After years of not painting anything bigger than the size of my Journal page (8"x10") I was recently commissioned to do a 30”x40” watercolor of the Napa Valley from my mind’s eye view. Finally, after 3 months the client got to see the final image via email (as I waited to hear his response on pins and needles) and SHEW…he loved it.
 The creative process begins. | It took the encouragement of my dear friend Erin Dertner, who paints very large on a regular basis, my Husband who believes in what he calls the “Magic in my brush and brain” and Joy West another dear creative friend who stood by me week to week with words of support and love through each stage of this piece. |
No matter how long I have painted (50 years) the insecure child within rears her questioning voice and I am reduced to the child in Canada who loved to create from music to dance and art yet never was quite sure I was “Good Enough”
 The midpoint | I have a Jar in my classroom and if you make negative comments about your work you have to put a dollar in the jar….Trust me…I have put my share of dollars in the jar when the class is not looking. Art is so very personal and subjective. |
What I try to teach (and hear myself as I say it) is to stay open to the process, have fun and most of all do not judge your work or compare it to anyone else. Class for me is a Zen Zone, an opportunity to float in the midst of color and line and movement and music.
Napa October Light, Finished Painting
This first large painting in many years has ignited the fading embers of my creative soul.Suffice to say I just ordered more giant watercolor paper to keep the momentum going. THANKS to all of you who helped to flame the fires.
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