When I advertised this workshop with the South African Society of Artists, I was amazed and pleasantly surprised at the response that I received.  The workshop was fully booked and there was a waiting list.  It was obvious that there are many serious artists who are very keen to improve their abilities and they want to learn from the best instructors to reach their goals.   Judith Carducci, an internationally renown artist, came from America to give this workshop.
Our home, called the “Enchanted Garden”, was the venue for the workshop.  Our lounge became our workshop area for 15 artists, our entertainment area was where we met in the morning for a chat and coffee before the workshop began and where we enjoyed lunch. My studio was where Judith did demo’s.  There were 4 models everyday.  One for Judith to work from in the morning and in the afternoon the 15 artists were divided into three groups and there was a model for each group.  
On the morning of the 21st the artist started arriving for the workshop.  There was great excitement as Judith met and greeted everybody in the entertainment area.  At 9 am we went to my studio to observe Judith do a demo. A video camera provided close-up details on a big screen. The medium she worked in was pastel.  It was interesting to see how she started her drawing in charcoal. She continually explained to us what she was doing and why she was doing it.  She emphasised how important it is to work from life. She pointed out the importance of values, how to look for the shadow pattern and not to lose it. She emphasized the importance of colour temperature and she reminded us to always ask ourselves what the hue and what the temperature of the colour are.  She discussed edges and stressed the significance of looking for the hard and soft edges.  While she was drawing the head, she would name the parts of the skull. Her knowledge of anatomy was remarkable. Every 30 minutes the model would have a 5 minute break and during this time Judith spent time going through the anatomy of the hands and the ears. She then continued working on the portrait. All the time she gave a thorough explanation of the process and her technique. The atmosphere was relaxed and artists were welcome to ask questions at any time. Within 3 hours the portrait was complete and all the artists were in awe and very inspired.
We enjoyed a delicious sit-down lunch in the entertainment area and the artists had the opportunity to chat and discuss things.
At 1pm we were at our easels filled with inspiration.  Artists were encouraged to work in the medium of their choice.  Some worked in pastel, some in charcoal but most of the artists worked in oils. We worked until  4pm.  During this workshop session, Judith walked from easel to easel and gave each artist individual instruction.    We asked Judith lots of questions, we wanted to learn and we wanted to get the best advise possible. 
Sunday was the third and final day of the workshop.  In the morning Judith did a stunning painting of Zonke. 
Lunch was a feast, soup to start with, oxtail in the “Potjie” and roast chicken thighs, with cakes and tarts for desert.
At 1pm we were working furiously at our easels.  When we finally put our brushes down, we felt satisfied and happy that we had learned a lot.  
We gathered in the entertainment area for the last time.  Judith offered to give a critique on our work. Each artist chose one of their paintings for this session.  Judith went through each selected work and asked the particular artist how they felt about it. She then gave encouraging and constructive criticism on their work. Deep down we realise that an artist’s life may not be easy, but when we look at Judith we can see how rewarding it can be.  It takes a lot of hard work, faith in ourselves, strength and perseverance. 

Below are some of the e-mails that I have received from the participating artists. 

“I have been wanting to thank you all for a wonderful workshop! Your organisation & hospitality was fantastic Sonia & Peter & his mom's cooking was delicious & your girls were delightful – thank you!! Judith is an excellent teacher & so generous with her knowledge & experience. Having not done much in the way of portraits before I am now so fired up to go. I just loved the three days. Thank you so much!!”
Noeline

“Thank you for a most enjoyable workshop at your lovely home. Judith is an amazing person and what
an artist! I wish I could paint with her for so much longer as I have learnt so much”.
Talbot

“A deeply satisfying workshop. I was enamored by the ease of Judith’s skill, but more so by her vitality. I was taking mental notes all the time. Thanks again for making it all happen”. 
Nadia

“Just to say you planned everything very well and the success was no doubt as a result of your personal effort and Judith's willingness to explain everything so well, and in a kindly manner. Thanks once again”
John

“Thank you for a wonderful weekend. It was amazing! Thanks to hubby for the great spoils, the food was great. You have a lovely home and setting for weekend workshops”.
Brian

“Thank you for your warm hospitality, you husbands and mother in law’s cooking and of course for the most fabulous fabulous course!!!!!I really learnt so much and loved every minute of it”.
Helen

“Just wanted to once again express my thanks to you and your family for the awesome course you put together.
Have come back inspired to do my self portrait this week, cheapest and most available model I can find right now,
Then the challenge to not rely on my own photos anymore”.
Sandy

“I just wanted to thank you again for you and your family's embracing the whole concept of the workshop. Please convey my thanks to Judy too. She is a brilliant teacher and the kindest person too”.
Beth

“Thanks once again for creating the opportunity for us to be taught by Judith.  She's an absolute gem”.
Laura

“Just a quick note to thank you for all your hard work and organization for
the superb workshop. I certainly learnt a lot and had a wonderful time.
Peter

To all the participants, thank you! Without you, this workshop would not have been possible.
To Judith, thank you for an outstanding workshop. You have inspired us all; we really appreciate your expertise and your teaching.