I’m sitting in a comfy chair and looking around at the beautiful surroundings, watching people I know and don’t know go by and I hear myself tell myself, “Gail, you are soooo lucky to be here, right now, in this place.” Which place you may ask? The IAPS 2022 Convention at the Hotel Albuquerque in New Mexico, USA.
Now back home, I’m slowly getting over COVID-19. Yes, I arrived home with it along with all my memories but thankfully, I had nary a symptom while at the convention. And with the quiet of rest and recuperation, I’ve had lots of time to reflect on IAPS 2022 and all that it meant to me. I started to think of the whole thing as the Art of IAPS 2022.
So let’s have a look at what I’m talking about.
There’s the Art of Pulling It All Together, done so well by the Board, the Exec, and the legion of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Bravo to them!
And then there’s the Art of Coming Together. There’s an art to balancing deep conversations with trying to spread yourself around to somehow connect with the many many people you may want to converse with (and the list gets longer each IAPS!). There are old friends and then there are all the many new ones nurtured to this point only on social media who you’re meeting in-person for the first time. And then there are brand new friends made in this moment of IAPS 2022. So you can see, there’s an art to making sure we’re in touch with all these marvellous people.
Probably one of my favourite moments was spending unexpected and extended time by the pool (there’s a pool?) with Michele Ashby and her husband Paul. Speaking for myself, I really felt like we were already good friends after years of connecting over Facebook. And even with the lovely conversation we had, it felt like we’d barely scratched the surface of deepening our knowledge of each other.
Another memorable moment was accidentally getting into a deep convo with IAPS President Richard McKinley on my first evening. He’s a busy guy so this was a treasure!
I wish I’d been able to spend more time with Lynn Howarth who again, I’ve known for years on social media yet meeting for the very first time in person. We actually didn’t even see each other at the convention until Saturday, the night of the Banquet! I don’t know how we kept missing each other but we did. And still we only had minutes to hug up and say Hi and wow wasn’t this amazing. But as Lynn said, we’ll take up our conversation when I visit her in Scotland next year!
Happily, I spent a lot of time with my roomie Brenda Boylan and we both spent time with the lovely Aaron Schuerr. I also had snippets of conversations with Duane Wakeham and Richard Sullivan (two of my favourite people!). A spontaneous dinner out with members of Pastel Artists Canada was a delight.
I also had some unexpected airport time with an artist I’ve admired for a while now, Diana Sanford.
And oh how fun to meet IGNITEr Gisela Llorens in person. Yay!
And there were so many others it seems I only managed to wave to – Adrian, Tony, Albert, Sally, Don, Carol, Sandra, Lisa, Tanya, Stephie, Lynn A, Anne H, and the list goes on.
And finally, there was some lovelies who were fans…of mine! I’m only me and yet, they made me feel like a superstar. Thank you!
Then there’s the Art of Book Signing. As an instructor, one of my paintings was included in a beautifully produced souvenir book. IAPS organized a book signing session with aaaaaallllll of us instructors lined up in the beautiful hotel courtyard portico. Ohhh the art of signing and personalizing and not getting hand ache lol! Oh and the signer to my left? None other than Glen Maxion! We had a fun time between signings. Great to get to know him and later his wife (briefly!).
And what about the Art of the Demo? There were many and I was lucky enough to sit in on two as a volunteer camera operator! I happily absorbed the working methods of a hero of mine, Margaret Dyer. She worked quickly and confidently, drawing up the figure (from a photo) and laying down the colour, alternating cool and warm temperatures. And she did this twice in the three hour session! Magical!
The other demo I sat in on was with the delightful Teresa Saia whose colourful work explodes off the paper! It was brilliant the way her image developed so quickly.
And then there’s the Art of the Workshop. In this case, mine! Entitled, Do Less With More, I had a small group which worked for us all – I was able to give more time to each student. They were diligent and committed to the work I laid out for them to do which as a teacher is so rewarding to see. I also looooved hearing those Ahas!
There’s also the Art of Buying (and Selling)! Yup – the candy store as it’s affectionately known. Less than the normal number of vendors (due to COVID restrictions or not enough restrictions), it was still a fun place to be!
And finally, there’s the Art of the Art meaning the Art in the accompanying exhibition. I’ve selected a few pieces that caught my eye and then hooked my mind and heart. There were more of course but with limited space, I’ve whittled it down to these few. And oh the choice was difficult! (You can see the whole exhibition and winners here.)
