Recently I spent the weekend in New York at Katie Rodger’s (PaperFashion) studio, in what felt like a Degas dream. We spent our time sketching ballerinas and runway models and learning how to use pastels with the incredibly talented Andy Espinoza. In the mornings and evenings I explored New York City, wandering through the MET, Central Park, or the Village (and eating way too much delicious food).
I came away from the weekend feeling inspired beyond words, so I wanted to share a few photos with you. You can find more photos and videos in my Instagram stories here.
Have you ever gone on an art retreat or taken a class that you just didn’t want to end?

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work

Underpainting for my Marchesa piece.

Working on a Marchesa piece in pastel

Katie’s studio garden is a magical urban oasis

The extremely talented @CateHurlin and @Erica_Llall

Exploring the way pastels interact with water

The extremely talented @CateHurlin and @Erica_Llall

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work

The extremely talented @CateHurlin and @Erica_Llall

The extremely talented @CateHurlin and @Erica_Llall

This is the only time you’ll ever see me take a bathroom mirror selfie. ;)

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work




Wonderful weekend work from @Bonnieschen


The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work


Andy Espinoza’s amazing artwork

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.


The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.



Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work

Katie’s studio garden is a magical urban oasis

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work


Stage one of my pastel portrait


Katie’s studio garden is a magical urban oasis

Andy Espinoza’s amazing artwork

Andy Espinoza’s amazing artwork

Andy Espinoza’s amazing artwork

Andy Espinoza’s amazing artwork





Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.
My first drawing of Clara McSweeny, wearing Marchesa, done in pastel and graphite.
The impossibly tall and gorgeous Clara McSweeny, wearing a stunning Marchesa gown.

Katie’s studio is such an inspirational and colorful place to work




Katie and I

I want to live in Katie’s little garden!

Andy and I

























































Many thanks to Andy Espinoza, Katie Rodgers, Marchesa, Clara McSweeney, Erica Llal, and Cate Hurlin for creating such a memorable weekend!