It has been a month of discovery and renewal. In an effort to break new ground, I have immersed myself in my work ignoring preconceived ideas. This cleansing has allowed me to open myself to new ways of looking at old problems.

      I took a three day workshop this last week with Lynn Gertenbach, a wonderful landscape painter. Lynn has studied with famed Russian painter Sergei Bongart, as well as Arul Raj in India and Bernard Dunstan in England. Her adventurous spirit has taken her all over the world where she has painted, learned and refined her art. Lynn's use of color, her sense of values and plein air abilities all contributed to a successful workshop.

Light Through the Gorge (From Lynn Gertenbach's Workshop)

      I have previously studied plein air painting with several painters, so I was glad when we only spent one day painting outside on location. I was thrilled to spend two days in the studio converting my field study into a larger painting. The top photo shows my field study of Light Through the Passage next to the studio painting. The influence of Lynn's color palette is easy to see. The vibrant colors of Light Through the Gorge are a departure from my more subdued palette.

Sharon Weaver Painting at Malibu Creek State Park

      It was a wonderful group of talented artists who came out to the workshop this past weekend. We told stories, shared paint colors, laughed as we shivered outside and were impressed with the final results of our three day workshop.

Debra Garrison(standing), Arlette Menard(seated), Sharon Weaver(standing), Lorelle Miller(seated), Lynn Gertenbach(standing), Jacquelyn Blue, Susan Gardner, Emily Goldfield