Gourds

7" x 10" Watercolor

Today in Pat's class, we had about an hour left, and she put these gourds out on the table, and said, "Paint them!" - so we did! Not the best thing I ever painted, but not the worst, either. Sometimes I think it's rather fun to just work quickly, without much thinking - and see what happens! Lots that I would do differently with more time, but, "Such is Life"!

This Saturday, I'll be flying to Kansas City and visit for a few days, then my daughter and I will be driving down to Liberal, Kansas (in the Southwest corner of Kansas) - to attend my 45th Class Reunion. I know that it's getting nice and cool in KC, so I'm looking forward to that! These days of 90 degree heat have just about worn out their welcome! Maybe some of the trees will have color, so I'll take some pics!

Anyway, I'll be away for 10 days! See you on the flip side!

By the River

11" x 15" Watercolor

So my class on Thursday wanted to paint trees. Well, trees aren't usually the main subject in a painting, but I decided to come up with a little scene for them to paint. It was good enough to incorporate a few little lessons - and they all did very well with it. I think I'm starting to run out of steam - and new things for them to learn. They need to just practice, practice, practice! Next week, they will all bring in something that they want to paint, and we'll see how that goes. Even with all the stress, I'm loving this class! Lots of warm, funny, amazing women - we have a good time!

Another Bouquet

12" x 16" Watercolor

So in my class today, we made bouquets out of all the pretty flowers that I brought in, and painted them. As the instructor, I was hoping that my painting would turn out better than this - but it did turn out to be a teaching moment. I showed them what I didn't like about it, and what I did. I think it helps sometimes to show them that I can have problems with a painting that I did, too! (What was I thinking about putting that little leaf "skirt" around the top of the vase?!) So, next week, they want to learn about painting trees. Oh Dear.........!

Pat Kelly-Sistrand

I'd like to introduce you to my wonderful instructor, Pat Kelly-Sistrand. I've been taking her watercolor class for a couple of years now - every Tuesday afternoon. She has taught me so much about this craft, and I want to publicly thank her for that! In her class, we always do "Critique" first thing, bringing in paintings that we have done over the week. She has such a good eye for finding just "that thing" that will bring your painting to life, and make it sing! I find myself trying to figure out what she's going to say! I make sure that I have all my darks and lights in, know where my light source is, and check composition! But, there seems to be always something else that it needs!


Now that I'm teaching my own class, I find that most of what I want to pass on to my students are tricks and techniques that I have learned in Pat's class. She's truly a gem!


When we left class yesterday, she challenged us to paint something from life - so I went and got some flowers and put them in a pot. Actually, this is exactly what my class will be doing tomorrow! I'm bringing in lots of flowers, and they're bringing in some vases, and they'll be painting an arrangement from life. I'm really not so happy with this painting (who knew that sweet-smelling stock is so hard to paint?) Maybe tomorrow I'll be better at it!

12" x 16" Watercolor