Moon Rock

Taken about a month ago, this is the archetypical smooth stone spit out from the sea. Even that I remember San Diego as rain with a dollop of rain, there were breaks in the atmospheric river that allowed some beach walking. I may still have this stone lurking in my luggage. Happy Full Moon!
 

Still Not Finished

 

As I wind through the reel of pictures of the San Diego Class, I remember that this work, that most all of us loved as it, was not what the maker wanted. The white was eliminated, and I remember that the final result was improved from this. Sometimes safety is in need of experimentation.

Keyed Inn

 

Part of my time in San Diego was a visit to the Del Coronado Hotel, a wonder of long-ago elegance. The rows of keys attached to tassels makes the statement, and of course, interests me because of the reference to textiles and their appeal.

Last Day of Class

Six days of printing is almost unheard of, but thanks to Andrea -- our fearless producer -- we printed like there was almost no tomorrow. The work was rich, diverse, inventive, and surprising. With a fine group to work with, I loved my time in San Diego. Thank you to all, and glad the storms let up to show sunshine.

 

Largest Wood Structure

Don't you love when there are distinctions. Do we have those? Today's tour of Coronado Island included the Del Coronado, reputed to be the largest wooden structure in the United States until 1944. Definitely quite tricked out. 
 

Day to Explore

The rain subsided and today was a walk to the coastline beach. On the east coast, it seems that the beach is property of individuals, mostly, and here the public access is considerable. This may just be my observation and not true. I'm glad for the ability to roam nevertheless.
 

What Does It Say?

 

A great joy of this workshop 'Mad About Motifs' is the morning discussion where we all find great humor in the process. Our resident typographer pointed out that the random pattern that was made spelled out RUIN. You can imagine the fun we had with that.

How We Get Happy

When someone comes up to me and smiles and states she's happy with her print, well, that's all that matters. I'm aiming for a good print, a pleasing color combination, some interesting motif. But what counts is whether they are just happy about what they made. Can't think anything else matters.
 

Sun in Sunny San Diego

We were thrilled to see the sun after heavy rainfall. San Diego was spared the brunt of the storm which left parts of California damaged. It's still forecasting rain, so this afternoon light lifted our spirits, as well as let us see prints come alive in this light. More to come, and more to make in Mad About Motifs.
 

Mad About Motifs

The San Diego printers started today to explore the myriad ways to print in thickened dyes. And no time was wasted getting fabrics started with background and applied design. Tomorrow we'll dig deeper in the motif mud, as the rains continue and we are, for now, out of storm danger. 
 

Motif Hunting

Today was a 'day off' and we visited the San Diego Botanical Garden, which I took as a great place to collect leaf forms and ideas for printing. Any cacti proved a fine catch, and these will be a start for shapes I can use in this week's printing class. Let's see how it shakes out.

 

Class Study

We worked with three fabrics to make a small study, and some managed to eek out nine blocks and a composition. This one has the advantage of a strong dark, a light end, and great color in the third selection. It was a lovely two day class to Make It & Break It. Thanks San Diego!

Make It San Diego

Taking Make it & Break It to the streets of San Diego and this group of intrepid piecers took on the challenge. We'll do more tomorrow, after a good rest tonight. Improv at its best, with lots of fun mixed in.
 

It's Packing Time Again

San Diego's printing workshop starts February 5, and these will travel with me for the class. Yes, measuring cups, tape, and hot glue gun. Isn't that what everyone packs? It'll be a fun break from this gray winter weather. 
 

Packing

In a week I'll be off to San Diego for a two day class in Make It & Break It. This four patch is made of four 24" squares. And being unconnected, there's lots of ways to set this before it's finished. That's the fun of this design, its ability to morph and change until the sweet spot appears. I'll pack it to go.
 

California Here I Come, Soon

Just to let you know that I'm real, and my works are real, I'll be giving a real lecture in San Diego on Saturday, February 3rd, at 5:00 pm. I haven't been to this Museum, or San Diego for that matter, so all will be new to me. Join me if you're around. Registration is through the Visions Museum website. 
 

Studio Work

Heat is on in the studio, a nice change from last year and a broken boiler. I've taken some odds from other works and combined them into several 'blobs' which became the base for this composition. It won't stay like this, I'll split it all, but not till I'm teaching in San Diego. It'll be my demo for the design class.
 

San Diego Live

This is the headshot I send when someone asks me to do a live workshop. February 5-9, as well as February 12, I'll be in San Diego with an independent group for a 6 day class in printing on fabric called Mad About Motifs. There are two spots open which we'd love to fill. Write me for details  patpaulyart@gmail.com