Costa Rica bound,......preparations under way

                                         

This is the Quetzal bird, a native to the area in the Talamanca Mountains where we'll be staying for the first part of our trip. This is a gorgeous composition as is, and I could easily do a painting from this. Yes, the trip is plein air painting, but let's face it, no one is fast enough to paint this, in motion, No, there are times when photos are really the reasonable way to go. For that reason, I recommend to everyone on the trip, that you bring as compact and as good quality a camera as you can afford. Photographers come from all over the world to capture the wildlife, the surf, just the wildness and beauty of Costa Rica.   

Here's where I'll be sitting in early February, teaching, painting and wondering/wandering about life. Yep, floor to ceiling windows overlooking the cloudforested Talamanca Mountains. I'm also looking forward to being here, as the owners are artists, and we'll be holding classes in their spacious art gallery. Life is meant to be an adventure, no?

I painted this for Martine, my business partner in all things Costa Rica. It''s a lipstick palm, her favorite palm tree. The red of the main trunk is vivid! This is a quick sketch, done in one hour or less. Many palms still to paint! 

This is us, just getting ready for a sunset challenge. We're on a hill just above the beach, to get a better view of the amazing colours in the fast paced setting of the sun-on the OSA peninsula. Preparing for the big skies and big views to paint.

Getting away from the snow and cold, even for a bit, is something to really look forward to and can help cope with the long hard Canadian winters.  

There is still plenty of time to sign up for this awesome adventure with Margaret and Martine. 

Just click here for more information:

https://t.e2ma.net/webview/7hpb8/6a1d5da6f72535545a9d10a0a24f9093

As they say in Costa Rica, Pura Vida everyone. 

After the show,................Bleary eyed, but surfacing

Last Friday and Saturday, I hosted the first art show I have had in years. People started to arrive about 20 minutes early, and we went strong to the wee hours.  Thank you to all who came out, and to everyone who helped me here and behind the scenes too. You know who you are!

Forgot to take pics as it got too busy so thanks to Ken for the I-phone shots.

 I find teaching Art very natural and easy. To sell my work, especially after such a long hiatus, was a little more difficult for me. I forgot what it was like to receive response to your work, such an important part of the whole process. The purpose and satisfaction I get to experience in teaching is also experienced when you share your art with others. I had forgotten what that was like. 

To come together with the friends I've made over the last 21 years living here, with all my artwork, music, laughter and connection. What more could one ask for? 

Thanks to Genevieve for the terrific chocolate shortbread, to Jivka for the cake, Ken and Uschi for the chocolates, and to everyone for your good wishes and support.  

Here is Enes, a local musical prodigy who provided us with the most magical environs in which to experience and talk about art, as well as just enjoying each others' company. Thank you SO much Enes, and I would love to have you back another time. You have inspired me!

I have SO enjoyed contacting all my students and friends over the past few weeks, and really love seeing you all and catching up. So if I haven't seen YOU yet, I look forward to YOUR visit! 

The show continues on! This coming Saturday Dec 6th, from 1-4 pm., and then again the following Saturday Dec 13 from 1-4 pm., or anytime you want! Just contact me for an appointment when it is convenient for you. I am around! Here's the pertinent info,:

Margaret Ferraro Art, 113 Terraview Drive, Ottawa

E-mail: margferraro@xplornet.ca or phone 613 839-5241