Rocky Mountain High – Art in the Aspens with Michael J. Lynch

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

The greatest obstacles we overcome in life are frequently the self-imposed ones that prohibit us from taking chances for fear of being rejected, not good enough, making a mistake or messing the complicated nature of life up even more than it is.  I’m guilty of  self-imposed restrictions/obstacles and have fallen victim to letting fear rule my life.  Fear of being hurt again, fear of being told I’m not good enough or talented enough to pursue dreams, fear of being alone or not finding that group of people that you belong to. You get the idea – where fear ends up taking over your life so much that you aren’t actually living it.

The pandemic and an upcoming birthday made me re-evaluate where life is currently, where it was, and the future.  It has pushed me into a forward thinking mindset and out of my comfort zone deciding to conquer my fears and give myself the opportunity to pursue what has been missing in my life.   I love creative endeavors like writing and art and  have been a dabbler in both, occasionally picking the brushes up and playing with paint, or writing, but always allowed the voice in the back of my head to say I wasn’t good enough and should just give up and focus on my job at the bank.  The COVID lockdowns eliminated social/work obligations and gave me time to improve myself.  I started signing up for online art and language courses. The beauty of these classes was that I could do them on my schedule.  I was seeing improvement in my painting skills, which gave me the confidence that I could sign up for an in person plein-air workshop.  I had been intimidated the past couple years because I have a tendency to compare myself to other students skill levels, and I am not a professional artist, so previous experiences left me feeling incompetent. I’ve been learning that this mindset is dangerous as you need to give yourself permission to fail and learn from that experience, especially when acquiring/improving skills.

I came across a workshop that Michael J. Lynch (one of my favorite artists) was teaching in Colorado and signed up for the class – it was a three-fer for me.  1) Michael J. Lynch is like a painting god and all the artists I know and collect put him up there with Sorolla and Sargeant – so I was putting myself out there to learn skills to improve my painting from a modern-day artistic genius, knowing full well I would be the least skilled student there; 2) Traveling alone, something I had not done since the pandemic started and probably before the pandemic because I was becoming a little too comfortable in making excuses not to travel because I would be traveling solo; 3) Colorado was  on my “f”ucket list of places to visit – since I was child I wanted to visit, okay move, because obviously Colorado was so much more beautiful than Montana (or maybe just away from all the childhood memories that haunt us).  I could not have selected a more perfect workshop, or group of participants if I tried. Everyone in the class was highly accomplished in their professions yet humble and focused only on the week of learning. There were no braggards, egos or high-maintenance individuals in the group, just a welcoming happy group of people.

Art in the Aspens has been hosting art workshops for over 20 years in various locations in Colorado including some studio classes in addition to the plein-air workshops.   Marty and Bonnie put on an experience that is top notch for everyone – instructor and students. Marty works with top quality artists that are also excellent instructors, with the ability to be relatable to their students. There is not a detail that is missed from pairing students up for accommodations, dietary/health restrictions, transportation, excellent meals three times a day including adult beverages, and continually checking on everyone during the course of the workshop.  They also make sure there is plenty of interaction with the students/artist before and after painting each day.  The encouragement and problem solving skills that you develop with this interaction is priceless. I can’t tell you how many times that the dynamic duo came by and gave a word of encouragement, shared an laugh, and made me feel included in this artistic community.   It’s not easy to take a group of people with distinct personalities and preferences make everyone feel immediately at home – which is exactly what they accomplished. This is definitely a five star experience in workshop terms.

Michael is the most amazing instructor. His ability to adapt to everyone’s skill level and not make anyone feel like they didn’t belong was endearing and appreciated by all.  He gave everyone individual attention, pointed out what was working and suggested changes or things to improve on.  His demonstrations were like watching comedic, artistic brilliance. He would have you laughing while you are staring in amazement at how he can take a few brushstrokes and capture the essence of this vibrant landscape. Talking about your process, why you are doing things and painting at the same time is an acquired skill. I came back with a brain full of information to help improve this skill I’m trying to learn, and renewed appreciation for the ability to create magic on a canvas.   It’s also the first time I have taken color studies from a workshop and used them as a reference at home for a larger version. I’m hoping he has another workshop next year because I can’t wait to take another workshop from him (plus, I’m hoping that my skills will have shown some definite improvement between now and then).

If you are considering venturing out to a workshop, here are a few tips:

1) Make sure the workshop will accommodate your skill level – i.e. if you have never picked up a brush or mixed colors, look for beginner or all levels. Intermediate or advanced level only will just make you frustrated.

2) Find an artist who paints in a style you enjoy. Though everyone paints individually, you will find aspects of their painting style making it into your work and painting philosophy.

3) Go with the mindset that you are there to learn new skills and not to come home with a weeks worth of beautiful paintings to frame and hang on your walls, in a gallery or give to friends. The learning mindset is necessary as you will get the most out of it and be more willing to try new techniques. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, or for help to master a technique – but don’t expect the teacher to finish your painting. You don’t learn unless you try and do it yourself.

4) Don’t compare yourself to other students there. Everyone is at different levels, and paints in a different style. Focus just on yourself and what you can learn to improve your work.

5) Plein-Air Painting – if you go with the attitude that these are just color/value studies to take home and use as a reference along with the photos you take, you will paint quicker and capture more of the moment you are trying to capture rather than constantly chasing light and adjusting your palate as the light changes.  The morning light is different than noon, and late afternoon light so you can’t start a painting in the morning and end up with the same light/shadow at the end of the day.

6) Make sure to review the list of recommended supplies, reading material or any homework given prior to the workshop.

5) Take notes, make friends, share information. The people you meet are workshops are likely to become lifelong friends, you share a common bond/passion in art, and you can learn so much from the lessons/perspective they have in life. As my new BFF/cabin roomie Mary said “being open to life is a gift that not everyone is brave enough to experience.” It’s probably a good thing Mary & me live on different coasts as I fear our nicknames Thelma and Louise would ring true and we would be calling CJ or Marty to bail us out of the situation.

6) “This is my invariable advise to people: Learn how to cook – try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun”  – Julia Child.  This applies to everything in life, including painting and letting new people into your life. It’s scary as hell, but if you allow yourself the privilege to learn, explore, forgive yourself for mistakes and have fun, life sure is going to be a lot more fun. And don’t forget, you are still in the game of life even if you got a little off track.

I would be remiss to not mention the great meals we had three times a day at the workshop that the skillful caterer Stephen and Joey provided us.  Not only was the food delicious, nourishing and the best way to start and end the day, the two of them welcomed you every morning with a big smile that made you grin ear to ear.  Their big hearts, great sense of humor, Joey’s dimples, Stephen’s sense of humor and ability to interact with everyone added to the overall enjoyment of the week. Their pride in cooking for us and sharing their care was evidenced in the food.  Cooking like painting comes from the heart and is an expression of joy and love.

Something changed in me in Colorado.  I went for a week to a plein-air painting workshop to escape the last days of summer, clear my mind and decompress. I returned a different, better, stronger person with a vision for my future and willingness to fail and get hurt along the way.  Maybe it was the mountain air, the breathtaking landscape, the comradery amongst fellow students, my instant BFF/cabin-mate, Michael with his ever so witty sense of humor, Marty and Bonnie’s vision and ability to relate to me, or CJ’s ability to listen to me ramble on for hours every night.  I left a piece of my heart in Colorado and cannot wait to return.