Blue Verandah Art Camp
In 2001, Kelly Luscombe Bea moved from San Francisco to establish her art studio in Ojai. At that time, she wasn't planning on forming an art camp, however, after teaching art at the San Francisco Day School, the De Young Museum, Gallery Luscombe and her Noe Valley studio, her students requested to visit her in Ojai to continue their art explorations under her tutelage and voila, the overnight camp was born. From 2002 forward, small art camps (4 - 10 students) and private groups have gathered to create art in the idyllic atmosphere of the Ojai Valley at the relaxing and beautiful site of the Blue Verandah (aka Ananda Verandah).
See photos of site Here.
See photos of site Here.
Art Explorations
:My philosophy has always been to cultivate the unique creative expression of each student while providing a solid foundation of art techniques to work from. Art Sessions vary according to the age of the students and their expressed interests in the Art Camp Questionnaire. The art camp is restricted to a small amount of students (4 -10) in order to devote significant time with each one. Exercises in art techniques will be shared in order to build confidence and as a means to express the artistic vision of each student.
Various focuses within the Art Sessions may include, but are not limited to:
Figure drawing/painting (clothed model, faces, figures, hands, clothing and drapery studies , cartoon studies, animal studies)
Landscape painting (mountains, orchards, rendering of plants and trees, perspective)
Color studies (mixing own blacks and greys, color wheel, neutrals, earth tones, warm and cool, hue saturation and contrast)
Light and Shadow (charcoal, pencil and paint, rendering of shape and form via light and shadow)
Painting techniques (traditional and non-traditional from thin paint to impasto, proper handling and care of brushes)
Printmaking (monoprints, collagraphs, stamps, simple bookmaking)
Mixed media, Assemblage, Sculpture (collage, pen and ink, incorporating found objects and boxes, wire, wood, metal, clay, fabric and other unusual materials)
Ceramic Mosaics
Clay: During longer sessions only as the clay pieces need time for drying and firing.
The Flow: Usually, the first part of the art camp are spent doing exercises to hone art skills. Exercises such as drawing simple objects and faces to drawing and painting figures or landscapes or collage, mixed media or sculptural techniques are explored. From the middle to the end of camp, each student chooses an area of interest and pursues this freely with the support of art instructors. The final night before leaving camp, the participants' artworks are celebrated in an on-site exhibition celebrated by the students and friends. Parents are invited to attend as well.
Various focuses within the Art Sessions may include, but are not limited to:
Figure drawing/painting (clothed model, faces, figures, hands, clothing and drapery studies , cartoon studies, animal studies)
Landscape painting (mountains, orchards, rendering of plants and trees, perspective)
Color studies (mixing own blacks and greys, color wheel, neutrals, earth tones, warm and cool, hue saturation and contrast)
Light and Shadow (charcoal, pencil and paint, rendering of shape and form via light and shadow)
Painting techniques (traditional and non-traditional from thin paint to impasto, proper handling and care of brushes)
Printmaking (monoprints, collagraphs, stamps, simple bookmaking)
Mixed media, Assemblage, Sculpture (collage, pen and ink, incorporating found objects and boxes, wire, wood, metal, clay, fabric and other unusual materials)
Ceramic Mosaics
Clay: During longer sessions only as the clay pieces need time for drying and firing.
The Flow: Usually, the first part of the art camp are spent doing exercises to hone art skills. Exercises such as drawing simple objects and faces to drawing and painting figures or landscapes or collage, mixed media or sculptural techniques are explored. From the middle to the end of camp, each student chooses an area of interest and pursues this freely with the support of art instructors. The final night before leaving camp, the participants' artworks are celebrated in an on-site exhibition celebrated by the students and friends. Parents are invited to attend as well.
Art Teaching
I am committed to nurturing artists, adults and the next generation of artists, young artists. I enjoy connecting with students and giving back to the greater community through teaching. Although I am very serious about art education, I try to establish a creative and relaxed, easy environment to work in.
My goal with the Ojai artist retreats and camps is to have an in-depth experience with students. I stop everything in my life for a few days or a week and enjoy exploring and sharing artistic mediums, not to mention having a bit of fun at the same time. After this, I return to my own artwork in full force, without the distraction of classes. I get more done this way, and feel that the students, by putting aside their normal daily life and focusing entirely on art for awhile, also go to a deeper level with their artwork. In addition to helping students open up and concentrate in the studio, I want to share the overwhelming natural beauty and serenity of the Ojai area. Between experiencing a wonderful closeness to nature (via short walks and enjoying the indoor/outdoor living space) and the concentrated time in the studio to work on artwork, I believe that doors will open for students. Bio of Kelly Luscombe Bea Other artist instructors are brought on board for each camp as needed to support students in their art-making process, and will be announced once they are confirmed!
