Thank you to the Arkansas Pastel Society and Shirley Bowen for inviting me to hold this workshop.

For days, I prepared for my first all-day workshop, selecting the photo I would paint, planning my demonstration, deciding which materials to bring, creating handouts, and, of course, packing everything I might need.

But there was one big question: Did I bring my mojo? (something my dad used to say).

Would I be able to take what I see in my mind, put it into words, and then make my hands do what I wanted them to do? I had five hours to share my thoughts, techniques, and experiences with the students.

My goal was to share the process I developed for creating texture and the appearance of rust. Rather than complete an entire painting, I wanted to demonstrate different areas and techniques, including:

• Creating the appearance of realistic rust
• Giving the viewer the impression of a detailed headlight without painting every detail
• Creating chrome that reflects its surroundings, the objects in front of it, and the light above
• Developing the background to complement the subject
• Understanding what is behind the car’s windows and create reflections

My intent was not to create a finished painting during the workshop. Instead, I wanted to demonstrate enough of the process for each student to understand the techniques and then apply them in a way that fits their own artistic style.

And what a wonderful group of students they were! Everyone arrived eager to learn, experiment, and create. The energy in the room kept me motivated throughout the day. I especially enjoyed walking around, talking with each student about their work, and hearing their thoughts as they applied the techniques.

Teaching is a wonderful opportunity to share what I have learned, but it is also an opportunity for me to learn from others. Every artist sees and approaches the creative process a little differently, and I love being part of that exchange.

It was truly an honor to spend the day with such a talented and enthusiastic group. Be sure to take some time to visit the gallery and see all of the wonderful paintings created during the workshop!

This process can be used for abstracts, anything with rust, and even sunrise and sunsets. If you have questions about my process or are interested in a future workshop, please feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!