Farmers Market Class

The Workshop Experience
We'll begin the day at the Cedar Mill Farmers Market, where you'll soak in the colors, textures, scents, and energy of the season. As you wander through the market, you'll choose a fruit, vegetable, or flower that catches your eye and sparks your imagination.
We'll talk about what draws us to certain subjects and gather ideas for the artwork we'll create later in the studio. Along the way, we'll share stories, memories, and favorite recipes, exploring how personal experiences can inspire our creative work.
Back in the studio, you'll use your market find as inspiration for a personal still life. We'll explore color mixing, value, and composition before creating a collection of painted papers using acrylic paint and gelli plates.

We'll take a relaxed lunch break to visit, share stories, and recharge before continuing our afternoon session.
 

Then we'll cut, arrange, crop, and rearrange those papers into a series of small collage studies. Working small allows you to experiment freely with color, shape, value, and design without the pressure of creating a finished painting. These studies can become inspiration for future paintings, or they may be finished pieces on their own—perfect for framing or turning into handmade note cards.

By the end of the day, you'll have a stack of painted papers, several collage studies, and plenty of ideas to take into future paintings.
 

You'll Walk Away With

• A fresh way of gathering inspiration from everyday subjects
• A better understanding of color, value, and composition
• Experience creating painted papers with gelli plates and simple tools
• Several small collage studies—ready to frame, turn into note cards, or use as inspiration for future artwork
• New ways to loosen up, experiment, and build stronger designs
 

Why Start at the Farmers Market?
Because I love it and it is one of my favorite places to find inspiration. There's music playing, people visiting, and tables overflowing with colorful fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade goods. It's the kind of place where people slow down, smile more, and enjoy the morning.
You never know what will catch your eye—a bright bunch of radishes, a bouquet of flowers, or an unexpected color combination.
Beginning our day there helps us slow down, look closely, and discover ideas we might otherwise miss.