Next time, I plan on staying longer so I can experience the Art of Exploring Old Town, the Art of Connecting with More People, the Art of Plein Air Painting, the Art of Letting Go and Dancing (whaaaaat? How did I miss that this time?! It’s a high point of IAPS for me!!), the Art of Just Being in Stillness…by the Pool, the Art of Better Scheduling So I Can Do It All. So my list is set for next time!
If you were at IAPS 2022, what was your highlight, your one Art of…? And if you weren’t there, are you planning to be there in 2024?
Until next time …when I have a cool guest for you!
~ Gail
PS. There’s also the Art of Catching COVID! That would mean getting lax with mask-wearing and also having a bit of an ostrich-head-in-the-sand hope. Ah well.
PPS. There’s another Art of…but I kept it here for those of you who make it to the end. It’s the Art of Saying Fuck It. Whaaaaat you ask? Yup, that’s what I said. So you may know that while at IAPS, I usually create a bunch of short videos with different artists asking them one question. I had planned to do the same thing this IAPS (continuing the tradition since 2015) but you know what? I realised this visit, I had waaaaaay less time than I have had in the past. For instance, one whole day was taken up with my workshop and another five hours in the day were taken up with volunteering. these were new activities for me. And although at past conventions I’ve always demoed in various pastel booths in the “candy store,” my time was flexible. These new activities were not. And then there were all the many people to catch-up with, more each convention! I was feeling overwhelmed. So after having a lovely long visit with Michele Ashby, I realised these interactions and connections were, in the end, more important in this time and place, than creating videos. So I said, Fuck it, I’m not doing them. Sure I’m sad now that we don’t have a new set of wisdom nuggets from more artists but don’t worry, I’ll be sure to build in the time to do this next time!
26 thoughts on “The Art Of IAPS 2022”
The Art of Recognition
Gail, we had the shortest little “Hi, are you Gail?” moment in the hallway between sessions. I am the gal with the red walker from Las Cruces. The one with freckles… Anyway, it was fun meeting and discussing “How to Pastel” with you. I, too, was very impressed with Teresa Saia’s beautiful demo, as well as Albert Handell; he’s a bit of a wizard, isn’t he?! See you in 2024!
Hah! I love the Art of Recognition! And Kim, yes, the red walker! Such a short Hi 😀 And agreed, Albert is a wizard. I’m sure you caught his long guest interview post?
See you in ’24!
Hi Gail,
Once again, it was the highlight of my first IAPS experience to meet you! You are a treasure! Just wanted to let you know I came home with COVID as well! COVID the gift that keeps on giving….NOT! Since, I was able to pollute my entire family with it. Hope you are feeling well! xo xo your super fan Bernadette
Bernadette, you are soooooo sweet! I’m glad I could be a part of your first IAPS experience. Oh how rotten about COVID! I have a feeling the Fiesta was a great place for sharing lol!
I hope you’re feeling better. Cam and I seem to have fatigue as an ongoing gift….Baaaaaa.
I enjoy your posts!. I’ve never attended IAPS, but I want to go next time, and 4 of my classmates want to go too! Could you tell me the dates of the 2024 IAPS convention? I know it’s in August, but I can’t find the exact dates. Thanks!
Hey Mary Beth, what fun a group of you would have at IAPS!! I don’t think the 2024 dates have been announced yet (or at least I haven’t heard about them yet). Keep an eye on the IAPS website. You say you know it’s in August – you may know more than I do! The dates are usually in June but perhaps something has changed? See you there!
IAPS was ‘off the charts’ wonderful ! I didn’t know I could be that excited and happy for so many days in a row ! The connecting and catching up with previously-met friends, making new friends, finally getting to meet the PAC gang, all so soul fulfilling. The more tired I felt, the more my batteries were being charged ! Each workshop I took expanded my vision so greatly, each demo left me breathless and in awe of what people are capable of. Finally connecting faces to art I so admire was truly thrilling. And to find how genuinely warm and welcoming they were was such a treat. I don’t know if I’ll get to a 4th IAPS but if this was my final one, it is surely a great one to have as final memories.
I play tourist for two days after IAPS, previously enjoying Taos and Santa Fe, this year I headed southwest to the Carlsbad Caverns. No words, no photos, can do this place justice. It’s an overwhelming immersive experience and I’m so grateful I got to see it. Eleven hours (there and back) for a 2 1/2 hr experience was SO worth it ! Thanks for you workshop, Gail, I struggle to grasp all the concepts of colour and value, but you’ve got me on the right track now, I think ! Glad you are overcoming Covid, one other person I know of also got hit with it, but he’s fine too. Grateful to the organizers who insisted on full vaccination… it could have been much worse.
