Planning a collectors Studio Class,WIP Finished, Getting ready for this weekend's classes, A discussion on Cornbread

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I am loving the suggestions I'm getting for a Collector's Studio Class. I totally love this idea and I'm so glad I have the chance to do it. Now I just have to come up with the actual plan. I'm one of those "idea" people who come up with lots of ideas. Executing them can be something else again :>)

Here is my vague idea for the class.

2 hours with a food and beverage break in between so it would be about 3 hours total.

1. Introduction to myself and my work.

2. A painting demo which would incorporate a lot of talk about color mixing, composition, values and so forth.

Break for lunch. BBQ sandwiches or hot dogs.

3. What to look for in a good painting. A discussion about the elements of design, color harmony,style etc. The emotive quality of art and the relationship between collector and artist. Tips for collectors.

4. Question and answer session

I would put together a packet for each guest with brochure, postcard, card from my agent, tips on collecting and biz card.

Does anyone have ideas to add or opinions?




Myakka Palms Finished at last. This painting took awhile. I just didn't know where I wanted to go for awhile. I had to fool around with it for a few days, changing directions three or four times to figure out what I wanted to do. That doesn't always happen thank goodness.








I'm getting the studio ready for my next Open Studio Class. I ordered 5 table top easels today to add to the four I already have. I can seat 9 people at those easels and I also have my paint box, and a half box FE that I can use at a table, so with the large easel I have 12 spots for students. Of course they have to leave their satchels and storage boxes out in the utility room :>) If more than 12 come, I can seat four more on the back porch. I feel better knowing I can accomodate my friends now. It is such fun class. I never know who is coming or how many, which is part of the fun.

I have the Plein Air Monthly lesson plan ready too. This month will be at the botanical garden, so it should be lovely. There is a huge bamboo forest, a large water garden and a substantial palm arboretum as well. Lots to choose from.




Cornbread

Cornbread is so good. Nothing better. I have been eating every kind of cornbread all of my life. My favorite is the bread made with white cornmeal. it is less sweet than the yellow cornmeal. Some people put sugar in their CB but I don't like it much. I like that slightly bitter taste of cornbread made with white cornmeal. The best place to buy premade cornbread in Alachua County is Hitchcocks Grocery Store. Their deli serves the ultimate in cornbread. I go there just to buy it. It comes in large flat squares. I have begged Alan Hitchcock for the recipe for years to no avail. It is a well guarded secret. I love to bring it home, refrigerate it overnight and slice it in half, grilling it with butter for frying pan toast with eggs and bacon. Oh MY!!!! It makes my mouth water. I also love the corn sticks that my grandma used to make in the cast iron molds. They were so delish!! Everyone knows that a cast iron skillet is the best way to bake cornbread. In fact, I use cast iron for all of my cooking.

Southern Cornbread

3 eggs, beaten
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups white cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup butter, melted ( bacon grease is even better)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar


Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Pour butter or bacon grease in the cast iron skillet and let it preheat in the oven for about 10 minutes while preparing the cornbread batter.
Mix soda, baking powder, salt and sugar with cornmeal.
Add buttermilk, eggs, and pour melted butter or bacon grease back into batter and mix well.
Pour into the hot skillet and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.