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My first encounter with Mark Menendez was early 1997 when he gave a demonstration of the "Blue Heron".  Oh how I wish I could do that!  He made it look so effortless.  What magic!  I was hooked, but I knew there was nothing I could do about it.  I could NEVER do that!  I didn't even know how to begin.

The next time I saw Mark, he was giving another demonstration.  This one was "Special Effects".  This was incredible!  This made the itch I had even worse.  I had never in my entire life seen anything like this.  Again, he made it look so easy.  It was all so wonderful, this beautiful magic that I began to want so badly.  I thought about it all the time.

In early 2000 I finally had the courage to sign up for one of Mark's workshops.  My life has never been the same.  What a wonderful day I had.  Maybe, just maybe I could learn some of the magic that I saw come right out of his pencils and paint.  Oh yes, this was what I had wanted.  This made me feel so good inside...yes, I CAN do this.

In August of 2000, I began taking classes with Mark and needless to say, my life has forever changed.  I had very little self confidence when I began.  But with Mark's patience and guidance, I have produced works that I am so proud of and have even won ribbons in art shows.  He taught me the Menendez Fox Trot.  What a wonderful dance.  Just four little steps; shadow, deep shadow, light and highlight.  Maybe that's why every one of my drawings is like a wonderful dance and I hate to see it end.

Mark has not only enlightened my mind and imagination but he has also enlightened my spirit.  He cares about each and every one of his students.  Without a doubt, ark is the finest teacher of any kind I have ever had the pleasure of being a student.  He is also my friend.

The teachings of Mark Menendez will remain with me for the rest of my life.

Mark always said, "Anyone Can Learn To Draw".

Wado, (thank you)

Joyce "Little Hawk Feather" Bugaiski