Art has always been part of my life and in those early days pencil was my focus followed by a little bit of ink and oil painting.
When I chose to reconnect, I wanted to do something different. I thought why not watercolors, thinking it would help me with my control issues.
So, I basically chose watercolor to help me let go of this sense to control, but where would I begin?
Some people go to YouTube, others dive in and with the encouragement of my husband, I took in person classes. I went weekly for several months and discovered a variety of techniques.
This was a neat time and I enjoyed these lessons.
But if I was being completely honest, I was walking straight into a huge challenge.
After a 30-year break there was a lot of fear that built up and like a fool, I thought it would be easy. For the most part it was, if I picked up a pencil and drawing pad.
But I had this goal, to learn watercolor painting to help me with my control issues. It sounds crazy but when I decide to do something I believe in following through.
Something else surfaced over the course of this reconnect, I discovered a sense of peace when applying one color to a piece of paper.
So even though I was learning all these neat techniques in class, at home I would paint with one color to help me let go of control.
For a very long time I struggled, especially when it came to adding that second color. But then a gear shifted and that flow of movement grabbed my attention as I watched them dry.
I became content with letting go because watercolor is a medium you simply can't control; if you try it will make you crazy.
I realized that letting go is what makes watercolor painting amazing and if I could paint direct without any sketching I might be onto something.
This is where the real letting go of control surfaced and creativity took over. I started applying the techniques from class using two colors and before I knew it, I was adding a third.
I was painting consistently, having fun, very relaxed and then I took a break.
Just like that the control returned, and my watercolor painting was a mess.
I recognized my biggest challenge, and frustration was coming from these breaks. Sometimes they lasted for weeks and when I returned it was like starting over.
I was tense, controlling and I went through a lot of paper until one day I reminded myself why I chose watercolor in the very beginning.
So, I went back to those single-color exercises, slowly added a second and then a third. I embraced the movement as they dried and realized the breaks had to end.
Letting go of control may have been why I started with watercolor, but why I continue is another story. I paint for the fun of it because it's my little place of calm and connection with goodness.
If you have ever wanted to paint watercolor take some in person classes. Be the beginner, learn and don't think you will be great overnight.
Most important have fun with it and leave your control at the door.
Encouraging Goodness,
Carole West
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