Dear Wanda,
The chance to learn the color wheel and the atmospheric color chart and then step outside and see it for yourself in the surroundings was invaluable. They don't teach the craft of painting in college. Painting is a creative process, but only to a point, then you have to rely on a set of learned skills. There are many aspects of painting, which can be learned. Things like lighting, key, value, color and composition. Learning these things at the workshop put me way ahead of the curve even at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Even to this day, I refer to the notes I took at the workshop when I am starting a new painting. The workshop helped me see that I am an artist. It made me realize that the hunger I have to create is what makes me an artist, and that with practice, and the right tools and mindset I could become a better artist. This is the mindset I still have. I am very confident in the strength of my work and I know my best work is still to come. This is what keeps me painting, knowing that each piece I complete is a lesson learned for the next piece. Creating art is a never ending learning experience, and teaching art even more so. There are many valuable aspects to the workshop. It is hard to name just one. One that comes to mind that has helped me in my own work and in the classes I teach is learning plein aire painting. It has influenced my studio work more than any other skill. Learning to paint outside from professional artists at a young age was excellent. Plein aire painting taught me to see for the first time. Now, many years after that experience, I am teaching others those same lessons. I don't think there is any better way to learn how to paint. Learning from professional artists was incredible. To get to see them paint or sculpt was like getting to see a magic show from back stage. With the secrets revealed, the dream of someday being that good seemed more attainable. The thing that stands out is the people. The positive creative energy that was shared by the instructors is what stands out to me. Nowhere else have I experienced such a force.
Jason Cornish-Michigan
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Wanda,
Thank you for your plein aire workshops in Seattle and at Rising Wolf Ranch in East Glacier. I am always inspired by your teaching and believe I am learning a few paintings skills. Your personal ability to teach each of us is what makes these events so special. All of us are most grateful to you in coming all the way from Montana to help us out in painting.
Roger Bacon – Seattle
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Hey Wanda, just a note of thanks for your dedication, enthusiasm and support again this year. You and Mark have added such a wonderful dimension to the workshop.
Pam Dean Cable
Director Susan K Black Foundation
Colorado
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Dear Wanda,
How blessed we have been to share with you another grand Rising Wolf Workshop. We are truly grateful. They`re always super, but somehow this year`s workshop was even more special. Super weather; mostly long time friends for lodge mates, and great food. Again, it was a 4.0 workshop in every respect.
Fondly, Liz Moss
Seattle
I usually just give an apple to the teacher, but this year's Montana Art Workshop was so special that presenting you with an apple at the 2010 Workshop just won't do it! And Liz concurs; we both gotta write to thank you.
The way you and Joe Bohler explained painting techniques, color uses, composition, perspective, left/right brain function, clay sculpture, and more, and the indoor and outdoor counseling we got employing your guidance, so impressed me that I came home and enrolled in two community college courses, so next year I will arrive at the Wanda Mumm Rising Wolf Ranch Workshop with a running start.
Furthermore, one of the pieces I did this year was actually a keeper! I even went out and had it framed. It cost me a bundle, but it's now hanging in our home. I'll bring it to Montana in 2010 and the gang can admire it while we're savoring a glass of wine and waiting for one of Diane's gourmet dinners or before we sit on the porch and watch the moon rise over the Sleeping Indian Ridge at Jim Stewart's rustic old hunting lodge. We sure hope most of the 2009 crowd will return for morning and evening hugs and all day laughter and learning.
Gratefully and Fondly, Bob Moss
Seattle
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Wanda,
I was recently an artist participant in the 2009 Susan K Black Foundation workshop held in Dubois, Wyoming. One of my personal goals was to get over my hesitation to go outdoors to paint. I have been painting landscapes for four years in the studio from photos and wanted the extra oomph of color and texture that I heard painting in the field could provide.
With Wanda's experienced guidance I was able to overcome my fears and venture outdoors. I received lots of practical tips on how to set up, what to bring, and even more important, what to leave behind. (Most of my brushes and most of my paint colors....) Wanda also stressed the importance of a viewfinder and a quick thumbnail sketch .She helped me get the hang of how much detail to put into the sketch to be useful in the composition of my paintings. Before that instruction I was continually getting lost in the wide-open spaces of outdoors. As I painted, she gave me guidance so I could correct values and other issues as they were occurring. By the end of the week my paintings were looking better. Making the transition from studio painting from photos to plein aire is very daunting, so I would encourage anyone anxious to get outside to seek out some time with Wanda Mumm.
I have also enjoyed her book "The Workshop Experience" which reinforces many of the tips she stressed during our week. I am looking forward to painting on location with Wanda at Glacier Park next year. Wanda has vast experience in working with all levels of painters so I am sure you would get a lot out of your time with her. Be not afraid! Go forth with courage and paint! (But the right teachers make it so much easier.
Daryl Shankland
Quincy, Illinois
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This is the second year I have attended Wanda Mumm's Montana workshop. I enjoy the camaraderie of the other students, as well as the peacefulness of the ranch setting. It is close to Glacier Park, so painting in the park provides beautiful landscapes you won't see anywhere else. The ranch itself is quit picturesque and comfortable as well. I enjoyed the plein aire painting and enjoy being outside in the fresh air, away from the phones and chaos of everyday life. During the workshop Wanda taught us how to mix colors to get the proper hue, how to paint the sky with clouds, how to shape various types of trees and the use of highlights and shadows, before we even went into the field to paint. This really helps out once you get out there to have a base of information to start from.
As Wanda assists the other students with their paintings, I learn from what she tells them as well as what I learn from my own trials. She reminds us that everyone sees things from a slightly different angle, as well as you don't have to paint it exactly as you currently see it. You may take an artist license to paint it with spring or fall coloring, whichever your preference is. She also stressed there is no right or wrong painting which eases any tension you might have about being a beginner and painting with other students. She is there to help you meet your painting goals and objectives and what you feel you would like to learn and work on. I enjoyed the workshop and have already made plans to attend again next year!
Debbie Peterson
Montana
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How special the group of people are you assembled for the 2009 Montana Art Experience. They all, from the participates to the instructors, made me feel very comfortable. Thank you for the instruction and motivational pushes. Truly, a totally treasurable experience.
Kevin Perry
Indianapolis, Indiana
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