Watercolor is a gift that found me in 1989, in the form of a pack of kids watercolors and a pad of paper that was in the middle of a shelf, out of place, in Walgreens as I was shopping before heading on a much needed brief vacation. I’d been drawing cartoons on tee shirts and aprons as gifts for friends and relatives and any thought of turning myself into an artist was more than 15 years in the future.
I am primarily self-taught, having been in school systems that did not have much art available. So once the watercolor bug bit, I simply played with pigments, water and paper on the precious Saturday mornings I had while juggling work and other responsibilities.
About 1999 I started looking for a teacher who might teach in a way I’d find appealing. I found Dick Helland after a couple years of walking around local art fairs talking to all the watercolorists. I painted with Dick until 2010 when I moved to Naples. My works have been in a number of Gallery’s in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Naples garnering various awards.
In Naples, I started sharing my love of watercolor with small classes at local establishments like Cafe Nutrients and Naples Beach Brewery as I realized that sharing the delight of watercolor was a wonderful activity.
I now teach watercolor for the United Arts Council in the Collier County after school programs and Grace Place. I also conduct classes at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center for adults and children, at my studio, Art2Amaze Gallery & Studio, Marco Island Center for the Arts, and a once a month class at COCO Art Gallery in Coastland Center.
My premise is very simple: Don’t be afraid, It’s only paint and paper.
My favorite students are the ones that walk in saying “I can’t paint-draw-be creative” and who walk out, smiling, with a completed watercolor painting wanting to paint and create some more.
These introductory to intermediate classes create a foundation for a new watercolor artist to experience the joys of watercolors and a place for more experienced watercolorists to paint, without mandating the purchase of a good amount of expensive supplies.
Watercolor classes for beginners, those folks who have always wanted to paint but were put off by believing watercolor was too hard and difficult and not fun and those experienced watercolorists who don’t have space or supplies to paint. I aim to keep the sessions light and fun. I provide all the necessary supplies from paint and paper to brushes and sponges. Sessions are structured to accommodate continuing students as well as those who are only
visiting.
My classes are focused on making watercolor approachable. Taking the fear of making a mistake out of the equation is essential. I incorporate basic mindfulness techniques, as a way to overcome the barriers to creativity. These classes are centered on the why and how watercolor is such a pleasure. I’m all about joy, not perfection.
Supplies are included. Time and cost varies by location.
