Rainy Day in Georgia

by Kathy Garvey
Sadly, we are leaving Phillis and Georgia tomorrow. It's been a great retreat.

Yesterday we spent the morning on a large pontoon boat touring around Lake Oconee. Below is a view of one of the more spectacular houses around the lake.

We spent the afternoon painting and journaling. Below is Carmen catching up on her journal.

 Denette is painting a set up of fresh peppers from the market. Mary is uploading her photos.

 Below is a beautiful page from Phillis' journal. (The Pieces of 8 journaling was inspired by Diana Gessler.)

Since it was Halloween in a retirement community, we decided to stay in and watch "The Gods Must be Crazy" on You Tube. What an odd, fun, beautiful movie. At one point in the evening we were visited by Captain America, aka Phillis' husband Jerry!

 Today we toured houses, lunched on fried green tomatoes and buttermilk pie, painted, poured, journaled, ate some more, and packed our things.
Below, Carmen and Phillis are experimenting with poured acrylic painting. 

 Below, one of Carmen's newly poured pieces.

Goodbye, Georgia and Phillis!

Fun Day at Washington Grass Inn, Georgia

The Pieces of 8 dined and painted at the Washington Grass Inn in Georgia today. We had a whopping good time as was captured by our wonderful hostess Gloria Slaughter in the picture below. (You can learn more about Gloria's photography and wedding venues at http://www.gloriaslaughterphotography.com/.)

The grounds were fun to explore with cats, dogs, horses, barns, flowers, antiques, old buildings and unusual objects everywhere. It took us a while just to decide what to paint.

Below are a few pictures from the day. It was perfect!
This is Mary painting a watercolor.

 Denette and Phillis photographing all the neat things on the grounds.

 Cindy sketching in her journal.

 Carmen painting the barn.

 Phillis sketching in her journal.

If you want an affordable but really special lunch with soup, sandwich and dessert  - all created to perfection - and your anywhere near Greensboro, Georgia, gather up at least 6 people, get online to http://www.washingtongrassweddings.com/  and set up a date. We loved the place, the food, and Gloria.

Tomorrow we're boating on Lake Oconee! Hope the weather stays as perfect as it has been since we got here. We're loving Georgia!

Georgia on our Mind

Five of the Pieces of 8 are on our annual painting retreat. This year we are spending it near beautiful Greensboro, Georgia at the home of our former and now honorary member, Phillis Holland. Wow, is it gorgeous here! The weather has been sunny and breezy, the leaves are just starting to turn colors. We're surrounded by the amazing Lake Oconee.

Today we had the privilege to paint at the Ritz-Carlton. We arrived around 10 in the morning, spread out and all painted til lunch time. Then we spread out again and painted until we left at 4:00. The property is lovely and the staff superior. I can only imagine how much fun it would be to actually stay at the Ritz. Below are some pictures from the day. It was a great way to spend it.

This place is big!

 ..and beautiful

Cindy is just back from plein air painting in Italy so she had everything in her backpack and was set up in minutes!

 Mary disappeared from view and returned very shortly with a completed watercolor painted by the lake.

 Phillis started her journal.

 Another view of the lake

 They had some stunning late blooming azaleas that attracted the butterflies. (The many flowers - camelias, asters, pansies, roses and azaleas- gave me something to work with since I don't do landscapes.)

 Denette painting by the lake.

We are having an awesome time and only wish we could have Carol, Donna and Fay here to enjoy it with us.

Egret Painting, Wildlife Painting, "You Cannot See Me" by Carol Schiff, 6x8" Oil

Purchase here
100 + shipping

www.CarolSchiffStudio.etsy.com

Our Patron Saint

Trying to get 8 women, 8 artists, to agree on anything very quickly is asking for trouble.  The saying about 'herding cats' is most applicable.  But there is one thing we all quickly ascribed to and that is the fact that our fellow painter, Denette, is worthy of sainthood.  From her stroke several years ago to her paintings today, she has shown nothing short of miraculous courage and determination.  No debate.

Here's Denette in all her Modigliani-esque glory depicted as the patron saint of those who are determined to reach a goal.  You can even see her altar icons in the upper corners which are trophies...signifying her goal met!  She's colorful, lively and looking towards an exciting future.

You can read the tribute to Denette as well as others in a special little book just published by one of our members, Cindy Michaud.  In Sainted & Painted, Stories of the Not Wholly Holy, Cindy has taken 12 real women who deserve, in her opinion, to be sainted. Not only has painted their portraits but she has written vignettes describing their modern miracles and why they should inspire us all.  Feel like lighting a candle yet? You will because reading these tributes makes one realize that we are surrounded by saints...that while relating to the cannonized saints of long ago may be difficult and foreign, this group of anointed women stand tall and proud when it comes to setting examples for living.

For just $12.99 you will meet Saint Jane of the Generous, Saint Kathy of the Courts, Saint Sharon of the Survivors and many more.  You will enjoy creative art and touching stories.  Order now here or by clicking on the title above.  

And oh, there is one other thing we all agreed on rather quickly: this book makes the perfect gift.  So take our collective word for it, order several and have fun sharing them for birthdays.  

Still Life Floral Painting, "Pretty in Pink" by Carol Schiff, 11x14" Oil

Purchase Here
196. + shipping

www.CarolSchiffStudio.Etsy.com

There Will Be Light, 6x6 Oil on Canvas by Carmen Beecher

Driving across South Florida one can actually see beautiful, condo-free ranchland and groves. It is especially dramatic when a storm is coming, and we experienced a doozy.

This is Old Florida to me. I can just picture those cowboys with long whips--the original "Florida Crackers," so named because they cracked those whips to herd cattle--riding across the pastureland. 

PURCHASE