Orvieto

come with me...

 to a place not too far from here.  where life is a little slower, sweeter, and perhaps even a little more lyrical.  to a place where there are olive trees in full bloom, cobblestone pathways to follow, grapes waiting to be turned to wine, sunsets to be marveled, hours to roam, and dreams to be told, to a place called Orvieto.   How lucky and how grateful I am to have been able to live in such a place for a few short days, and with some of the most beautiful people I now know and hold dear.  

Little did I know that when I agreed to teach in Orvieto I would be spending all of my awake hours with my students.  By no means at all was this mandatory, it was just that I liked their company that much.  There was an extraordinary chemistry between all of us, at least I think there was.  I truly felt connected with each and everyone and more so by the day, thankfully.  ;)

Sharon... such a brave and wholehearted woman.  I  have "known" Sharon for some time now through the blog world, meeting her in person could not have been any more sublime, and in such a far away place.  She was always aglow with a smile that was just as much internal as external.  Her work is constantly evolving into something more beautiful than the last.  I think she (and a few others) would have stayed in the studio all night and day painting away, if possible...

but there was cooking class to attend, wine tasting at the vineyard, duomo's and Etruscan caves to explore, gelato to enjoy, and much fun to be had.

Dot...  like a flower, pensive, a little reserved, and then she opens up with this vibrant flair!  This was her second workshop with me and how great it was to have this time to get to know her and watch her bloom even more!  Her perspective on life is admirable and sincere.  She is a poetic artist and I am so looking forward to seeing more and more of what she creates.   After the workshop we flew to paris together, sounds glamourous?  I wish I could say it was, it was more or less a restless night spent waiting for a late morning flight to charlotte, but how nice it was to have her company!

Niki... graceful and charming, with the most wonderful Greek accent, and laugh to go with it.   Niki was the very first to sign up for this workshop two years prior, how patient and supportive.  She has a generous style that is all her own, it shows up not only in her lovely demeanor, but in her amazing jewelry, and on her incredible journal pages.  I loved hearing her speak, not only to hear her accent, but to hear her words that were always pure and from the heart.  

Beth... sparkling and witty, with a lovely mystique.  She came to the workshop with good intentions...  to fearlessly make art, have a great time, and to paint a face!  Not only can she paint a face, she can paint a story with her brush that begs to be told... not to mention her ability to play the piano... wow!  I loved watching her pages evolve and change as they became about her personal journey. 

Janice...  so well poised, dedicated, and high spirited.   When I first met Janice in the convent courtyard I felt like I had known her for a long time, there is something very comforting about her presence.  Over the week it only became stronger.  Her enthusiasm in the studio was contagious and still is.  Seeing her artwork is evocative and inspiring, and makes me want to get in the studio and create!  She was so determined to make this trip happen and she did! 

Margarida...    so very passionate about life, and always says what's on her mind, from Portugal.  Our time together would not have been the same without Margarida.   She spiced things up and gave a little more flavor to the day.  I so enjoyed having her there and watching her work at an amazingly fast pace.  Her journal was pretty close to being finished at the end of the week and it couldn't have been any more original. Her art is filled with truth and empathy for humanity. 

 

John...  my gentle-hearted and wickedly talented sherpa.  John and I met just a few years ago and ever since he has become one of my dearest friends.  I adore him immensely and love that he joined me for this week in orvieto.  He added so much to the class and made us laugh often.   His work, be it painting, journaling, book binding, or whatever his heart is set on, is exquisite.   If only I could get him to share more of his work online, you would see what I mean. 

of course, give any of these seven beautiful souls a little (lot) wine and they are nothing like I describe, but I can't say too much... 

and last, but not least... our beloved hosts, Bill & Kristi. Aren't they adorable?  Even more so in person!  I first met Kristi at the very first Art Nest years ago.  There was an instant connection, and still, I continue to be in awe of her soulfulness and gentle nature.   I remember hugging her goodbye at the Utah airport back then, feeling so blessed to have met her.   This was my first time meeting Bill, so encouraging & kind, with a great sense of humor.  When she and Bill invited me to teach in Orvieto of course I was ecstatic, but I didn't know what I was in for. I didn't know it would be quite the amazing experience it was, from the beginning with my family, to the end... with all of you.  

to all of you, thank you. it would not have been what it was without any of you.  How hard it was to say goodbye. I miss you all and hope we meet again, and soon, very soon!  

and....  I have been invited to return in the fall of 2012.  More about that soon.   I can hardly wait!!!

