High Desert Hues, O'Keeffe Style

I just got back from my third annual five day retreat called High Desert Hues, O'Keeffe style in Santa Fe, New Mexico where Georgia O'Keeffe spent the later part of her life painting the landscape. Santa Fe has a gorgeous museum that our class visits with a private tour. We also take a trip to the famed Ghost Ranch that further helped develop her modern style. As students of the Madeline Island School of the Arts, we are privy to getting the inside scoop to all things Georgia. 

Quilt makers embark on learning about O'Keeffe, studying her art and how we can approach our own quilt making regarding color, value and sewing curved seams, using SKY ombres to capture blended textures so evident in Georgia's work. 

2024 was a sold out class with 21 students and it was enriching for all. We shared stories, techniques, ideas and good humor. Learning more about what a determined, gifted and modern woman O'Keeffe was gave us all more confidence and inspiration to follow our own path and to live the life we want. 

O'Keeffe is most famous for her florals, one simliar to this sold for over 40 million dollars. 

Our docent entertained us with stories about Georgia and "the men" in her life like Alfred Stieglitz, her mother's dedication to her excellent art education and ultimately how O'Keeffe crafted her legacy to be one of international acclaim and the most influential American female artist of the 20th century. It was an amazing week to say the least. 

Private docent tour at the Georgia O'Keeffe museum in Santa Fe had us feeling very special indeed! 

Students learn to sketch their ideas on large newsprint, sew curves, and raw edge applique to capture different textures and style. Each piece made is unique and special. We talk about quilting ideas on the last day so each person goes home with a plan! 

Chimney Rock in Ghost Ranch is a great hike for the folks who want to break a sweat after our tour, Walk in Georgia's Footsteps! 

Mary has been going to Ghost Ranch for 35 years and was so excited to create an art quilt with Mt. Pedernal in it. She reminded us that Georgia said if she painted Pedernal mountain enough, God would give it to her. O'Keeffe's ashes are spread over this very mountain, so we think she got her wish. 

Leaving Ghost Ranch....Adios! Pedernal in the background. 

Michele Wyman and Jollyne Toste, veteran GOK students worked on some pretty spicey hot projects. It's not their first rodeo! Both inspired by different works of GOK. 

We talk color, value and how to trouble shoot our work, especially come hump day. Wednesday can be a head scratcher but we work to make good decisions and continue to sew and create. 

The Marys, Sue, Carol, Donna and Jamie display their work with pride! 

A particularly special addition to the class was my sister! She loves to work with upcycled cashmere and made some big juicy flowers. I thought should put it on a hat. She isn't so sure...haha. What do you think? 

I am energized and full of gratitude for the week we had at MISA High Desert Hues. Special thanks to Charles and Annie from MISA for creating a platform for us to plan these events together. I am looking forward to next year, April 26- May 2, 2025. For 2026 I am teaching back to back weeks. The first week is for new students and the second week is for alumni only! The dates are May so stay tuned for details! Because you know, time flies. 

Now Go Create!
xx
​Jennifer