This years convention was smaller than most but definitely more intimate than most as well. A big part of that had to do with some of the events this year. There is no shortage of activity in Reno, Nevada. Whether it be the ability to gamble 24/7 or the plethora of shops and restaurants, there was always something to do. I personally enjoyed the moments I had with my peers, speed painting being my favorite.
I knew I wanted to participate in the speed painting event but at the last minute decided I’d sit back and as a viewer instead. When I shared this with my friend Cleta she convinced me otherwise. Now let me describe Cleta to you.
Cleta is a very attractive lady who has enjoyed a thriving career in business. She is a very smart and talented artist. She has a soft voice that could make you mistake her as being shy as it did to me. When I spoke to Cleta about not participating, she said I should. Being as shy as she is, I thought to myself that she’d never do it with me. As if I were a child I replied “I will if you will.” To my surprise she said, “OK”! All right then, game on! Cleta and I quickly figured out what we wanted to paint, picked our spots in the back of the stage and decorated the floor around us with a few glasses of wine for inspiration of course!
As the music started we all got into our own zone. It was so much fun to be painting side by side with other artists, drinking wine to the sound of someone’s playlist while others could stand by and observe. Midway through I stopped to peek around - it was amazing to see what others had come up with. To my left, Lori Wilson of Golden had created a green masterpiece of The Hulk, and behind me was so much more! At the end of the hour we all stopped and walked around looking at each artists technique and use of paint in such a small amount of time. It was extremely satisfying.
Speed Painting to music 2012 Reno, Nevada artists included Alli Kay, Pierre Finkelstein, Mindy Hunt Harrell, Cleta Grant, Margarate VonKaenal, Susan Mathers, Lori Wilson and Krista Vind and Patrick Ganino. Looking forward to next year’s speed painting in Indianapolis! See you there!
11 Comments
Janie
I truly admire the artists that got up on stage and painted. Ya’ll did a fantastic job, each and every one of you. Thank you so much! See you on stage next year in Indy.
28 Aug 2012 10:08 am
Luis
I didn’t go this year but did get “feedback”, (not particularly good btw) Perhaps the current strategy for these conventions needs to be altered a bit. I used to go so that I could learn a few cool techniques, but not at the cost of 1800 bucks or more.
Perhaps some cost effective classes hmm? Or something? But I fear that next year may be even smaller until it’s gone.
How do we save it? Yup there it is, I said it.
28 Aug 2012 11:08 am
Pat Ganino
Classes ranged from 100 dollars to 450. A lot of them 9quality ones I might add) were near the hundred to 200 range so I am not sure if there is much more room to lower these costs. Rooms were under a hundred a night and food was more than reasonable. Demos were fun and inclusive. This was the best next best convention I have been to since San Francisco in 07. Although this was a smaller event I still liked it a lot and thought it was more personal and the venue was great. Next year is in Indianapolis and should be amazing. I am an east coast kid but have been to Indy and it is a great city!
28 Aug 2012 02:08 pm
Janie
Oh we are not going away! And many people told me that Reno was the best convention they’ve ever been to. Come to Indy and join us.
28 Aug 2012 05:08 pm
Cleta
Pat, you are such a sweetie! What a blast this was – thank you thank you for speed-painting with me! I sure hope speed-painting is an event next year. The time truly flies and it encourages you to just paint fast and free (the wine helps, too…)
Reno was the best IDAL convention I’ve attended, no doubt about it.
The energy and enthusiasm were contagious; I hated to see it end.
28 Aug 2012 07:08 pm
Pat Ganino
Uh oh Cleta. Is that a commitment for Indy? if you go, I will! ;)
29 Aug 2012 09:08 pm
Julie Stonehouse
You captured the fun Pat! Great article. I had no idea that you and Cleta almost didn’t participate. You both looked so natural up there…
Luis — you really should have been in Reno. It was a quick plane ride from San Diego. And Pat has it right about class prices, room rates, food prices, and low early bird registration at $50. No way it was going to cost you $1800. Please contact me or any other board member directly if you have any ideas about how to improve the event.
Indianapolis — October 8 –12, 2013!
29 Aug 2012 04:08 pm
Pat Ganino
That was the wine Julie! ;)
29 Aug 2012 09:08 pm
Cleta
LOL – you’re on, Pat! It’s on my calendar….wouldn’t miss it.
04 Sep 2012 04:09 pm
Kathy van Gogh
Wow, that looks fantastic! Wish I’d been there to watch that.
24 Nov 2012 10:11 am
Brian
I will be there 2013, contagious it is, thank goodness it does nott heal. so invigorating. Only thing is I am just in the clouds in such company I cant take it all in. An experience of a lifetime. I think as long as there is one, it will remain..
01 Jan 2013 07:01 am
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