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Wanderer at Rest: A pizza and French fries update
Published
10 years agoon
By Jamie Balke Explore Big Sky Columnist
In a previous column, I described my reticence about downhill skiing. Basically, I have very limited experience, and words like “tree well” and “avalanche” inspire a fetal position-inducing terror. All I have going for me in the face of mighty Western mountains are the pizza and French fry ski techniques.
In an effort to get over my fears, I’ve been making baby steps toward the ski hill.
My first few winters in Bozeman, wanting to actively participate in the season, I stuck mostly to snowshoeing. By this I mean snowshoeing in flat open fields, devoid of the topographical variation I associate with imminent avalanche death.
About once a year, I attempt cross-country skiing. Last year, I went with a friend who is patient and kind, but also very coordinated. I, in contrast, spent at least 10 minutes failing to get my rented boots and skis to click together.
Finally clicked in, I loved the first half of the trail. Cruising uphill through a beautiful snow covered pine forest, past stunning vistas and happy skiers, I thought life was pretty grand.
However, having made my way up to these vistas, I then had to navigate down, another proposition entirely. I crashed and burned frequently, leaving Wiley Coyote-esque body prints smattered about the landscape.
This year, a different friend equally terrified of avalanches and cross-country skiing down gentle slopes convinced me to take a series of cross-country skiing classes with her.
Two classes out of five into this clinic, and I’m already feeling quite a bit better. Thankfully, it turns out that my limited experience with pizza and French fries still applies.
The first class began with the instructor eyeing us skeptically as we described our lack of experience on skis. He handed out our equipment and suggested we might want to walk down to the practice area. Armed with my lucky hat, I tried not to take it personally.
Under the instructor’s tutelage, I clicked my boots into my skis on the first try. So far, this has proven a good omen, and our classes have been enjoyable, filled with what I will optimistically describe as progress. At the risk of jinxing myself, I’ve only fallen once, and now know the proper technique for picking myself up off of the ground to avoid wild flailing.
Although I’ve not yet worked up the courage for downhill skiing this season, I’m sure that working on my Nordic technique is a step in the right direction.
Balke’s boyfriend recently told her that people sometimes ski in snorkels, on account of deep powder. She is wondering if he was messing with her, or if that is in fact, a thing. If so, she thinks the possibility of breathing snow is another compelling reason to avoid this sport.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
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14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd