Retreat
The sketches I’m posting today are from my weekend teaching at the Botanical Art & Nature Sketching Retreat at the Ashokan Center in New York’s Catskill Mountains earlier in November. Sixty-eight people from all over the country came for the weekend and it was an incredible convergence of artists. I was honored to teach alongside extraordinary botanical artists Wendy Hollender, Lara Call Gastinger, and GiacoMina Ferrillo, and to be in the company of so many warm, enthusiastic, and supportive people. Given my brother’s deteriorating health, I wasn’t sure whether to go but I’m so glad I did. Jim was in good hands with my extended family and the retreat gave me the opportunity to center myself before facing his loss.
A Note of Thanks…
I am so grateful for the outpouring of support extended by this community upon reading of my brother Jim’s death last week. Your kindness and condolences have been a much-needed comfort.
With much gratitude,
Jean
Drawn In 
My condolences. Such beautiful paintings.
Thank you, Lisa.
Dear Jean,
I loved seeing that bright burst of color on that simple bouquet. The oranges, pinks and mauves. Like the bright jewels of memories of our loved ones after they have left us. I am so glad that you found solace in your art and hope it continues to bolster you in your grieving.
Thank you for sharing your art with us.
Ingrid
Thank you Ingrid. I appreciate you saying that.
Warmest condolences. So glad there is art for such difficult moments… Marina
Me too, Marina. Doing art is helping.
Your images are a joy to see! Thank you for sharing the link to your previous post. My thoughts of comfort go out to you and your family on the loss of your brother. The poem he wrote is just beautiful.
Much appreciated.
Hard choices but glad you chose to continue with the plan. Regards,Claudia O’ConnellCheshire, Ct. Sent from my iPhone
I was fortunate that it worked out, Claudia. Thank you so much for your thoughtful card.
We are forever grateful for the peaceful, luminous beautry you share with us, Jean.
That’s very kind of you to share– thank you, Christopher.
Dear Jean,I am holding you in my thoughts and heart. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art, as always.With all good wishes,Janice Anthony
Much appreciate.
Hello Jean. So sorry to hear about your brother. I hope you have a lot of wonderful memories to cherish. Your art pieces from the retreat are so beautiful from the wonderful colors, to the nice layout and even beautiful lettering. I always look forward to seeing your work. So inspiring!
Avery
Thank you, Avery. I enjoyed painting those bright dried flowers and having a chance to be creative during this difficult time.
oh Jean I’m so sorry. It’s like losing your left hand when you’re left handed. Be soft with yourself
Yes. It does feel like losing part of yourself. Thanks for reaching out.
Jean, this is just beautiful. Vibrant, abundant, gracious.
I am sorry for your grief. May the beauty surrounding offer peace.
I’ve been taking many walks and will need many more miles. Thanks for reaching out.
Hi Jean! I am so sorry to hear that you lost your brother last week. I’ll be praying for you and your family! love and prayers — Ann Marie
Thank you so much, Ann Marie. I appreciate it.
Dear Jean, I’m so sorry about your loss! I can’t imagine losing a dear brother, and I’m keeping you and your family in my prayers. Art is so healing and meditative, and your work is so lovely. I’m glad you participated in the retreat to help you find comfort during this sad time.
Take care.
Thrilled to see your work again, Jean. Especially work you created during such troubled times. It seems the retreat was just what was needed to relieve your mind ….. I’m not sure how you were able to teach other than the experience must’ve been extremely meditative. Thanks you so much for sharing your art, and such personal news about your brother’s health and his passing. Virtual hugs.
Thanks Barb. I’m glad your comment made it through. Thanks for your support!
😊
I’m catching up, having been swamped for many weeks and unable to get to my favorite bloggers. I’m glad you went, too.
Just the idea of the Ashokan area is enough to get me excited! 🙂 It’s such a beautiful place. I recognize Lara’s name – years ago I was on Instagram and her site came up, so I followed her. I really like her work.
Your bouquet is such a life-affirming burst of color, at once lush, buoyant, and soft. I hope it felt good to paint those flowers with all the turbulence going on in your life then.
The Chickadees – quick is the right word for them, but your sketch looks very well thought out. I have a fantasy now of you making a sketch of Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees together, the way I see them here on the feeders. The brown on the Chestnut-backed is so pretty and the size difference is fun – sometimes it seems the heads are the same size but the Chestnut-backed’s body is smaller, giving it a whole different proportion. You’ll just have to come back to the PNW to make a study 🙂
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