Lilac's 75th Birthday

When in New York recently, I joined a friend painting on Pier 40 (at the foot of Houston Street). I painted a small oil sketch of two of the tugboat Lilac's stacks, which reminded me, for some reason, of my twin daughters. The oil sketch will be available—among many other works—at the celebration of the Lilac’s 75th birthday on Memorial Day weekend.

Hours are:
Saturday, May 24—10 AM to 6 PM
Sunday, May 25—10 AM to 6 PM
Monday, May 26—10 AM to 9 PM

(I won’t be at the artists’ reception, but it’s from 4-8 PM on Monday.)

A percentage of the sale of paintings will go to support renovation efforts for the Lilac.

"Twins"
8x10 oil sketch by little ol' me

The Creative Process--the Story of Me

Carol L. Douglas, The Joker, figure, oil on canvas, 40" x 30"

Renée Phillips at Manhattan Arts International just published an essay by me on The Creative Process. It is an artist statement I wrote for an upcoming show, which she liked enough to use. Thanks, Renée!

Enough about those kids!

One of my adult students, Anne Christner, with her pastel portrait of her daughter Sarah. It’s an excellent likeness, and a real step forward. Brava, Anne!

The Kung Fu Fighters are both accepted at Pratt

Not only were they both accepted, but both were awarded Presidential Merit Scholarships. Good going, girls!

Trip to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiú, NM added to Taos workshop

"When I got to New Mexico, that was mine."

That was how Georgia O'Keeffe described her instant love for northern New Mexico, which she first visited in 1917 Although she never owned Ghost Ranch, she eventually purchased a small home there and later a home in nearby Abiquiú. (Learn more about Ghost Ranch here.)

We have added a guided tour of this area (which she loved, explored, painted, and lived in for over 50 years) to our "Paint the Magic and Mystery of Taos" workshop, from June 15-21, 2008. This is optional and requires a ticket at $25.

Tour update

This trip is selling well, and we have a few openings left. I’m getting pretty jazzed about it myself.

I plan to pick up tour participants at Albuquerque Airport on Sunday, June 15 (if you arrive at a different time, there’s a shuttle available to Taos). On Sunday evening, we’ll relax over dinner at the Sagebrush Inn and get to know each other.

I am always excited to get to work right away and I bet you’re the same. In the morning, we’ll get right down to the business of painting. Then, while you eat your lunch and relax, Shelli or I will demo in a variety of media.

We’re visiting Ghost Ranch on Friday. We’ll bring our supplies so we can get one work session in that day. On Saturday we’ll help you pack and ship your stuff and get you back to Albuquerque for the trip home.

Your fee of $1200 includes workshop instruction, five days of painting in special selected plein air locations, lodging and two meals per day at the historic Sagebrush Inn. (http://www.sagebrushinn.com/)

Painters are welcome to work in oils, pastels, acrylics and watercolor. Materials list and daily schedule will be supplied upon registration. A branch of Artisans art store is nearby. (http://www.artisan-santafe.com/)

Travel arrangements and fees

Call Jeannie at Esplanade Travel to reserve your workshop space with a $550 deposit. She’s at (718) 597-1414 or jrw.esptravel2@verizon.net. She can also help with your flight arrangements if you wish.

Shelli Robiner-Ardizzone has led workshops for 8 years at the Women’s Studio Center, LIC, and at Great Neck Arts Center. She has been awarded a residency at the Vermont Studio Center and grants from National Academy School and Art Students League.

Carol L. Douglas (moi) is the chairperson of New York Plein Air Painters and teaches plein air, studio and figure painting in Rochester, NY. She studied at the Art Students League and elsewhere. (http://www.watchmepaint.blogspot.com%20/and http://www.goaway-letmepaint.com/)

For a brochure you can print, go here.