Well don’t worry about my toes Margaret – they can take it! I think that’s what I’m enjoying about the experience on the course – I’m not trying to ‘see’ as me heroes see – but to paint as simply and as honestly as I’m able – which is both liberating in some ways, and frustrating in others!

Thanks David and yes, I’m sure you’re right about the preliminary drawing to help sort out any problems and give you that little extra thinking and planning time. As for the ‘too much green’ – I’m now finished day two of my course and you wouldn’t believe how much green we’ve had to cope with! It’s not that it can’t be done – but I’ve got some way to go before I can tackle it with aplomb! Still haven’t done anything that I’m especially satisfied with but as I sit back and look at my efforts – I can see that I’m learning lots and – perhaps even more importantly – I’m really enjoying my painting and the experience of painting on location.

exactly! I also feel that we have our own artistic vision and voice and it is important to pursue that, though after spending time studying renowned watercolorists, which is very valuable. I am hoping to write a post on these thoughts. I want to be sensitive without stepping on toes. :)

Hi Margaret and thanks for your empathy, it’s much appreciated! I’m not so sure about me striving for more excellence but, now that I’m day two into my course, I’m realising that my approach of emulating/copying my idols is fine on the one hand, but gives you a distorted view of your abilities once you’re left to your own devices!

Haha yes – I don’t suppose these are particular to me but I can’t help but take it all so personally! Here’s to emerging Phoenix like from the despair to produce our next masterpiece!