The Evergreen Brick Works...Trees were starting to turn into Autumn colours as spiritual leader Philip Cote from First Story led us along a waterlily-filled pond. We paused at a cedar tree as he explained the process of making tea from the leaves to prevent pneumonia. I tasted cedar for the very first time—then sumac seeds which also makes a medicinal tea. Funny—I had drawn and made paint from sumac leaves only a few days before!
At the top of the hill, we gathered in a circle while Philip drummed. We passed along burning sweetgrass, smudging ourselves to open up to learn. While I continue to draw and learn about plants, I'm discovering a deeper respect for nature. Nature is all around, offering materials to create art and remedies to keep us healthy. More than ever before, it's important to love nature as much as she loves us.
"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you."
~Frank Lloyd Wright
Making & Painting with Plant Paint
Paint experimentations...The plant drawings have progressed since the camping weekend with Outdoor Studio. Now I'm making watercolours from the plants that I draw. October offered many changing colours to make paints with leaves, petals and berries. The outcome always surprises me. Pink lily petals made a yellow-green pigment. Fuschia geraniums turned purple. Ageing poplar leaves created a sandy-olive texture. It's so exciting! Thinking about your own mural? Click here to set up a time to chat about your idea...
Muraling & Sketching at the Brick Works
A Mural Symposium & an Urban Sketcher Meetup... I found myself at the Evergreen Brick Works two weekends in a row. The National Mural Symposium had an exciting lineup of muralists. We learned about John Pugh's incredible process of Trompe D'oeil painting, laneway projects that are improving the city, and a self-guided tour of Popsilos from Montreal to Ottawa. The following weekend, I met up with 30+ like-minded Toronto Urban Sketchers to draw and share our work on a beautiful summer-fall Sunday. Click here for mural ideas at pamlostracco.com...
Referrals Please!
Do you know someone who may want a mural for their home or business? Reply to this email and I'll send you this newly designed portfolio PDF to share. I'm always looking for more murals to paint and your help will make me feel eternally grateful. Thank you and have a wonderful month!
Thank you for hearting ART Pam
Comments?
We’d love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments about this Art Letter to pam@pamlostracco.com
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