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
