It’s always fun to learn something new, right? Well, it can also be challenging and frustrating! I spent the past three days in a watercolor workshop at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, and there were moments when I was ready to pack up my stuff and head out the door. I had to step outside my comfort zone and draw on resources that I didn’t think I had – to paint without photos or sketches as a guide, to be bolder with paint, and to experiment without a preconceived idea of what the end result would be. For someone like me who likes to be in control, these were scary ideas!
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| “Appalachian Landscape” 8 1/2″ x 11″ |
The instructor, Robert Yonke, was remarkably patient with all of us. Endlessly enthusiastic and encouraging, he kept me going, even when I was a little puzzled at times as to how to proceed with a painting. I’ve admired his work for years – take a look at his website and you’ll see why. His colors are luscious, and I like his use of selective detail.
So, I persevered and actually did end up with some paintings that I like. I think I’ll be able to incorporate a lot of what I learned into my work. And it was probably good for me to be reminded that things don’t always come easily when you’re learning something new – I’ll try to keep that in mind the next time I’m teaching free motion quilting to someone who’s never tried it before.
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| “Idle Hours” 10″ x 12″ |
Watch for more new paintings in coming days …
(All of these paintings will be offered for sale soon at Artisans, Waynesburg, PA. If you would like to purchase an original painting or a print, just drop me an email.)
