Wow.  What an awesome experience.  Just to get away and unplug like that for a few days, making art, having some wonderful, deep creative conversations with fellow artists in a breathtaking setting.  It really was bliss.

Before I share images of my first day, I would like to dispel the notion that this is a “craft camp” as some seem to think it is.  Squam Art Workshops  offers a wide variety of classes from painting to writing, to jewelry making, to outdoor art installations, to photography to journaling and beyond.  Not a loomed potholder in sight…

Here was my little very rustic, home-away-from-home on the lake, the cabin Birdsall, which I shared with two other fabulous sistahs, Judy Wise & Leonie Wise (no relation to each other).  More on them later.

The first morning’s early, chilly view from my room.

Walking to breakfast, which was about a 10-15 minute hike through the beautiful woods.  I didn’t mind it one little bit.

A quick check of the weather board ~ brrrr!  This is chilly for a Florida gal like me!

And on to the dining hall to fortify myself for the coming day.

All over the camp you’d stumble across these sad, sweet little tributes to Patrick…

I’m a sucker for a beautiful flower close up, so here are a few…

I was a few minutes early for my class, so I sat on the dock and played with some self-portraits (the hall where my class was is pictured behind me) .

Then I just kicked back & enjoyed the view…

Yay! Class is underway!  The first day I took Geometric Abstractions taught by the talented Mary Beth Shaw, pictured here.  I thoroughly enjoyed all three of my classes while at Squam, but I think this one was my favorite.  I am looking forward to practicing these techniques further.

This substrate is amazing and I am going to order some as soon as I get caught up on the “real” work that is waiting for me.

And my pieces are underway!

A couple pics snapped when we broke for lunch ~ this one was an accident, but I really liked it!

A few words about the food at Squam… It was amazing and fresh with loads of choices.  If you couldn’t find something to like here, you probably eat nothing but junk food (not that it was junk, but they had tons of desserts & ice cream always on offer).

Back in class, Mary Beth is demonstrating some interesting color theories & techniques.

And my pieces continue to emerge.  I can’t even describe the bliss I felt working on these all day long.

And after a sudden inspiration to add red (something new for me!) I called them done.

Our class grinning ear-to-ear after such a great, fulfilling day!  Anyone who is in this photo and wants a copy I would be more than happy to email you a larger one ~ just let me know.

Now for a little alone time….

I’ll be posting the rest of my days at Squam SOON!

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