after internet stalking her for a bit more than a year, the day finally arrived that i would be able to sit one-on-one with Jo Barby and learn how to "see".
captivated by how Jo's artwork reaches right through the 2-dimensional surface and becomes its 3-dimensional entity, i had to learn from her, i knew i wanted to "see" what she did in the everyday. So imagine how excited i was when i asked her to fly half way across the world and teach at my STUDIO and she said YES!
wanting to be perfect right out of the gate, i am not going to lie, i struggled the first day. i wanted so badly to "see" what she sees that i lost sight of appreciating her gift of process. that as an artist, i could never see what she sees. that gift of sight is intuitive and quite possibly a very intimate part of the process for each artist and she was right there in front of me sharing it with us...i needed to listen.
day 2 i allowed the lessons of the day before marry and filter through my intuitive process. Jo worked effortlessly with each student and the artwork being produced was magic. i was open and i created with Jo's guidence.
the gift of learning, trusting and listening is what Jo gave me...her artistic process, techniques and generosity inspired me.
i was able to create in a way i had never thought i could, not to recreate art, but to see the art in the everyday.
Jo taught me to see.
thank you Jo, i am so grateful and so very proud of this piece.
i remembered to capture a couple stepping stones along the way, thought it might be fun to share. (its kinda hard to believe it myself i am glad i did)
she helped me create a makeshift light box to help me "see" the highlights and shadows
to find out more about Jo Barby and her art, i have included a few links below.
PanPastel artist : Paint. Draw. Blend
Facebook page : Joanne Barby Artist
Instagram : Joanne Barby
{i am super thrilled to say she said she would fly half way around the world and teach at the studio again! you'll know the details when i do and i will be the first one to take a seat!}
for a complete listing of all upcoming STUDIO events click here
Girl you should be proud. Can't hardly tell is a drawing and not the live jar and brushes!
Posted by: Christine | March 06, 2015 at 08:32 AM
a beautiful piece of art Donna..thanks for sharing..
Posted by: renee | March 06, 2015 at 08:37 AM
Amazing! It is beautiful!
Posted by: Roben-Marie Smith | March 06, 2015 at 08:45 AM
I thought you had collaged pictures of brushes onto the canvas! But better than pictures and they sure say Donna.
Posted by: Mary W | March 06, 2015 at 08:48 AM
Go ahead and put me on the list when she comes to teach again!!
Posted by: Ellie Moore | March 06, 2015 at 09:06 AM
This is truly amazing!!!!! It's on my bucket list!!!!
Posted by: [email protected] | March 06, 2015 at 09:15 AM
Oh My how I just LOVE this one. It is just beautiful
Posted by: Marianne | March 06, 2015 at 09:18 AM
Add me to the list, too. I won't hesitate the next time JB comes to teach. I was just intimidated by her amazing work, and have been kicking myself for missing the opportunity. Hope she comes back soon. Your piece is gorgeous.
Posted by: Debbie Mc | March 06, 2015 at 09:22 AM
Thank you for bringing Jo over, it was one of the best classes I've ever taken. Spot on with this post and I love love love this painting!!!!! Brilliant!!!!
Posted by: Mel McGee | March 06, 2015 at 11:19 AM
Oh Donna … such beautiful work! No wonder you feel such a powerful response and such pride in your achievement. I'd be thrilled to pieces if it were mine!
Posted by: Wendy | March 06, 2015 at 11:30 AM
Absolutely fantastic, you must be thrilled with your picture I know I would be. Amazing x
Posted by: [email protected] | March 06, 2015 at 12:00 PM
Gorgeous work, as always, Donna. It's refreshing to see a teacher who helped with technique and application. So many say it's not necessary, anymore. But like you said, stepping stones to develop are so important. Love your work and you. Miss you guys!
Posted by: Susie King | March 06, 2015 at 01:48 PM
Gorgeous art! Fantastic job! I would be very proud of this if I were you, sista!!!
Posted by: Jill | March 06, 2015 at 01:50 PM
i thought she was a fabulous teacher and your art brushes were truly a work of art. i usually like to take one class from one
teacher and then move on to another different experience from a different teacher. i would take another class from joann barby in a heartbeat. i feel i have more to learn from her to improve my art. i had so much fun and saw an improvement from my first painting to my second painting
Posted by: fay copeland | March 06, 2015 at 02:53 PM
Just LOVE this piece...would love to be on the list to know when she is coming again!
Posted by: Helen | March 06, 2015 at 05:31 PM
put me on the list for when she comes back
Posted by: Fay Clymer Copeland | March 06, 2015 at 05:40 PM
I loved her class - I had been cyber stalking her as well. Not only is her art amazing she is an amazing teacher. I was afraid I would be intimidated when I got there - wondering what I was doing in this class with this kind of talent but she made me feel comfortable from the minute I got there. Put me on the list as well - I would love to come and work with her again. Anytime , any place - I'm in!
Posted by: Luanne Green | March 07, 2015 at 09:03 AM
Absolutely stunning! Worthy of a beautiful frame and its own wall.
Posted by: debi | March 08, 2015 at 10:45 PM