Italy – June – 2016
There is a saying on my kitchen wall at home, and it says, “NEVER stop learning!” I am a grandmother of seven, mother of two, work with Georgia politicians full time, and consider myself a part-time artist of sorts.
Painting by Lucia Hames
I am known on the Internet as “Nana from Hodgepodge,” and help my multi-talented daughter, Tricia Hodges and her equally talented children (some of my grandchildren!!) present art tutorials for anyone who craves simple, quick art for themselves or their students.
Photos courtesy Nancy Medina Art Studio.
I have just returned from a magical trip to northern Italy, where my beloved sister Patti and I were privileged to learn and paint with nationally known, and now…internationally known artist and painter, Nancy Medina. We spent a week learning, painting, eating, touring, eating, painting, eating…and had a glorious, wonderful time!
All students want to learn how to paint flowers like Nancy!
Never Stop Learning as an Artist
The photos I have included are of our painting time together as a class (only seven of us!). We learned from one of the best artist instructors we have ever had to “paint loosely” and try to achieve almost an impression of the fresh flowers from the local market arranged in a still life for our class.
Painting by Lucia Hames
I found out that I could use ONE brush for an entire painting! The brush can be loaded with paint, rotated around and achieve a fine line, a broad stroke…and suddenly, our paintings became almost misty-like and ethereal. It was a true learning experience! We painted silk scarves with Sharpie pens, used oil paints for a truly modernistic approach to painting a hydrangea…far outside my comfort zone with just acrylic paints and pastel chalks!
I ate more pasta than I have ever eaten as a southern girl, laughed and painted with new friends from all over the United States, and slept in antique iron beds in a hotel located in a tiny Italian village! I was blessed with this trip and hope to share some more of the tips that I gleaned from my time with Nancy Medina. Got to go get my paints out and paint an Italian landscape…
More Art for You!
Let’s keep on learning together. I shared with you a video tutorial on how to paint a single daisy in our favorite medium – chalk pastels!
Plus, feel free to choose a tutorial to enjoy from our 100+ Free Art Lessons for All Ages!
Forever,
Nana from Hodgepodge
that is so exciting! I love your flower!! I hope you can simplify some of what you learned for us less experienced artists. WE have loved your tutorials here.
WOW !! You are an inspiration for everyone. Totally agree never too old to learn something new, so if you want learn keep learning. Thanks for sharing