Introduction to Watercolor seemed like an interesting elective course in college. The soft look of the brush strokes, the mix and mingle of the paint colors, and the wonderment of how water effects painting techniques – watercolor painting had intrigued me for years. I needed three more credits before finishing my general courses, and I thought “Why not give it a try.” I hadn’t taken an art class since middle school. At 13-years old I had been given a “C” for a drawing I had worked hard on (and was proud of). I remember asking my mother, “How could Mr. L give me a “C” for my drawing when art is individualistic?” “You have a good point, Erin.” My mother replied. “I think you should discuss your thoughts with your teacher.”
The conversation was definitely uncomfortable, but my art instructor appreciated our conversation. Consequently, he raised my grade. Even though our conversation went well, I thought I wasn’t creative enough for art classes, so that art class would be my last. Well, until I signed up for Introduction to Watercolor at the end of my undergraduate program.
Loading up on watercolor painting supplies in the school bookstore was much more fulfilling than loading up on textbooks. I filled my bag with a paint tray, tubes of paint, several types of brushes, and a simple sponge – I was ready to begin. Introduction to Watercolor taught me the basics of watercolor: color theory, brush techniques, how to fade colors, how to paint shadows, how to achieve a 3-D effect, etc. We painted flowers, shapes, paper bags, and even attempted to paint portraits – I wasn’t quite ready for that.
I enjoyed the class, but I didn’t feel a strong connection to the art – yet.
Nine years later, my mother-in-law asked me if I wanted to join her for another introductory watercolor course. I had just had my first baby, and I thought that one evening away would be great for me, so I agreed. The course was much like my introduction course in college, painting techniques were taught and many still-life paintings ensued.
A fun landscape project was thrown in at the end of the class, but I still wasn’t enamored.
My passion for watercolor painting wouldn’t be realized for another nine years. My kids and I were in the midst of studying the book “The Wild Horses of Sweetbriar” by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock – a classic children’s book with beautiful watercolor pictures painted by Ted Rand. Our assignment was to focus on painting animals, so I dug out my old bag of watercolor supplies I had purchased in the university bookshop and we began. I chose to paint a bunny as my daughter was having a bunny-themed birthday the following week. I was pleasantly surprised with the enjoyment I experienced while painting an animal.
A few days later, I was motivated to paint another animal, so I took on a more difficult painting – a chicken. I am particularly fond of chickens as they provide me with plenty of entertainment around our home. A painting that was detailed, yet playful, was my goal for my new painting. Within hours, “Chicken Chortle” was born, and so was my watercolor awakening.
I realized my passion for watercolor painting when I started painting pictures that depict the relationships between people, between people and animals, and between people and nature. The past six months have been filled with painting, and I have started on a journey that will always be a part of me. I knew my watercolor passion was there 18 years ago, but it was not fully realized until I found the right subjects. I look forward to sharing my paintings with you, and the heartwarming stories that accompany them.
Have you ever had a passion sneak up on you?
Beautiful and talented
Thank you very much for your kind compliment! Looking forward to what the future may hold. 🙂
Can’t wait to see more of your watercolors! Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoy them. Thanks so much for the kind comment!
Wow you have such a huge talent for that Erin!
Thank you, Annika! It has been a fun discovery. The kids like when I have the paint out too so they can paint. As you can imagine, we have stacks of paintings around the house now.
Hope all is well with your family. Thanks again for your kind comment!
I LOVE your two animal painting, they are both stunning!
My mum is an artist with watercolours so I used to love watching her work. It is definitely one of those skills that improves the more you practice!
I was never very good at watercolours, but I LOVED painting with acrylics. I didn’t get paints out for years, so I’d really like to try again. I could never paint animals but I was okay at landscapes and skies.
It’s amazing how painting your “passions” makes such a difference. I couldn’t believe the difference between the paintings I did in class and the animal paintings.
I’d love to try acrylics sometime – but maybe after I get a little more practice under my belt. 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind comment, Josy. I really do appreciate it. x
P.S. I’d love to see your paintings some time 🙂
I’m impressed! Not just by the current animal paintings, but by the whole process over time of dipping in and out and not feeling the passion, or connection, until much later. There must have been a trace though, somewhere deep inside because you seem to have persevered. Bit like you said about finding the right subjects to paint. The passion sitting, biding time unto, you found it. With me it translates to writing projects. Which idea sounds or speaks to me to turn into a story. Some reach out immediately and others lie dormant until inspiration (passion?) flares up.
