would like to try this exciting medium, consider joining me for this workshop!

I am offering this 4 hour workshop twice in June and the fee is $45. Choose either Saturday June 12 or Sunday June 13. We will meet from 1-5pm in my Marietta, Ga studio.
Enrollment is limited so please email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com to reserve your spot.
I look forward to sharing my wildflower 'secrets' with you!

Pastel Instruction / Classes in the Atlanta Area

If you are looking for pastel instruction in the Atlanta Georgia area I would love to discuss the many options I offer. From private lessons to weekly group sessions to one day mini-workshops, I offer classes for students of all levels of experience. We meet in my Marietta, Georgia studio. The link to the current schedule of classes is on the sidebar on the right. If you have any questions, please send me an email. I'd love to help you on your journey with pastels!

NEW OFFERINGS FOR SPRING
I have finalized my Spring Pastel Class schedule and have a couple of new and interesting offerings. I know Spring is a busy time but I hope to see you at a class this Spring. Here are the two NEW classes you might want to consider:

1) *Water, Water Everywhere! * Sunday March 21 form 2-4 pm. This is a 2 hour class on painting water. I will show you ways to paint still and moving water, whitewater , waves and reflections. We will do a paint-along and then you are free to stay as long as you wish to work on some water paintings.
The cost for this class is $25. Note that this isn't the usual 4 hour workshop but I will have the studio open for you to stay and paint after the 2 hour class.

2) *Plein Air Success! * Saturday May 8th 9am-5pm. This will be an all day workshop on plein air painting. I will be covering all of the basics for successful plein air painting and we will be painting outside! Details coming soon but this will be a great chance to get ready for our trip out west!
Cost: $65

April Workshops:
Saturday April 17 1-5 pm *Underpaintings*. If you missed the last workshop on underpaintings, you may want to consider this class. $45
Sunday April 18 1-5 *Miles of Canvas...Jumpstart your personal Challenge*. Start a painting challenge and paint, paint, paint! I will have stations set up for you to try some of the more unusual techniques I used in my miles of canvas challenge. A fun and inspirational workshop!

Master Classes are scheduled for Tuesday April 6th, April 27 and May 18th
Back to Basics class followed by Landscape class will continue every Tuesday from 7-9 pm

I am now offering online pastel instruction as well. Click on the tabs at the top of the page for more information.

Painting Shells...Workshop on Sanibel Island

'Beach Treasure' 11x14 pastel

If you are in SW Florida this January and would like to learn how to paint shells with pastels, join me for my workshop at the Baily-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. The workshop will be held on Friday January 29th from 2-4 pm. I am excited about the opportunity to paint at one of my favorite places and to share my love of shells and pastels. If you would like more information, send me an email at kemstudios@yahoo.com

Plein Air Workshop in the North Carolina Mountains

I am excited to announce my plein air workshop in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. I am planning a fun and informative 2 1/2 day workshop introducing you to the basics of painting en plein air with pastels. The workshop will be held in Murphy North Carolina in the Tri-state area of North Carolina just 20 minutes from Blue Ridge Georgia. Lodging is included in the workshop fee at the wonderful Dancing Bear Cabin. Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com if you would like more information or to register.

****This workshop is being rescheduled for October 2010, details coming soon!**************

'Everything Pastel' One Day Introduction to Pastel Workshop

Have you ever wanted to learn how to work with pastels? Or perhaps you have tried and gotten frustrated? Learn everything you need to know to get started with the medium of soft pastels in my informative and fun one day workshop. Through demonstrations and hands-on activities we will cover the basics of pastels from the supplies to basic techniques . ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED! This is a great opportunity to experience pastels without having to invest in materials. Find out what supplies you really need to have success with pastels. The workshop will be offered three times this winter/spring: Saturday January 23, Saturday March 6, Saturday April 10. We will meet in my Marietta, Georgia studio from 10-5. The fee for the workshop is $75 and materials are included! Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com for more information or to enroll.

Upcoming Workshop on Winter January 17th

On January 17th I will be offering a mini workshop on simplifying the winter landscape. It is called 'Winter Magic'. Our focus will be on painting the many moods of winter. We will expand our knowledge of composition and the value of doing notans as we paint simple expressions of the winter landscape. The workshop meets from 1-5pm and is $45. Email me at kemstudios@yahoo.com for more information or to enroll.

Workshop and Class Schedule for Winter/Spring 2010

I am excited to announce my schedule of pastel workshops and classes for the winter/spring of 2010. I have put together an exciting and fun group of pastel workshops and I hope you will be able to join me for one or more sessions. Each workshop is planned as a self-contained unit which allows you the flexibility to choose the workshops that fit your schedule. I will be offering five options:

