Purpose
My purpose in creating this website was to create a space to display the output of creative urges; as an outlet for musings and observations about the journey to find joy and satisfaction in artistic expression; and to share information with like-minded or merely curious viewers.
Getting started
Took up watercolor after retirement and am mostly self-taught. Began copying works from magazines and then started trying to paint from photographs taken on camping-fishing trips. Am often surprised when a work comes out better than hoped for or expected; and equally dejected when something does not come off as envisioned. But that is the challenge and satisfaction of working in this medium.
Early Days
Began drawing with graphite (pencil) several years ago, but only off and on, and then just sketches. Have found the drawing experience to be especially useful with the watercolor medium. Find that drawing informs the subconscious of the subject and that the shapes and tones that make up the scene are well established before the painting begins. It is particularly helpful to complete a small “value” study before starting to paint. In the early days the scene was drawn either directly on the watercolor paper or on drawing paper and transferred to watercolor paper using graphite or later a light table.
Joining a Community
Joined the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society after going on one of their “paintsite” excursions. Painting in plein aire with such a talented group of painters was both challenging and intimidating. Feeling insecure about the lack of skills almost one year lapsed before going on another outing.
Since then have committed to doing the best I can with current skills and knowledge and to work hard to acquire skills and develop competence by just “doing” it!
Growing Through Art
Learning to work in watercolor is like learning anything where knowledge and skill are involved, like music, sports, or dance. There are basics to be absorbed and developed through practice. Read somewhere that practice makes permanent, but only correct practice makes perfect. To be competent requires practicing the basics until they become habits, like scales in music, movement in dance and fundamentals in sports. Like most of life, this is a journey, not a destination and is reflected in the works displayed here.
Come Explore!
Inside you will find examples of my work from the earliest days to present, resources I have found and lessons learned on this fabulous journey.