Hello. Mary here. I had a great time at the Art! Learning & Product expo last week. I was a little disappointed when I realized that “Chicago” actually turned out to be Lisle, IL, which is 30 miles away from the big city. However, there was so much to see and do at the expo that I was too worn out to do anything during the little free time I had.

There were lots of great vendors present, and most were offering up to a 50-percent discount, so a lot of artists were busily stocking up. North Light had a nice display of our recent titles, and we quickly sold out of several titles. Check out the links below if you’re interested in picking up these popular new books.

Watercolor in Motion by Birgit O’Connor


Splash 10 edited by Rachel Rubin Wolf

The Art of Perspective by Phil Metzger


I was also able to sit in on two workshops. The first was “Broken Color: Still Lifes in Acrylic” with Margaret Roseman. I had a great time, and Margaret even let me join in and paint my own still life! It was my first painting experience, and, I have to say, I’m pretty proud of my masterpiece.

I also attended a “Mastering Color” watercolor workshop with Karen Vernon. Karen also asked me to join in on the painting fun, but, unfortunately, I could stay for only a short time, so I figured I’d better not make a mess and run. But it looked like so much fun!

Anyone doing some art-related traveling this summer? What inspiring workshops have you attended lately?

Happy painting!
mary