Comments

[Adrienne Berry]

It sounds like you have a wonderful time! Beautiful photos, I love the one that looks like a church with the light hitting it so. Hhmmm 2012.

[Deb]

Oh I wish I was there, how blissful and the art work that has come out of the workshop is beautiful.
I used to enjoy teaching so much and made the best friends. There is something magical about the comradeship that happens when you are all painting, stitching and creating art together.

[Colette]

CONGRATULATIONS! soo beautiful and joyful and bliss .. watching the creations and the look on their faces. LOVELY.

[Angela DiGiovanni]

WOW - your students did some amazing work! I'm so impressed. Seriously, 2012? (heart leaping)

Okay, I just spent a few hours at the bookstore tonight and read through "The Artistic Mother" and read your artist spotlight... so fun! I'm way excited to learn Mixed Media... Can't wait for YOUR book to come out.

xo

[Kathryn]

Wow, sounds like it was an amazing experience for all of you.

[Kristi Steiner]

It seems impossible to adequately capture the richness of being in Italy. It takes so much composure to pull together the countless magical moments into a picture that comes even close to our experience. You did even more with your beautiful, passionate entry. Thank you for being the center of the most memorable, creative week. Already excited about the wonderous chance to do it all again in 2012!

[beth]

wow....now i see what i missed....
hmmmm....2012 ???.....
maybe that's my year :)

miss you !
xo

[Sharon @ norah'S]

I'm still hanging on to all of the memory making with you and the group of artistic souls that just happened to meet up in Orvieto. I know it will never leave me and I smile about that. Thank you for sharing and expressing in your beautiful words and you are right I know could have stayed in the studio all night and day painting away.

[Carol Weiler]

What a dilemma for your students-stay in the studio and paint or explore that beautiful place with kindred spirits!?! Sounds wonderful-love seeing your beautiful pictures and your students work. You are such a great teacher.

[wanda miller]

thank you for sharing the introspective part of your new found students and friends, LOVELY woman. i, as many sooo wanted to go on this trip, but it is so very lovingly said by YOU as to how you all connected on an artful journey, no matter where you were! so soulfully written and understood and your photos are inspirational, as always! xoxo wanda

[Patti]

I think this is my favourite post you have ever done! To experience the place, the people and the art and the camaraderie. All so beautifully captured. thank you for that. :)

Italy is one place I would love to go. Maybe next year???

Cheers

[Jennifer White]

What beautiful pieces everyone created at your direction....what amazing, lifelong friends you've made...xo

[Jennifer White]

P.S. Your new banner? One of your very best... and my new favorite.

[Robyn Thayer]

Oh goodness! I was there in Spirit, I feel it through your words! I have sweet tears for such an awesome adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[francesca di leo]

i am in awe. i tried to make it to orvieto but life got in the way. loving wandering italy through your posts. and REALLY looking forward to your next online class.

[Gina Cuff]

What an amazing experience for you, Misty! Thank you for sharing and making us a part of it too! :)

~Gina

[Clare W]

oh what a wonderful group of people - hope you had plenty of Orvietto Classico!

[tahni]

i love it all! it is nice to get to know the artists who joined you. and now i need to start saving for 2012.

[Eileen]

What an amazing experience for you all, Misty! Is this the Orvieto of Vicky Cristina Barcelona? I was like, for real, they went there- holy crap!! :) Gorgeous photos and all of that art- making- wow!!!

[Emelie]

I have been here 3 times, so ver enjoyable,very much can feel the mood of the country and you and your class. I enjoyed the previous post the included family also.

I have read several times how you value just paper and pencil. I am going now to see if I can capture something with simplicity. Simple is so beautiful and I am so cluttery.

[Graciel @ Evenstar Art]

utterly exquisite. how could i not start saving for the fall of 2012?

xo, graciel

[manon]

Oh dear I will be there 2012!!!!!!

[Darcie]

I have long wanted to visit Orvieto and this workshop looks phenomenal!

[lulu]

What beautiful pictures and stories to tell of your time in Italy! It must have been so wonderful - I wish I could have gone...
xoxo lulu

[Rachael]

I'm trying SO hard to save up to go for the 2012 year! This looks amazing.

[Mike]

Some of my friends are going to get married in Italy. They have been doing of doing this for years. The weather is so nice and the food is so good. Italy is heaven on earth.

[Janice Scherer]

To see these photos again and hear you talk about that trip takes me right back there. That trip changed my life. I'm working on being a part of the 2014 adventure. Can't wait to see the new friends you'll bring together for a lifetime of memories! Love you Misty!