Master Class in Pastel - This class will be held once a month on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 pm in my Marietta home studio. The class is $25 for each session. Each class will consist of a lesson and demo relating to a painting concept with time to apply the ideas at your easel. I will be working closely with each student to help them meet their personal painting goals. The class dates are: January 5th, February 2, March 9,April 6th, April 27, 2010
Weekend Afternoon Mini-Workshops - These workshops meet from 1-5 pm at my Marietta home studio and the cost is $45 for each session. I will be offering seven mini-workshops this Winter/Spring. The Saturday sessions are called ‘Pastel Explorations’ and are designed for those who consider themselves at a beginner to intermediate level.. The Sunday sessions are suitable for any level of experience though a familiarity with pastels is helpful. In these sessions, we will explore advanced techniques and painting concepts through a theme.
Everything Pastel Saturday Workshop - This is an all day workshop that is perfect for exploring the medium of soft pastel without having to invest in materials. All the basics will be covered and materials will be supplied. Find out if pastel is a good fit for you in this intense but fun workshop. Class meets from 10-5 and is $75. This workshop is offered Saturday January 23, Saturday March 6, and Saturday April 10th.
Pastel Explorations Weekly Pastel Classes I will now be offering weekly classes in six week sessions. Suitable for any level, small class size allows me to work with each student to help them meet their pastel/art goals. Classes are scheduled for Wednesday mornings from 10-1:00 or Wednesday evening from 7-9. Tuition for morning class is $210 for 6 weeks, Evening class is $150 for 6 weeks.
Pastel Explorations for Children: This six week class is suitable for older children and young adults who wish to learn the basics of painting. We will cover the important concepts of painting such as value, color, perspective,composition, edges using the medium of soft pastel. Supplies included for the first 3 classes. Class will meet Thursday afternoons from 4-6pm. Tuition for the six week class is $160.

Outlined below are the dates and a brief description for the Mini-workshops. Class size is limited so please check your schedule and let me know as soon as possible if you wish to reserve a spot in any of the workshops or have any questions. kemstudios@yahoo.com (770)977-3386

Saturday Mini-workshops Pastel Explorations
Saturday workshops meet from 1-5 pm
*January 16 Pastel Explorations I *: This is an introduction to the world of pastels. We will explore the materials and tools of the trade as well as explore the many ways pastels can be applied. Students will watch demos and do exercises as well as complete a painting.
*March 20 Back to Basics: Painting the Landscape l*: This workshop is suitable for any level of experience with pastel. If you want to paint landscapes or take your landscape painting to the next level, this workshop is for you. Sunday’s workshop will cover different material so would be a perfect combination for out-of-towners .(Sunday’s class meets from 11-3)
*February 27 Pastel Explorations II *: In this session we will continue our exploration of pastels with a focus on color. Using the theme of the Winter Landscape we will learn how to achieve vibrant, rich and clean color with pastels.
*April 17 Pastel Explorations III*: Our exploration of pastel painting continues with a study of underpaintings and how they can help you improve your paintings . Students will learn about several underpainting techniques and have the opportunity to try them. Our theme is the Spring Landscape.

Sunday Mini-Workshops
Sunday workshops meet from 1-5 exceot for March 21 which meets from 11-3
*January 17 Learning How to Simplify II….Winter Magic*. In this session we will learn ways to simplify and abstract the landscape. Our focus will be on painting the many moods of winter. We will expand our knowledge of composition and the value of notans as we paint simple expressions of the winter landscape.
*February 28 Nocturnes...painting night scenes in pastel.* Pastels with their vibrant and rich color really lend themselves to painting night scenes. This will be a fun and unique workshop in which we will explore tips and ideas to capture the evening in both landscapes and vibrant night citiscapes.
*March 21 WATER!! 2-4 pm $25 fee. I will be demonstrating ways to paint all kinds of water and reflections. Studio open for 2 hours after class to allow you time to work on your paintings.
*April 18 Miles of Canvas Variation Challenge Jumpstart:* Have you been wanting to paint more often? Would you like to try a painting challenge but just do not have the time? I would like to help you jumpstart your pastel paintings and start you on the road to accumulating your miles of canvas and meeting your own personal art goals.

Pastel Workshop and Class Schedule for Winter/Spring 2010

I am excited to announce my schedule for the winter and spring of 2010. I have a few new options for workshops and classes and I will be posting more about them in the upcoming days. The schedule is available on the sidebar to your right. Please email me kemstudios@yahoo.com with any questions or to reserve a spot!

October 2009 Workshop Report

I spent a wonderful weekend sharing with fellow artists at my two mini workshops. On Saturday six students met for my second introductory class. We focused on color and value and I shared tips for getting clean and exciting color with pastels. We painted pumpkins from black and white photos and had some colorful pumkins. Who said pumkins have to be orange! I have posted my demo paintings above.

Sunday was the mini workshop on painting the Autumn Landscape. The focus of the class was on painting the light....how to get those vibrant fall colors to look as though they are lit by the sun. We used a color wheel to help us choose the right temperature and value to 'paint the light'. I hope that everyone will be able to applythis idea to any subject they choose to paint!

There are still a few openings for my November 21st mini workshop on underpaintings. Send me an email if you'd like more information!

October Mini Workshops

'Birch Forest' 11x14 pastel

I have been busy preparing for my upcoming mini workshops on October 17 & 18th. On Saturday, I am offering the second part of 'Pastel Explorations' and we will talk about color. My Sunday workshop which is full, deals with painting the Autumn Landscape. I have some great ideas to share and I am looking forward to seeing previous students and meeting the new ones! This painting is on Uart paper with a watercolor underpainting. I only used my Richard McKinley set of Great Americans with just a few additions from my big box. The more I use this set the more I am loving it!