Love the animal paintings 😊
I definitely think you have a passion for writing, and oh my goodness, it shines through in your fictional writing. Your stories are absolutely amazing, and I’m often in wonderment of you and others who conjure up such wonderful stories – stories that draw you in.
I’ve often wondered if I could be a successful fiction writer, but I’m not so sure. I don’t have that inspiration or passion where ideas just come up and need to be written down – well, not about fictional things.
However, I do feel this with my painting and non-fiction writing. Maybe a non-fiction book is in my future. Only time will tell. 🙂
Thanks so much for you kind and thought-provoking comment, Gary!
It’s a strange thing really, with me I have no idea how to describe where or how ideas form. Anything can trigger an idea, turning it into something readable is…well I guess part of the passion. It’s there and it gives the extra edge maybe. Sometimes with fiction planning isn’t a good thing too. Writing and seeing what happens is often a good place to start.
Mind you, you describe painting very similarly. Certainly the persistence over time wasn’t missing!
Well, I appreciate your talent – don’t ever give it up. You have a gift.
If I ever feel that urge to write a fictional story I’ll be sure to give it a go. Both of my kids 7 and 9 have written their own fictional stories in the last few days – I thought they were pretty cute. Maybe they’ll go in that direction – we will see. 🙂
Oh my goodness, Erin. What a story and your watercolor “Chicken Chortle”—amazing!!
When I was five my older brother was awarded a summer painting course for “young people with talent.” Every Saturday my mother would drive him, away from the grime of our city neighborhood to an art institute that was an oasis on a hill. Mom and I would sit at the duck pond during his one-hour class. I would marvel at the green grass, blue pond, and the natural beauty that was missing on my rough and tumbled street. One day I asked, “When will it be my turn to make art.” My mother responded, “Never! You don’t have any talent.”
Like your experience receiving a “C” at 13, I lost any confidence I had in that moment. And while I never did go back to making my own art, I did become a Creative Director at an ad agency and had the good fortune to have collaborative creation with very talented designers. My poor Mom likely didn’t have a clue about how her words may have impacted me and my passions at the time. A lot of us parents (and teachers) get thrown into experiences we aren’t fully prepared for. In spite of it all, I’m delighted to see you rise above your middle school experience and share beauty with the world. Thanks for a great post. It bought back a few memories for me that needed some resolution, which is now on it’s way.
Thanks a bunch!
Heidi, thank you so very much for sharing your story. I can see where your mother’s words would have been heart-breaking – especially seeing your brother immersed in this world you viewed as an oasis. I’m so sorry you had to experience that.
You are right, parenting is as much of a learning experience for us as it is for our children. I’m so very happy that you found yourself in a creative career that you excelled in. And – your writing is beautiful. On top of this, you are empowering so many women. You are definitely talented! I hope you realize this.
Last, thank you for your kind words. I really to appreciate you. My chickens bring me joy every day. I woke up this morning to Dahlia (a black maran chicken) flying at my bedroom window. Her coop door had flown shut and she needed to lay an egg. They make me laugh and amaze me all at the same time.
Thanks again for everything! x
I would easily buy your animal paintings. I saw the cue one- my dream are 2 -3 of these style in our hallway. Super gift!
This is the best compliment, Orla, thank you!!! I’ll let you know when I stock up on some paintings. 🙂 I’d love to send some your way. <3
OMG. These are gorgeous! You have a real talent!! Just stunning ❤️
Thanks so much for your kind words, Katie. x It took me awhile to find my niche, but I think it was worth the wait. I’m sure having fun with painting. It’s been hard to decide how to allocate my free time with my love of painting and writing. I guess it’ll just be a trial and error thing. 🙂
These paintings are gorgeous!! I have a similar story of an artistic awakening – though I didn’t take any art lessons in college. I’m self-taught, through books and courses; it took me only 30 years to heed the call of my inner artist! I do mainly mixed media and whimsical painting; nothing nearly as realistic as your gorgeous animal watercolours!
I saw your post, and the painting of the sweet girl was magical. I’m so glad you taught yourself, as it sure did pay off. It’s amazing how long it can take us to find our niche, but it’s worth the work and search.
Thanks so very much for your kind words, and for sharing your story. x
Wow! Well I’m glad you reignited your watercolour passion! Your paintings are fab!
Mine was rekindling my love for words and writing…. then my blog was born!
And, I’m so very happy your rekindled your love, because you are amazing – your blog is amazing. Thank you so very much for your kind compliment!
