It was a challenge to get up to Wrenn Boulton's home/studio on Squaw Mountain. The last mile and a half was a dirt road with 360 degree switchbacks. At 10,500 feet elevation, it could leave you breathless just going up and down stairs.
But the view was unbelievable in any direction. From snow-capped peaks on the continental divide to far-off Denver and beyond - Kansas, perhaps - it was a feast for the eyes. When I left my home near Denver to drive up there, it was 93 degrees. One hour and 45 minutes later, and about double the altitude, it was a refreshing 63 degrees.
We had a wonderful group of ladies that was excited to learn some new mixed media techniques. They came from as far away as Vancouver, B.C., and New Zealand. My butane torch for combusting foils pooped out. Fortunately, Wrenn had a propane torch and saved the day. She was outside blasting the foils and metals for some spectacular effects. Every time a group was outside torching, we could hear their OOOHs and AWWWHs.
Another thing I managed to leave at home was my camera, so the above image was taken with my cell phone. I took individual shots of student's paintings, but they are all blurry because my cell phone camera doesn't do close up shots. Could be the operator.
Wrenn and I decided to do it again next July, complete with the gourmet lunches and the wine critiques, only instead of 2 days, make it a 3 day version of the workshop. None of us wanted to leave our new friends or that gorgeous spot.
For more photos and write ups of the workshop, please see:
http://maryarnesonfineart.blogspot.com/2011/07/high-above-denver.html
and
http://marilynhantlarussell.blogspot.com/2011/07/up-up-and-away.html
4 comments:
Thank you again, Carol, for a wonderful workshop. I really appreciated that you never got tired answering questions, always smiling and sharing your knowledge freely. A big Thank You also to Wrenn and her wonderful hospitality in that special place up in the mountain. It was a great experience.
Ursula Cappelletti, Bonita Springs, FL
High above Denver sits a wonderful home on Squaw Mountain. The 240 degree views are breathtaking and the wild life is abundant. This home boasts of a fabulous art studio, a cozy atmosphere, two wonderful dogs, and the Best people you'd ever want to meet! This slice of heaven is owned by artists John and Wrenn Boulton.
This past weekend the Boulton's hosted a wonderful two-day workshop taught by Aurora, Colorado artist Carol Nelson. We were exposed to thinking and creating paintings outside the box with things such as torched foil paper, painted and ironed tyvek paper, bits of lace, different colored sand, and painted aluminum foil. And these items were just to name a few!!
A wonderfully cohesive group of women from near and far gathered to experience and learn the many techniques Carol had up her sleeve. Carol's enthusiasm, experience, and love of art was contagious and everyone had a great time during this learning process.
We were also treated to delicious baked goodies in the mornings and wonderful lunches brought to us by Wrenn's sister Jeannie. Then at the end of each day we gathered to sip a glass of wine and talk about what we learned and share our thoughts for the day.
This is the most wonderful workshop I have ever attended. If you ever have the chance to be in one of Carol's workshops, sign up immediately....you will love it. AND, if you ever have the opportunity to visit John and Wrenn's wonderful home and studio, do it....you'll be inspired and motivated.
Up, up, and away.
We drove UP switchbacks to 10,000 feet on Squaw Mountain to Carol Nelson's workshop. Wrenn Boulton hosted it in her fantastic home/studio. Carol is a tiny little dynamo generously sharing her wisdom and ideas. I learned that cat litter can be used for more than one thing. Thanks to Carol, I have the courage to do more abstracts. Do yourself a favor and attend one of her workshops. Besides knowledge, you will come away stimulated with new ideas and new friends.
Wrenn has the dream studio. It is a three story home/studio that her husband, John, has built with classes in mind. They designed it so each student work station looks out a picture window at Pikes Peak, or downtown Denver, or carpets of multi-green trees. I included a picture of Wrenn's poppy in bloom in her deer proof (maybe?) garden.
I can't wait to go to work on Tyvek. I also learned from Wrenn that wiping Yupo with 409 helps. The enhancement of paintings by the use of clear epoxy is amazing. I can hardly wait to get to my studio!
Oh.. it sounds fabulous and I might have to join you.. can you carry me up the steps at that altitude? In fact last night I poured resin on 6 pieces and was channeling you for sure.
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