Life, for me, must have a creative component.  That is why I love to sew without a pattern and cook without a recipe.  If my job isn’t creative, then I have to have a hobby that is creative.  Maybe that is why I started a blog!

My latest creative challenge is to learn to paint with watercolors.  Many years ago, I made a brief attempt at watercolors.  I painted one masterpiece, and then put my watercolor palette in my craft box.

This painting was of my nephew at a park in Midland, Texas.  Back then I thought it was terrible.  Now, I kind of like it.  I am not sure why I didn’t outline the two ducks on the left, but if that is the way I saw it, then that is what it should be.

I realize now that I painted this on regular sketch paper.  Not sure why I thought that was a good idea, but I do know that I was a poor college student, so that probably explains it.

Back then, I purchased a book The Watercolor Handbook to help me learn.  I recently did the same, purchasing Everyday Watercolor.  It will be fun and challenging to see if I can learn to paint with watercolors in 30 days!   Both books offer good information and techniques.  Like any artistic endeavor, it takes time and practice to improve.  I really do hope that I get a chance to hone my watercolor skills.  I think that using watercolor paper, may be the first step toward accomplishing my goal!

My first project in this second approach to learning will be my backyard.  The water should be fun to paint, and the knock-out roses will add a pop of color.  Even if it turns out horribly, it will be a joy to attempt!

Pretty much everything on my to-do has a creative element to it:  gardening, quilting, landscaping, learning to use Photoshop, and updating a couple of bathrooms.  I love it!  It makes me look forward to working on my list.

I doubt I will ever be an artist, but I sure will have fun attempting to be one!