Carol Helt was the host of the recent workshop in Bakersfield, Ca.  She just sent me a disc with lots of photos from those two days.  I'll set up a link to a bunch of the photos sometime.  The bottom one here includes some of the "die-hards" who stayed for wine and cheese after the first day:  (left to right)  Joyce, Claudia, Carol, Tracy, Tobey and Linda.  Wonderful group!

The top photo is one of Carol's abstract paintings.  One thing I love about Carol is that she takes the time to experiment and play.  That's SO important in discovering your own style and in growing as an artist.  I think this little abstract is great!  She did this after she had painted the tomatoes and yellow pitcher - you might say it was an abstract version of the tomato painting.  Carol made some changes to the tomato painting and sent me a photo of it, but I like this photo that shows the artist.  She uses fabric paint a lot for line work and she's doing a great job with that technique.  Again - so playful and experimental.   And successful!  Her tomato painting is just so simplified and playful! 

Carol and Jerry's workshop - or big "playbox" - is the perfect place to get creative.  You can see more photos in the link when I create it.  Just check out the black and white checkered floor and the red accents - plus the "Cabo Wabo" light. A larger area's filled with Jerry's surf boards, his collection of cars and lots of other "toys."  They sure know how to have fun - and they're great to share their fun with others.

Carol - beautiful painting and such a fun environment!!  Thanks -