FREE DAY AT THE WORKSHOP

TRAIN TO EDINBURGH and a VISIT TO "THE FRINGE"

Friday was our Free Day. This is the day our artist guests have free to paint, sightsee, or just wander and enjoy the countryside. I took a small group on the train to Edinburgh to enjoy the city. Many had arrived early and seen the city before the workshop started. Those folks stayed back and enjoyed the hotel and local sites. Some painted with Maggie and took advantage of some extra instruction.

The group that headed with me to Edinburgh on the train had a BEAUTIFUL day. One enjoyed the museums in the city. Some visited old friends and others toured the city. The city was alive with excitement. The Festival had just come to an end and "The Fringe" is nearing an end.

I had a GREAT time. When I was in school I dreamed of going to Edinburgh. At 17 I had an opportunity of a lifetime to spend three months with family in England. Knowing of my desire to see Scotland, my little English Grandmother took me by bus from the south of England to Scotland so I could see the country and city I had dreamed of. Ever since then Edinburgh has held a special place in my heart.

My daughter Mandie was blessed to spend a semester of studies at Dalkeith near Edinburgh when she was in college. She shares that special feeling about Edinburgh. I was so excited to be at the fringe I called her from a phone kiosk to share the day with her. If you have never travelled here, I would encourage you to put this on your bucket list!

Weekend Away From the Office

OUR "UP NORTH" HOTEL!

What happened to the "Dog Days of Summer"? It will be in the low 60's here in Wisconsin. Go figure! This is the weekend I declare my love for my husband by heading up into the North Woods and spending the weekend camping with him.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that roughing it is the Hilton on a day when the maids all called in sick! Just kidding! Sort of!! I am not a big camper...although I love being outdoors, hiking and boating. Just wish it could have been HOT!

COMING MONDAY - Just released information on our new line of Caravaggio Rolled Canvas! really cool stuff! A favorite in Italy for Years!

Great Memories! Zoltan Szabo!

I am just learning how much fun Blogging can be! Yesterday a dear friend -Willa Mc Neil found our new Blog by accident when she was on line. Willa Mc Neil was the friend and business partner of world renowned Watercolor Painter Zoltan Szabo. I was blessed to spend wonderful time with both Willa and Zoltan at Richeson Sponsored overseas Scotland Painting Workshops, as well as a number of Dealer sponsored consumer shows over the years.

For those of you who were privileged to know Zoltan before he passed away in 2003, he had the gift of teaching. He had the ability to grow dormant seeds of desire to paint within those who had never picked up a brush before. Once they were a student of Zoltan's he drew talent and abilities from every student they never imagined they had!

Zoltan created techniques for watercolor painting never before seen. He developed and used Slant Bristle and Slant Synthetic Brushes with almost magical results. He taught others how to accomplish the same. Willa is carrying on Zoltan's dream. His workshops are available for purchase as are the special slant brushes and other tools Zoltan LOVED.

I hope you will take a short side trip today and visit Zoltan's website....you will see it featured on the right.

Monday Monday!

It's Monday at Jack Richeson & Co. July 13th. Mike and Darren got back to town very late after working the Learning and Art Expo in Lisle IL. Mike says it was a great show! They are both exhausted. Amazing what aging a few years does to ones energy in setting up and packing up after one of these shows! Somehow it seemed a lot easier when we were in our 30's!

Luana Winner Luconi wrapped up a VERY succesful workshop this weekend at the Richeson School of Art and Gallery. Luana is such a delight to work with, and her wonderful husband Doug is SO supportive! I am looking forward to seeing Luana's Studio when I am in Raleigh in November for Art of the Carolina's. Take a moment and click the link to Luana's website. She has some great things happening.

The model is Judy is a sweet lady who has worked for Jack Richeson & Co for a number of years now. She handles our warehouse shipping desk. What would the family do without all our great staff.

Crazy Days!

New Semi Hard Pastels from Richeson Available in sets and open stock.

Thank goodness for weekends! We may get a few moments of down time. That said, unlike years ago when I worked in a bank, you just don't walk out the door and forget work until Monday in a family business.

This weekend is no different. We are going in a hundred directions! My brothers Mike and Darren left our factory at 5:00am yesterday morning with a van loaded with supplies. Our company is a vendor at the Art & Learning Show this weekend in Lisle ILL. Should be an exciting time working with Artist Instructors as well as talking with Artists about their work and our products. We are especially excited about our new Semi Hard Square Sticks of Pastels. If all goes well, they will get back to their families around midnight Sunday night and be back at their desks by 7am Monday!

We will be at the October show in Pasadena. Click on the link to the site to register. I will be in our booth at that show. Come by and say hello. Anyone mentioning this blog will get a free sample of our new pastel surface.

In our Art School today(Click link for upcoming classes) we are in day three of our Luana Luconi Winner Workshop. Luana is such an inspiring instructor. It is a real joy to have her at our facility. I love slipping down to the school and observing her teach. What an inspiration! This evening after class, the group will be heading to Jack & Linda's home for dinner and night of fun. Should be a crazy night. Click on Luana's website to see her work.

The highlight of my weekend...when work is finally done...I get to have three of my grandkids spend the night with us! Family...that's what it all comes down to at the end...Yours, mine...that's why we all do what we do!