North Carolina 2004

[Janel Maples]

I am sitting here in my hotel room in North Carolina. It is 11:45 p.m. of day #3 (not including the introductory famous lecture

[Garth Herrick]

Wow Janel,

Good for you! Please keep us all posted about your workshop experience as our reporter in the field.

Thanks in advance,

Garth

[Janel Maples]

A few months ago, when I introduced myself to the forum, I made the comment that I would like to meet Marvin someday. I wrote this because I had a very strong feeling, after reading his posts, that he was the teacher to help me reach my self inflicted high goal of being an excellent portrait painter someday.

You can read this in the Introduce Yourself section, Marvin wrote back to me "ever hear the phrase, be careful what you wish for?"

I am careful and I can honestly say, I will never regret writing what I did, because, for the next few months after writing that, Marvin generously gave of himself by answering my emails and taking my calls to help me with my questions. I was even more convinced that I needed to study with him in person so I signed up for his workshop in North Carolina.

So, here I am, in Durham and I have 4 days of the workshop under my belt. So far I have been extremely impressed with the amount of new information I have learned in such a short amount of time. Marvin not only loves painting, but he loves passing on what he knows to help others. And here is the really great part. He is an extremely gifted teacher. Not all great artists are great teachers.

Up until yesterday, I was stuck. I knew what I wanted to do in my own paintings, but I didn't know how to get there. The big un-sticker for me was learning how to use Marvin's palette. Now when I am stuck, my answers will be in front of me in an organized and logical way.

If you can't tell, I am very much enjoying my learning experience at this workshop and so far it was worth every penny I paid to attend, and I have two more days to go.

Yipee!!

[Janel Maples]

Hey, look who I found. Anyone recognize this guy?

[Linda Brandon]

So nice to see Patrick's smiling face again! Did you get him to play the piano for you? And who is the lassie?

[Elizabeth Schott]

Janel it is great to hear you enjoyed and learned a lot at the workshop!

I love the picture with Patrick! I'm glad for all the ladies he ended up bringing his kilt, I hope someone had a camera at dinner one night!

I am looking forward to seeing some of the work every completed during their busy week.

[Gary Hoff]

What a lad he is--and how he can put away the Guinness! He and I consumed several pints last year in Scottsdale. Please give him my very best.

Gary Hoff

[Janel Maples]

Gary,

This workshop is over now so, unfortunately, I can not pass on your best wishes. But, Patrick does frequent the forum; hopefully he will read it himself. If I hear from him though, I will pass it on.

Janel