Cheers,
Lauren
Ohhhh Lauren, your enthusiasm is in full force. Thank you so much for expressing so wonderfully the feeling of being at IAPS. As you say, it’s soul-filling! And I laughed at “the more tired I felt, the more my batteries were being charged” – exactly!! I loved seeing the Pastel Artists gang too – gotta keep the Canada call loud and clear 😁
And ohhhh the Carlsbad Caves – I’m adding that on next time! That’s a long trip for two and half hours so I’m glad to hear how worthwhile the trip was!
Thanks so much for taking my workshop. Colour and value is a lifelong study but slowly, slowly, things will slip into place and there will be ahas a long the way. Glad you feel like you’re on the right track. A one-day workshop is enough to scratch the surface and that’s it!
Wonderful recap….I was so sorry to miss what would have been my 9th IAPS convention and receive my Master Circle award in person. The demos, workshops, exhibitions, friendship, and fun have always been worth the trip to Albuquerque and I agree that IAPS does a terrific job in organizing the event.
Missed seeing you Lynne and congratulations on your Master Circle award! Maybe next IAPS? It was so great seeing Tanya and I reminisced about what a lovely time I had with you and Ed when you billeted me when I taught in Naples. So wonderful!
So glad you’re recovered from Covid. Thanks for this wonderful memory! I loved your insights and it looks like we both had a marvelous time! My highlight was a slumber party every night like highschool girls, chatting about our art adventures of the day. So I guess that would be “Art of the Roomie”!! 🙂
Art of the Roomie!! Yes!!! Why didn’t I think of that? Carol, your slumber parties sound so fun 😁
Usually I have a fridge stocked with wine for after-evening get-togethers but somehow that didn’t happen this year. Will rectify that next time!
And let’s have a glass and a chat at our next IAPS! I want to get to know you!
Here’s hoping you’re feeling better, Gail! Thanks so much for the wonderful portrait of IAPS. I had signed up to attend this year but then chickened out (fear of COVID, fear of war with Putin, etc)…..truly hope to go in 2024 and meet you in person — our very own celebrity! You take care, and thanks for your wonderful blog (and am also enjoying Pastel Today!).
Thanks Paula. Slowly slowly I’m becoming me again!
Try to come in 2024! It’s an amazing experience. And hey, I’d love to meet you (and aren’t you sweet!!).
Thanks for bringing a taste of the IAPS convention to those of us who didn’t attend. Sounds like a wonderful event. I will have to plan to go next time. And so sorry you got Covid!! But happy to know your symptoms weren’t severe. Thanks Gail!!
Ruth it would be AWESOME if you made it next time! It really and truly is a special event!! (Despite covid which again, I am so thankful waited until I got home!)
Thank you Gail, I really enjoyed our breakfast together at the convention. We had a table of very happy people. I look forward to the next time!
That was fun wasn’t it? I love how these spontaneous gatherings happen!!
I missed connecting with you in person, Gail, but I know you must have been busy. I was too! My IAPS arts are:
The Art of Enjoying Myself. I allowed myself to consider this a ‘vacation’. I let myself enjoy the workshops and demos with very little to no self judgment. I ate at nice restaurants. If I needed time by myself, I let myself have it and squished down any false guilt.
The Art of Learning from My Mistakes: I did not plan enough time for wandering around Old Town or painting out. I will plan time for that in 2024.
How did we miss each other Esther??
LOVE your Art ofs! How brilliant of you just to allow yourself to enjoy yourself – no pressure!
I relate to your second Art of and want to do better myself with that one too!
Love your thoughts and sweet memories of your experience. Truly a magical time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Lisa! Sorry not to get to chat at the event but I know you were one of the super busy bees!!
This was my first IAPS. I never realized that I could be so relaxed & excited for 5 days in a row! I met all the instructors that I’ve taken zoom classes with & was fortunate enough to attend 2 demos a day! So sorry I didn’t connect with you but I was in Teresa Saia’s class & instantly recognized you at the camera. So sorry we didn’t connect, I would have loved to meet you & chat a bit, especially about your upcoming workshops. Thank you so much for the recap. IAPS 2024 can’t come soon enough. Hope you’re feeling better from Covid.
Hey Patti, welcome to the IAPS club lol! It’s pretty incredible isn’t it? And it sounds like you made the most of it.
And ack yes, I’m sorry I didn’t meet you but makes me giggle a bit to have been recognised at the camera 😁
If you’re interested in any of my workshops and want to know more, feel free to drop me an email.
Feeling much better thanks!!
Sorry I missed you at IAPS. You are so right. It was an amazing whirlwind! I always can enjoy your blog…. Till next time.
Well darn Loriann!! I would have loved to have had a chat at IAPS. Next time!!