Another painting lesson
Last week, my friend Isabel invited me to stay with her for a few days in a beautiful cottage in the English Lake District. The cottage overlooked Lake Windermere and was part of an old converted school. While I was there, she asked me to show her how to paint in watercolour since she wanted to try it, but had never painted since leaving school. We started with a blue flower and then moved on to a strawberry. I will let her tell you of her experiences, in her own words.
“I think the best thing was that you chose very simple shapes and a single colour. Even using something as simple as this, I was able to learn a great deal. I also appreciated watching you demonstrate, seeing you do it and then for me to create my own version. I found it interesting that you were aware that we see things differently and was prepared to let me paint what I saw, for example the sage green strawberry leaves.”
“You made it much less scary by stressing the fun element and the fact that it was very private; that no one needs to see it. By saying that, the process became almost more important than the outcome and the pressure was taken off. You have always said that time passes quickly whn you are painting, but I had thought that that wouldn’t be the case with me. I thought I would struggle so much I would lose heart, get bored and want to stop soon. In fact I almost missed lunch - most unlike me!”
I am very happy to say that Isabel went off and bought paper and books on watercolour painting and drawing so I am sure she will get as hooked on it as I am. Thanks to Isobel I had a very happy time with her at her cottage and look forward to seeing what she paints in the future, that is if I’m allowed to see it.
Aileen