The Misty Mawn Experience

I'm back from ART & SOUL. Three days of instruction with the ultra talented Misty Mawn. I was in total awe as I watched her draw and paint so effortlessly. She made it look so easy. It was like watching magic as she put marks and colour onto the page. She worked quickly and intuitively. Watching her you can't help but want to be better. It makes you want to reach deep within yourself and work towards being the best artist you can possibly be. She totally inspired me. She totally rocks!

Drawing by Misty Mawn

We did alot of drawing on Day 2. She believes that developing your drawing skills can help you become a better painter. I have never been any good at drawing, nor have I ever liked it. It's a little like stretching before a race, I never liked that either. I just wanted to jump into the starting blocks and go full throttle. No pain no gain... I was an obedient student for once.

Here is the first drawing I completed in class. I named her Heidi. I had SO MUCH trouble with her nose. The nose you see at the top of the page is Misty's. It's quite obvious I have alot of practicing to do.

This second drawing was inpsired by a picture I had. Misty encouraged us to seek out pictures and poses that inspired us and that act as our muse. I chose a girl on the swing. In the end, I realized that I drew my mother as a young girl. It totally looks like her. I plan to give it to her for mother's day (shh...don't tell her). It's called "La petite Lehoux" (Lehoux is her maiden name).

Painting by Misty Mawn

Next came the painting and I have to tell you that I could of watched her paint all day long (all week long). She shared her tricks and her tips. I didn't complete mine yet, but I plan to finish it soon.

Painting by Mist Mawn

She also taught us to paint a face using one colour. This really helps you pay attention to the value of your tones. I found it extremely useful. I had to discipline myself to achieve results. This was not easy and it took quite some time. This was Misty's lovely painting.

Painting by Misty Mawn

Misty also taught us how to deconstruct a painting we like by breaking it into shapes. This was amazing once I wrapped my head around it. I am so excited to practice this technique again. I started painting my little girl on the swing. Again, it's not finished. I just didn't have enough time to complete everything.

Here is Misty's interpretation of the violinist. It was fabulous to watch this piece evolve. She told us that we could keep refining it until it looked more polished or we could leave it as is in this painterly finish. I love it this way. This exercise inspired me so very much.

Last but not least, I spent four glorious days with my absolute Bestie Mindy Lacefield from Timssally. Time with her is always so precious. It was perfect. We painted side by side for three days. Her work continues to make me want to shoot for the stars. I also had the opportunity to meet the sweetest woman on the planet. She totally stole my heart. Donna Wynn is the kind of person that makes you feel like the world is still a beautiful place. She radiates sunshine and I totally adore her.

I have more to show you. I was lucky enough to purchase a painting that Misty created on our last day before our very eyes. I was BLOWN AWAY by this piece and I can't wait to show you. I still have to find the perfect frame for it.

If any of you have the opportunity to learn form this beautiful and generous teacher, please do. Misty Mawn makes you want to dig deep and reach for the good stuff. She is a true artist and a kind and generous human being. I have been deeply touched by her teachings and I will treasure everything she has shared. She is a humble and kind soul. She makes you feel so calm which is good for me because I am so hyper...usually. However, I was so nervous around her I kept tripping over my words... I was a total goofball. More in the next post about other great people I met and other lessons I learned. Ciao for now sweet peeps. xox