WorldWideKittyGlassesProject : May 2021

Sunday, May 23, 2021

Painting Course (Prague, Czech Republic)

As a birthday gift, Leos gave me a gift certificate for a painting course. I was a bit skeptical about it, but I had to go into it with an open mind. I have never painted on a canvas before, so I really didn't know how it would be. Even before going to the course, I had to pick an image I wanted to paint. We decided it would be best if I painted an image that meant something to me. I finally decided to pick a sunset photo I took when I was in California that included 2 surfers walking. I really love sunsets and the image just reminds me of being home. When I entered the studio, the lady got my image from the email I sent and projected the image on a canvas. I had to sketch all the areas that I wanted to paint. Then I was quickly shown how to mix colors and paint on the canvas. It took a LONG time to finish my painting. I almost didn't finish in the given time, but I was determined to finish it in one day. I started at 10am and just barely finished at 5pm with a very quick break to grab lunch. I got a lot of help with the shadows and rocks, but I managed to finish my painting. Then I had to leave my painting in the studio for 4 days to dry, but then the studio wasn't open on the weekend and barely open during the week. It was not the most convenient to pick up my painting, but I finally was able to bring the painting home. It was my first and last original painting. I do not have the patience to paint with oil. However, I am glad I did it.

projecting my image on the canvas

the workshop area

the sketches with a bit of the sky done

others working on their paintings

almost finished with the painting

checking my image and painting

working on final touches

Czech Republic 10,133

Czech Republic

Slovakia

Czech Republic 10,136

my painting needs to dry

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Glass Blowing at Pačinek Glass (Kunratice u Cvikova, CZ)

I found a show on Netflix called Blown Away, which is a competition between glass blowers. I really enjoyed the show and wanted to get a chance to go to the hot shop. My boyfriend knew this, so for our one year anniversary he bought an experience for us at Pačinek glass. We had to wait until restrictions were eased a bit to go. Since we were going to blow glass, we of course needed to have a negative Covid test. It was my first time taking the antigen test and it was super easy. With our negative tests in hand, we were on our way to have an AMAZING experience. When we first arrived the hot shop, we met with the owner, Jiri Pačinek, his assistants and another couple who was going to enjoy the experience as well. We broke off into "teams" and first Leoš and I got to work with Jiri. I got to pick which painting he was going to make into a sculpture. That was really cool. While he was making it we got to help him out. I had to hold onto the stick with the figure while he took a phone call and Leoš got to really get into it and use the torch. It was so great to say that we helped him with his piece. During our lunch break we walked around the glass garden and enjoyed the views. After lunch we worked with a young female artist to make our creations. First we made a sample piece all on our own and then we got to come up with an idea of what we wanted to create. I was going to a painting course the next day and had an image of a sunset on a beach in my hometown. I wanted to go with the same kind of theme, so I came up with the idea of waves and a whale. It was really cool to be able to choose the colors and theme of the item. The vase part included bubbles that look really cool. After our day in the hot shop was done, we went to the Crystal Temple. The church was filled with Pačinek's work. Everything was so beautiful. I enjoyed the day so much, that I recommended my parents to go (also so that they could pick up my piece). When my parents went Pačinek recognized my mom and said nice things about me and Leoš. It was very nice to hear. I will def go back again, but I will need to take some time to think of my next creation! Thanks for such a wonderful day and experience Pačinek!!!!! (Pictures are out of order because they are from my phone and Leoš's phone. This was so great because it was the first time since November where I was able to get someone to wear my glasses again (and from a world class artist as well!))