L is for Lovely Lavender

Lavender Clematis

Last summer I was asked to design an art class for our local clematis test gardens. Lucky me.

To prepare, I spent hours in among the flowers, looking, analyzing and taking photographs.

Clematis grow on vines in lush clusters of blooms set on dark leaves.  They come in a rainbow of colors and sizes, from darkest purple to creamiest white. I took hundreds of photos. Then I spent many more hours learning how to draw them.

Today, a rainy and dreary day, I felt the need for some floral loveliness, and turned to my photos for cheer. Spending time among my floral photos was like returning to the summer garden. With so many choices, it was the beautiful lavender of these flowers, the soft red of their centers and the way they are set against that greens from light to dark that grabbed my attention and said, play with me in Photoshop. So I did. It brightened my day. I hope it does yours as well.

Upcoming Summer Classes: Time to Sign Up

I will be teaching several classes this summer to will allow kids and adults (and me) to take advantage of the beautiful gardens at Luscher Farms on Stafford Road in Lake Oswego. Participants will be able to work indoors or out (depending on weather) and materials are provided.

Classes are offered through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation.

For more information or to register: www.lakeoswegoparks.org or call: 503-675-2549.

Feel free to post any questions below, and please, share this information with anyone you know who might enjoy the chance to spend some time being creative while surrounded by nature, beauty and growing things.

NOTE: Private classes (one-on-one or small groups) and workshops are also available. Check the ART EDUCATION section of my website for a list of possiblities, or suggest your own.

Art Picnic in the Garden
Capture the colors and shapes of the Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection’s remarkable clematis collection in drawings and photos. I will provide drawing instruction, inspiration, and a variety of materials. Bring a brown bag meal to enjoy at the farm, and a digital camera to capture what you see (optional).

WHEN: Tu 6-8:30p 6/14-6/21
For Ages 16+
Cost: Res $30/Non-Res $35 LUSCH
Reg ID # 3300140

Art in the Garden for Kids
Learn how to draw the basic shapes and details of a flower, consider their color and their complex design, then explore the garden to discover how the shapes and details repeat in other flowers. Create sketches and paintings of your observations. Materials and inspiration provided. Kids are encouraged to bring a snack and a drink.

WHEN: 10a-12p Tu/Th 7/19-7/21
For Ages 5-15
Cost: Res $35/Non-Res $40
Reg ID #: 3200470 LUSCH

Introduction to Painting in Pastels
Prepare to get your hands dirty. Through a variety of garden related drawing painting projects, we will learn about this versatile medium, explore how pastels can be used to achieve stunning effects, vibrant color and rich texture.

WHEN: 7-9 pm Tu 7/5-8/2.

For Ages 16+
Cost: Res $90/Non-Res $104
Reg ID: # 3300145 7-9p LUSCH