My goal with the Ojai artist retreats and camps is to have an in-depth experience with students. I stop everything in my life for a few days or a week and enjoy exploring and sharing artistic mediums, not to mention having a bit of fun at the same time. After this, I return to my own artwork in full force, without the distraction of classes. I get more done this way, and feel that the students, by putting aside their normal daily life and focusing entirely on art for awhile, also go to a deeper level with their artwork. In addition to helping students open up and concentrate in the studio, I want to share the overwhelming natural beauty and serenity of the Ojai area. Between experiencing a wonderful closeness to nature (via short walks and enjoying the indoor/outdoor living space) and the concentrated time in the studio to work on artwork, I believe that doors will open for students. Bio of Kelly Luscombe Bea Other artist instructors are brought on board for each camp as needed to support students in their art-making process, and will be announced once they are confirmed!
Beyond Art
During non-studio times, students may swim in the pool, pick fruit, read, journal, play guitar or other instruments and relax. During such times, many ideas come forth that inform the students' works in the studio. Dance, yoga, kareoke and evening fires will also be options. There will be some movies available for night time. Students can also bring their own DVDs. There is no TV reception. There is wi-fi but students will be asked to access their computers minimally. There will be trips into the town of Ojai and to draw inspiration from other artists' studios around the valley. Walks to nearby orchards or trips to landmarks may also be an option.
Meals: Since there are 4 - 10 students maximum, the students (in pairs) will rotate cooking simple meals and cleaning up. Cooking skills will be shared, as will table setting. There is an abundance of fresh fruit, avocados and herbs on the property, not to mention organic farms in the area for excellent produce. The Blue Verandah is the site of one of Ojai's oldest farmhouses, and in this atmosphere and spirit, students will be expected to pick up after themselves and do their part by pitching in to help.
Lodging: Students will have the option to sleep inside the main house or guesthouse or in the outdoor teahouses with their own sleeping bags/or bedding.
Meals: Since there are 4 - 10 students maximum, the students (in pairs) will rotate cooking simple meals and cleaning up. Cooking skills will be shared, as will table setting. There is an abundance of fresh fruit, avocados and herbs on the property, not to mention organic farms in the area for excellent produce. The Blue Verandah is the site of one of Ojai's oldest farmhouses, and in this atmosphere and spirit, students will be expected to pick up after themselves and do their part by pitching in to help.
Lodging: Students will have the option to sleep inside the main house or guesthouse or in the outdoor teahouses with their own sleeping bags/or bedding.
Private Blue Verandah Art Camp
What is a Private Art Camp?
A private art camp is created by a student and parent (supporting the effort) who wishes to gather friends to create art in the Summer together at BVAC (Blue Verandah Art Camp). The best length of time for the art camp is from 4 days to 8 days and the ideal amount of students would be from 4 - 10.
How to Create a Private Camp
Gather together some friends and pick some dates! Students are asked to fill out the Art Camp Questionnaire, which gives me ideas about what kind of art the students are most interested in. From that point, the camp art focus emerges naturally.
Cost of the Private Art Camp: The cost includes art materials, art instruction, meals and lodging. (It doesn't include transportation to camp, or the cost of packing and sending art after camp.) There are Paypal and Credit Card options for payment. Personalized transportation (with myself or my Art Assistant) to and from the airport (Burbank or Santa Barbara) can be arranged for an extra fee.
A private art camp is created by a student and parent (supporting the effort) who wishes to gather friends to create art in the Summer together at BVAC (Blue Verandah Art Camp). The best length of time for the art camp is from 4 days to 8 days and the ideal amount of students would be from 4 - 10.
How to Create a Private Camp
Gather together some friends and pick some dates! Students are asked to fill out the Art Camp Questionnaire, which gives me ideas about what kind of art the students are most interested in. From that point, the camp art focus emerges naturally.
Cost of the Private Art Camp: The cost includes art materials, art instruction, meals and lodging. (It doesn't include transportation to camp, or the cost of packing and sending art after camp.) There are Paypal and Credit Card options for payment. Personalized transportation (with myself or my Art Assistant) to and from the airport (Burbank or Santa Barbara) can be arranged for an extra fee.