Saturday, March 10, 2012

Winter Tree in Watercolor

One of my challenges to myself this year is to get out of the house and find the real-life community I've been missing. Sounds simple, right? But I've spent the better part of the last decade home in the evenings, nursing kids before bedtime and generally being on-call (this was by choice; I'm not complaining), which meant getting to a knitting group or sewing class or anything at night, really, was just not happening. Now that I can do such things, the challenge is to get myself to go, because it's easier to let my natural homebody impulses take over, get into pajamas when the kids do, and snug up at home. But I'm not going to meet anybody new that way, am I?

A couple of weeks ago, while I was out for knit night (see? I got out that night!), I saw a flyer for a one-night watercolor class at a local store. One-night classes are great, especially at this time of the year, when my husband travels a lot. So I went home and signed up. On Friday my daughter woke us up at 5:30, and we spent most of the day out and busy. By the time dinner rolled around, my eyes hurt, I was so tired. I filled a travel mug with coffee and went to the class anyway. I'm so glad I did!


I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was so happy with the class. I hoped she wouldn't have us copy her exactly so we all ended up with the same painting, although I figured I'd at least learn some techniques that way. But she didn't! She had a stack of photographs of winter scenes and she had us each pick one. I smiled when I saw most of them included trees; it seemed like a good sign. Then she talked us through how to approach the painting, which means I came away feeling like I'd learned quite a bit in only two hours. Although I've been playing around with the watercolors at home, I haven't had the confidence to make that leap to attempting anything representational. I understood the general process, but I really needed someone right in the room saying You can do it, and this is how.

I came home full of happiness, and my husband and oldest (who wasn't in bed yet) were suitably impressed--it's nice to have an in-house cheering squad. (My husband has mentioned it would look nice in his office.) It's a first try, but it's given me the excitement and confidence to try some more, on my own. The instructor is a natural-born teacher; she teaches kids and adults and clearly finds her joy in sharing what she knows and inspiring others.

This was a good way to begin the weekend. I hope you are enjoying yours!

8 comments:

Rose Red said...

Isn't it great that you found such a great teacher! It can make the world of difference to your enjoyment of a new craft (or should I say art, in this case).

Sally said...

I really like it too! I'm part of your down-under cheer squad. How flattering that your partner said it would look good in his office. He didn't have to say that... that's a hard-core compliment.
It really is you. The wintery tree. Very your style. How wonderful.
I'm like you... although sometimes I can be in my PJs BEFORE the kids!!! I'm NOT shy so people often think I'm an extrovert - they couldn't be more wrong. I'm a snuggling on the couch in my own world introvert through and through.

Jennifer J said...

I like it. It looks like something you would do. And it makes me happy to look at it. I hope you have a great weekend!

amy said...

Thanks, Jennifer J. I wish I knew how to email you back to say that~your comment that it makes you happy to look at it is so kind.

And hey Sally, I *did* email you. :) Thanks for being part of my down-under cheering squad. Really, I need to move to Australia...

Donna Lee said...

I love it. Both my husband and one of my daughters have some artistic talent. I have framed some pieces and hung them. They make me happy. I like art done by folks I know. On my office wall is a painting by a former client and of course my line drawing of myself and a doctor.

Your tree captures the colors of deep winter, something we haven't see here this year.

Carolyn said...

It's wonderful that you captured this winter that wasn't on paper. Beautiful, and I love your use of color. I never did well with watercolors when I took art in high school, but I so wanted to.

Bells said...

what a great outcome. I agree. One night classes are a good idea - even without kids at home I find the committment of a class every week just so draining. Suddenly I have homework and I don't like it.

I think it's lovely your painting could end up in C's office! It's worthy!

Michelle said...

Oh, I love it!!! What a wonderful experience and I so love the result! I hope they have more classes like that . . .