Watercolor Explorations

Up until recently, I had been focusing solely on fiber art. Recently however, I have started to delve into watercolors. In the past, I painted with acrylics frequently, and loved painting. I always resisted watercolors however, because they can't be controlled in the same way as other mediums. There is quite a bit of what I like to call "let it be" in them - trust the pigments to do what they are going to do and not overworking it.


Maybe being open to this medium comes from age and a need to let go of controlling things. I'm not sure. I just know that I am enjoying every second of the journey right now.



In all honesty, I have already been more dedicated to studio time for watercolor painting that I ever have been for fiber art. I don't see myself giving up fiber arts, but I do see that I need a way to incorporate these two mediums eventually. When I'm ready.

I am now spending as close to eight hours a day in the studio as I can be - when I'm home. I do have several days a week now that I either have classes or other commitments. I do however try to do at least a little bit of watercoloring each day, even if it's only five or ten minutes.



I'm pretty sure I can just go ahead and attribute this whole thing to Melanie Testa. I had the opportunity to go to NYC this past December and meet her. We had chatted some online before - bonding over our kitties - both of whom sadly passed before I went to NYC. It was such a blessing to get to spend time together, and heal.



I was fortunate enough to be ballsy enough to ask to create in her Brooklyn apartment studio - and boy am I glad I asked! She opened me up to trying other mediums. But most importantly, she made me breathe! Really, and truly something that has made a huge difference for me. When we sat down, she told me to draw something - I panicked. The woman whose books I covet and drool over had asked me to draw something and I slipped into a blanked out panic. I admitted this. She said, "Breathe, then draw something."



Holy crap what a novel idea, right? It wasn't until she said that, that I realized when I get nervous, face a blank canvas, or am facing a challenging process I literally stop breathing and hold my breath. I have since held this mantra in my head. I now check in on my breathing, and when I noticed I'm not, I think, "Breathe, then go on. Breathe, then go on"

Take this lesson to heart, because you can apply it to every aspect of your life and work through anything. Breathe.

Breathe.

Just breathe.



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