I have been fortunate to paint from a very early age and have had successes and encouragement up until this very day. I am a painter and my favorite medium is watercolor.

Every practicing artist has there own unique relationship with the art they make. My art is best when practiced while using the following four guidelines: sensitivity, patience, discipline, and responsiveness.

Sensitivity
By this, I mean both in the broad meaning of the word as well as the mechanics of applying paint to paper. In my lifetime, like it or not, the information age has intruded and requires careful control. Cell phones, talking GPS, hand-held computers all have a place, yet I have found that they effect “my sensitivity” in any work that I do. It becomes “collective static” that requires filtering or simply shutting it off in order that I might tap into some creativity. Also, while painting on a regular basis, I find that consistency and control increase as does my greater sensitivity during paint application.

Patience
I think more important than “so called” artistic talent is patience. A part of any job can be tedious. In practicing art, I find no difference. However, I do believe I have a gift (not talent) that allows me to make art. The gift is patience. The ability to spend many hours planning, drafting, creating before painting even begins. Often I’m not even aware how much time has passed.

Discipline
There are times when deadlines, lack of time, or fatigue can create “the perfect storm” at my easel. The frustrating part in my earliest years came when I “throttled up” rather than down. I learned the outcome of falling asleep, while the loaded brush in my hand drifted without aim across my paper: a days work ruined. Now, I am keenly aware when I’ve been “at it” too long and experience “punchiness” at the palette. And no, the punch bowl was not the reason. Simply, recognizing when it is time to step back and rest. Without a break I might rather use a prior paint mix rather than take the time to mix something fresh and closer to what I’m after. Discipline is necessary in painting too! So I try to paint responsibly!

Responsiveness
When I practice art, I plan and have a goal to the degree necessary given the task or project I am working on. Beyond that however, there is mystery, thrills and spills, and even a little chess thrown in. Sounds more like a job for Mr. H. Potter? Possibly, but watercolor requires no wizardry. It is more dynamic than any painting medium I’ve experienced and it is certainly fluid (if your doing it right!) So, it requires my responsiveness. That translates to adding, and often subtracting (no tricks!). Modulating color, value, edge quality in order to reach the unimaginable, unpredictable outcomes in painting with watercolor. Responsiveness requires all of the three afore mentioned guidelines. It is the “loose” control and the deft stroke all in one. And it is something I earn if I practice art from the heart.