Watercolor Teaches Me About Life

Watercolor Lessons

The creative process and specifically watercolor, is coaching me in the school of life as well.  My thoughts get over cluttered with my tendency to overthink things. Watercolor teaches me to keep it simple and that less is more as this is the approach to a successful painting and life.  The beauty of watercolor is the transparent glow between the layers.  Like watercolor paintings I am learning (thanks to Brene Brown) to reveal my layers and be more transparent.  Balance and margin in my days remains a goal.  Again watercolor shows me the way.  A painting is more relaxing to view and paint if there are pauses and areas of inaction.  The blank spaces on the paper can add just the right balance and rest in a painting. And finally I am learning and teaching others to enjoy the process and not get too caught up in the results.  Let go of the "ideal".  To hold tightly to expectations and results leads to continued disappointment.  This holds true in my relationships and my paintings.  Watercolors continue to inspire me both personally and artistically.  The calming techniques of watercolor painting with the therapeutic benefits of taking time to create motivates me to keep painting and teaching.  I look forward to sharing creative time with you at Studio 22!

“The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect”

— BRENE BROWN