Do you know the way to Santa Fe... ?

After driving 3 days from Orlando, FL to Santa Fe, NM (with the help of my lovely father) ... I was soooo pumped to begin my 9-month portrait painting and figure drawing training at the Ryder Studio School. Knowing I would be able to live and breathe painting and drawing under the guidance of such an esteemed and respected instructor, Tony Ryder... I couldn't wait to get started!

The first 2 weeks of class involve just poster studies- painting small 4x6's of the model without details, but with strong precision as to the color relationships and the influence of light. It has been a week and a half since beginning classes and I think I may be in painting overload. My dreams at night involve mixing paint colors. I have come to the point of no return... there's no escape from seeing life through painters' eyes. Even looking at simple, mundane objects thoughout the day has changed. The side of a gray building to me now is seen in multiple shades of colors as light hits each area differently. Evening shadows no longer seem black or gray... but I see warmth and coolness, purples, blues and cadmium reds! I guess thats what happens to you when your hunched over an easel, staring at paint colors for 6 hours a day. I'm just waiting for that moment of pure bliss when I finally feel like I really know what i'm doing. In the mean time I am trying to keep in mind a quote that Tony had said during one of his incredible, analogy-filled demos, "Your mind wants to be doing something fascinating." For me, this little mind is completely fascinated at the moment... taking in each new day with wide eyes. It doesn't help that the natural scenary here in Santa Fe is so uniquely beautiful and inspiring.

Mountainous view from my casita <3