"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots". Marcus Garvey
When I walked out of my college commencement I had accomplished majors in both biology and art. James Green, my art prof, was the one that woke up my interest in art from years of sleep, which thrilled my mother. It didn't thrill her so much as it cost me another year of college debt.
At first my primary concern was acquiring a job, along with a million other graduates, and to continue my interest in painting and drawing. They seemed like obvious intentions yet as time went by they became less important as marriage, children and jobs became the main focus.
I remember sitting with my kids while they watched Bob Ross (it's all his fault) paint on t.v. It was interesting, but not compelling at that time. He was enjoyable and convincing to watch and his approach to painting was amazing.
Fast forward to about a year ago when my interest had become photography which allowed both my painting history and access to such programs like Lightroom, Photoshop, Snap Art, etc. to combine for interesting results. At the same time I could vividly remember my watercolor experiences in college and a yearning to "rejoin" were becoming more annoying as I continued to resist the calling.
Finally I took the whispers seriously and began to wander through various YouTube videos to learn some basics. What I learned was that my hands weren't steady with a brush and my concepts both confused and vague. At this point I realized I needed some hands on instruction. My first solution was to relate my secret (kept from my wife so I wouldn't be exposed to spouse pressure:) ) to a good friend and artist Judy Thompson, judy thompson watercolors.com, and began getting some needed education into the finer points of watercolor. As time went by Judy realized that I needed some hands on instruction, but we lived about 90 miles apart. Judy then pointed me toward a good local friend Anita Plucker, artworkbyanita.com , and things started to roll from there. Anita, like Judy, have amazing teaching skills as well as beautiful art skills. I've followed both for years and each has their own style and concepts.
The above digital image was my first choice for beginning to add watercolors to paper. It was a foggy scene from a few weeks ago, but was concerned about the difficulty.
I'm taking weekly instructions from Anita and this is the first exercise that is still in the process of finishing. Much like my photography and past experience with art I take time away from the painting, sometimes and entire day or two and then return to refine some concepts.
This new connection, I believe, has also affected my photography, whether it's taking a more refined look at my subject matter from the view finder or the final touches of the editing process.
I'm realizing that I am enjoying my reconnect with brushes and paint.
Thanks for joining me at my blog and have a really inspiring summer....maybe even consider one of the courses at the Pearson Lakes Art Center or Arts On Grand.
Places to see more of Daniel's work:
Pearson Lakes Art Center - lakesart.org
Arts On Grand - artsongrand.org
Recent Comments