Erica Schaffel | Artist

I just got back from two weeks at @penlandschool and it was literally the most magical experience of my life.

Ya’ll know I’ve been struggling with painting since Hurricane Helene. So when my dear friend @chrisjehly told me he was teaching at Penland I was really on the fence about it. On the one hand, Chris is an absolute master. Learning from him felt hard to pass up. But on the other hand, I haven’t wanted to paint. How could I spend two whole weeks just painting?!

But I went. And here’s what happened:

Day 1: Chris told me to sketch an idea for a painting and I panicked. I don’t sketch or plan my paintings and this felt really far outside of my comfort zone.

For two days I fought Chris every step of the way (constantly re-evaluating our friendship 😂) while he urged me to continue fleshing out my idea through different types of sketches.

Day 3: I realized I had sketched out the beginnings of my first real collection. A dozen or so paintings that feel like the first true authentic expression of what I really want to share with the world. (I thanked Chris for putting me through sketching hell 😂.)

For the next two weeks I dove head first into learning airbrushing and acrylic techniques that were completely new to me. I was having so much fun I literally had to drag myself out of the studio at midnight every night. I have never felt so inspired in my whole life.

In the end, I left with two completed paintings, 3 started paintings, a bunch of new friends, and a renewed sense of joy in creating. Forever grateful to @chrisjehly and @penlandschool for this opportunity.

I’m waiting to share these finished pieces until the collection is done so enjoy the sneak peek and stay tuned :).

#ashevilleartist #betterthanartschool #acrylicpainting #airbrushart #acrylicart #penlandschoolofcraft