| It seems that each time I show my watercolor | | | | There are NO RULES! It is my belief that artistic |
| paintings at shows or events, someone will say to | | | | expression lies in all of us and requires only a sense |
| me, "Watercolors are hard." | | | | of trust and the freedom to allow the flowing for |
| I smile and ask, "Why do you say that?" | | | | magic to happen. |
| THE MYTH : There is a myth circulating that painting | | | | A favorite way I freely express myself with |
| with watercolors is difficult. Why? Is it because | | | | watercolors is to paint Mandalas. Basically, painting |
| watercolors can become uncontrollable and people | | | | within a circle, a mandala, creates a meditative state |
| tend to want to be in control? Is it the effects of | | | | whereby a person freely paints anything they wish. |
| the medium? Or, what, I do not know? This myth | | | | In my experience sharing mandala painting with |
| continues to fascinate me and who knows, maybe, | | | | students, we have witnessed an array of all beautiful, |
| someday, I will have an answer. | | | | unique mandala creations. |
| THE TRUTH : Watercolor painting is not unlike other | | | | The one thing that sets watercolors apart from |
| disciplines. Whenever a person undertakes a new | | | | other painting media is that it is a spontaneous |
| experience there seems to be a "training period" | | | | method. First impressions are vital. You cannot go |
| where learning and skills are acquired. At this stage in | | | | back and change it, or rarely. This might be a little |
| the game, most people seek out an experienced | | | | intimidating to people, yet it can be very refreshing, |
| person who they admire and who possesses that | | | | too. I have found that my favorite paintings have |
| which they would like to emulate. This is true with | | | | had this light, first impression touch which magically |
| any endeavor, so why not watercolor painting? | | | | flows, no effort. It is just there. |
| What makes watercolors different? What makes | | | | Not every piece is a masterpiece. Of course, there is |
| them so different is that you never know what will | | | | always more paper. I must admit that I have turned |
| happen. Are you a person who likes surprises? | | | | less successful paintings into new paintings with |
| Watercolors will surprise you each and every time | | | | collage. Watercolor paintings are full of happy |
| you paint. A colleague of mine has a favorite saying | | | | accidents. You will never know what to expect and |
| which is "Let's see what will show up when I paint | | | | this is the nature of watercolors and most likely fuels |
| today." It is absolutely fascinating what water and | | | | the myth. |
| pigment will do. To repeat an effect is challenging or | | | | ARTISTIC EXPRESSION: The fun of creating is what |
| not possible. Each time it is unique. | | | | it we are all about, right? It is our connection with our |
| There are established techniques for watercolors as | | | | soul. I feel as if I learn everyday when I sit down to |
| with any other art medium. These skills are helpful | | | | create a watercolor painting. Watercolors change, I |
| yet not necessary to express your self in | | | | change, the subjects change. People tend to avoid |
| watercolors. Many artists, and I believe everyone is | | | | change because it requires letting go of external |
| an artist at heart, freely paint and allow what | | | | layers of beliefs. Maybe the myth is true that |
| appears to tell them where to go or what to do | | | | watercolors are difficult, what do you think? |
| next. Sometimes "what is" can be pleasing by itself. | | | | |