As long as I can remember I have enjoyed drawing. I became fond of portraits when I was a Freshman in High School. My art teacher decided to have us draw a self portrait. But before doing that, she had us practice drawing people from study hall. She would pull some students in to sit for us. We did 5, 10, 15 and 20 minute drawings of 4 different people. The next day she pulled me aside and she said, 'I could recognize every one of your drawings and who the person was that you drew.' She was thrilled, and so was I! She loved my self portrait even more.
I never got too deeply into drawing on a regular basis, but a few times a year I would pick a subject and draw their portrait from a photo, as well as simply practicing drawing the human body. Hands and feet in particular because they always seemed a bit challenging. I'm now at a place in my life where I am ready to start creating again, but this time with a new medium. My son, who is an extremely talented artist said to me one day, 'Mom, why don't you pick up a pencil, and start drawing again. You were pretty good!' I said, 'Actually, I have been thinking about doing something artistic again, but this time I want COLOR!' So for some reason I chose watercolor. I think because I remember getting very detailed with my drawings, and the portraits had to be perfect or I would get very frustrated. So I chose watercolor, so I could 'loosen up' in more than one way! I started taking one-on-one watercolor classes with a very well known and extremely talented artist who now is an oil painter as well. Her name is Susan Blackwood. I took classes from her for about 6 months until unfortunately she moved away from my area. I miss her very much, but plan on taking classes with her again in a few months via Zoom. The only thing that will be missing is the goodbye hugs after our sessions. She is by far the best teacher/instructor I have ever had!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my new adventure in watercolors, and I hope that you enjoy my paintings as well!
Jen Watson joined Pixels.com Licensing on November 21st, 2020.