Thank YOU so much Erin 💜
I love this, Erin. Your chicken watercolor is amazing! I didn’t know I loved to write until I was 61 years old. So it is never too late to discover a passion. I’m glad you found yours and much younger then me. But as long as you find it, that’s the main thing, right? -Molly
That’s exactly right, Molly! And, you inspire me. I hope to never stop learning or discovering passions – it makes life joyful. Today I’m attempting to decorate Ukrainian eggs with my family, so far we’re having a blast. My seven and nine-year old children have been decorating for hours without getting bored.
Thanks so very much for your thoughtful and inspirational comment. By the way, I’m excited that I found your blog today. I very much look forward to reading your posts. 🙂
Love the playfulness of the chicken painting!!
Thanks, Sheila! I hoped the playfulness would come out in the painting. That’s just how those chickens act. They’re a lot of fun!
I love that grey rabbit. watercolour looks so tricky.
OMG These are just brilliant Erin! I love the rabbit and then the chicken appeared – you are so clever and talented 🙂
That chicken is brilliant the feathers are so fluffy she looks a challenging chicken one that would come right up telling you off or clucking a rude story
Ha! I think every chicken looks that way. For some reason their faces look like they mean business, but most of the time they are just curious, friendly balls of feathers. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Ellen!
Talented… very talented.
These are lovely. I think that water colour is my favourite. I also paint in acrylic frequently, but water colours are the best.
Thanks so very much for your kind words, Cherie! And, I agree about watercolor being the best. 🙂 Although, I would love to try painting in acrylic at some point.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment!
That chicken is amazing! I love the rabbit too. You’re very talented x
Thank you so very much, Hayley. You compliment means a lot! This whole painting discovery has been a lot of fun, and I’ve also realized how much I adore animals. 🙂 Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. x
You have surprised me again Erin. Brilliant!!
Well, thank you very much, Suz! This whole painting thing surprised me as well, but I sure am enjoying it. Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to comment. x
Chicken Chortle is very chickeny. What a talent you have.
My own passion is writing. Now that I’m retired, I can spend a lot more time on it, which is wonderful.
Thanks so very much, April! I’m so happy that you have time to write, as I truly enjoy your history-filled writings – they are beautiful.
Isn’t it interesting that these things can take time. In the 2012 movie LINCOLN, there’s a great quote, “Time is a great thickener of things.” I don’t think Lincoln actually said it, but I do like the quote. I’m also reading an exceptional biography by Patti Smith about her journey through the 60s and 70s to finally find her art and the coming together of poetry and music. (It’s called JUST KIDS if you’re interested) My point is, greatness comes when the time is right. Seizing the opportunity when the moment arrives is the trick. And you’re doing it. Hooray!
Angela, I am in awe at all of the interesting facts and thoughts that you weave throughout your writing – comments included. I love the quote from “Lincoln,” and I agree with it.
“Just Kids” sounds like a very interesting biography – and something that’s akin to what I’ve been experiencing this year. I really do feel like I’ve had an awakening of sorts with my painting and writing, or maybe it’s just due to the “thickening” with the passage of time.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Angela!
These look great!
Thank you very much for your kind compliment, Timothy. This whole watercolor discovery has been so much fun. Thanks again for stopping by. 🙂
Hlo friends
Hi, there! Thanks for visiting.
Erin, I just can’t even express how cool you are. I think I am so enamored because you have found (and are living) your connection to Spirit – your connection to your higher self – through your children, nature, and now your art, which is surely inspired.
Dr. Allison, you teach me something every time you write a post or comment on one of mine. I love your words about connecting to my spirit. I’ve never thought of what I’ve been doing lately as connecting to my spirit, but I think you’re right. The past year has truly felt like an awakening to me – like I’m finally on the path to what I was always meant to do, and to be. And, yes! My children, nature, and art (both painting and writing) have inspired me to no end. This year I have let that inspiration in, and I feel more content than ever.
I can’t wait to read your book when it is published!
Again, thank you for your support, kind words, and guidance. x
I’m so glad you feel it too! That’s exactly what it is, an awakening. And it only gets better!
I look forward to it!
I have been painting mostly watercolors for about 2 years. I am in love! I have a few art classes over the last 2 years and find Creative Bug a great tool. I never considered my self artistic- more creative. Painting has been a Godsend and I love every moment I
spend creating. It only took me 52 years!
I’m so glad you’ve found your painting passion – isn’t it a great feeling? I keep finding myself thinking “If only schools would embrace creative practices.” I bet many more people would find that they love to immerse themselves in painting, music, pottery, etc.
Anyway, I’m going to have to check out Creative Bug. I’ve never heard of this tool. Thanks so much for the suggestion. And, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts, Karen! I hope you come back soon. 🙂