Finally!  It's summer.  Sort of.  And for many of us, that means it's time for summer art shows of some sort.  Whether it is a Farmer's Market, a Multi-Vendor Show, an Art in the Park, or an Art on the Street, or an Art on the Bay......there are all kinds of outdoor summer art events.
But.....with that comes the uncertainty of the weather.  We like to have a beautiful sunny day

We can even choose NOT to use the tent if we're sure!  I liked that one.

But sometimes, the wind can be your enemy.  We have weights and sometimes even extra weights.  Never underestimate the power of the wind.

And then there is the sudden rainshower, or worse a thunderstorm.  We have the sides of the tent ready to drop down, zip it up and get out if it's a thunderstorm.  We've been able to take shelter in a nearby building or if we're lucky our vehicle is close by.  A tent is NOT where you should be in a thunderstorm!

A sudden shower is one thing....but what do you do when it starts to rain early in the day....and you think it will stop......but it just keeps raining....but there are people wandering around......but nobody actually is paying any attention to the art........do you stay.....or do you go.  Most of my artwork and cards are protected in plastic sleeves, but a misty rain, or windy rain will get the plastic wet.  On this day, it rained all day.....and then I had to dry everything out........I should have just gone home.

But none of that compares to the challenge of a December show outside!   At least it didn't snow!

But even with all those challenges, along with the lugging and setting up of the tent, an outdoor art event on a beautiful summer day is a wonderful thing.  Be sure to visit one this summer!

One of the questions that I get asked the most at shows and markets is “do you teach?”  My answer has been “not right now, but I will be”.  I was waiting until I had more time available once I retired from my full-time bookkeeping job.  Well that happened last October….and I’ve still been waiting for all that time! Ha!  So I realized that I needed to just get going and set some dates.

You will see that I am starting with a Beginner Class - 4 week session this summer.  We will be learning basic techniques and tricks each week.




 

If you have been considering learning watercolour, look for a teacher that has a style of painting that you like.  There are many different styles…..loose, impressionistic, abstract, realistic, painterly…….which style appeals to you.  Now you can learn some basic things from all of them, but I have found a frustration in making it work….if it’s not really ‘my style’.  

When I started painting almost 20 years ago, I did not enjoy the teacher in my first lessons.  The style did not click.  I then discovered Margot Snow who was an amazing teacher.  I loved the style of painting that she did back then.  She taught us all the basics and I am still using those lessons today.  I was very disappointed when she moved away after a few years, so tried several different other instructors in classes and workshops.  Some I enjoyed and learned a lot from, others just so-so, usually because their style was so different.  Although I enjoyed watching them paint, I just didn’t feel comfortable with painting the way that they showed me.

So remember, there are many different teachers…..and you may have to try several different ones before you find one whose style you really like.  But the good thing is that you will always learn something from every one of them!

Click the link below for more information and to register