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August 31, 2024 In appreciation, art, creativity, fine art, inspiration, life and the universe, teaching, travel By Patricia Saxton

Postcards from Austria

First, a note: Something is amiss with my blog. Recent posts that I’ve shared with you have (for the most part, I believe) arrived in your email inbox without the accompanying pictures (also with fonts changing, which you may not notice, but I definitely do!). Finding the solution has been harder than expected and is most frustrating – so my apologies for the less interesting visuals you might be seeing. Your patience is appreciated! For the fully pictured as-intended version, please visit the blog itself. 😉

Art Retreat Extraordinaire

Mission complete – the 2024 Art Retreat in Austria was beautiful! Art was made. Exquisite food was consumed. Spectacular views were breathed in at every turn. Friendships were discovered and deepened and memories were carved. Magic walked among us.

There was painting from life and painting from pictures – and certainly no shortage of inspiration. We were wowed at the gorgeous mountain lake known as Lünersee (and for some, a blissful relief when finishing the lengthy drive up zig-zaggy Alpine roads going ever higher!). We reveled in the sheer immensity of the Alps during our foraging-for-herbs expedition, and were awed by the nighttime James Turrell SkySpace art installation. We were regularly treated to flower-filled window boxes in charming towns and the sweet chime of church bells on the hour. And we all left a piece of our hearts in this magnificently picturesque country.

I am deeply grateful to our Chalet-M hosts Franz and Laurie for our top-notch accommodations and spoiling us with incredible, drool-worthy meals, for making us feel cared for in every way, and for our seamless teamwork in creating an amazing experience that will long be cherished.

And to my “retreaters” – what a great group! I couldn’t have asked for a better, more cohesive collection of souls on our maiden Austrian Art Retreat. Living, laughing, painting and exploring together, it felt like the best kind of family.

‘Til the next time… Es war eine wunderbare Zeit!

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There are far too many picture choices to make into actual postcards, so please enjoy this special 1-minute reel of highlights displayed below!

July 26, 2024 In art, children's books, creativity, drawing, fine art, illustration, inspiration, painting, teaching By Patricia Saxton

Let’s Be Creative Together

IT’S TIME!

I’ve been drawing as long as I can remember. And those of you who’ve known me a long time, know that I’ve been professionally designing, illustrating, writing and painting for decades! All in all, pretty much a lifetime of creating. And I dearly love what I’m able to do – but something felt missing. That element? Sharing what I know in a more official way – and maybe, just maybe, helping you to tap into your own magic.

Soooo, in early September I’ll be teaching a class in Drawing at the Sedona Arts Center in my beautiful town of Sedona, Arizona. In October I’ll lead a 3-day Illustration Workshop, followed in November by a 3-day workshop that I’m calling Unleashing Your Creativity. In January I’ll teach a Writing & Illustration a Children’s Book class, and in February a class version of Unleashing Your Creativity.

Beginner as well as intermediate level artists are encouraged to join in. Whatever your experience, my goal for each offering is to help you explore and expand both your skills and your creativity. To stretch, play and grow. To feel inspired, build confidence and honor your own artistic expression. And to enjoy the process while receiving plenty of individualized attention.

Registration is now open! You’ll find full descriptions, pricing and dates at the Sedona Arts Center website – this link will take you to my instructor page – just click on any of the classes you’re interested in.

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THE TRUTH IS, WHEN YOU DRAW SOMETHING, YOU SEE IT DIFFERENTLY AND SOMEHOW MORE PROFOUNDLY. AND WHEN YOU PAINT SOMETHING, YOU CONNECT TO A WORLD YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED. IN ALL FORMS OF CREATIVITY, YOU’RE MAKING SOMETHING FROM NOTHING – AS IF BY MAGIC. BUT THE MAGIC IS ALREADY IN YOU, JUST WAITING TO BE TAPPED.

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October 25, 2023 In appreciation, art, creativity, drawing, fine art, inspiration, life and the universe, painting, teaching By Patricia Saxton

Austrian Alps Art Retreat: August 4 – 10, 2024

Would you like to …
Make art in a gorgeous, relaxing setting?
Amp up your drawing skills? Learn to paint?
Find new ways of seeing the world?
Feed your spirit?
Share the joy of creativity?

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Join us for a week of making art guided by lifelong artist Patricia Saxton. There will be learning and feasting and camaraderie. There will be mountains, lakes, forests, cows and goats. There will be soaking in the incredible summer beauty of the Austrian Alps.

All experience levels are welcome.
Come along, be inspired, create some magic and nurture your soul. It’ll be amazing!