A Spring Art Fling! Kanuga Watermedia Workshops

Spring is in the air, but a visit to the NC mountains this time of year can be a bit unpredictable. However, there are those who travel from afar to gather for their yearly pilgrimage to Kanuga. For many and for Cheap Joe’s it is a family reunion!

Kanuga Watermedia Workshops are hosted each year at the Kanuga Conferences Center in Hendersonville situated high in the North Carolina mountains. Artist Robbie Laird has been coordinating this event for many years and brings instructors and students together in this pristine setting to learn more about art. The grounds are perfect for plein air sketching, journaling, and painting. With Kanuga Lake as a backdrop and surrounded by trees and flowers galore, there are photos and painting opportunities throughout the week. The lodge and cabins provide architectural interest to works that are shared in the classrooms. The students also had perfect weather to tote their easels and art supplies outside for a first-hand experience in plein air painting!

This beautiful weeping cherry was in full bloom and so magical!

This year’s lineup was filled with the best talent around which included many of the industry’s top artists. Many like Betty Carr, Don Andrews, Pat Dews, Gerald Brommer, Ken Goldman, and Robbie Laird, have been a part of the Kanuga event for years, and then some newbies including Keiko Tanabe,  Richard Stephens, David Rankin,  Maureen Brouillette, Marilyn Derwenskus, Carrie Lhotka. A few other favorites showed up just to join the crowd like Carol Frye, current president of Florida Watercolor Society and also national instructor Linda Baker, as well as, Taylor Ikin, the Yupo Queen! There seemed to be something offered for everyone!

Check out Cheap Joe’s and also the Kanuga Watermedia Workshop on Facebook, or connect with the instructors by searching on Facebook for their personal pages!

Lake Kanuga

Inspiring subject!

Hanging out with old friends at Cabin 8! Anne Drewery gives us all a peek at what she created in Gerald Brommer’s workshop during the week.

Anita is anxious to see Anne’s work!

One of Anne’s best!

Another beauty!

Thanks! Anne, for sharing your wonderful works of art from the week!

Anita and Meghann enjoy stories from the week.

We managed to sneak into one of the workshops just as they were packing up. Keiko Tanabe from Japan had a full class with many eager students. She really enjoyed her first visit to Kanuga and to North Carolina.

Keiko Tanabe- Nice Apron!

Students review the lesson.

Taylor makes the introductions!

Cheap Joe’s is honored to host the Thursday Evening Finale event to bring all of the students and teachers together to review the week’s activities! We spice up the evening with Goodies and Prizes. Everyone seems to have a great time!

Here are some photos from the evening’s event!

Anita and Meghann- We are ready for the masses!

Several posters were hung around the wall that was of quotes provided by many of the instructors. Here are some favorites. Inspirations to all of us artists!

Some creative insight from CoraMae

Wise words from Marilyn Derwenkus

Here is an inspiring quote from Ken Goldman

An encouraging word from Linda Baker

Anita welcomes the guests!

As an ambassador, Don Andrews tells Pat Dews all about Cheap Joe’s or maybe just a good art joke!

Everyone enjoys the slideshow of pictures from the week.

Sharing stories from the week.

Look at all of the Goody Bags!

Cora Mae Pipkin is contemplating another workshop at Cheap Joe’s!

Ruby from Florida was honored with The Spirit of Kanuga Award! Congratulations! Ruby!

At the end of the evening, amongst all of the hugs and well wishes, are a bounty of photo opportunities!

Say “Cheese”!

Taylor Ikin, The Yupo Queen is such a classy lady!

Kanuga Instructors

Oops! More Instructors!

You Go, Girlfriends! Betty, Linda, Pat, and Keiko

So, another week at Kanuga comes to a close, with lots of art created, friendships renewed, and people changed! Art seems to do that to us, doesn’t it? It brings people together and changes them. Everyone who attended the workshops will go their own way and use the knowledge they obtained to expand their artistic abilities. For more information about attending the 2015 Kanuga Watermedia Workshops visit their website.

Thank You, Kanuga Watermedia Workshop Gang, for allowing us to be a part of the Kanuga Family. We look forward to gathering together with you for years to come!

But wait! The workshop season is just beginning! Don’t forget to check out all of the great workshops being offered at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff in Boone!

Until we meet again,

Happy Painting and Keep on Creating!

Until we meet again!

www.KanugaWatermediaWorkshops.com

Enjoy!