As Simple As It Gets

Being away from art hasn’t been as easy at it might seem. Although I’ve definitely needed this long, long break, there have been moments when I’ve wished I were still working and playing in my studio. Several times over the last year, e-mails have arrived from one art club or another, telling me about their upcoming shows and inviting me to participate. These are shows where I’ve exhibited my paintings before, shows where I’ve actually won ribbons and awards in the past. I read the e-mails wistfully, then realize — sadly — that I have nothing new to offer. I then close them and think “Maybe next time.” But, will there be a “next time”? Or will I simply be removed from their mailing lists and quickly forgotten?

And recently I happened to run into the president of one of the art clubs in the area. In the past, I attended the monthly meetings regularly, helped with projects, went on field trips. But now, that’s changed. I haven’t been to a meeting since… well, actually, I can’t remember for sure when I last took part in an art club meeting. All I can say is “It’s been a while.” When the club president saw me and came to chat, of course she wanted to know why I hadn’t been coming to meetings and if — when — I planned to come back. I explained that I hadn’t been doing any art, but added that I was at least thinking about it. She chided me a bit, encouraged me to get back to the studio, and maybe I will.

For now, though, my studio time is quite limited. I still have that unfinished butterfly project — I’ll get around to it eventually — and I have my little “Drawing Insights” intuitive art to do. Eventually. I haven’t done much of that lately, either!

Now, let me explain that I do have reasons for not being quite so active as I usually am — at art or at anything else. Earlier this year I caught Covid, and while I’m over it, I’m still experiencing muscle aches and fatigue. So, I’m taking it easy. Very easy.

That means that any art I do right now is also going to be easy. Very easy. On a whim I did sign up for a series of free watercolor videos — a program offered in hopes that I’ll choose to enroll in one or more of the artist’s paid classes. That’s not going to happen, but it was fun to get my watercolors and brushes out for a simple little project. Of the four projects in the series, I deliberately chose the simplest one of all. It’s a very quiet beach scene.

I followed along, step by step.

First, I used washi tape to create a painting area on a page of a large watercolor book:

No, by the way, the paper is not rose-tinted. In trying to lighten and brighten the image a bit, it took on that sweet pink hue.

I used a #8 round brush as suggested, and made little color swatches. Yes, I actually followed the directions step by step. It was a good painting project, one that took me back to watercolor basics, using the wet-on-wet technique, lifting color with a tissue, and using the washi tape to (supposedly) create crisp, clean lines. After painting sky and some of the water and sand, we were instructed to add another piece of tape.

The purpose was to help create a straight horizon line. As you’ll see, once I let the painting dry completely and removed the tape, my lines and edges weren’t quite as neat as they should have been, but, oh, well. At least I finished the project!

Yes, it’s messy, but, yes, it’s done. Yes, it was simple, but, yes, it was fun. I did enjoy playing around with my paints. Once I’d gathered up my supplies, I didn’t have to expend a lot of energy. I sat here quite contentedly, watching the instructional video and following along as best I could.

Now, I guess I can say that I am painting again — at least a little bit. Starting off with something very simple is a good way for me to get back to the studio, don’t you think? And, if anyone is curious, the program is Watercolor Mastery with Emily Olsen.