Last weekend my friend and I participated in a GOLDEN Acrylic Adventures workshop here in Wellington.  Who would have thought that one of the few trained GOLDEN artists in the world (Morag Stokes) would be set up in a studio 10 minutes away from my home.  In a nutshell the day was inspiring – not in a cliched what everyone says when it’s just kind of average way – but totally INSPIRING!

I have read so many books and articles on various mixed media painting techniques and have viewed the work of many many artists that I admire but nothing is as good as being taught how to create such wonderful effects with paints and gels and mediums by someone right in front of you.  We got to ‘play’ with such a wide range of products that I have only ever previously stared at, somewhat vacantly, in the art supplies store.  Now I know how they work and what they can create and it’s opened up another world for me.

I now understand clear tar and self levelling gels and when it’s right to use one or the other and finally I understand gel skins and using digital processes to get amazing results.  I can’t wait to put it all into practice.  My biggest problem will be limiting myself to focusing on one or two new techniques at a time and not totally bombing my work with too many new ideas!

Spending a whole day indulging in what I LOVE was amazing and energising.  Must do it more often.

K