Fredericksburg workshop recap
Posted: May 22, 2019 Filed under: Uncategorized 11 CommentsI’m just back from a weekend in Fredericksburg, Virginia, which I can say was the official start of summer workshop season. I was given the gift of great locations, perfect weather and very talented students, so no complaints on this end.
We worked on all kinds of things over the three days â value studies, composition, page design, brushwork and colour â so lots of little demos in my sketchbook (the big tree above and the little vignettes below).
At the end of the first day I finished with a small demo of the Fredericksburg railway bridge. Everyone appreciates a demo at the end of the day when they’re tired and they can watch the teacher struggle to paint the constantly changing reflections in the river.
We spent Saturday at the Fredericksburg farmer’s market. My demo (still not finished) was how to simplify a complex scene with moving people and multiple tents. The results from the group were very impressive, and that always makes it a pleasure for me.
Our last day was spent at Chatham Manor. This is a place where I could easily spend a week painting the perfectly tended gardens, the Georgian-style main house, or the panoramic views across the river to Fredericksburg. Coming from Montreal where we are experiencing the late arrival of spring, the peonies, climbing roses and deep purple irises were a feast for my eyes.
Thanks to this talented group for working so hard!
Shari Blaukopf's Sketchbook 
I see you smiling in the warm sunshine in the last photo. Looks like you had a great group and you really touched on a lot. Chicago must be next. My friend, Suzala will be there. She’s teaching for the first time and I believe she is also taking your workshop. Have fun!
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Chicago is next weekend. I’m really looking forward to it and I was excited to that Suzala will be teaching there too! Sure to be a good event.
As for Fredericksburg, it was a great event! Really a fun group which makes teaching so easy. The days flew by!
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Ooh, sorry to have missed notice if this. Loved being with you in Fburg last year. Maybe next year? Come on back!
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I will certainly be back Lee. I love the group and the location.
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Thanks for sharing this. Always wish I could be at one of your workshops. But I can live vicariously through your posts.
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Vicarious is good too Judy.
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It looks like you had a great time and a great getaway. I really like the multiple images on a page and the framed off composition in the first one with overlapping tree branches. I’m sure everyone was delighted to have you there leading and sharing the creative experience.
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It was both a great time and a great getaway, Jeff. I am incorporating some new stuff in my workshops this year, like frames and vignettes. People seem to like it.
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Shari, we all loved having you here. It was great to see you again and, as always, I learned so much! Iâm glad the rain held off so we could share our little jewel of a city with you. Come back soon!
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Thank you for sharing your workshop experiences. The artwork looks amazing in its details and expression.
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What a great time we had! I also appreciate seeing your photos of the demo sketches rather than the ones I took over your shoulder LOL.
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