I had the opportunity to escape to Santa Barbara this last weekend to attend the ART TREK retreat at the Old Santa Barbara mission Retreat Center. A gathering of 50+ artist from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of experiences, all sharing the love of art and creativity.
On Friday Afternoon, I arrived at the retreat center amidst beautiful blue skies, clear air, and cool breezes. I checked in and acquired my room key. As you can see from the photos, the grounds were certainly a source of inspiration.
Nan Young welcomed us and encouraged us to relax and get creative.The 10th Annual Art Trek Retreat
After checking into our rooms, we gathered in the main classroom to get acquainted with the other attendees, and casually get into a creative mode. Carving print blocks out of linoleum, twisting and knotting yarn into colorful scarves,
painting gourds, 
self-portraits....
there was a little bit of everything to keep artistic hands and minds moving.
painting gourds, 
self-portraits....there was a little bit of everything to keep artistic hands and minds moving.
On Saturday Morning we were provided with several medium options...
Figure Drawing
Stone Sculpture
Watercolor
Shrines
Mosaics
Acrylic - Portraits
While each subject matter and option was intriguing to me, I selected Watercolor as it truly is a medium that I'm familiar with, yet have not given myself the time and dedication to learn properly. I figure 6 hours of intensive instruction would give me a good basis for me to start with, and give me the tools to build and improve my skills on my own.
My instructor was Lorelle Patterson - a very talented artist who began the class with simple exercises to get familiar with the water, brushes and paper, and how to use the color in a variety of techniques. I spent several hours familiarizing myself with the techniques
of putting paint directly onto dry paper (the Eucalyptus Leaves), Wet on Wet (the Single Leaf), and so much 
more.
Though strangely simple, my favorite technique was learning how to make the sea scape image with the clouds.
The second half of the workshop was spent getting more practice with flowers and butterflies.
So... I am now on the road to creating new art, utilizing my new found knowledge, and being refreshed and full of new ideas.
On my way home Sunday, I took a detour through the Santa Ynez Valley, to Buelleton & Solvang. Along the way I passed by miles of Pastoral hills... dotted with yellow and gold wildflowers. The hills were quite green and happy.
For those wishing to learn more about Art Trek, the program, retreats and art classes. Please visit their site at:www.arttrek.org
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