Watercoloring

Signing up for a watercolor class was easy. Getting the message from the teacher we’d paint outdoors was both exciting and scary. I’ve done less than 10 painting in my life, and in the past 5 years only coloring book images. Out in the open sounded way more visible than I’d anticipated.

With just six in the class we carpooled up Mount Evans to Echo Lake, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echo_Lake_Park arriving at 10am the air was chilly and there was a breeze. Hiking around the perimeter of the lake looking for a protected spot the breeze grew stronger.

After setting up the wind changed directions and drawing and holding our paper down at the same time was a problem. A fisherman at the next the next turn in offers his spot with wonderful bushes breaking the wind.

Janet is a wonderful teacher because she breaks everything down into little steps and gives advice with liberal does of praise. We spend the morning drawing. The first sketches to catch the essence of the scene are just a bunch of squiggled lines. Then we draw the scene again concentrating on light and dark values. Finally we draw a contour of the scene on our watercolor paper.

Now the sun is high and the wind calm. I try to figure out how to paint in 10,000+ feet altitude where the pain dries as quickly as I apply it in the bright sun. The teacher comes over and drowns the color blocks I have. Wow, would never have guessed I could use so much water. I’ve been dry coloring instead of water coloring and didn’t know it.

Families walk the lake and stop to watch and talk. A couple’s young kids ask to look up close. They ooo and aaahh at each with big eyes.

At the end of class I take a deep breath as my turn arrives to share my work. I have a lot to learn, but that’s okay. I had fun and want to do more. For now I’ll just label my work so everyone knows what it is.