Teaching is a passion!

What a pleasure it is to introduce new artists to watercolors!

After almost two years of NOT meeting in person, and despite icy road conditions and...yes, our ongoing struggle with Covid, I taught a full class at Lost Pines Art Center in Bastrop on February 5th. It was a wonderful group of various ages and experience. We painted a winter scene of mine titled "Deer Me...it's Winter". We were all vaccinated and ready to test our immunity!

I selected this scene for several reasons...it's winter and the colors are all cool in temperature except for the deer, who is the focal point. it also allows the painter to create sky, water, trees, rocks and an animal. My classes are always geared toward a beginner but many who have painted a long time are stuck in a routine that does not allow new exploration of shapes, colors and techniques. I often get a longtime painter who no longer enjoys their tried and true methods and can't think of anything inspiring to paint. That will not happen if you try a few new tricks. One is REALLY looking at things with an artistic eye. Try to capture with your phone camera ( they are really good photos) like a moment of sunlight or shattered glass, a cast shadow, a sunset on water. The other is to try underpainting and spraying, splattering and using your fingers to create textures before you even begin a scene. It is never the same.  In other words, you create your own inspiration. 

We work quickly to cover all the various sections but not everyone paints at the same speed so instructions are provided to finish at your own leisure after class. It is also better to take a break and come back to a painting when you are fresh rather than make some "tired" mistakes.

I have taught this workshop at two art centers so do not want to leave out all my winter painters...I'm proud of them all. And I am also happy to say some have repeated several one day work shops with me. 

This are a few of the images from this one day effort ....in Marble Falls, TX

And here are my Bastrop painters ... Mike has a bold approach to color

Jean was like a sponge absorbing the information 

A delicate touch with a warm yellow sunrise

True use of our color selection. I love this sky!

Many thanks to the incredible Lost Pines Art Center that is supported in Bastrop by many patrons, artists and the City government. Don’t miss their First Saturday celebrations each month!

Contact me for Art classes. My next workshop is Saturday, May 14 th at St Matthews Episcopal Church in Austin. Sponsored by Waterloo Watercolor Group: www.waterloowatercolor.org