New Retreat

[Ann Hamilton]

http://womenofgodartretreat.net
Other Blog: http://artistretreat.blogspot.net (I'll probably put the following post on that site today)

As one of the new kids on the block I'm still finding my way around Artists2Artists Social Network but I already love it! I'm getting to know some of the artists here, Sloane, Angela, etc. and see the sincere interest of helping hands. I hope I can be one of those. I have another new blog: http://artistretreat.blogspot.com. On it I describe the life I live at the retreat which also happens to be my home. It's an 1890's Victorian house with a fantastically large studio. An artist lived here before me and put the studio addition onto the house. Funny thing, though, she did not use it for a studio. Instead, it must have been a game room, etc. I had a huge bar removed from the room opening up a wet bar. How good it is to have this feature. No running to the kitchen or bathroom for a water supply and the cabinets below and above this store "some" of my art supplies. The studio itself easily accommodates six artists...could be more if I organized. I have three large easels set up, and several small ones accessible to my students.
I use much of the rest of the house as a gallery. I now have over 50 paintings, all my work, on the walls. Too, the house has a Jane Austin appeal to it and the nooks and crannies in it invite writing, journaling, or reading.
My first guests became protective of me, and saying I might attract unwanted people, suggested I look for a niche market. Sorry guys, but their idea became mine and I changed my retreat into something that would mostly attract women. Certainly I'm not an over religious person, but I am very spiritual, and the name of the retreat also detracts a certain element. Rules "are" made to be broken, and if a really sincere guy-artist persuaded me, how could I refuse accepting him as a retreat guest.
The retreat only accommodates up to five people, unless they want to share rooms. That is fine with me as I only want a few people at a time. During the last retreat I help workshops in watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and mixed media. Two of three guests went home with more than ten paintings each. I finished five paintings myself. Some of my best work comes as I teach classes or hold workshops.
The environment here is terrific. The retreat is in the historic part of town, overlooking one of two mountains in the area. Both Lookout Mountain and Sand Mountains are considered to be the foothills of the Appalachian of mountains. Minutes away are a state park and National Preserve. Desoto State Park is advertised as having more native plants than any region in the entire world. It as well as Little River Canyon National Preserve are truly among the marvels of the US. All of this and more offers hundreds of en plein visits to artists, and is a great place for photographers, and other individuals seeking an experience in nature. I can even take you on a tour to a pristine are of the valley where my ancestors owned property from mountain to mountain, where my great-great-great-grandfather's house and barn still stand; where one of my great uncles had a trout farm (yes, in Alabama), and much more. However, you probably will not want to live the studio except to eat after you arrive....but I don't cook and you have to bring your own groceries. The kitchen is your and I will happily trade lessons for food and being treated like a guest myself.
I did not mean to say all of this...but I'm a writer as well as an artist and I do get "long-winded" at times. I am also said to have "the" most southern accent in "the" south!

I don't mean for this blog to be all about me. I plan to share some of what I have learned about the making of art!
Enough for now!