It was almost overwhelming! A flurry of activity, a rush of people. No matter how prepared, IAPS will always sweep you off your feet! The wave of happy reunions, new friends made, ideas, options and possibilities sweeps you up and takes you for the ride that is IAPS 2013! We had good roads & weather.
We came through Gallup and the red cliffs started to call our names. What is it about the magic of those canyons and the dancing light that skirts in and out of them? We stayed around there to catch evening light and then headed into Albuquerque early next morning.
The set up went well, we got time to meet up with old friends and be readyfor the early 8am start-up on Friday.
The new Heilman Sketchboxes were the topic of much conversation and Margaret Evans shared her experience with the Heilman Sketchbox Double. Artists coming to our booth had seen them working too and the need for them became very evident. Our supply quickly found homes. . One artist/teacher related that taking her students to the museums to study the masters is now very disappointing because of restrictions on backpacks and large totes due to security issues. The smaller boxes will assist with the size requirements. We’ve also been told they are great companions for tight places and times when you are waiting….such as children’s sports games, long car trips, waiting rooms, allowing small sketches and color notes with a minimum of fuss. I have a good palette of Terry Ludwigs, Unison, Holbein and Gerault in my Double Sketchbox. The Single carries a great supply of Gerault and it worked so well when we stopped at sites with limited access. Just 2 pounds carry weight was so great! Stephanie Birdsall also related the possibility of the boxes being used for multi-media and we will be pursuing that with possible inserts and additions to the design as well as a new easel size to accomodate a smaller set-up size.So now John, our magician-in-residence is busy, busy with ideas and ways to accomplish the impossible. Through the years I’ve heard him say over and over again, “the impossible is possible, it just takes a little longer…!” So he does and here we are!
Of course the most exciting, is the Pastel Community itself. Generous, full-hearted and ever-expanding it is a great gathering of new, emerging and accomplished artists who share their journeys in art. Here are some memories of a fantastic IAPS….
The Paint-around!
Dinner and new friends!
Urania’s Gift Basket finds a resting place!
Plein air in Oil & Pastel with sand from a dust devil thrown in…
Movie Night!
Sunrise!