July is Watercolor Month

You know how pretty much every day and every month has a special holiday, theme, or idea attached to it? Well, recently I learned that July is watercolor month and how appropriate that we had watercolor and pastel artist Carolyn Emerson come and talk to us and share a small sampling of her beautiful works of art!

With her sweet and gentile personality Carolyn explained how her interest in art was sparked by a 6th grade teacher. Although we could see that Carolyn would have succeeded with her natural artistic ability she went on and took art classes in college. At one point in her life she lived in a small rural Virginia community and finding herself a bit bored, went to the local school system and asked if there was anywhere she could volunteer – library, cafeteria, anywhere – she just wanted to be busy.

As it turned out, they didn’t have an art program in their schools and not even knowing Carolyn’s background asked “Would you like to teach art?”. Hence started a new journey and what may be called a career of teaching and exploring her own art interests starting with oils, then moving to watercolors, and now honing her skills in pastels.

Carolyn is encouraging to anyone who would like to try their hand at drawing or painting. She says anyone can do it and recommends the book by Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. The book has had updates since Carol first used it but feels Ms Edwards’ method can provide even those born without the natural artistic gene can develop the ability to see and create.

There is an exercise in the book that Carol mentioned called Vases/Faces. You can try it yourself on Betty Edwards’ website right HERE. Thank you Carol for visiting us!