Art Workshops

A Plein Air Painter

J. Baldini

Being a plein air painter is...

Sometimes getting wet

and

sometimes being cold.

Having a nose redder than Santa's.

Mistaking your bug bites for cadmium red paint.

Dancing in a field after sitting on an ant hill.

Watching your favorite 1" brush roll between boulders.

Giving out a lot of directions to tourists.

Singing out loud when you THINK you're alone.

Having the wind sing to you.

Racing ahead of a storm cause you had just a little more to paint...

Being stared at by people.

Being stared at by critters.

Feeling at one with nature.

Feeling at one with yourself.

And coming away with a life changing experience

whether you got a great painting that day or not.

c 2001 J.Baldini

Published Monhegan Poet's Cove - October 2002

Published The Artist's Magazine - March 2003

Published Monhegan Anthology - July 2003

Jac thought you would like to see my finished painting from last weekend. Thanks again for

the workshop think it helped me alot by attending. Barb

Hello Jacqueline

Thank you for the kind words. I had an amazing 2 days. I've learned more from you than all my other workshop instructors together. You had a number a tips or comments that have stuck in my mind all week. If the rain holds off I plan to do a painting tomorrow...just in the backyard.

Best wishes always

I'll watch for future workshops on your website. Laurie

Hi Jacqueline,

Just back from my recent trip to Buffalo. I have to tell you the the highlight of the trip was painting with you at the workshop.

The location was unbelievable, awe-inspiring and indescribable. I'm trying to master phtalo but it really wants to master me.

I liked learning your grisalle method of doing a value study. It's a neat technique to add to my arsenal.

Most of all, I enjoyed meeting you and will think of you as one of my very talented artist friends. If I can help you advertise your Myrtle Beach workshop, I'd be happy to pass the information onto my plein air group of 60 plus artists.

If you need an assistant for your Monhegan workshops in 2010, keep me in mind. I would love to assist if your numbers get overwhelming.

Just touched up my paintings from Niagara Falls and will have them on my site soon.

Again, thanks for a memorable workshop.

It was fabulous!

Ann Hair, NC

Jacqueline,

I just wanted to thank you again for not canceling the Myrtle Beach workshop. To be able to work with you for two days with your undivided attention was truly a valuable experience for me.

Not only did I get information regarding materials, location, set-up, and approach to plein air painting, I received something I wasn't planning on - a direction in my painting! The workshop was worth many times the price of admission!

Many more thanks and continued success in your workshops and painting!

Sincerely,

Bill D

Dear Jackie:

I had such a wonderful time painting last weekend. I learned so much. You are a patient and giving teacher. Comparing Saturday to Sunday's paintings was a revelation. I look at everything in terms of cast shadows. I also can't wait to send for the Graham paints and try them at home.

I hope I can sign up for other classes in the future. Linda K, NJ

Jacqueline

Thank you so much for the photo of Jeanne and me. We both enjoyed the workshop so much. As my first experience with plein aire painting, I really appreciated the opportunity to watch as you demonstrated establishing a value study and building up the painting with application of color from dark to light. I loved "in the moment" quality of painting outdoors, even when the wind was blowing my easel over! Your input was always helpful and so encouraging.

I plan to continue my efforts at painting outdoors and you can count on me being at one of your future workshops.

Thanks again. Karen Ketchum

Dear Jacqui,

Thank you for an excellent weekend of art instruction. The techniques you taught were great. The entire workshop was very enlightening for me. The methods you taught will bring me to a new level as a painter. I came to the workshop knowing very little about plein air painting, but left feeling inspired to continue with plein air painting.

I am also hoping to contact local plein air painters and try to start perhaps a plein air society in our area.

Again, thanks for everything...including the trip at the Falls, the Canadian fries and those excellent Maple Leaf cookies.

Wishing you many successes ! Kelly Sunderland, PA.

update

I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know what an impact you made on my life.

I only took one workshop with you but it certainly was inspiring and educational.

I have been able to rededicate myself to painting (even though I still have trouble making time to paint as much as I would like).

Not only has my life improved artistically, but also personally. I have met a wonderful man that I plan on marrying soon.

I also wanted to let you know I want to do another workshop with you in the future. Don't know when for sure yet, one thing at a time:)

Thank you so much, Kelly S.

Hi Jacq: Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the workshop.

Thanks so much for making this a valuable and fun experience. I have continued to edit some paintings done there including the birthday gift for my wife (who loved her gift). I also am processing the lessons conveyed and hope that the changes will continue to occur as they sink in.,

best

Dan J., Mass

Hi Jacqueline - I took your workshop last June - it really gave me an amazing jump start. Kristina Wentzell

THE ISLAND SHEPHERD

Almost thirty years gone by

the day I first saw Monhegan,

shaped like the back of a whale

Almost thirty years gone by

I first saw the shepherd,

the congregation of sheep,

his companion gander.

Almost thirty years gone by

I began a search for the storybook

long out of print, now out of reach,

of the island shepherd and the island boy

who found a friendship.

Almost thirty years gone by

and Fate set circumstance in motion.

through mutual love of the magical island,

I meet a stranger who becomes a friend.

Fate had entwined our lives.

Without my knowledge, and

beyond belief, it placed the book in her grasp.

She understood at once the Truth

and Essence of the event...

"There are times when we become the Instrument

that Fate uses to bring joy to others. We must

allow ourselves to be taken over for that rare

and unique purpose."

And so it came to pass,

on the magical island one perfect July day,

almost thirty years gone by,

I held the book, a gift from Fate,

delivered by an understanding friend.

The island shepherd looked upon us that day,

he smiled, for he knew he had brought two lambs

into his flock of sojourning island souls, two lambs

whose frendship was forged by the hand of Fate,

and the island the shepherd loved.

R.A. Szostek