2025 October Newsletter
As artists, no matter how many years we’ve been painting, our growth is built on the strength of our foundation. That’s why for 2026, we’re taking a step back—back to the basics that give us the skills, confidence, and freedom to create anything we imagine.
Why revisit foundational skills? Over time, it’s easy to skip steps or develop habits that keep us from reaching our full potential. By refreshing our stroke work, floating, shading, and finishing skills, we sharpen our techniques, strengthen muscle memory, and build the precision that makes advanced projects shine. Even experienced artists benefit from returning to the fundamentals—it’s like tuning an instrument to bring out its best sound.
We’re planning a lineup of seminars focused on realistic textures and detail work. The goal is to bring in teachers who have skills that challenge even the most seasoned painters and open up a world of expressive, lifelike projects. Travel teachers are limited right now, but more opportunities will be announced as we secure instructors. Stay tuned!
Our monthly paint-ins will spotlight essential techniques with creative twists:
Wood burning on gourds
If you’re skilled in any of these or other areas, we’d love to see you on our teaching team. Sharing knowledge not only strengthens our group but keeps our art community thriving.
2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth, learning, and rediscovery. Let’s build on our foundation together and continue creating with confidence and joy.
Bringing back the basics,
LeeAnn Washatka, President
2026 Paint-ins
January 17th (Saturday) – Nan – Woodburning on Gourds
Chapter Dues
It's time to pay 2026 GSDP dues ($15). Checks can be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to the GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.
This year at our Christmas Party we will again be having a special raffle. Scottie Foster has donated a lovely Bavarian Folk art painted tray to GSDP. Scottie's painted pieces are sought after by collectors and she has several pieces in the Smithsonian's collection of painted Christmas ornaments. In 2000 Scottie was voted one of the "10 Top Talents in 2000" by the readers of Decorative Artist's Workbook Magazine! This list of 10 all-time favorite artists "celebrates 10 of the many influential, inspiring and accomplished decorative painters in the field today."
Tickets will be on sale from now until the drawing at the party. The cost is $1.00 per ticket. You do NOT have to be present to win.
Prep:
Teacher: Rosina Lettre
Cost: GSDP will give everyone who attends $10 in cash toward their meal, you will be responsible for the balance.
The Party will be held at the December 13th (Saturday)at Wingers (743 N Main Street, Clearfield, UT).
Meal Choices:
GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.