PARTY TIME IN THE STUDIO……

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

PARTY TIME IN THE STUDIO……

……Our annual Christmas party is always so joyful and somehow Christmas would not be the same without it!

This blog is mostly for you foodies out there because after all, it’s all about the food….isn’t it??? Food prepared with LOVE of course!

Let’s start with desert. This heavenly creation was made by Colleen and is a tower of whipped cream with delicious chocolate wafers……mmmmmmm good!

Colleen also made this delicious poppy seed creation, one of her mother’s famous recipes!

Candy and cookies galore and it was tempting to go straight to the sweets until Kathy’s ham was unwrapped. Oh my, you’ll just have to get the recipe from her as she’s a master class at this and then with the sweet buns for the ham….deliriously good!

Spring rolls of course. (After all, this is a Chinese Brush painting class!)

Violet made the most delicious ribs but I don’t think I got a photo of them. Say, what is Laurie going for? (she brought a salad but who brought the cream puffs and Panettone????)

What I know for sure is that Sandie brought the most delicious crab terrine from Julienne’s ….on Mission in San Marino, with a bag of their awesome Black Olive Parmesan toast….and another super cheese. Oh boy!

I think this delectable spread was from sweet Diana.

And delightful Kaley, Kathy’s 13 year old daughter (going on 21) made a special treat just for me. Panna Cotta…my favorite! Ohhh it’s sooooo good!

Among Kaley’s many talents, she is also designing a line of charming greeting cards…here’s just one. Contact me or Kathy to see the others…..they’re just what you need to write a little note on.

And so, from yours truly and the most wonderful students any teacher could ever hope for, MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL with wishes for a beautiful year to come!

1 comment:

Dee said...: Nan! I did bring the salami, the bacon cheddar, and the garlic triscuits! Presented on a handmade cutting board by my friend Tim Hassemer. :) And did you see the cute mouse knife? :) I love you Nan! Thanks for a wonderful year!; December 27, 2013 at 7:45 AM

Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.