Every day of The Painters’ Pilgrimage Retreat went smoothly, thanks to Denise, Freda and Joan, Nimbo Fork Lodge and months of preparation.
The success of such a small and specialised event depends very much on participants’ willingness to listen, trust, patiently build on fundamentals and fast-track into project development.
Being cared for in a beautiful place gave us the support needed to maximise the benefits of a program requiring day after day of intense dedication and focus.
This is the first time I’ve presented so much in a such short time.
Pilgrimages do tend to take us to our limits and beyond our comfort zones. That’s how transformation and growth happens. From the feedback, I can say each person gained in this way, me included. Exhausting, yes, and what pilgrimage isn’t?
One returns home changed, and it’s not easy to know how until some months, or even years later. The fatigue passes quickly, while the wisdom lasts a lifetime!
We were blessed by great weather, natural beauty in all directions, excellent dining, thoughtful service and wonderful company.
We really got to play with colour
Our colour day was a big one, from the foundations of colour into more advanced and personalised studies.
With so many ways the natural pigments can be used – as oils, acrylics, tempera and natural binder – all media were available to try. Credit to each participant for being immersed in colour in their own way for the whole day.
One participant said they’d learned more in two days than they had in two years!
Words from Denise
The experience was very powerful and meaningful. I’m leaving empowered to really feel as an artist … and continue developing on my art journey. Suzanne brings a sensitive and spiritual aspect to the teachings of art. The art techniques are there, but with a higher sense of purpose. That makes her unique. …Very grateful.
The pilgrimage of being a painter is a lifetime of coming home to your Self; for your creative expression to be richly informed, to begin again and again, and with humbling practice, come to know your way.
There was certainly an outer journey to get to the venue, especially for Denise from Florida and Joan from The Cook Islands – an amazing effort!
The outer pilgrimage was also about walking and watching for snakes!
There’s an inner pilgrimage too, reconnecting with your Self and exploring how materials can help you communicate from what really matters personally, all the while building or refreshing skills and using them straight away.
Sometimes what shows up on canvas or paper doesn’t meet expectations… and always discontent is there for opportunity; to clear blocks, revisit one’s vision, see gaps in skills and prompt different actions. That’s how we learn. And it doesn’t stop until you decide, or the end. That’s my plan!
Painting is so like Zen in the Art of Archery. If you haven’t read Eugen Herrigel’s book, it’s very worthwhile seeing how it’s possible to re-orientate one’s mind from the striving of Western ways to mindful practice and effortless grace.
Words from Joan on Day 3
Before, I felt like I was marking time and needed something to move me forward in my art practice. … On this retreat, I’m learning something new. The good thing about being here now is I’m more able to express myself. I’m free to ask. … I feel here that every question is relevant. You understand where I’m coming from and where I want to go with my art. On the final day: The support of me as an artist was very helpful and encouraging. I am an artist. I have a plan to continue with. … The retreat was more than I expected. I was helped through a block that I had and am now able to be confident in myself.
Each painter discovered more about her unique visual language.
Each painter refined and experimented with her palette.
Each woman completed (this part of) her Painter’s Pilgrimage courageously.
I was honoured to witness such honest creative exploration.
Thank you very much Denise, Freda and Joan. Thank you Life for bringing us together!
Would you like some of the retreat vibe?
Since 2008, I’ve developed and refined processes to help my students bridge the gap between colour theory and knowing how to use colour in their unique way so they can feel more self-expressed.
At the end of this news, I’ve posted some of the many good things people have written about my colour classes.
The most stunning thing I heard a student say was this:
“Choosing colours is like choosing life!” Marilyn Powell, Midwife, Archaeologist, Writer, Ceramicist and Contemplative Artist
I would add – Know your colours, alchemise your life!
After diving into these colour processes again, I’m inspired to offer a tasty ite-sized intensive session focused on personalising and/or refreshing your palette and its’ empowered use. This session is –
Colour Speaks Your Language!
Have you ever felt ‘options paralysis’ faced with all the possible colours from which you might choose and stop yourself from painting at all?
Have you ever wondered how certain colour combinations just don’t work for you, and others speak volumes?
What if your choice of colours could speak your language, heightening the meaning of your paintings with combinations of colours so you can feel more confident and self-expressed?
This session aims to empower you with colour insights unique to you.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to discover your personalised colour palette and discover how it can offer you more compelling ways of speaking with colour.
I think of this session as alchemical, because it’s as if by the magic of minimal effort and the right steps, you can shift from a novice’s guessing to a professional’s knowing in just 50 minutes! Love that!
This special offer via Zoom is available until April 30
US97 (or less depending on the exchange rate) AUD147 + GST (international guests are exempt from GST)
FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK HERE
Thank you for the amazing session I had with you yesterday. I … was blown away by the clarity I had at the end of the session. I woke up this morning thinking in colours and with the joy that’s here, gone is the beige! GILLIAN HARTLEY
For your creatively beautiful life!
Suzanne
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