Friday, September 27, 2013

"I don't paint things. I only paint the difference between things." -- Henri Matisse

I have completed one six week watercolor class.  The last session was a breakthrough for me, and I was able to create or finish three pieces that my instructor felt were worth framing.  I offered Leroy his choice as a birthday present, and he picked the one  shown below.  Later, he mentioned that he would really like to have all three.

So I framed the three and hung them in the kitchen in a kind of mini-gallery.  It may be that we'll get tired of looking at them, or that my style of painting will evolve over time -- in which case I can either add more framed watercolors to the wall, or use these frames, standard for watercolor paper, to display newer work.


One thing I know for sure:  I am never bored when trying to paint.  Some may see it as arrogant to frame anything at this early stage of learning how to paint.  Others may suggest that there is little or no sign that I am taking a course in the Volunteer Park Conservatory in the 12-15 watercolors that I did paint during the course. I don't really care what anyone thinks.  I've got a lot to learn and hope that at some point in the future I will actually be able to paint what I see.  In the meantime, Matisse's quote seems appropriate.  I'm signed up for another six weeks of classes at the conservatory. 



1 comment:

Lorraine Whelan said...

Congratulations on the work - keep your attitude and keep framing things as you see fit! It is better to live with your work than hide it under a bushel! :)