HALF MOON BAY HIGH SCHOOL DEMOS

Somedays are almost perfect!! Today I had a gorgeous drive over to the Pacific Coast. The drive goes by a pristine lake, over a small mountain with forest and grassland, then drops down and travels past flower farms and greenhouses, horse farms, rustic rural enchantment all the way. Then I got to paint for several hours and share techniques, materials and ideas with an enthusiastic group. I had the honor and pleasure to do a demonstration for two different art classes at Half Moon Bay High School. It's been awhile since I have been in a classroom. It was great fun to meet the students, see their work (much of it amazing) and see the creative ideas their teacher, Larkin Evans, came up with. We didn't have this level of experience back in the day when I was going to high school. Sometimes I wish I could redo those times.

I shared my enthusiasm for watercolor and Tyvek paper and left them with 50 sheets (actually I owe them 15 sheets which I will deliver next week.) I hope I will receive some e-mails in the future, with photos of their paintings on Tyvek.

Because I had to work flat and had a time constraint, I didn't get a chance to put the painting upright and step back. Wow, I see some serious problems here!! I struggled with the hands in the first session, so totally eliminated them in the second painting. The proportions of the body, guitar and hands are way off. The head in the first painting is looking pretty good. If I can't resolve the other problems, I may have to do a major, major crop! The head in the second painting is a little off. Maybe it is my head that was a little off today. Still, I had a great time. I hope I will be invited back another time.

I don't often get "over the hill" to the coast. Half Moon Bay is a charming village with lots of little boutique type shops on Main Street. After class, I spent a few hours wandering in and out of places getting into my usual "trouble".

When I came home and checked my e-mails I found this lovely note from the Art Instructor, Ms. Larkin Evans. I thought I would share it with you.


Dear Myrna,
What a priviledge to have our students see you in action. They are so excited to try out what you inspired and I'm sure that over the weekend a few will already come back with new work. Thank you for the paper as well. You are so professional and are such a wealth of ideas, techniques and resources. It will be fun to follow your ongoing art adventures on your blog. Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Larkin Evans and the students from HMBHS Art classes