Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Art Retreat Memories - Part 2

It's Sunday at the retreat and I'm still feeling pretty high after yesterday. I had DJ Pettitt's class to look forward to today and was a little nervous and excited all at the same time.



Here's the view from our bedroom window, if you can enlarge the picture you'll see loads of galahs in the tree ... just magical.

Face painting with DJ was quite frustrating and challenging ... tears threatened to spring from my eyes a couple of times as I allowed myself to feel overwhelmed and inept, as I hadn't really done this kind of painting ever before! After a few deep breaths and some positive self talk, I just got into it and stood over DJ a lot of the time when she was explaining certain techniques and tips to others so I could learn more and grow. When it was my turn to have one-on-one time with DJ she was incredibly encouraging and supportive and even told me that what I was doing was just right ... with a little more confidence I kept at it and was quite pleased with what I achieved, considering it was the first time I'd ever painted a face and I was completely out of my comfort zone!



DJ in action and a captivated audience.




This is the DJ original masterpiece we were aiming to achieve.




My work in progress.


Me with DJ Pettitt.


My final piece ... which probably needs much more work, but I'm leaving it as is.

After all the paint and tools were packed away, some wine, laughs and getting to know each other better was the order of the night.





The delightful Jen Crossley as .... Captain Underpants (minus the undies over the pants, of course) ... what a hoot!




The infamous Dot Christian - creator of those wonderful Dottee Dolls (and to my wonderful friends making these little cuties they are called "dot-ee" dolls, not "doht-ee" dolls).


We ended the night attempting to play pool ... spent more time laughing and not hitting the balls with the terrible state of the cues and tables ... it was totally hilarious though.

"Self-acceptance comes from meeting life's challenges vigorously. Don't numb yourself to your trials and difficulties, nor build mental walls to exclude pain from your life. You will find peace not by trying to escape your problems, but by confronting them courageously. You will find peace not in denial, but in victory."
~J. Donald Walters, Author, Lecturer and Playwright~

11 comments:

Nic Hohn said...

I saw your delightful painting up close and personal...it is amazing. You are a very talented artist dear Diana! "Got to be happy with that!" Love you dear roomie!

Shelly said...

Wow, Diana, your painting is beautiful !! She looks very serene and contemplative, and the colors and balance are fabulous. No one would believe it was your first attempt. Awesome job, and I know you learned a lot. Bravo for braving it out . . . it paid off.
:-)
Shelly

Kate Carvellas said...

Di...oh, our lack of artistic self-confidence can so often be our worst enemy. I am inspired by the way you kept at it and didn't let those insecurities get the best of you. Especially, because.....your face painting is LOVELY!! I never would have known it was your first face if you hadn't told us! Yeah...you have a gift all right! Way to go!!!

Kathy

Ro Bruhn said...

What a great painting you'd never know it was your first attempt, well done.
There's never a dull moment when Jen's around, she's quite a gal.

Jen Crossley said...

Hi Diana
So Lovely to meet you finally.I think you would make a great Captain Underpants apprentice
Hope to catch up soon
Jen
Captain Underpants

Anonymous said...

HI DIANA!!!! You're making me feel quite slack!! You have already done such a great post about the retreat. Christina and I met up with our friend and had a huge shopping day in melbourne on Tuesday, then i got home yesterday. Raced around and picked up kids and today I had to work. So hopefully I'll get a post done tomorrow. (and add everyone to my sidebar). So great to meet you, have you booked in for next year yet??? Kirsty

thekathrynwheel said...

Hey, that's a truly fab painting. Well done :-) Kate

Dot said...

Hi Diana

It was so lovely to meet you at the retreat. Wish I had of been in some classes with you as you seem like fun!

Thanks for sharing all the pics of the retreat on your blog. You took some great shots. And well done on your painting - you did a terrific job.

And big congratulations on your wins of the painting from Bernie and the jewelery from Stephanie - so glad someone as lovely as you won them!

Hope you are coming down from the high after the retreat.

Love that shot of you and me -think I had had a couple of glasses of red wine by that stage:)

Big hugs.

Dot xx

Dot said...

P.S The photo of you and Jenn behind the flag made me laugh out loud...

Jacky said...

Hi Di,

Great to meet you at the retreat (and I really enjoyed our games of pool....even though I only managed to pot one ball in two games...sorry Jo!).

Your face painting from DJ's class looks fantastic!

Jacky xox

Jo Wholohan said...

oh geez, i look way too serious in this shot LOL great to meet you, bring on 2010 :)) xx