Squishing out rich vibrant colour on my pallet, creating exciting new hues to describe my latest inspiration are all valid reasons for my obsession. My love of design, the arrangement of shapes; as I strive tell a story. Each of these are challenges that keep most artists involved in creating. Today I was reminded of some other very special reasons.
A bit distracted with tasks at hand I answered the phone. A voice I had not heard for over fourteen years was testing my memory. Did I remember him the elderly man enquired? Of course, Rocky. He and his wife Pauline, were special friends of my Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Bill for decades. They had lovingly helped care for my Aunt after my Uncles sudden death. I painted this tree peony as a gift for them when we moved my Aunt to a seniors residence. Now in their eighty's it meant a great deal to hear that seeing that painting reminds them of Dorothy on a daily basis.
I have always loved sharing my art by teaching. My students have run the gamut of new Canadians (with limited English skills) to professors. Accountants to architects, they all amaze me. People like Sheila, the tour operator who tries to entice me to teach in exotic locales.
Over the years I have found that I have learned as much as they have. Searching out answers to their questions forced me to explore things I might not have tried. Every so often I run into to someone who lets me know what my classes have meant to them.
As a working artist it is easy to forget that what we share and create has a life of it's own after it leaves us. I would be delighted to hear from you about what I share. My goal here is that my paintings, demos and tutorials touch and enrich your life. I will happily try to answer questions you have about watercolour painting in this blog- so stay tuned.
Yours in art,
Shirley Scoble