In 1959 I wanted to be an artist. My father, who was paying for my education, wanted me to be a teacher so he sent me off to college thinking I would emerge a “Teacher”. The first day at school I was signing up for classes. There was a long line for the “teaching” clases, so I wandered around and saw that a shorter line offered Graphic Design. I signed up to earn a degree in Graphic Design with a painting minor. I never told my Dad.
In 1963 I graduated from Carnegie Institute of Technology, now Carnegie Mellon University, with a BFA in Graphic design. On Graduation Day I had a lot of explaining to do. Shortly after graduation my family and I moved to Kansas City. I had a tough time finding a job. Years later I found out why. I had one of the first degrees ever awarded in that field!
I worked as a graphic designer/art director for 25 years. I also painted nights and weekends, participated in local art shows, exhibited in galleries and even owned a small Art gallery of my own. About thirty years ago I married and moved to California, There I joined a group of plein air painters. I found my passion with the beautiful California Landscapes as an inspiration. Eventually someone asked me if I would teach a class to 6-7 women who liked the paintings I did. The rest is history. Yes Dad, I am a teacher and a painter.
I often hear people say: “I have always wanted to learn how to paint with watercolor but, I think it is way too difficult to do.” My response is always the same. Learning to paint with watercolors is like any other relationship you have in life. It starts with desire. Soon there are a lot of shy attempts to create familiarity. You visit galleries and shows so you get to know what’s available. You go shopping for the right things to make yourself look confident. You buy brushes, paint and paper and then a lot of other “stuff”.
Finally you find a teacher an expert, that knows tricks and tips for painting with watercolors. and buying supplies. You look at the works of other painters and infatuation takes hold. You are driven to express your love and admiration by mirroring the object of your affection. After a while your love and your progress disappoints you and there is a spat. Everything looks dreary and ugly to you. You feel angry, alone, miserable, and hopeless. DON’T GIVE UP!
Like all relationships, the difficulties soon become experience and you start practicing new ways to solve your problems...you are in Love again! . Take your time and it will happen. Soon you will learn the tricks that work, you will meet others that share your world and with practice you will begin a lifetime of passion and pleasure. Painting becomes your best friend, your passion, your joy, and it will give you a lifetime of happiness.