It’s my passion. I can hardly get through a day without painting.

“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’m enjoying my new easel. The weights in the rear counter balance the weight of the canvas. With one touch, I can reposition my painting either horizontally or vertically. How did I paint without this?

“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes I get discouraged with my artwork. I have several false starts in watercolor painting. Or I’m off to a good start and then things don’t work out the way I expected them too. My painting begins to look muddy and overworked. So I have to discard it.

At times, I lose courage and think about quitting.

After a particularly discouraging time, I aired my frustrations to a friend. She gave me a bookmark with the following poem printed on it. The words offered hope and a new perspective.

Since then I have shared the poem with several other friends who have needed some encouragement. Maybe you’re like me and are tempted to quit.

Don’t Quit

Don’t quit when the tide is lowest,
For it’s just about to turn;
Don’t quit over doubts and questions,
For there’s something you may learn.

Don’t quit when the night is darkest,
For it’s just a while ’til dawn;
Don’t quit when you’ve run the farthest,
For the race is almost won.

Don’t quit when the hill is steepest,
For your goal is almost nigh;
Don’t quit, for you’re not a failure
Until you fail to try.

Jill Wolf

Last week I enjoyed teaching a couple of watercolor workshops in Louisville, Kentucky. We focused on composition, focal point, glazing, and light source. We also discussed watercolor brushes and various painting techniques. While learning how to master the medium, I encouraged the ladies to enjoy the process.

Atelier, a French word for workshop, is a classical method of instruction in studio painting. In the atelier, the teacher paints along with a small number of students. The French Impressionist taught draftsmanship and painting in this setting.

This month I enjoyed attending Mary Whyte’s atelier in Charleston, South Carolina. Whyte is a nationally acclaimed master artist and teacher. During the workshop, she gave individual critiques and challenged our work—focusing on lost and found edges, color temperature, creating interesting backgrounds, composition, and painting from life.

Each evening after intensive painting sessions, I relaxed by exploring the picturesque streets of Charleston. I also attended my first fine art auction where paintings sold for tens of thousands of dollars. Growing our art is a continual process.

Help support special needs kids. Attend the Tri County Little League auction at the JW Marriott.

Tri County plans to build a baseball field to accommodate children with special needs. This is one of the only fields for kids with special needs in the area.

Watercolor by Pamela will be donating an original painting and note cards for the event. I hope to see you there.

DATE:
Friday, November 18, 2011 • 6:00pm - 10:00 pm

ADDRESS:
235 Louis Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 242-1500

Visit the Tri County Little League Auction page for more information.

Did you wish that ArtPrize 2011 lasted longer? Stop by Frames Unlimited to see Braving the Wind and the artwork of 20 other artists on display through November 6.

Frames Unlimited
Ridgemoor Center
2935 28th St. SE
Kentwood, MI 49512
Phone: 616-942-0091
Hours: Mon - Sat: 10 am to 9 pm, Sundays: 12 am to 5 pm