Illustration Master Class! Part I

I'm still trying to formulate something meaningful and more articulate than... wow..... what an amazing week! I don't think I've been successful thus far. Suffice it to say that The Illustration Master Class was an experience that will hopefully inspire and inform my work for some time to come!

In some ways it felt a lot like being back in school - being in a studio setting for hours a day with everyone working on their various projects.

There were also a couple of really great lectures a day (complete with giant, projected computer slide shows, or live Wacom Tablet drawing for all to see). I took a ton of notes and have lists of things to now follow up on - on both professional practices and artistic approaches.

We were learning and doing so much (from 9am-11pm+ at night with just a bit of break time for eating) that I think ours heads hurt.

And the instructors! Unbelievable! the quality and experience of these incredible, top-of-their-field artists! Who were also incredibly giving and generous with their time and input. (Donato Giancola and Boris Vallejo shown here).


And also with bringing piles of original art (paintings here by Gregory Manchess) - printed work always pales in comparison to the real thing. To see the colors and textures and brushstrokes up close and personal was incredibly informative as well as absolutely beautiful.

It was eight days of artartart - all day, every waking minute. It was so great to not have to think about cooking or cleaning or carpooling - just learning and creating. And being absolutely surrounded by 70+ like-minded souls. (That certainly helped mitigate the humidity that I am no longer the least bit used to).

More tomorrow....